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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In November

$1 Night

November 3, 5 – 8 pm

On the first Thursday of the month, visit the Botanical Conservatory gardens for $1 per person AND enjoy an interactive learning activity. Babies and up to age 2 are still admitted free. In November, you can enjoytheir nod toNational Fun with Fondue Month, 5 -7 pm. Did you know that the Conservatory gardens are full of edible plants? On November 3, when you visit you can enjoy their plants both visually and gustatorially. There will be bananas, oranges, pineapples, and more to dip and sample. Then you can find these plants in the gardens with a food-plant scavenger hunt.

Meditation in the Garden: Mindfulness and Coping with Grief/Loss

Thursdays, November 10 – 17, 6 – 7 pm

Instructor Seth Kohrman of Contemplative Living Practices provides experiential learning in meditation and mindful living. This two-session class will offer strategies for coping with grief and loss within a meditative setting. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $8 per session, up to the maximum. Drop-ins should call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 1. Fee: $14/public; $10/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

Native Plant Workshop

Saturday, November 12, 11 am – 2 pm

Have you heard that native plants are better for butterflies and other wildlife? Want to learn more about these plants and how you can use them in your garden? Participants at this Native Plant Workshop will learn why native plants are important, where to find natives you can grow easily in your yard, and strategies for keeping invasive plants out of your landscape. You’ll also walk away with a free native seed packet to get your new garden area started! Local plant experts including Betsy Yankowiak, President

of the Northeast Chapter of INPAWS and the Director of Preserves and Programs at the Little River Wetlands Project, will offer this program for homeowners and business owners. Also, sessions for those who already have a natural area on their land will focus on how to manage these area for native plants and strategies for the removal of invasive species. What you plant can help or hurt our area’s preserves, parks,

rivers, and other wild places– so come and learn more about how to grow native plants! Lunch is included!

Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 3. Fee: $5/public; $3/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

Poetry Reading with The Dandelion Review

Thursday, November 17, 6 – 8 pm

The Dandelion Review earns its name from the hardy flower that so often colors Midwest grasses, and that so often burrows up through cracks in the cement. The Dandelion Review is a biannual literary magazine publishing poetry and creative nonfiction. November’s reading will coincide with the debut of this publication as the poets read their work aloud. Sarah Sandman, the founding editor of The Dandelion Review, is a poet and essayist who has been published most recently in Map Points and The Tavern Lantern. She is working on a book of short essays; her chapbook, I Speak Moan, is available through Finishing Line Press. Meet multiple authors and enjoy light refreshments. Readings will be appropriate for ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 14. Fee: $5/public; $3/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” Garden Exhibit

November 19 – January 8

Elements of the familiar Christmas carol will appear throughout the Conservatory, from the Atrium to the Desert. Following a whimsical twist, you can explore the facility and discover each part of the song. Along the way, you will enjoy the lights, rich color, and festive décor of our gardens in holiday dress. Kids can climb in the nest with the goose eggs, “milk” the cow, or share a croissant with a French hen. Mom and dad can enjoy a scenic moment in a swan boat surrounded by lovely holiday poinsettias. Will you find all twelve special ornaments listed on the scavenger hunt? Take family photos or just stroll the gardens as you revive your holiday spirit. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 FM.

Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Saturday, November 19, 1 – 3 pm

Become confident and creative with essential oils, carrier oils, and flower waters. Learn what they are, where they come from, how to use them and why they are amazing. You will learn how to improve your well-being with aromatherapy by making some amazing products in this informative class. All supplies are included in registration fee. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 10. Min. 8. Max. 36. Fee: $15/public; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.

Solid Bubbles with The Narwhal and the Manatee

Saturday, November 26, 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. In this workshop, you will make your own delectable delights. Solid Bubbles are a solid form of bubble bath. They have a “play-doh” consistency and you can make them any color, shape, or pattern. You’ll get to customize and make enough for six baths. Ages 10+. Registration deadline: November 17. 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.

Family Garden Close-Up: Holiday Plants

Saturday, November 26, 11 am – 1 pm

Looking for a way to ‘spruce’ up your holiday decorating this year? In November, join us as we explore the different plants that people use to decorate their homes for the holidays. Enjoy a special holiday treat as you visit our “Twelve Days of Christmas” garden exhibit. Make a habit of visiting 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. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free.

Art Display: Alexandra Hall – Painting, Giclee Print, Ink Drawing

November – December

Reception: Sunday, November 6, 1:00-3:00 pm

Alexandra Hall is a dreamer who enjoys creating fiction on canvas. In her pieces she tries to emphasize the good and the whimsical in the world around her. It is her hope to inspire conversation, smiles and joy. Self-taught in the beginning, Alexandra enjoyed painting as a cathartic endeavor, but as her skill grew she was able to hold her first show in 2013. The positive reception for her work spurred her on to show pieces at Northside Galleries and to enter local and regional shows. By 2015, Alexandra was able to pursue art full time. This exhibit is one of the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art displays, open to view in their meeting room during public hours. Visitors can meet Alexandra at an informal public reception on Sunday, November 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m. No reservations needed. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

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 accented with autumn chrysanthemums. 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.