March 31, 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:
Bunny Tales in the Garden
Friday & Saturday, April 7 & 8, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Hop from one garden to the next as part of “Bunny Tales” at the Botanical Conservatory. Along the way, enjoy festive activities, happy spring blooms and the cutest little Easter animals. Discover the tale’s ending when visiting the Easter Bunny! Bunny goes on break from 11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-2:00 p.m. General admission fees apply. Sponsored by Majic 95.1 WAJI, Fox55 and Koester's Body and Frame Shop.
California Dreamin’ Showcase Exhibit
Until April 16, 2023, public hours
Calling all mamas and papas—find your inner beach bum at the Botanical Conservatory. Bring on the good vibes and hang loose at the botanical boardwalk accented with sun-loving tropical plants and vivid waves of color. Let the kiddos spring into the spirit of surf, sand and sun! Be sure to experience this Cali-cool winter exhibit. Sponsored by the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, Howard P. Arnold Foundation, Magee-O’Connor Foundation, PNC Charitable Trusts, The Waterfield Foundation, WANE 15 and 103.9 Wayne FM.
Color in Motion: Butterfly Exhibit
April 25-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.
Ramon F. Miller: Landscape Architecture & Art
April 25-August 13, public hours
Public Reception: April 30, 1:00-3:00 p.m. with Artist Lecture at 1:30 p.m.
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.
Friday Night Flights Fundraiser
Friday, April 28, 5:15-7:15 p.m.
Let your weekend take flight when starting downtown at a garden opening event where the Botanical Conservatory is serving beer and wine flights in support of its annual butterfly exhibit: Color in Motion. Not only is this a chance to visit live butterflies, you are also invited to meet German artist and landscape architect, Ramon F. Miller who is displaying his photography inspired by change, movement and randomness in nature. Appetizers will be served by Bluspoon. Beer and wine selection will be provided by Hop River Brewing Company. Two flights are included per person. This event is designated for ages 21 and over. Purchase tickets in advance! Registration deadline: April 21.
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
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.
Slightly Used Bulb Sale
April 6-April 30, public hours
This annual sale features slightly used tulips, daffodils and hyacinths from the Botanical Conservatory’s spring exhibit. Located in the outdoor Sales Garden, bulbs sell for $1.95 per pot and are ready to plant in preparation for next year’s bloom! Purchases are made through the Conservatory Shop while supplies last. Admission is not required to shop.
Art Display
Kerstin Glaess: “Coast to Coast”
Until April 15, public hours
Kerstin Glaess is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist working primarily in oil, collage and photography. She is best known for her paintings based on photographs and memories from her worldwide military adventures as a child. Kerstin continues to be inspired by a nature collection of flora, fauna and landscapes from her various homes across two continents, two countries, eleven states, one U.S. Territory and counting! Her diverse collections of collages and drawings focus on the shared human experience teasing the borders between dreamscapes and reality. “Coast to Coast” is fittingly on display during the California Dreamin’ Showcase Exhibit at the Botanical Conservatory.
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