February 28, 2020
Contact: Rob Hines
P: 260-427-6028
C: 260-241-1932
Public Information Officer
Fort Wayne, Ind. – Here’s what’s happening at the Botanical Conservatory in March 2020.
Great Train Connection
Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 8, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Travel through exciting cities and wonderland landscapes while exploring the world of miniature model train displays during this two-day event at the Botanical Conservatory. Expect to put on a conductor’s hat, as many of these displays are interactive! Local model railroad clubs will guide visitors through the various types of table top displays ranging from G-scale to HO-scale and the tiny Nscale model trains. Develop a greater appreciation for Fort Wayne’s rich railroad history and even get the chance to create a simple miniature tree to go a model train display. Regular garden admission applies.
Dog Days of Winter Garden Exhibit
Open through April 12
The “dog days of summer” means hot, humid, outdoor weather, but our fanciful opposite – the Dog Days of Winter – provides a fun time to visit indoors, in spite of the weather. This garden of make-believe invites young visitors to imagine what it would be like to own a dog – or be one! A variety of topiary breeds occupy the garden beds, but the Dog Park Agility Course is a playground for doggie-wannabes. Choose a favorite breed at the Dog Show, try on different sizes of Dog Housing to see which fits best, and practice howling at the moon. Visitors can also learn a bit about pet care at the Doggie Doctor and take a simple quiz to find out which breeds they resemble. Featuring lush tropicals, winter-bloomers, and later in the season, early spring-flowering bulbs, the Dog Days of Winter will bring welcome relief from the chill of the season. Sponsored by the Magee-O’Connor Foundation, the Howard P. Arnold Foundation and Majic 95.1.
Sweetheart Orchid Display
Open through March 8
Make a date for the Botanical Conservatory to enjoy the lovely indoor gardens and special display of orchids. Take a moment to capture a photo under the orchid arbor planted with a cascade of striking Cattleyas, fragrant Dendrobiums, dainty Oncidiums, and moth-like Phalaenopsis against a backdrop of our lush Tropical Garden. Then, browse the Conservatory gift shop and purchase an orchid or other sweet memorable gift.
$1 Night: Poisonous Plants: Pets Edition
Thursday, March 5, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
In conjunction with our current garden exhibit, “Dog Days of Winter,” find out which plants may be harmful to four-legged companions. Learn why it is important to say “no” to a cute canine the next time they beg for a bite of avocado salad or chocolate cake. Stay for a fun craft, enjoy light refreshments and visit the gardens all for just $1!
Painted Lady Hatch & Release
Saturday, March 21, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The beauty of butterflies does not happen in an instant, as their lifecycle is a process of four stages: the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly. See this transformation with a Painted Lady Hatching Kit in our gift shop or in our booth at the Home & Garden Show February 27-March 1. Once the caterpillars transform into butterflies, we will celebrate their flight and release our butterflies together in the Tropical Garden. Depending on temperatures, we may even be able to release them outdoors. All are welcome to watch and learn about Painted Lady Butterflies as part of this special event. Included in regular admission. Call (260) 427-6440 for more information.
Garden Preschool: Signs of Spring
Saturday, March 17, 9-10:30 a.m.
1 session, $6
Garden Preschool meets at the Botanical Conservatory every third Tuesday in March through May. While encouraging the basics of exploring in the garden at a young age, each monthly class explores a different theme through hands-on activities, crafts, stories, and snacks. Parents and guardians assist their children side by side and learn together while doing garden activities that are sure to get everyone thinking! At least one adult is required to stay and participate (no registration required) for the duration of the class with their child. Please indicate at registration if a participant has food allergies. Ages 3-5. Registration deadline: March 10
Indoor Plants: The Benefits
Saturday, March 14, 9-10:30 a.m.
1 session, $8
Indoor plants have many benefits. Join Master Gardener and houseplant aficionado Marlene Purdy as she breaks down the benefits when it comes to plants whether they are in the home, office or even the mall. Matters of watering, pest control and general requirements will be emphasized. Learn the best care tips for the happiest and healthiest houseplants! Conservatory admission and plant starts included. Ages 15+.
Registration deadline: March 7.
European Bulb Garden
Saturday, March 21, 9-10:30 a.m.
1 session, $33
Start spring early this year by creating a European style bulb basket with Dennis Bowman, local Fresh Design Manager at Gassafy Wholesale Florist. Dennis will guide participants through the process of assembling a themed garden basket and give specialized tips for proper care of the plant material. Flower bulbs may even be reused afterwards and planted outside for a gift that keeps on giving! Participants can bring garden gloves and other suitable accents to incorporate. Admission to the gardens is also included. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: March 14.
Tomatoes: Container Varieties
Saturday, March 28, 10-11:30 a.m.
1 session, $11
Discover the best container tomato varieties with farmer and Master Gardener Dennis Parr who knows first-hand which are the most disease resistant as well as the most delicious. Learn tricks of the trade and direct seed up to six of the recommended varieties (some new to the market) which can be transplanted after nurturing them indoors and counting down the last of those frost-free days. Eventually the time will come to indulge in an abundance of tasty tomatoes. Seed, germinating medium, starting containers and labels will be provided. Garden admission is also included. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: March 21.
For more information, visit BotanicalConservatory.org or call 260-427-6440.
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