News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in September through November 2018
“Art of the Garden: Daniel Dienelt at the Conservatory”
July 14th to November 11th
While some gardens feature art, this garden is its own work of art. “Art of the Garden” blurs the line between landscape and fine art, interpreting natural features – forest, mountain, and lake – in a human-made aesthetic experience. The exhibit is designed to evoke surprise, intrigue, and moments of reflection in the visitor. Constructed using natural materials and innovative fabrication, the exhibit mimics, but does not copy, nature. A reflecting pond, a grove of trees, and colorful, textured plantings are complemented by contemporary art works including mural paintings, a multi-media artifact wall, and the sculptural representation of a mountain. Experience this collaborative art and garden installation created by local artist Daniel Dienelt and landscape designer Chad Shaw. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, Fort Wayne CW, the M.E. Raker Foundation, Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation, Wilson Foundation, and English Bonter Mitchell Foundation.Fall Bonsai Display
Saturday, September 15, 10:00 am – 3:00 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. Enjoy a special admission price that day: $3/adult, $2/child; children 2 and under, free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.Punkin’ Path Display
October 9th to 28th
Visit our 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. $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org.Conservatory Art Displays
Get to know local and regional artists in a variety of media through the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibits, open to view in our meeting room during public hours. Regular Conservatory admission applies for exhibit and for reception: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.Lindy McCormick: Alcohol Inks, Acrylic, Collage, Sculptures, 3-D pieces
September to October
Public Reception: September 16, 1:00-3:00pm
Linda McCormick, better known as Lindy, remembers one of her first experiences with art in Kindergarten. She recalls seeing an easel holding poster paints, but never having the opportunity to paint anything on it. She has since more than made up for that lost opportunity. She feels that at the age of 70, her journey as an artist is not about herself but rather about being overwhelmingly grateful that she has received opportunity, resource, and time to explore the wild and blissful state of consciousness known as artistic expression. Her hope is that her varied pieces, including failures, express that very gratitude. Lindy wanted to share her sincere gratitude to the Conservatory for letting her share her pieces with the public because it is when she is creating that she feels most alive.Roddy Dammeyer: Oil Painting
November to December
Public Reception: November 4, 1:00-3:00pm
Rodka, known as Roddy, Dammeyer feels as though she was born with a paintbrush in her hand. A native of Fort Wayne, Roddy says she inherited her love for art from her father. He was a commercial artist who went on to creating fine art when he retired. Roddy did not become fully invested in art until her retirement, but did take some art classes through high school and in college. Currently she is involved with the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Art League, Fort Wayne Artists Guild, the Artlink of Fort Wayne, Charlevoix Circle of Arts, Boyne Arts Collective, the Freshwater Gallery, and Jordan River Arts Council. She prefers oil painting but has worked in a plethora of artistic media. Roddy loves the texture of oils and gets most of her inspiration from nature. She does some work in studios, but prefers to paint en plein aire.Botanical Roots Concert Series
Friday nights through August 31st
Doors open 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8:30 pm and the headliner at 9:30 pm
Botanical Conservatory Terrace
- July 27th – Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys (Zydeco); opener The Legendary Trainhoppers
- August 3rd – Governor Davis (Blues); opener Swick & Jones
- August 10th – Gangstagrass (Bluegrass/Hip-hop); opener Auld Mongrels
- August 17th – Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound (Omni-Pop); opener Calder the Band
- August 24th – Indika (Reggae); opener U.R.B.
