News release from the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation department:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in September
$1 Night
Thursday, September 4, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night of the month the Botanical Conservatory in downtown Fort Wayne offers $1 admissions, 5-8 pm, for adults and children. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free.
Small Bite Delights
Thursday, September 4, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Let local gourmet, Chef Eric, dazzle your palate with a selection of upscale appetizers and small bite food dishes. You’ll get to sample eight food items and take home recipes for each delectable dish. Come hungry for this class! Chef Eric has prepared food for sports legends, TV stars, politicians, four-star generals, local business leaders, and now YOU. Registration deadline: August 28. $39/public; $29/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 15+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Fall Plant Swap
Saturday, September 6, 10 – 11 am
The Conservatory’s free plant swap is coming up on the first Saturday of September. Bring at least one plant to share and take home an armful of starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seeds, divisions or full-grown plants; they could be vegetables, flowers, fruits, houseplants, groundcovers, shrubs, trees or vines. (No weeds, please!) Bring a box or bag to carry home your new babies. Everyone gets a number when they arrive and we take turns picking. The swap is free, but phone reservations are required by September 4. For more information or to register, call (260) 427- 6442.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 7, 12 – 4 pm
Rediscover your own backyard during the annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown celebration. Fort Wayne residents with a Be a Tourist passport will be able to visit area attractions and museums – FREE! These passports provide entrance to some of Fort Wayne’s leading attractions including the Botanical Conservatory. During the afternoon, participants can enjoy the vocal performance of The Brat Pack, 1-3 pm. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, visit www.visitfortwayne.org or pick up a passport at Kroger stores or area attractions.
Art Exhibit: Lynn Diamente
September – October
Art Reception: Sunday, September 7, 1 – 3 pm
As a painter, Lynn tries to be fearless while funneling her energy into portraying her love of life and color. With nature as her primary inspiration, she works in either representational or abstract expressions, using her emotional response to her subject to develop meaningful imagery. Her paintings are alive with deep color, rich detail, strong contrast, and juicy brushstrokes. The complexity gives the illusion of layers, retreating back into space. Lynn wants her paintings to be joyful, beautiful, uplifting, passionate, and sometimes mysterious.
Zoom In Photography Workshop
Saturday, September 13, 9:30 – 11:30 am
Learn to get the most out of your digital camera for the best close-up shots possible. Bob Goines from Sunny Schick Camera Shop will discuss which lens to use and what settings to choose regarding scene mode, aperture and shutter. Best of all, go into the gardens and practice your composition skills using the information you’ve just received. Come have fun shooting in the gardens! Bring your own DSLR or zoom-capable digital camera. Registration deadline: September 5. $29/public; $19/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 12+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Gift of Community Gardening
Thursday, September 18, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun, 6 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, September 25, Community Garden, 2526 Tillman Rd., 6 – 7:30 pm
Community gardens not only provide fresh produce and plants but also satisfying labor, neighborhood improvement, sense of community and connection to the environment. In the first session, our friend Ephraim Smiley, aka the “Jolly Green Giant,” will share his secrets on organic vegetable gardening, production and getting the most of your yield. In the second class we’ll meet at a community garden to see it in action and to harvest veggies to take home to enjoy. Note: This is a two-session class. Session I is a presentation held at the Conservatory on 9/18, while the second session is hands-on harvesting at the community garden, 2526 Tillman Rd., on 9/25. Registration deadline: September 11. $9/public; $14/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 12+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Science Fun: Leafy Colors
Saturday, September 20, 11am & 1pm
Take a look at the red, orange and yellow leaves of autumn. How is this fascinating feat accomplished and why? The Conservatory is home to a lot of different kinds of trees. We’ll explore colors through the science of chromatography, make our own leaf collection, and get a closer look at what leaves are all about.
