News release from the Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in October
Egyptian Pleasure Garden
Through November 15
Imagine — beauty and shade in the private garden of a prosperous trader in Ancient Egypt. Native pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550-1070 B.C.) drove out foreign rulers, re-opened trade routes, reunited Egypt, and expanded the empire. With this new wealth, traders and officials enjoyed luxuries once limited to royalty, including pleasure gardens at the homes of the richest citizens. These personal gardens included water and water plants, shade trees, palms, and flower beds for a cool retreat. Visitors to our fall garden can relax and admire a distant view of the pyramids. Sponsored by the Wilson Foundation and Majic 95.1.
$1 Night
October 1, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday night of the month we discount our admission to just $1 for each adult and child. Babies and up through age 2 are still admitted free. Enjoy our evening hours at a special discount once a month. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Thursday Night Insight: Paper Pumpkin
October 1, 6 – 7 pm
Happy October! It’s time to enjoy a “creative moment” on the first Thursday of the month. Celebrate October by creating an appropriate décor piece that can be used anywhere to make it feel like fall. Join crafter extraordinaire Darlene Tomkinson as she walks you through the steps to construct your very own pumpkin out of raffia without the muck and mess of a real pumpkin. And this is one pumpkin that can be reused! No registration required: drop in at 6 pm to enjoy the workshop; stay ‘til 8 pm to stroll the gardens. Special $1 Night admission applies: $1/adult, $1/child ages 3-17 & Conservatory member or volunteer.
Ask a Horticulturist: Preparing for Winter
Saturday, October 3, 1 – 2 pm
Ever wonder what’s eating your plants? How to safely get rid of lawn weeds? What the grey fuzz is on your turf? Conservatory horticulturist Andy Force will answer your garden related questions in a special drop-in hour once a month. In October, Andy will discuss how to prepare for winter. Stop by and “ask a horticulturist.” Regular Conservatory admission fee applies: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Shibori
Saturday, October 3, 1 – 3 pm
Shibori is the ancient form of Japanese tying and dyeing. You will learn several different techniques of stitching, tying and folding that create beautiful patterns of color on natural fabrics. Fabric for a scarf and small pieces of cotton to make samples will be provided. You may bring small items of your own to create Shibori as long as they are 100% cotton, silk or linen. Instructor Lorelei VerLee is the Executive Director of Creative Women of the World, a non-profit organization that provides business training and marketing solutions to women artisans around the world. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: September 25. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: $32/public; $28/Conservatory member or volunteer. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Urban Gardening Tips & Tricks
Thursday, October 8, 6 – 7 pm
Gardening can be frustrating at times…not knowing why you can’t keep something alive, where or what to plant and the list goes on. Matt Mang from Ag Plus can totally relate and will share some of the hardships he’s experienced during his adventures in raised bed, straw bale, and barrel as well as landscape gardens. More importantly, he’ll also share solutions to common lawn and garden problems as well as the successes he’s had over the years. Hopefully you can take some of his tips and tricks away with you and put them to practice. Ages 12+. Registration deadline: October 1. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: $8/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Vertical Gardening Class
Thursday, October 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Space isn’t a necessity here; all you need is a small strip of soil in front of your house or even on a balcony. If you like getting more bang for your buck then join Master Gardener Keith Trowbridge as he explains the many benefits of vertical gardening. Keith will show a trellis that he’s constructed himself and show you how to begin constructing your very own. This in turn increases sustainability and saves you money in the long run. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: October 8. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: $8/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Orchard Hill Apple Seminar
Saturday, October 24, 9 – 11 am
Hertha Meyer from Orchard Hill will share her knowledge and background on apple trees (pruning, pests, harvesting, storing and more) and then take part in a tasty apple sampling that is sure to please. The first hour or so will focus on apple tree care and the second hour will feature a Q&A session paired with a tasting of various apples. All ages. Registration deadline: October 16. Min. 10. Max. 32. Fee: $12/public; $8/Conservatory member or volunteer. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Pumpkin Arrangement Workshop
Saturday, October 24, 1 – 2 pm