- August 31st – Flatfoot 56 (Celtic Punk); opener Jen & the Foggy Creek Band
The concerts of the Conservatory’s fresh-air Botanical Roots series feature blues, a bluegrass/hip-hop fusion, reggae and Celtic punk music from national touring acts. Local bands will open each show at 8:30 pm. Concerts are held on the Conservatory Terrace rain or shine; should it rain the band will be under the tent while you enjoy the show from under your umbrella or poncho. Feel free to bring your own chair, as seating is limited. Food and beverage are available from Mad Anthony Brewing Company; no outside food or drink permitted. Admission: $6 ages 13+; 12 and under free. Members inquire about special entrance and early admission. Bring your own chair. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit Facebook page-Botanical Conservatory or www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by PBS39, Fort Wayne Metals Research, 96.3 WXKE, Whatzup, Fort Wayne CW, Mad Anthony Brewing Company, and Don Hall’s Guesthouse Hotel.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 9, 12:00-4:00pm
Residents with a Be a Tourist passport will have the opportunity to rediscover their own backyard during this year’s annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown celebration – FREE! These passports provide entrance to some of Fort Wayne’s leading attractions including the Botanical Conservatory. During the afternoon, visitors can enjoy the swingin’ vocal performance of Those 2 Guys in Suits & Ties, 1:00-3:00 p.m. One passport is enough for your whole group; get it stamped when you enter each attraction or facility. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, go online to www.visitfortwayne.org or pick up a passport at Kroger stores or area attractions.Pumpkin Zone
Saturday, October 20, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Enjoy an autumn celebration at the Botanical Conservatory! Children and their adults will explore the gardens for fall crafts, activities, and games. Test your observation skills with the Gnome Search, discover whether pumpkins float or sink, nibble on pumpkin seeds, and decorate your own mini pumpkin. Friends from the Allen County Farm Bureau will help us learn about pumpkins and how they grow. The Conservatory is proud to offer Pumpkin Zone as a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night festivities. No reservations needed; regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17, free for children 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 WLDE.Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, October 20
Doors open 7:00 p.m.; Movie 9:15 p.m.
This will be the 11th year we’re celebrating the time warp as part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night! Join us, once again, as we 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. Lawn chairs encouraged. No 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 younger audiences. Rated R; children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. $4/adult, $2/age 17 and under. Please no rice or confetti. No reservations necessary. Sponsored by Mad Anthony Brewing Company and ALT 99.5. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org.Fall Plant Swap
Saturday, September 1, 10:00am-11:00am
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 August 30. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6446.Upcoming Holiday Programs
- November 17, 2018 – Plant & Go
- November 17, 2018 to January 6, 2019 – Victorian Christmas exhibit
- November 21, 2018 – Holiday Kick-Off Party
- November 24, 2018 – GCU: Victorian Fun
- December 1, 2018 – Breakfast with Santa
- December 1, 8, and 15, 2018 – Santa & the Reindeer
- December 6, 2018 – $1 Night Concert
- Thursday and Friday nights open ‘til 8 pm Thanksgiving to Christmas
$1 Nights
First Thursday of the month: September 6, October 4, November 1, 2018; 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
The Conservatory is open on the first Thursday night of the month for a discounted admission of just $1 per person. During each $1 Night you can also drop in to our program room for a fun and educational lecture or activity. No reservations required. We validate parking tickets from the Civic Center Parking Garage for free parking. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.$1 Night Insight: Fall Fruits
Thursday, September 6, 2018; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Sure, everyone loves fresh berries and watermelon during the summer months, but what comes next? Some tasty fruits arrive with the color-changing leaves. Let’s talk about how delicious and healthy some of these fall fruits are, which include: apples, cranberries, pears, and more! Enjoy a craft along with a yummy fruit snack.$1 Night Insight: Preparing for Pumpkins
Thursday, October 4, 2018; 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
With all the fall festivities in full swing, let’s learn all about pumpkins! Discover what kind of plant pumpkins come from, what part of the plant is a pumpkin, and how long a pumpkin plant can get. Paint a personal sized pumpkin to take home and munch on a favorite to many, pumpkin seeds!$1 Night Insight: Turkey Time
Thursday, November 1, 2018; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Turkeys have been a symbol of thanksgiving and abundance long before the Pilgrim’s first meal with the Native Americans. Let’s celebrate this thanksgiving season with fun turkey trivia, an exciting turkey craft and a light snack.Family Garden Close-Up
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday to get a closer look at our plants and gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. We highlight a different garden each month so you can make new discoveries through fun, educational activities. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in!FGC: Fabulous Fall Flowers
Saturday, September 22, 2018; 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Nothing says fall like beautiful autumn flowers! Join us this month as we learn about blossoms that open at the end of the growing season, such as chrysanthemums and asters. Are fall flowers annuals or perennials? Do they attract bees and butterflies? Which ones can you grow at home? While you visit, you can create a simple fall flower to take home for decorating.FGC: Vermicomposting 101
