Dollar Night Insight
October 6, 5 – 8 pm
On the first Thursday of the month, visit the gardens for $1 per person (instead of the usual $5 & $3) AND enjoy a brief, interactive learning moment. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. With your $1 admission, attend our Dollar Night Insight program for free, and pick up some new ideas and information!
DNI: National Popcorn Poppin’ Month
Thursday, October 6, 5 -7 pm
We’re breaking out our popcorn popper in honor of National Popcorn Poppin’ Month! Ever seen exotic looking popcorns in the grocery store and wanted to try them? We have you covered. We’ll be popping different types of corn, so you can see which you prefer and Master Gardener Cheryl Guiff will share information on growing this plant we have all come to love. Free with admission; no registration needed.
The Punkin’ Path
October 11 – 30
Visit our outdoor Punkin’ Path where you can enjoy the fall surroundings and take festive pictures with your little ones. The path will be decorated with pumpkins, gourds, bales of straw – and gnomes! – to provide fun photo memories. Gnomes are caretakers of land and animals; they are industrious, enjoy all kinds of games and, surprisingly, they love to travel! Watch for them along the Punkin’ Path. This exhibit is included in Conservatory admission and open during public hours. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 FM Classic Hits.
Pumpkin Zone
Saturday, October 15, 10 am – 3 pm
Enjoy an autumn celebration at the Botanical Conservatory! Children and their adults will explore the gardens for fall crafts, activities and games. Test your observation skills with the Gnome Search, discover whether pumpkins float or sink, nibble on pumpkin seeds and decorate your own mini pumpkin.
Friends from the Allen County Farm Bureau will help us learn about pumpkins and how they grow. The Conservatory is proud to offer Pumpkin Zone as a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night festivities. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free. Sponsored by Fun 101.7 FM Classic Hits.
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, October 15
Doors open 8 pm; Movie 9:15 pm
Let’s do the time warp agaaaaain! As a part of the Downtown Improvement District’s Fright Night, the Conservatory will once again spin the tale of Brad and Janet on a rainy night sheltered by the bizarre Dr. Frank N. Furter. This cult classic movie will be shown outside on the Terrace, weather permitting; please dress accordingly. Please do not bring outside food or beverage as there will be refreshments available for purchase. This movie is participatory in tradition and content may not be suitable for all/younger audiences. Rated R; children under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. $2/adult, $1/age 17 and under. No reservations necessary. Visit our website for more information. Sponsored by: Majic 95.1.
Family Garden Close-Up: Colorful Trees
Saturday, October 22, 11 am – 1 pm
Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday to get a closer look at our plants and gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. We highlight a different garden each month so you can make new discoveries through fun, educational activities. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! Ever wonder why the leaves of some trees change colors in the fall? In October, come and explore the truths and myths of this wonderful color show that nature provides each year while visiting our gardens. You can make your own colorful leaf to take home. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free.
Meditation in the Garden: Cultivating Positive Emotions
Thursdays, October 13 – 27, 6 – 7 pm
Instructor Seth Kohrman of Contemplative Living Practices will be leading classes in meditation. Contemplative Living Practices provides education in the form of experiential learning through contemplative practices centered around mindfulness meditation and living. Each series will have a theme and each class will build on the knowledge learned in previous classes. However, drop-ins are more than welcome. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $8 per session, up to the class maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: October 6. Fee: $21/public; $15/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Dave Mikautadze: Photography
Through October
David Mikautadze is a composer and jazz guitar player living in Fort Wayne whose vision is to communicate his sentiments of a subject, mostly landscape and architecture, using controlled gradations of light, a selective color palette, and compositional interest. His goal is to create fine art photography. His exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory’s Saguaro Room is entitled “Light-Shadow-Darkness.” Local and regional artists in a variety of media display their work at the Botanical Conservatory in bi-monthly art exhibits, open to view during public hours. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
I Love Olives
Thursday, October 27, 6 – 7 pm
Join instructor Lori Berndt, owner of The Olive Twist, as we explore and learn about one of our favorite foods—olives! Lori will talk all about these amazing plants and the bounties they provide. You’ll learn more about different olives and olive oils and even get to taste some samples.
You can also explore our newest permanent garden—The Mediterranean Garden, which features three olive trees. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: October 20. Min. 8. Max. 36. Fee: $14/public; $11/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Bath Fizzies with The Narwhal and the Manatee
Saturday, October 29, 11 am – 2:30 pm
Have you visited The Narwhal and The Manatee in the City Exchange yet? If you have, you know about this bath boutique’s scintillating looks good- enough-to-eat creations designed to create an unforgettable bath and beauty experience. Join the owners as they teach you how to make your own delectable delights. October 29th will be bath fizzies. These are also known as bath bombs and will have a base recipe which you can customize with your own fragrance, color, and glitter or sprinkles. You’ll make between 3 and 5 fizzies. Ages 10+. Registration deadline: October 20. Min. 10. Max. 20. Fee: $15/public; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Little Tots Garden Fun
Tuesdays, October 4 – 18, 10 – 11 am
Pre-schoolers can explore the autumn gardens at the Botanical Conservatory to discover the colors of fall. Parents or guardians will assist children side by side in this class that encourages exploring nature at a young age. Master Gardener Kay Musgrave has years of experience working with children in this setting and will take everyone on a new nature adventure each week. Children will explore a different color of the season through hands-on activities. At least one adult is required to stay and participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class with their child. Ages 3 – 5. Child Registration deadline: September 27. Min. 5. Max. 10. Fee: $18/public; $15/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Our Japanese Sister Garden Exhibit
Through November 13
The city of Fort Wayne has a “twin,” a sister city in Japan called Takaoka. We honor our friendly relations with our Japanese Sister in this lovely garden with a distinctly Japanese flavor. Pass through the entry gate to discover a green and peaceful space. In the outer garden, spots of summer annuals will give way to autumn chrysanthemums as the season progresses. Move slowly along the garden paths to calm your mind as you approach the Tea House and its simple and intimate surrounding garden. Peering into the house, you will see the utensils used for the tea ceremony as well as a scroll and flowers presented for quiet study. Gain insight into Takaoka’s culture through a display of items presented by their city to ours, on loan from The History Center. Sponsored by the M.E. Raker Foundation, the Magee-O’Connor Foundation, Fort Wayne Sister Cities International and Majic 95.1.