It’s Halloween! This month’s floral project is a fresh arrangement of beautiful seasonal flowers and berries in a pumpkin. We will learn about the wide variety of fresh products available during the fall season. As summer fades away, fall bursts forward with some of its most amazing colors and textures. All ages. Registration deadline: October 16. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: $45/public; $39/Conservatory member or volunteer. Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.Scratchboard Skulls Workshop
Saturday, October 31, 9 – 11 am
Come celebrate Dia de Los Muertos (the Day of the Dead) as the Mexican celebration of the ancestors. Instructor, Sue Davidson will teach you about the holiday and do a decorative scratchboard skull to take home. This is not a scary, Halloween skull, but a true celebration, with bright colors and flowers. All necessary materials will be provided. Ages 8+. Registration deadline: October 23. Min. 10. Max. 20. Fee: $15/public; $9/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Pumpkin Zone Event
Saturday, October 17, 10 am- 3 pm
Does a pumpkin float? How many seeds does a pumpkin have? You’ll find the answers to these as well as many other things about pumpkins at the Pumpkin Zone! Play pumpkin putt-putt and other games, make fall crafts and taste pumpkin seeds. Friends from the Allen County Farm Bureau will be helping us provide pumpkin facts and fun, and children can color their very own gourd pumpkin to take home. Pumpkin Zone is included in Conservatory admission. The Conservatory is proud to be a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night festivities. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by: Fun 101.7 Classic Hits.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, October 17, Doors open at 8 pm. Movie starts at 9:15 pm.
Let’s do the time warp agaaaaain! As a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night the Conservatory will once again spin the tale of Brad and Janet on a rainy night sheltered by the bizarre Dr. Frank N. Furter. This cult classic movie will be shown outside on the Terrace, weather permitting; please dress accordingly. Please do not bring outside food or beverage as there will be refreshments available for purchase. This movie is participatory in tradition and content may not be suitable for all/younger audiences. Rated R; children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. $2/ adult, $1/age 17 and under. No reservations necessary. For more information, visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org or call 427-6440. Sponsored by Majic 95.1.
Fall Bonsai Show
Saturday, October 10, 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. Discounted admission for the gardens and bonsai show, only $3/adult, $2/ child. Children age 2 and under free. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club.
Punkin’ Path Display
October 13 – 31
Visit the Botanical Conservatory’s outdoor Punkin’ Path, where you can enjoy the fall surroundings and take festive pictures with your little ones. The path will be decorated with pumpkins, gourds, bales of straw – and gnomes! – to provide fun photo memories. Gnomes are caretakers of land and animals; they are industrious, enjoy all kinds of games and, surprisingly, they love to travel! Watch for them along the Punkin’ Path. This exhibit is included in Conservatory admission and open during public hours. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; children age 2 and under free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by: Fun 101.7 Classic Hits.
Family Garden Close-Up: Bats & Spiders
Saturday, October 24, 11 am – 1 pm
Drop in on the fourth Saturday each month to get a closer look at our plants and gardens through short walks, crafts, and snacks. In October, bats and spiders are the appropriate subject. Sure, at first glance bats and spiders may seem pretty spooky, but taking a closer look, both of these things are extremely beneficial to us as well as our environment. We’ll spend some time focusing on the benefits of each and why you should be glad bats and spiders exist…even if you’re not crazy about them! FGC is especially fun for young learners. Activities are 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.
Art Display: Danielle Rosas
Photography/Canvas Print
Through October
Glimpse nature the way Danielle Rosas sees it in this exhibit of canvas print photography. Inspired by Ansel Adams to appreciate the fine detail of natural life, Rosas has always been intrigued by the “simple” things in life. She loves to capture raw moments that seem meek at first glance but reveal more layers of thought as you look deeper. Occasionally she may alter the lens or angle to give a sense of abstraction to her work. Rosas prints on canvas for the depth and texture it gives the subject. The Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibits are open to view in our meeting room during public hours. Visit our website www.botanicalconservatory.org for links to artists. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Discovery Corner: Spiders
During October 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 activities relating to a monthly theme. In October, we’ll learn about spiders. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is not required. Call (260) 427-6445 for more info.
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