Classes & Events 

 

Spring Classes

Breakfast with Butterflies

Reserve your spot for an unforgettable experience at the Botanical Conservatory! As a VIP guest, this special occasion includes a personalized visit with exotic butterflies, a craft and breakfast, too. Enjoy French toast sticks, sausage, scrambled eggs, fruit and a beverage of your choice. You will also receive a souvenir and Painted Lady Butterfly Kit to continue the transformative fun at home. All ages are welcome. Children must register with an adult. Children under age two are free; spots must be reserved at registration along with requests for high chairs or booster seats. Registration deadlines: May 29 and June 5. Min. 20. Max. 48.

Code                     Date      Day                  Time

227702-A1           6/4         Su       10 am-12 pm

227702-A2           6/11       Su       10 am-12 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$30

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

 

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/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.  

 

Spring Plant Swap

Swap quality established plants with fellow plant enthusiasts and bring home the same amount of plants, if not more! Vegetables, annuals and houseplants are preferable this spring. Please label ahead of time and bring a carrier for transporting. Swaps are FREE; however, space is limited and registered participants are given priority. Reserve your spot by calling (260) 427-6000. Registration deadline: June 1. Min. 10. Max. 45.

Code                     Date      Day                Time

227700-S1            6/3         Sa           10-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/Free

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

 

Pysanky: Ukrainian Eggs

The historic tradition of Pysanky, or Ukrainian Easter Eggs, can be traced all the way back to 20^th century BC. Throughout Eastern Europe, these symbols of hope combine intricate geometric patterns, multiple colors and folk motifs into amazing pieces of art. Create your own unique pysanky as Carol Ann and Karen Eckrich guide you through the process of drawing with welted wax and coloring with dye baths. You will receive a toolkit consisting of a kistka stylus, beeswax and six color dyes to continue your egg creations at home! Garden admission is also included. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: March 25. Min. 10. Max. 20.

Code                     Date      Day              Time

227502-S1            4/1         Sa           9-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$32

Member or Volunteer Fee: $28

Location: Bot. Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

 

Bonsai for Beginners

Intrigued by the art of bonsai? Learn the basics with a beginner’s workshop covering essential pruning and care of these miniaturized trees. With expert guidance from members of the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club, prepare a container for your own small specimen and see up close a demonstration on forming a beautiful bonsai showpiece! In addition, learn about proper soil, successful repotting and overall techniques to give it a long and healthy life at home. Includes a pass for the May 20 Spring Bonsai Show. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: April 22. Min. 10. Max. 20.

Code                     Date      Day              Time

227503-S1            4/29       Sa           9-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$42

Member or Volunteer Fee: $39

Location: Bot. Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

 

Bones for Life®

Improve the health and strength of your bones with gentle movements that enhance posture and decrease pain. This four-part series is guided by Liz Monnier, a certified Bones for Life® instructor and Feldenkrais® practitioner. Using natural movements to best aid in the fight against osteoporosis, effective practice includes standing, walking, sitting and lying on the floor. Modifications are offered to accommodate restrictions during class. Removing shoes is recommended for best results. Please bring a water bottle, yoga mat or blanket, long scarf and small hand towel. Upon registration, all participants must provide an email address to complete a required memorandum of understanding prior to class. Visit the website movementintelligence.org for more information. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: March 1. Min. 10. Max. 20.

Code                     Dates                 Day              Time

227402-T1            3/7-3/28               T              5-6 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 4/$59

Member or Volunteer Fee: $54

Location: Bot. Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

 

T’ai Chi Tuesdays

Reduce stress through a T’ai Chi series that modifies the Sun Style Form for beginning to advanced students. Instructor Sandy Gebhard promotes the benefits of this ancient Chinese practice acknowledged as a gentle exercise to relax the body and focus the mind. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable fitting shoes. Individual garden admission is included for continued meditation following each session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: April 18. Min. 10. Max. 20.

Code                     Dates                 Day                Time

227401-T4            4/25-5/30            T              10-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 6/$55

Member or Volunteer Fee: $50

Location: Bot. Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

 

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 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 included with general admission.

 

National Public Gardens Week

Tuesday-Saturday, May 16-20, Public hours

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.

Botanical Field Trip & Outreach

Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Botanical Conservatory is an ideal field trip destination for public, parochial, private and home school students. Teachers may choose the standards-based curriculum that best meets their students’ needs while engaging them in experiential learning about plants, biomes, soil, scientific methods, data collection and more! Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. A minimum of 10 students is required to book a lab, though self-guided visit lessons are available for smaller groups. For more information, call (260) 427-6446 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..