Dollar Night Insight
June 2, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month, visit the gardens for $1 per person AND enjoy a brief, interactive learning moment (instead of the usual $5 & $3). Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free.. Pick up some new ideas and skills!
DNI: National Olive Day
Thursday, June 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Visit the Botanical Conservatory in June and get better acquainted with the olive. In honor of National Olive Day, Lori Berndt of The Olive Twist will provide you with an olive oil tasting and the chance to sample olive fruits. Learn how olives are grown and processed, and visit the Conservatory’s olive trees, part of our new Mediterranean Plant Collection.
June Plant Swap
Saturday, June 4, 10 – 11 am
The Conservatory’s free plant swap is coming up on the first Saturday of June. Bring at least one plant to share and take home an armful of starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seedlings, divisions or full-grown plants; they could be plants grown for vegetables, flowers, fruits, 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 June 2. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6442. A Fall Plant Swap will be held on Saturday, September 3.
Tai Chi in the Garden
Tuesdays, June 14 – July 26, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Please join us for a six-week summer Tai Chi session. We will focus on the 73 Sun form, a gentle way to exercise with slow purposeful movement. This summer is a great time to introduce yourself to Tai Chi or to advance your existing skills. Keep your energy level renewed while experiencing the ancient art form of movement and grace. Tai Chi offers many benefits from better posture to improved breathing, balance and relaxation. Sandy Gebhard has been teaching and practicing Tai Chi for over 30 years and is certified as an instructor by renowned Master Dr. Paul Lam. Registration deadline: June 7. Ages 18+. Min. 10. Max. 15. Note: There will be no class on July 12. Drop-ins welcome for $10 fee per session. Fee: $55/public; $46/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
New Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, June 22, 1 – 4 pm
The Botanical Conservatory is inviting new volunteers to join their support team. We are particularly looking for help at the Front Desk or in the Gift Shop, but also have openings in outdoor garden maintenance and special events. Meet new people, build your skills, and support a community treasure. For Front Desk and Gift Shop, some familiarity with computers and retail settings is an advantage, but not required. Training is provided, and benefits include free garden admission, discounts on classes and purchases, and annual recognition. For more information, contact Rebecca at (260) 427-6442 or Rebecca.Canales.
“Helping Our Rivers Health”
Thursday, June 23rd, 6pm-7pm
Our rivers form the nucleus of our city and are the reason Fort Wayne exists. Join us as we learn more from local river expert, Dan Wire, about the ecosystem that thrives right in the heart of our city. He will talk about the plant and animal life that flourish on our rivers and illustrate why our three rivers have been so important to generations of people. Registration is $6 and the deadline is June 16.
Family Garden Close-Up: Spice is Nice
Saturday, June 25, 11 am – 1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday of the month and get a closer look at our plants and gardens. In June, learn about spices. What is a spice? Where do spices come from? Explore the flavorings for cookies, cakes and other delights that come from plants you can see at the botanical gardens. You can do a scavenger hunt in the Tropical Garden and nibble a special spice cookie. This drop-in program is included in your regular Conservatory admission fee; free for Conservatory members and volunteers.
Metamorphosis
Through July 17
Experience the magic of being immersed among hundreds of live, exotic butterflies. These
winged jewels can be observed up close as they fly, feed, or rest in the Nectar Garden. Interactive
displays offer information about life cycle, anatomy, and diversity. The adjacent Hatching Lab gives our guests the opportunity to see the unique chrysalises from which the adult butterflies emerge in their amazing cycle of metamorphosis. In addition, you can examine our observation hive to explore the concept of metamorphosis in our colony of honey bees as they rear their brood through all stages of life,
as well as forage for nectar and pollen. Regular Conservatory admission applies. Sponsored by WMEE 97.3 FM .
Discovery Corner: Moths & Butterflies
Daily in the Discovery Gallery
Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. In June, we’ll explore Moths and Butterflies. Our materials are all 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; preregistration is no required.
