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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In August

Egyptian Pleasure Garden

Through November 15

By the time of Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom period, the nation’s wealth allowed for pleasure gardens at the homes of the richest citizens. A pond with colorful fish and lotus flowers, shade trees, palms, and flower beds provided a cool retreat. Fruit trees and grape vines added to the banquet table, while papyrus clustered at the water’s edge. Visitors to our summer-to-fall garden can relax in the shade and admire a distant view of the pyramids. Sponsored by the Wilson Foundation.

Bottle & Bottega: Ancient Egypt

Saturday, August 1, 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Get creative and immerse yourself in Egyptian Pleasure Gardens at the Botanical Conservatory by joining Bottle & Bottega to paint an Egyptian Garden theme! Artists from Bottle & Bottega will be teaching a beautiful painting with step-by-step instruction. No experience is required! All painting supplies including aprons will be provided along with your 16“ x 20” canvas. The price includes a complimentary chocolate truffle as a thank you for attending. Ages 17+ (17 & under must be accompanied by an adult). Registration deadline: July 24. Min. 10; max. 36. $39/public; $33/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Outwitting Ticks

August 6, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Did you know that in the last three years there has been a 70% increase in tick-borne diseases in our state? In this program Conservatory volunteer Russ Voorhees will teach you how to identify the four types of ticks that bother gardeners and hikers in Northern Indiana. Discover what attracts ticks and the many diseases they can carry. Investigate the origins of Lyme disease and its expansion into our area from the Northeast. Find out how to outwit these little arachnids and how to safely remove them if they should bite you. With your new knowledge of and respect for the tick, you will now be able to tick-proof yourself for your next outdoor adventure. Conservatory $1 Night admission applies: $1/adult, $1/child ages 3-17 & Conservatory member or volunteer. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.

Botanical Roots Concert Series

Fridays through September 4

Doors open 7:30 p.m. Opening act 8:30 p.m.

It’s our tenth season!! Six concerts will feature zydeco, blues, reggae and other roots genre music, with local bands performing the opening act. Concerts are rain or shine and held in our Terrace Garden. Seating is limited so you may bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from Mad Anthony Brewing; no outside food or beverage allowed. Admission: $6/age 13 and older, 12 and under free. Special entrance and early admission for Conservatory members. Sponsored by Fort Wayne Metals Research, the Downtown Improvement District, PBS 39, Rock 104, WhatzUp, and Mad Anthony Brewing. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit us on Facebook-Botanical Roots or www.botanicalconservatory.org.

2015 Line-Up:

  • August 7th MODOC (Rock) w/Local Opener: Trichotomous Hippopotamus
  • August 14th JP Harris & the Tough Choices (Country) w/ Local Opener: Roustabout
  • August 21st Buckwheat Zydeco (Zydeco) w/ Eclipse

· August 28th Sierre Leone’s Refugee All Stars (World) w/ Local Opener: Dan Dickerson

  • September 4th John Nemeth (Memphis Blues) w/Local Opener: Todd Harrold Band

Exotic Flower Arrangement

Saturday, August 8, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Let’s get creative with florists from Four Seasons DIY! Bring your sense of creativity to design with exotic flowers for something out of the ordinary and truly individual; this project is contemporary and high-style. Orchids, proteas, grasses and calla lilies will be the focus of this DIY floral workshop. Ages 12+ (17 & under must be accompanied by an adult). Registration deadline: July 31. Min. 10; max. 25. $39/public; $33/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Ask a Horticulturist: Garden Pest Control

Saturday, August 15, 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Ever wonder what’s eating your plants? How to safely get rid of lawn weeds? What the grey fuzz is on your turf or lilacs? 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 August, Andy will discuss pest control, including weeds, insects and diseases. 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.

Air Plant Primer

Saturday, August 15, 10 am – 12 pm

Air plants are perfect for those with a fear of houseplants – they are easy to grow and care for! In this workshop, Master Gardener Intern Debbie Branfield will teach you about the selection and care of these delightful plants and share ideas on how to use and display air plants in your home or office. You will create a small hanging terrarium to proudly feature in your space. All materials will be supplied. Ages 10+ (17 & under must be accompanied by an adult). Registration deadline: August 7. Min. 10; max. 25. $27/public; $19/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Family Garden Close-Up: Fruits, Veggies & Herbs

Saturday, August 22, 11 am – 1 pm

Drop in at the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday each month to get a closer look at our plants and gardens through short walks, crafts, and snacks. In August, we’ll discuss fruits, veggies and herbs. Come crunch on a carrot or some kale, chomp on some chives, maybe you could even taste a juicy tomato! By the way, is a tomato a fruit or vegetable? Come find out and bring your appetite! We’ll be cleaning out what’s left in our raised bed gardens as well as testing your garden knowledge…like, what’s the difference between a fruit and vegetable? So come hungry and bring your garden wisdom! 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.

Tai Chi Sampler

Tuesday, August 18, 5:30-6:30 pm

If you’ve been curious about the gentle exercise of Tai Chi, sample it this month at the Botanical Conservatory. Tai Chi can renew your energy level and offer other benefits from better posture to improved breathing, balance and relaxation. Sandy Gebhard attends to each student and has over 30 years of experience. Register by August 11. Ages 18+. Min. 10; max. 15. $15/public; $11/Conservatory volunteer or member. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. For more details, call (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org

Twisted Grillin’

Saturday, August 29, 10 – 11:30 am

Grilling with olive oil gives your food a simple, healthy, additional layer of flavor. Join Lori Berndt of The Olive Twist as she showcases olive oils and balsamic vinegars in grilling recipes for you to sample here then try at home in your own backyard. You will enjoy a fresh salad and grilled samples of the following: appetizer dip, entrée, veggies and brownies with fresh fruit. Amaze your friends and family! Please notify us in advance of any food allergies. Ages 10+. Registration deadline: August 21. Min. 10; max. 20. $21/public; $15/Conservatory member or volunteer. Class held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne, (260) 427-6440. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or visit www.fortwayneparks.org.

Discovery Corner: Woodland Animals

During August 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 August we’ll explore woodland animals. 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.