May 3, 2023
Contact: April McCampbell
P: 260-427-6024
C: 260-241-1932
Manager of Communications
Fort Wayne, Ind. –The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 1100 South Calhoun Street presents the following events and programs this month.
Featuring:
Mother’s Day Plant Sale
Friday-Sunday, May 12-14
Friday 1:00-7:00 p.m. l Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. I Sunday 11:00-2:00 p.m.
McMillen Park Community Center, 3901 Abbott Street
Just in time for spring planting, the Botanical Conservatory offers over 700 varieties of plants at the annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. Shop masses of locally grown herbs, vegetable starts, flowering perennials and native plants joining a host of annuals, mixed containers, hanging baskets, houseplants, bonsai and a variety of seeds. Essentials like potting soil and compost worms are also available. A team of knowledgeable plant advisors are even ready to answer questions and offer suggestions! This annual fundraiser supports Fort Wayne’s very own Botanical Conservatory. Sponsored by: Majic 95.1 WAJI and Fox55.
Mother’s Day in the Garden
Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14, Public hours
Plan a special outing to the Botanical Conservatory where Moms get in FREE on Mother’s Day weekend. Drop by Conjure Coffee, browse the Conservatory Shop, visit live butterflies and admire all the lovely garden displays together. The first 800 mothers to visit receive a free plant! Sponsored by: Majic 95.1 WAJI and 21Alive.
National Public Gardens Week
Tuesday-Saturday, May 16-20, Public hours
All are invited to explore diverse plant collections while touring indoor and outdoor destinations at the Botanical Conservatory. As part of Fort Wayne’s downtown revitalization efforts since 1983, our mission is to “provide a unique botanical venue for quality public education and enjoyment.” Visit during National Public Gardens Week to learn, celebrate and discover all there is to see and do at your local public garden! Also take advantage of a special giveaway while supplies last. Regular admission fees apply.
Color in Motion: Butterfly Exhibit
Now until-June 25, Public hours
Live butterflies have landed at the Botanical Conservatory bringing with them an array of natural beauty and wonder. Watch in awe, their wings in flight, as they flash with color pigments and refracted light. Observe exotic butterflies emerging from their chrysalides right before your eyes! An epic display of multicolored flowers and foliage elevates this annual spring exhibit. Sponsored by English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Ian and Mimi Rolland Foundation, The Waterfield Foundation, “In memory of Jo Ann and William Wyatt,” 97.3 WMEE and 21Alive.
Spring Bonsai Show
Saturday, May 20, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Stroll through a miniature forest made up of familiar trees that are the focus of conversation. Members of the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club are ready to share about this fascinating art form! Cultivate your interest when choosing from a selection of bonsai specimen and pots that are available for cash-only purchase. Show entry is included with general admission.
Iris Flower Show
Sunday, May 28, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
Enjoy the best of this year’s blooms when visiting with members of the Northeast Indiana Iris Society, a local group of gardeners with a growing passion for Irises. These showy flowers are on display with stunning color in a range of species. Be sure to vote for your favorite! Show entry is included with general admission.
Also Happening:
$1 Thursdays
Thursdays, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Find your inner beach bum and good vibes when you experience the California Dreamin’ showcase exhibit along with the Tropical and Desert gardens in the Conservatory. The Conservatory admission is just $1 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday. Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
Ramon F. Miller: Landscape Architecture & Art
April 25-August 13, public hours
Outdoor landscapes are continually being influenced by the work of nature such as through movement of trees, reflections in water, dark shadows from clouds or shimmering light on a dewy morning. To the human eye, these random transformative effects are wildly emphasized as part of an intentional landscape. Inspired by the joy and happiness of the natural world, landscape architects have long embraced randomness. Hailing from sister city Gera, Germany, landscape architect and artist, Ramon F. Miller gives his perspective on randomness with modern day photographs that celebrate the abstract beauty of nature. This never-before-seen collection on display at the Botanical Conservatory emphasizes change and a lack of control with light and shadow effects in the moment. Presented in partnership with Friends of the Parks of Allen County.
Become a Butterfly Attendant
Did you know the Botanical Conservatory recruits and relies on volunteers to assist during its live butterfly exhibit every spring? Having completed the required training, each volunteer is equipped to interact with visitors, prevent butterfly escapes and cover routine shifts in the greenhouse display tent. To become a Butterfly Attendant, complete an online volunteer application found on the Botanical Conservatory’s website https://www.botanicalconservatory.org/support-us/volunteer-support-us. Call (260) 427-6443 or email
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