Fort Wayne & NE Indiana News

The latest positive news written by residents and organizations in our community.
Business

Gingebread! EVERGREENS! Northwoods!

$1 Night

November 5, 5 – 8 pm

On the first Thursday night of the month we discount our admission to just $1 for each adult and child. Enjoy our evening hours at a special discount once a month. We’re winding down with our “Egyptian Pleasure Garden,” so stroll in and take a few pictures together. Babies through age 2 are admitted free. For more info, call (260) 427-6440.

Gingerbread Spa Workshop

Saturday, November 14, 9 – 11:30 am

Bring on the holiday season! All of these projects will carry the comforting aroma of toasty gingerbread, fresh from the oven. The first project will be a gingerbread-scented glycerin soap shaped in the classic gingerbread man shape. A spicy solid lotion bar containing skin-loving butters and oils will keep dry skin at bay during the cold, winter months. And sparkly gingerbread-scented nail polish can dress your hands at all of your holiday parties. All projects will be gift-giving ready, complete with holiday packaging. Ages 10+. Registration deadline: November 6. Min. 10. Max. 20. Fee: $25/public; $19/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

Bottle & Bottega North Woods Painting Workshop

Saturday, November 21, 1 – 4 pm

Join Bottle & Bottega on the first day of our “North Woods Christmas” exhibit to paint a fun winter scene and get into the holiday mood! B&B artists will guide you step-by-step to create an attractive painting — no experience required. Supplies include your apron and a 16”x20” canvas, plus you receive a complimentary DeBrand Chocolates truffle. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: November 13. Min. 10; max. 36. $39/public; $33/Conservatory member or volunteer. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. Call (260) 427-6000 to register.

“A North Woods Christmas”Garden Exhibit

November 21-January 3, 2015

Imagine the charm of a North Woods cabin during the holidays: nestled into a snow-drifted evergreen and birch forest, the homestead is preparing for Christmas. Indoors, the rustic table is set for our couple, who may be off checking traps, drawing water, or gathering twigs, moss, cones and grapevine for decoration. The outhouse, sawbucks, and lantern indicate how far off the beaten path you find yourself. Woodland animals make brief appearances throughout the scene. While the rural feel of the setting suggests more wolf and bear than human population, the celebration is heartfelt and cozy in the midst of the big woods. Take family photos or just stroll through the poinsettia-accented Showcase garden as you enjoy our holiday exhibit. Thanks go to the many Fort Wayne citizens who donated spruce, pine and birch trees. Sponsored by the Wilson Foundation, WAJI Majic 95.1, Wells Fargo Charitable Trust, and PBS 39.

Holiday Kick-Off Party

Wednesday, November 25, 5 – 9 pm

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Enjoy hot chocolate and a cookie, meet Mrs. Claus, and get a free professional-quality photo with Santa. You can also meet two live reindeer that know all about the North Pole. The gardens are decorated for the holidays, and you won’t want to miss the animated light show outdoors. Be sure to participate in the Fort Wayne Downtown Lighting Ceremony either before or after your visit to our beautiful holiday garden and displays. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children 2 and under are admitted free. No reservations required. Sponsored by PBS 39 and WAJI Majic 95.1. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Garden in Lights

November 25 – January 3

We’ve decorated not only the Showcase House, where you’ll find the customary poinsettias and elegance, but the Tropical and Desert Houses and the outdoor gardens as well. Especially effective during our evening hours on Thursday and Friday nights between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the gardens are lovely throughout the holidays and provide a tremendous backdrop for family photos, out-of-town guest entertainment, great conversations, and even marriage proposals! Make the most of your visit as you enjoy one of Fort Wayne’s treasured resources for beauty and relaxation. Our gift shop will also be open during public hours for holiday shopping.

Extended Holiday Hours

November 26 – December 18

The Botanical Conservatory will be open until 8 pm on Thursday and Friday evenings from Thanksgiving through the week before Christmas. Enjoy an evening downtown at the botanical gardens, done up for the holidays. The gift shop is also open until 8 pm. On Thanksgiving Day, the Conservatory will be open 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 5, 9:00-10:00 am

Yes, Santa eats breakfast and you can join him! Sign up for a special VIP breakfast before he makes his final list of who has been naughty and nice. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausages and eggs, milk or juice for the kids and coffee for the adults. There will be children’s activities and time allotted to take pictures of your little ones in our exhibit, “A North Wood Christmas,” before we open to the public. Your admission to this event will also allow you to return and visit with Santa’s reindeer from 12-4 pm. Registration runs November 4 to November 27. Min. 24; max. 64. $13/person. Children under two do not have to pay but they must register and will count towards the minimum/maximum; their adult must pay registration fee. Limited booster/high chairs available; please indicate at registration if one is required. To register please call (260) 427-6000 and refer to code 427101-S1. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Pleasing Evergreen Centerpiece

Thursday, December 10, 6 – 7:30 pm OR

Saturday, December 12, 9 – 10:30 am

In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, invite a family member or friend here to the Gardens to create a festive evergreen centerpiece that can be enjoyed by all through the holidays. Dennis Bowman, designer with Gassafy Wholesale Florist, will help you fashion the fragrant branch tips of balsam fir, cedar

and pine into an arrangement with holiday flair. The centerpiece incorporates a candle, ribbon and pine cones for a nice seasonal touch. Your fee includes the items listed above as well as a stroll through the holiday gardens. Bring garden gloves, pruners and any accents you’d like to incorporate. Ages 16+. Registration deadline: November 25. Min. 12. Max. 36. Fee: $34/public; $29/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Ta-da! Topiary Workshop

Saturday, December 5, 1 – 2 pm

White spider mums, pine, cedar and berries will become a beautiful, festive topiary for the holiday

season. Let professional florists from Four Seasons DIY will guide you through the floral design process. All tools and materials provided. Enroll in all three winter workshops (December, January and February) and receive a $10 discount. The other two workshops will design to Valentine’s Day and English Garden themes. Ages 12+. Registration deadline for Topiary: November 27. Min. 10. Max. 25. Fee: 1 class/$44; all 3 DIY classes/$117. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.