Preregistration is not required and the program is free with regular Conservatory admission (members and volunteers admitted free): $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Botanical Brown Bag: Herbal Tear for You & Me
Thursday, September 25, 12 – 1 pm
Join Louise Rennecker, Advanced Master Gardener and “Herb Lady,” as she takes you through the process of growing, harvesting and brewing some delicious, naturally decaffeinated herbal tea. Then, go home with an unusual herb plant that will provide you with your own soothing or exciting beverage. Can’t wait to see you there! Bring a sandwich or stop in at the Bagel Station Café. Free coffee and tea. A Conservatory fee applies at the door: $5 for an adult, $3 for a child age 3-17, Conservatory member or volunteer.
Fall Bonsai Display
Saturday, September 27, 10 am – 3 pm
Explore a forest of miniature trees carefully trained and pruned by members of our local bonsai club. Elms, maples, junipers and other familiar plants look just like their outdoor cousins – but a fraction of their size! The club also grows tropical bonsai that don’t need special winter treatment. Learn about the fascinating hobby or just enjoy “a stroll in the miniature forest.” Bonsai pots and young plants will be available to purchase. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club. Special discounted admission to the Conservatory gardens and Bonsai show: $3/adult, $2/child. Children age 2 and under free.
Family Garden Close-Up: Harvest
Saturday, September 27, 11am – 1pm
Join us as we harvest what’s left from the season in our raised beds out in the Exploration Garden. Nibble on some carrots or enjoy fresh chives, there should be something for everyone to enjoy. From herbs to peas, radishes or tomatoes it’s hard to tell what you may find. Enjoy your bounty on the spot and learn how to make and take care of a raised bed. Take home an edible plant to grow indoors this fall. FGC is especially great for young learners. Free with regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. For more info call (260) 427-6440.
Autumn Door Swag
Saturday, September 27, 3 – 4 pm
Give your door the attention and beauty it deserves this fall season. Cheryl Wene and Shenoah White from Lopshire Flowers will walk you through step by step as you create a vertical door swag, using dried birch branches, oak leaves, burlap ribbon, faux sunflowers and more, to add an extra touch of autumn to any
home. Your door will be the talk of the town! Please bring a sharp knife or garden shears to cut branches and stems. Registration deadline: September 19. $39/public; $29/Conservatory member or volunteer. Ages: 8+. Min 10/max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Dance Perspective on Rhythm & Flow
Saturday, September 27, 4 pm
The Fort Wayne Dance Collective’s choreography workshop with guest artist Heidi Keller Phillips of Motus Dance from Indianapolis will culminate at the Botanical Conservatory with a short performance in the gardens by workshop participants. The dance will be designed to “flow” the theme of the current garden showcase, “Rhythm and Flow.” The public is invited to watch the students transition their performance art from dance studio to garden environment. The Fort Wayne Dance Collective celebrates its 36th anniversary season serving Northeast Indiana. Its mission is to inspire and empower people of all ages and abilities through movement and rhythm. No reservations required for the performance; free with garden admission.
Discovery Corner: Paws & Claws
During August in the Discovery Gallery
Our young visitors enjoy stories and activities behind Woody the Talking Tree. September, we’ll learn about Paws & Claws. Read aloud and explore together. Free with admission; great for preschool and kindergarten as well as other young learners.
“Rhythm and Flow” Summer-Fall Exhibit
Through November 16
The Botanical Conservatory will introduce a lovely, color-drenched setting for brides and other visitors in their Showcase Garden. Using the landscape architect’s design tools of repetition and form, “Rhythm and Flow” features swaths of color formed of mixed-species floral beds, punctuated by geometric topiary sculptures, to provide an exciting eye-scape for the visitor. A “green wall” planting draws living texture right up the vertical entrance surfaces. Blue-grey grasses and succulent plants contrast with the bright hues and define the surfaces of sculptural spheres and cubes. The suspended canopy offers a frame for photography and weddings throughout the summer and into the fall. Sponsored by 95.1 Best FM.
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