Egyptian Pleasure Garden
Through November 15
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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 new wealth, traders and officials enjoyed luxuries once limited to royalty. The “pleasure garden” included water, shade trees, palms, and flower beds for a cool retreat. 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. Open to the public Tu-Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm, and Thursdays until 8 pm. Admission: $5/adult, $3/children age 3-17; free for children age 2 and under. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night
September 3, 5 – 8 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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: Old 2 New
September 3, 5 – 8 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Enjoy a “creative moment” on the first Thursday of the month. In September, come join Penny Alles, Master Gardener and Plant Diagnostic Specialist, as she takes normal, unused and sometimes broken household items and gives them a new life. Let’s make them into Landscape Master Pieces! Come join her on an adventure to use old things and make them new in the landscape for years to come. Free coffee and tea. Special Conservatory admission applies: $1/adult, $1/child ages 3-17 & Conservatory member or volunteer, at the door. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Botanical Roots Concert Series
John Németh (Memphis Blues) w/ local opener The Todd Harrold Band
Friday, September 4
Doors open 7:30 p.m. Opening act 8:30 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
John Németh will perform in the last concert of the season. Boise, Idaho is hardly the place anyone would conjure up as a hotbed of soul music. But for John Németh, it’s where his love for the genre began—and the starting point for a journey that’s taken him from his first gigs fronting a teenaged band to five Blues Music Award nominations in 2013 alone. 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, 96.3 XKE, WhatzUp, Holiday Inn @ IPFW and Coliseum, Mad Anthony Brewing, and the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit us on Facebook-Botanical Roots or www.botanicalconservatory.org.
Fall Plant Swap
Saturday, September 5, 10 – 11 am
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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 starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seedlings, divisions or full-grown plants. (No weeds, please!) Bring a box or bag to carry things home. Everyone gets a number when they arrive and we take turns picking. The swap is free, but phone reservations are required by September 3. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6442.
Ask a Horticulturist: Plant Identification
Saturday, September 12, 1 – 2 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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 September, Andy will discuss ways to identify plants. 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.
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 13, 12 – 4 pm
Rediscover your own backyard during the annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown celebration. Fort Wayne residents with a Be a Tourist passport will be able to visit area attractions and museums – FREE! These passports provide entrance to some of Fort Wayne’s leading attractions including the Botanical Conservatory. During the afternoon, participants can enjoy the vocal performance of The Brat Pack, 1-3 pm. 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.
Hydro Tea
Thursday, September 17, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Hydro Tea LLC is a company dedicated to eco-friendly sustainable gardening. Their method eliminates the back-breaking work and makes gardening fun for all ages. Hydro Tea LLC has developed new techniques that requires no tilling, no weeding, no more watering, and enables you to place a garden where you once thought was impossible. They feel it’s an honor to teach, guide, and conserve for future generations. During this presentation you will learn about Riverponics, air pruning, soil gardening combined with hydroponics, self-watering gardens, wicking gardens, compost, compost brewers, compost tea, and vortexing. All ages. Registration deadline: September 10. Min. 10. Max. 32. Fee: $8/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tuesdays, September 22 – November 10
I Beginners 6:30-7:30 pm
II Intermediate 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
If you need to relax or have challenges with balance or chronic health conditions, consider trying the ancient, low impact exercise of Tai Chi. Instructor Sandy Gebhard, with over 30 years of experience, offers instruction tailored for her participants. Pre-registration required by September 15. Ages 18+. Min. 10; Max. 15. $64/public; $54/Conservatory member or volunteer. Drop-ins are permitted for $10 per night, but check that class is in session. To register call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Lacto-fermentation
Thursday, September 24, 6 – 7:30 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Lacto-fermentation, or pickling, has been used by many cultures to preserve food before the days of refrigeration. It may be ancient, but it has many advantages: no special equipment, no heat, no water baths, and your processed food has greater nutritional value than it would with any other form of preservation. You’ll get recipes, learn techniques, and be able to sample. Pre-registration required by September 17. Ages 16+ (17 & under must be accompanied by an adult). Min. 10; Max. 32. $8/public; $4/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Family Garden Close-Up: LART (leaf art)
Saturday, September 26, 11 am – 1 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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 September, we’ll explore ways to create art with leaves. Leaves here, leaves there…leaves will be everywhere! Let’s see what we can create with these bold, brightly colored and beautifully shaped leaves. You’d be amazed at the images that can be portrayed by putting such oddly shaped objects together. Hurry, before the leaves leave! 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.
Floral Design with Four Seasons DIY: Autumn Wreath
Saturday, September 26, 1 – 2 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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; those age 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All necessary tools and materials are provided. Enroll in all three workshops and receive a $10 discount.
In September, join us as we create a beautiful fall wreath of willow, fall mums and berries. This piece will be appropriate for hanging on a door, or wall. Learn the basics of working with artificial products. Registration deadline: September 18. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: $46/public; $50/Conservatory member or volunteer. All three classes: $110/public; $146/Conservatory member or volunteer.
October: Pumpkin Arrangement
November: Cornucopia/Thanksgiving Centerpiece
To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.
Art Display: Danielle Rosas, Photography/Canvas Print
September-October
Artist Reception: Sunday, September 6, 1:00-3:00 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Danielle Rosas has always been intrigued by the “simple” things in life, capturing raw moments that seem meek at first glance but reveal many layers of thought to the observant. Her true influence is Ansel Adams, who sparked her appreciation for the fine detail of natural life. Danielle started printing on canvas about three years ago, enjoying the depth it gives the photos and sense of true texture for the subject. She loves how differently people respond to her work; discovering what each person takes from her work is her reward. Visit www.botanicalconservatory.org for links to artists. Attend the cookie and punch reception or just enjoy the display during public hours. 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: Calling Autumn Colors!
During September public hours in the Discovery Gallery
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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 September, we’ll explore autumn colors. 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.