Saturday, October 27, 2018; 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
This month we will learn about using red worms to make compost for the garden (vermicomposting). Learn the basics of composting with worms and the many benefits of composting. You will discover which materials can be placed in a vermicomposting container as well as which materials should not be composted. You’ll get ideas for home to compost at home. You can also make ‘n take your own ‘wiggly worm’.FGC: Victorian Holiday Fun
Saturday, November 24, 2018; 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Join us this Thanksgiving weekend when the Showcase Garden has been transformed into a Victorian Holiday theme. Enjoy the special decorations and seasonal plants with a Victorian flair. We’ll make a simple Victorian decoration you that you can add to your own holiday collection. You can also enjoy an edible treat as you wander through the gardens!Discovery Corner
Daily in the Discovery Corner
Our young visitors are encouraged to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme: September-How Seeds Travel, October- Fall Fun, November- Cold Weather. Our materials are 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; pre-registration is not required.Plant & Go: Fall
Showcase Exhibit Opening Day
November 17, 2018; 11 am to 1 pm
Calling all gardeners and gardeners-to-be! Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the first day of each new Showcase Garden exhibit to participate in a hands-on learning experience with plants. This month we’re giving out a houseplant called Swedish Ivy. Plant & Go will feature four different plants every year, coinciding with the start of each seasonal garden exhibit: January, April, July, and November. Pot up a seedling, plantlet, seed, or bulb, learn care instructions and fun plant facts, and take your new plant baby home to nurture. (While supplies last.) Included in regular Conservatory admission, so drop in!Autumn Succulents Workshop
There’s no better time of year then now to take a cute personal-sized pumpkin and turn it into a decorative piece for your kitchen table or your desk at work! Join instructor Nancy Murphy, active volunteer and succulent enthusiast, as she demonstrates how to place and maintain succulents on your very own pumpkin. These easy to care for plants are fun and are sure to bring a pop-of-color to any dull space. Then, when the season is over, you can plant your succulents in a container to enjoy them for years to come. Ages 15+.Registration deadline: September 14. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code: 427067-S1
Date: September 22, 2018
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 am
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$17
Member or Volunteer Fee: $14
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetEssential Oils: Pamper Yourself
With winter right around the corner, it’s time to prepare for the shorter days and longer nights. Why not take a minute to indulge yourself with some fun natural products to help your body prepare for the cold months ahead. Join instructor Samantha Reitman, Young Living Independent Distributer, as she goes over some must needs for the approaching chilly days. You will make a nail serum, lash serum, and a roller bottler called “I Feel Happy”, made up of several oils to put you in a relaxed, happy mood. So come down to the Conservatory and pamper yourself before the winter hits! Ages 15+.Registration deadline: September 28, 2018. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code: 427052-S1
Date: October 6, 2018
Day: Saturday
Time: 1:00 to 2:30 pm
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$16
Member or Volunteer Fee: $13
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun Street
Grow Your Own: Herbs IndoorsHerbs are always nice and handy to have when longing for their savory, robust flavors and soothing aromas. Unfortunately, as winter approaches and plants begin to die, there are not many fresh options left. Let Advanced Master Gardener Pam Snyder as she walks you through the process of keeping those hardy herbs alive indoors. Take home several herbs, so you too can enjoy those garden-fresh flavors all winter long. Ages 15+.
Registration deadline: October 26, 2018. Min. 10. Max. 18.
Code: 427027-S1
Date: November 3, 2018
Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$17
Member or Volunteer Fee: $14
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetEvergreen Centerpiece Workshop
The popular centerpiece workshop is here again! Bring a friend or make it a family affair as you create a festive evergreen centerpiece that can be enjoyed by all through the holiday season. Dennis Bowman, Fresh Design Manager with Gassafy Wholesale Florist, will help you fashion the fragrant branch tips of balsam fir, cedar, and pine into an arrangement with holiday flair. This centerpiece incorporates a candle, ribbon and pine cones for a nice holiday touch. Your fee includes a stroll through our Victorian themed holiday gardens. Bring garden gloves, pruners, and any accents you’d like to incorporate. Ages 15+.Registration deadline: November 23, 2018. Min. 12. Max. 36.
Dates: December 13, 2018, Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 pm – code: 127009-R1
December 15, 2018, Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 9:00 to 10:30 am – code: 127009-S1
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$34
Member or Volunteer Fee: $29
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetTai Chi in the Garden I & II
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind with the ancient art of Tai Chi, a gentle, graceful exercise to improve health and fitness. It is especially effective in reducing stress, thereby relieving arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Weekly sessions include a meditative walk in the garden. The class focuses on the basics of the Sun form and is great for new students or those wishing to continue their studies. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has 30+ years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+.Registration deadline: September 11. Min. 10. Max. 16.
