News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in June
Thursday Night Insight: Mason Bees
June 4, 6 – 7 pm
Enjoy a “creative moment” during $1 Night on the first Thursday of the month. Speakers offer interactive programs on a variety of botanical, ecological or hands-on crafting topics. Pick up some new ideas and skills! Coffee and tea are free. Conservatory admission applies: $1/adult, $1/child ages 3-17 & Conservatory member or volunteer. In June, learn all about mason bees. Unlike honeybees, mason bees are non-social bees that nest in holes rather than in a hive with a queen. Known for being solitary hard workers, orchard bees only live about 8-10 weeks in the spring. Master Gardener Ron Hite shares his knowledge of these industrious insects through a slideshow presentation.
June Plant Swap
Saturday, June 6, 10 – 11 am
The Conservatory’s free plant swap is coming up on the first Saturday of June. Bring at least one plant to share and take home an armful of starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seedlings, divisions or full-grown plants; they could be plants grown for vegetables, flowers, fruits, 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 June 4. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6442.
Sustainable & Holistic Vegetable Gardens
Thursday, June 11, 5:30 – 7 pm
Raised beds and the more conventional raised hill gardens allow you to grow the most vegetables with the least amount of space. Master Gardener Art Stahlhut will discuss proper soil depths for maximum vegetable nutrition as well as watering, what the one inch of water rule is, and how much area one gallon of water really covers. Stop wasting precious time and money in the garden with these valuable gardening
techniques. Registration deadline: June 4. $12/public; $6/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10. Max 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
The Many Uses of Essential Oils
Intro: Thursday, June 11, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Fee: $15 or 4/$70; Member/Volunteer fee: $9 or 4/$48
Yoga: Saturday, June 13, 9 – 10:30 am, Fee: $25 or 4/$70; Member/Volunteer fee: $19 or 4/$48
Healthy Lifestyle: Thursday, June 18, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Fee: $15 or 4/$70; Member/Volunteer fee: $9 or 4/$48
Green Cleaning: Thursday, June 25, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Fee: $20 or 4/$70; Member/Volunteer fee: $16 or 4/$48
What are essential oils and how can I incorporate them into every part of my life? Find out in our Intro class. You will leave with a doTERRA essential oil sample and lots of useful information. In Yoga, discover how essential oils can enhance your yoga practice. In Healthy Lifestyle you’ll learn how essential oils can help boost the immune system and sooth emotions. You will make an all-natural bug spray to use throughout the summer. Finally, in Green Cleaning you’ll learn about non-toxic cleaning and inexpensive ways to clean your home. You will make your own cleaning product and leave with recipes to make others at home. All ages are welcome (17 & under must be accompanied by an adult). Sign up for all 4 classes at a discounted rate. Registration deadlines are 5 working days prior to each class. Min. 10. Max. 32. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Kokedama: Make & Take
Saturday, June 13, 10 am – 12 pm
Give up the “lollipop trees” and learn to draw a real tree. With just paper and pencil, you will learn the basic technique and then go into the Conservatory to practice on your own. Instructor Sue Davidson is retired from teaching middle school art for 36 years. All materials provided. Ages 10+ (17 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Registration deadline: June 6. $19/public; $13/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10. Max 20. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Ask a Horticulturist:Fertilizing
Saturday, June 20, 1 – 2 pm
Ever wonder how much water you’re supposed to give a particular plant or why you struggle to keep some plants alive? Maybe you just want to know the name of a plant as you visit the Botanical Conservatory. The Conservatory’s horticulturist, Andy Force, will demonstrate garden practices and answer your garden related questions in a special drop-in hour once a month. Stop by and “ask a horticulturist!” In June, Andy will discuss fertilizing, but he’ll also entertain garden questions from the public. Regular Conservatory admission fee applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Floral Design with Four Seasons DIY
Professional florists from Four Seasons DIY will share their knowledge of floral design in three exciting 1-hour workshops. All workshops are open to those 12 and older; ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All necessary tools and materials will be provided. Enroll in all three workshops and receive a $10 discount.
Centerpiece Basket
Saturday, June 20, 1 – 2 pm
Learn about space, dimension, texture and form while designing your own fresh flower arrangement – a beautiful basket centerpiece – that you will be proud to display on your table. Ages 12+. Registration deadline: June 12. $34/public; $26/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10. Max 25.To register, or to learn about July and August floral design classes, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
Family Garden Close-Up: Fairy Houses & Gnome Domes
Saturday, June 27, 11 am – 1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory this summer on the fourth Saturday each month to get a closer look at our plants and gardens through short walks, crafts, and snacks. We will visit one of our gardens to discover a different feature so you get to see what the Conservatory has to offer and learn fun and valuable information. FGC is especially fun for young learners. The activities are included in your regular Conservatory admission fee (members and volunteers admitted free). In June, we’re going on a nature hunt! Join us as we journey through the Exploration Garden looking for rocks, sticks, leaves and anything else you’d like to use to construct a humble abode just the right size for a fairy or gnome. 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.
Drawing Trees
Saturday, June 27, 9:30 – 11 am
Give up the “lollipop trees” and learn to draw a real tree. With just paper and pencil, you will learn the basic technique and then go into the Conservatory to practice on your own. Instructor Sue Davidson is retired from teaching middle school art for 36 years. All materials provided. Ages 8+. Registration deadline: June 19. $15/public; $9/Conservatory member or volunteer. Min 10. Max 20. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.
The Pollinators’ Garden 13th Annual Live Butterfly Exhibit
Through July 5
What is pollination? Why is it important? We are all familiar with butterflies and honeybees, but did you know that other animals pollinate flowers? Beetles, bats and flies are among the surprising cast of characters who assist plants in seed production. During this year’s live butterfly exhibit, visitors can learn more about pollinators and why humans depend on them. Visitors will also be encouraged to plant flowers
for pollinators this year, to make sure our environment remains healthy. Sponsored by PNC Charitable Trust/Sledd Foundation, M.E. Raker Foundation, Wilson Foundation, the Journal Gazette Foundation and WMEE 97.3.
Discovery Corner: Butterflies and Moths
During June public hours in the Discovery Gallery
Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme: Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is not required. In June, we’ll learn about Butterflies and Moths. Call (260) 427-6445 for more information.
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