What’s Happening at the Botanical Conservatory in April
Perspectives Live Butterfly Display
April 8 – June 25
At the Conservatory’s newest exhibit of live butterflies, you’ll get three perspectives on these winged creatures as well as “up close and personal” time in our exhibit tent. With design input from a group of Ball State University students, the garden offers you views from microscopic, backyard, and global angles. In the midst of lovely garden flowers, the display tent offers a walk-through experience of well over a hundred exotic butterflies representing some two dozen species from around the world. Through interactive stations outside the tent, you can get a super-close look at the awesome wing scales, proboscis, and compound eyes of our butterfly friends. You can learn which plants are essential for our local caterpillars to grow and mature. And you’ll match a dozen species of butterfly with their country of origin. In the Tropical and Desert Gardens you can explore butterfly legends of Amazon and Arizona tribes. You won’t look at butterflies the same way again! Regular admission applies. Sponsored by 97.3 WMEE.
Slightly Used Bulb Sale
Saturday, April 8, 10am-2pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
This annual sale features “slightly used” spring flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinth bulbs, as well as hydrangeas used in the Conservatory’s Spring Showcase exhibit. The plants sell for $1-$5 per pot (some pots have multiple bulbs in them) and are ready to plant in the garden to prepare for next year’s bloom. Instructions for planting provided. No reservations required. Admission to the sale is free.
Art Display: Fort Wayne Photographers Club
Through April
Get to know local and regional artists in a variety of media through the Botanical Conservatory’s bi-monthly art exhibits. The Conservatory is featuring a collection of prints from the Fort Wayne Photographers Club through the month of April. Over twenty images capture natural history subjects – from moose and flamingo to mountain landscape and worn stone steps – in a variety of styles. The Club is over 70 years old and features photographers of all skill levels who seek to advance the art of photography. Come check out the variety of talent we have right here in our city! Exhibit and reception are included in regular Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Discovery Corner: April Showers
Daily in the Discovery Gallery throughout April
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 April, we’ll guess what April showers will bring! Adults can read aloud to their young learners and encourage their children as they 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.
Intro to Orchids
Saturday, April 1, 10:30 – 11:45 am
Eager to stop killing those orchids you buy in the grocery store? Long fascinated by the hobby but afraid to get started? We’ll have instructor Shirley Weldon here to help you! Shirley has been a serious hobbyist for over 40 years and even helps to care for the Conservatory’s orchids. She and her assistant, Luba Durisin, will teach you about different kinds of orchids, how to care for them, and where to buy them. They will also demonstrate repotting orchids and provide cultural sheets. You’ll go home with your own easy-care slipper orchid (Paphiopedilum)— a variety you won’t find in your local grocery store! Ages 18+. Registration deadline: March 24. Fee: $18/public; $15/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Native Plant Workshop
Saturday, April 1, 10 – 12 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! Several 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. 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! Ages 16+. Registration deadline: March 24. Fee: $10/public; $8/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
$1 Nights
First Thursday of the month
April 6, 5 – 8 pm
The Conservatory is open on the first Thursday night of the month for a discounted admission of just $1 per person. During each $1 Night you can also drop in to our program room for a fun and educational lecture or activity. No reservations required. We validate parking tickets from the Civic Center Parking Garage for free parking. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
$1 Night Insight: Botanical Cookie
April 6, 6 -7:d0 pm
Yearning for spring? In April we will be making botanical cookies—iced cookies which you can decorate yourself with edible botanicals. We will have information available on edible flowers and how you can use them in your own cooking! Program included in $1 admission fee; no reservations required. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.
Tai Chi in the Garden I & II
Tuesdays, April 11 – May 30, 5:30 – 6:30 pm or 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Learn to relax your body and focus your mind with the ancient art of Tai Chi, a gentle, graceful exercise to improve health and fitness. It is especially effective in reducing stress, thereby relieving arthritis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The class follows the Sun form and is great for new students or those wishing to continue their studies. Instructor Sandy Gebhard is certified by renowned master Dr. Paul Lam, and has 30+ years’ experience practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Note: If we meet our registration minimum, additional students may drop in for $10 per session, up to the class maximum; call ahead to make sure class will be in session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: April 4. Fee: $69/public; $59/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Forest Bathing Walk (Shinrin-Yoku)
Thursday, April 13, 6 – 7:30 pm
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the experience of immersing oneself in the sensory gifts of nature. This can be done in a forest setting, but also in gardens and parks. The benefits are not only a greater sense of well-being, but a boost in immune function and ready access to lower stress hormones and boosts in serotonin levels. This is not your regular walk in the park, but a series of invitations using the senses to rediscover your inner child and your connection with the natural world. Being relaxed, revitalized, and better equipped to handle the stresses of daily living are the goals of this forest bathing walk. Instructor Christy Thomson is a life-long resident of northeast IN. She is the only certified forest therapy guide in Indiana and is thrilled to share this opportunity with the Fort Wayne community. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: April 6. Fee: $10/public; $8/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
Easter in the Garden
Friday, April 14, 10 am – 3 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Hop on down to the Botanical Conservatory with your camera and your children to meet the Easter Bunny. Play games for prizes, make crafts, pot a plant and enjoy light refreshments. Look for Easter eggs in our annual Easter Hunt, designed for toddlers through elementary ages. Enter our drawing for a chance to win a “sweet” Easter basket. We’ll also have live animals to meet such as baby chicks, ducks, bunnies, sheep and goats. Note: The butterfly tent will not be open during this event. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Regular Conservatory admission fees apply: $5/adult, $3/child ages 3-17, free for children ages 2 and under. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1.
Tea n’ Crafts
Saturday, April 22, 10 am – 3 pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Looking for a fun and relaxing excuse to get out of the house after a long winter? Need an idea for a girls’ day out? Join us for Tea n’ Crafts! We will have a number of stations where you can participate in different activities. Pot up a chamomile plant to take home, purchase a butterfly hatching kit, enjoy a simple massage, or try various hands-on crafts and projects. At the same time, enjoy light refreshments including tea and sweets. This is the perfect event for some refined, yet light-hearted, fun. Each station is ticketed, so just purchase your tickets for $1 each at the front desk and use them as you please. No registration or RSVP required. Just show up ready to have a good time! Regular Conservatory admission applies, in addition to the price of activity tickets. For more information call (260) 427-6440.
Garden Close-Up: Butterfly or Moth?
Saturday, April 22, 11am – 1pm
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Do you know the difference between a butterfly and a moth? At our special learning station this month, we will explore the similarities and differences between butterflies and moths. Join us to learn about these amazing winged creatures! Make one of your own winged beauties to take home and then discover the colorful world of butterflies when you visit our live butterfly enclosure. Each month you can 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. Make new discoveries through fun, educational activities. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! For more info, call (260) 427-6440.
Growing and Using Herbs
Saturday, April 29, 10 – 11:30 am
Have you always dreamed of growing your own delectable herbs and then using them in delicious homemade meals? Fifteen-year Master Gardener Pam Snyder will teach you about a myriad of herbs. Discover their origins, how to grow them yourself, preservation methods, and then how to use them in your own cooking to suit your tastes. Many herbs are downright enthusiastic, so even if you’ve never kept something alive before, you’re sure to find an herb that suits your skills. Pam will bring different herbs to class for you to experience, and you’ll get an herb plant to take home. We’ll also provide an extensive list of the hard-to-find herbs that will be available for sale at the Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Ages 16+. Registration deadline: April 21. Fee: $12/public; $10/Conservatory member or volunteer. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000.