Code Dates Day Times Tai Chi I - Beginners 427002-T1 9/18-11/6 T 9-10 am Tai Chi I - Beginners 427002-T2 9/18-11/6 T 5-6 pm Tai Chi II - Continuing 427002-T3 9/18-11/6 T 6-7 pm#Sessions/Fee: 8/$69
Member or Volunteer Fee: $59
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetFall Forest Bathing Walk (Shinrin-Yoku)
As the leaves begin to change colors and temperatures cool down, why not try something new? Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, is the experience of immersing oneself in the sensory gifts of nature. This can be done in a forest setting, gardens and parks. The benefits are not only a greater sense of well-being, but a boost in immune function and ready access to lower stress hormones and boosts in serotonin levels. This is not your regular walk in the park. Instead, it is a series of invitations using the senses to rediscover your inner child and your connection with the natural world. Being relaxed, revitalized, and better equipped to handle the stresses of daily living are the goals of this forest bathing walk. Instructor Christy Thomson is a life-long resident of northeast IN. She is the only certified forest therapy guide in Indiana and is thrilled to share this opportunity with the Fort Wayne community. Note: Additional participants may drop in, up to the class maximum, but call ahead to make sure class will be in session.Registration deadlines: September 21 and November 2, 2018, respectively. Ages 18+. Min 10. Max 15.
Code Date Day Time 427070-S1 9/29 Sa 9:30am-12:00pm 427070-S2 11/10 Sa 9:30am-12:00pm#Sessions/Fee: 1/$23
Member or Volunteer Fee: $18
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetKid’s Forest Bathing Walk (Shinrin-Yoku)
This fall, Conservatory staff, along with certified forest therapy guide Christy Thomson, are excited to offer a forest bathing class for kids! Shinrin-Yoku, or forest bathing, can also be for children, allowing them to enjoy this gentle path to wellness through nature. Christy encourages young people along this journey to focus with a deeper and clearer intuition. With the power to increase energy levels and improve sleep, kids will walk away from this class feeling more receptive to Nature’s sounds and have a better sense of peace.
Note: Additional children may drop in, up to the class maximum, but call ahead to make sure class will be in session.Registration deadline: September 28, 2018. Ages 8-14. Min 6. Max 10.
Code: 427071-S1
Date: October 7, 2018
Day: Sunday
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
#Sessions/Fee: 1/$19
Member or Volunteer Fee: $15
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetGarden Preschool
Third Tuesday of the month, 10-11 am
Garden Preschool meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Botanical Conservatory. Parents or guardians assist children side by side in this monthly class that encourages the basics of exploring in the gardens at a young age. Each month we will explore a different theme through a story, hands-on activity, craft and a snack. Children and adults alike will learn by hands-on activities in the garden that are sure to get everyone thinking. At least one adult is required to stay and participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class with their child. Please indicate at registration if a participant has food allergies.Registration deadlines: September 11, October 9, and November 13, 2018, respectively.
Ages 3-5. Min. 5. Max. 1Code Date Day Time How Seeds Travel 427102-T1 9/18/2018 Tuesday 10:00 to 11:00 am Fall Fun 427102-T2 10/16/2018 Tuesday 10:00 to 11:00 am Cold Weather 427102-T3 11/20/2018 Tuesday 10:00 to 11:00 am# Sessions/Fee: 1/$6
Member or Volunteer Fee: $4
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 South Calhoun StreetBotanical Field Trip & Outreach
Tuesday thru Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
The Botanical Conservatory’s education staff serves thousands of students each year through on- and off-site visits for public, parochial, private and home schools. Teachers can choose the standards-based curriculum that best meets their students’ needs. Our outreach programs also help teachers meet state science standards and engage students in active learning. Conservatory visits let you collect temperature and humidity readings for a biome study, find food plants in the desert and jungle, explore plant patterns with art students, or choose from a variety of other activities, depending on the age and focus of the group. We can also travel to your school, providing classroom or assembly-style presentations. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. A minimum of ten students is required to book a lab, but self-guiding visit lessons are available for groups or any size. For more information, call (260) 427-6445.About the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory
The Botanical Conservatory is located in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana at 1100 S. Calhoun St. The Conservatory admission desk validates tickets for free parking in the Civic Center Parking Garage across from the Conservatory’s entrance at Jefferson and Calhoun St. Metered parking is available on nearby streets; parking is free on evenings and weekends. Bus and handicap accessible parking is available in the Conservatory’s Calhoun Street driveway. Friend us on Facebook: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. Follow us on Twitter: FFBotCons.
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