News release from the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory:
What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in August
Botanical Roots Concert Series
Fridays, August 23 and 30
Doors Open: 7:30 pm / Opening Act: 8:30 pmGet ready for our eighth year of musical fun! Six concerts with nationally touring artists feature zydeco, blues, reggae and more, with local bands opening.
- August 23 CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band (zydeco) with Scratch ‘n Sniff
- August 30 Deals Gone Bad (ska) with Unlikely Alibi
Concerts are held outdoors in our Terrace Garden, rain or shine. Seating is limited, so please bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage allowed. Admission: $6/13 years and older. Free for ages 12 and under. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit us at www.botanicalconservatory.org or at Facebook Botanical Roots. Sponsored by Fort Wayne Metals Research, the Downtown Improvement District, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, WhatzUp, Rock 104, and PBS39.
Family Garden Close-Up: Grandma’s Garden
Saturday, August 24, 11:00 am – 1:00 pmGet a closer look at our plants and gardens on the fourth Saturday of the month, focusing on one of our gardens to discover a different feature. This month, you can meet the author and the illustrator of Grandma’s Garden. Holly Mishler and Karen Flesch, who created this children’s picture book, will offer a fun and interactive story time every half hour (11:00, 11:30, 12:00, and 12:30) in the Showcase Garden. You can meet them, make a bookmark, and enjoy a light snack. You can purchase a copy of Grandma’s Garden for $18 if you wish to get it signed. Especially for families with young children. Drop in. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Botanical Brown Bag: Button Up!
Thursday, August 29, 12:00 – 1:00 pmWe mean the pin you’ll be making, of course! Make your very own button pin from—you guessed it – buttons! Darlene Tomkinson has spent most of her life crafting and will be showcasing some of her talent as she teaches everyone how to make a pin using buttons, cardboard, and glue. Supplies will be provided, but participants are invited to bring any special buttons they would like to incorporate. Drop in and pay at the door: $5/public adult; $3/child ages 3-17 or Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
A “Twist” on BBQ
Saturday, August 31, 11 am – 12:30 pmShe’s back! Lori Berndt, “olive oil connoisseur” and owner of the Olive Twist, shares her passion for olive oil and balsamic vinegar with an emphasis on barbequing tasty summer morsels. The demonstration will feature fish tacos with spicy slaw and mango salsa, grilled lemon angel food cake with strawberries, and lemon olive oil ice cream drizzled with a balsamic reduction. Is your mouth watering yet? All of this good food can’t go to waste, so stick around after the demonstration to sample this delicious meal and learn how to create this masterpiece yourself. Recipes will be provided. Registration deadline: August 23. Ages 10+. Min. 10. Max. 20. $19/public; $17 Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information or to register, call the Conservatory at (260) 427-6440 or the Park Department at 427-6000.
Discovery Corner: The Magic School Bus
Daily in the Discovery GalleryOur youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities. This month’s theme is The Magic School Bus. Our materials are 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; no pre-registration required.
Yoga in the Garden
Wednesdays, August 7 – 28, 5:30-6:30 pmThe practice of yoga is a wonderful way to build strength and flexibility, reduce stress, and enhance general well-being. Taught by certified yoga instructor and social impact strategist Lanah K. Hake, these classes are for all levels and are tailored to fit the ability level of the individual. A few mats are available but bring your own if you have one. Additional class information is available by following Fort Wayne Outdoor Yoga on Facebook, or by checking the instructor’s website at www.lanahlink.com. This class is not recommended for pregnant women or people with serious health conditions. Note: If a session meets its registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per night, up to the class maximum. If minimums are not met, the program will be cancelled. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: July 31.Min.13. Max. 18. Fee: $30/public; $24/Conservatory member or volunteer. For more information or to register, call the Conservatory at (260) 427-6440 or the Park Department at 427-6000.
Gardens of New Orleans
Through November 17The Conservatory captures the sensuous feeling of the lush gardens and window boxes of the French Quarter and Garden District of New Orleans in this summer-to-fall exhibit. Showy flowers, trailing vines, wrought iron and clipped symmetry represent the ordered chaos of the “Old South” style. The fleur-de-lis motif symbolizes the heavily French influence of the Cajun settlers. A French Quarter-style balcony overlooks the garden, offering a little birds-eye view. The grander feel of the Garden District is expressed in the fountain, statues, and overarched walkways of the central gardens. A touch of seashell acknowledges the New Orleans’ watery ties to the Gulf of Mexico, while a whimsical garden party setting will stimulate the imagination of our younger visitors. Brides and photographers are sure to appreciate the vistas this garden offers. The exhibit is sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1 FM. For more information, phone (260) 427-6440 or visit our website at www.botanicalconservatory.org.