March 2, 2022
Contact: April McCampbell
P: 260-427-6024
C: 260-241-1932
Manager of Communications
Masks recommended but no longer required at the Botanical Conservatory as of March 1
Fort Wayne, Ind. –The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory at 1100 South Calhoun Street presents the following events and programs in March:
Sweetheart Orchid Display
February 8 to March 13, Public hours
A tasteful display of orchids in bloom creates a delightfully intimate space in the Botanical Conservatory’s Tropical Garden. Find yourself in a fanciful backdrop of Cattleyas, fragrant Dendrobiums, dainty Oncidiums and moth-like Phalaenopsis. It’s just the place for a date and an ideal photo opportunity with your sweetheart! Orchids and other memorable plants will be available for purchase in the Conservatory Shop. This display is included with regular Conservatory admission.
Bee the Change
Thursday, March 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Visit the Conservatory on the first Thursday of each month for a specially-crafted activity to “bee the change” you wish to see in the world. Each monthly theme offers a positive reminder of self-worth and the potential of each person to impact the community – including plants and animals. The theme on March 3 is Circus Skills. No registration is required. New in 2022, Conservatory admission is just $1 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. every Thursday. Plus, Civic Center Garage parking is validated for free.
The Great Train Connection
Friday-Sunday, March 11-13, Public hours
Connect with Fort Wayne’s rich railroad history at the Botanical Conservatory as local railroad clubs present all types of interactive activities and displays ranging from G scale to HO to tiny N scale model trains and more! It’s a “freight” time for the whole family, especially the littlest engines. General admission fees apply.
Slightly Used Bulb Sale
March 26-April 24, Public hours
This annual sale features slightly used tulips, daffodils and hyacinths from the Botanical Conservatory’s spring exhibit. Located in the Sales Garden, bulbs are priced to sell for $1.95/pot and ready to plant in preparation for next year’s blooms! Purchases can be made through the Conservatory Shop while supplies last. Admission is not required to shop.
Pollinators & Plants
Saturday, March 26, 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Session fee: $12
Dig deeper into the topic of how to become a pollinator companion in your own garden! Ask questions and find out all about this hot topic with Master Gardener Glenn Hile who has firsthand knowledge about local pollinators and the plants that attract them. Garden admission is included. This session is for age 12 and above. The deadline to register is March 19.
Art Display, Gregg Coffey: Life in the Brush
January-March, Public hours
Art serves many purposes. It can be decorative; calming to those suffering and even bring sensual pleasure through color and form. Art may challenge the status quo, play devil’s advocate and cause someone to think. Some art is so sublime that it incites a sense of wonderment while prompting a mini samadhi or moment of enlightenment. While a student of classical Chinese painting, the rules for Gregg Coffey were simple –“follow rules of the natural world.” Explore Coffey’s unique calling and contemplate what it communicates. General admission fees apply.
“Under the Big Top”
Winter Showcase Exhibit
January 8-April 17, Public hours
Come one, come all to the greatest circus Garden in town! Join the Side Show when posing as a Strong Man or Bearded Lady. Marvel at exotic topiary animals and astonishing plant oddities. This winter, everyone is invited to go to the circus and “clown around” under the Conservatory’s Botanical Big Top. The Winter Showcase exhibit is sponsored by The Waterfield Foundation, Howard P. Arnold Foundation, the English Bonter Mitchell Foundation, the Magee-O'Connor Foundation, 103.9 Wayne FM and WANE-15.
###
