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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In February

$1 Night & Black History Month

Thursday, February 2, 5 – 7 pm

On the first Thursday of the month, visit the Botanical Conservatory gardens between 5pm and 8pm for only $1 admission per person AND enjoy an interactive learning activity. During the February DNI, discover George Washington Carver, the botanist and inventor who developed one of the most revolutionary concepts in American agriculture — crop rotation. He is well-known for documenting the many uses of peanuts and for supporting peanuts in rotation with cotton to replenish the fields. While you learn, you can enjoy some tasty peanut-y treats! Program included in admission fee; no reservations required. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Sweetheart Orchid Display

February 7 – 26

Make a date for the Botanical Conservatory and bring your sweetie down in February to enjoy our “Mary Poppins Garden Party” exhibit, lovely indoor gardens, and a special display of orchids. Take a moment with camera or cell phone to capture your darling under a heart-shaped arbor planted with a cascade of red “Valentine” orchids or against a backdrop of lush Tropical Garden plants. Treat your special friend to a lunch or snack at the Empyrean Café and have fun browsing the Conservatory gift shop for an orchid or other sweet gift. Included in regular Conservatory admission. Open Tuesday through Sunday. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org.

Murder at the Conservatory: An Orchid to Die For

Saturday, February 11, 6 pm

Looking to spice up your Valentine’s Day? Let us lure you to the Conservatory for a progressive dinner and murder mystery! Suss out the murderer and deduce their motive by exploring the gardens, searching out clues, and interrogating characters. Indulge your inner hedonist with heavy hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages while you wander the rainforest, desert and corridors. Your ticket includes your garden admission, dinner, dessert, one drink ticket, entertainment and investigator’s mandate. Cash bar will be available. Couples, singles, and groups are welcome. (Groups of 3 or more must register by phone at 427-6000.) Entry times are rolling: participants will be assigned to a small group and admitted at several-minute intervals so as to give each group access to clues and characters. When you register, please specify names of those you wish to be in your party. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: February 2. Fee: $50/couple; $45/person; and $40/ person for groups registering by phone. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. To register, call (260) 427-6000. Sponsored by WLDE Fun 101.7.

Riverponics

Saturday, February 18, 12 – 2 pm

If you missed it last time, here is another opportunity to learn new growing techniques that Hydro Tea LLC has developed. Matthew Fingerle, CEO of Hydro Tea, will present the developments he has made in his innovative system for hydroponic growing. Topics include the growing system, compost tea brewer, self-watering systems, air pruning and wicking containers, making your own soil, aerated water, vortexing

and cloning plants. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: February 10. Fee: $8/public; $6/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online at www.fortwayneparks.org.

Garden Close-Up: Tropical Treats

Saturday, February 25, 11 am – 1 pm

Are you looking for a tropical escape from the cold Indiana winter blues? Come visit our Tropical Rainforest and learn about the fruiting plants in our garden. We’ll explore the different products that are derived from these plants and enjoy a tasty tropical treat! When you visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday, you get a closer look at our gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. We highlight a different garden each month to let you make new discoveries through

fun, educational activities. Included with Conservatory admission: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17. Children age 2 and under free. Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun Street. No reservations needed. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

New Volunteer Orientation

Wednesday, February 22, 4 – 6 pm

The Botanical Conservatory is inviting new volunteers to join their support team. We look for help at the Front Desk, in the Gift Shop, with special events and to assist with our annual live butterfly exhibit. For Front Desk and Gift Shop, some familiarity with computers and retail settings is an advantage, but not required. Training is provided, and benefits include free garden admission, discounts on classes and purchases, and annual recognition. For more information, contact Megan at megan.butler. org or (260) 427-6446.

“A Mary Poppins Garden Party” garden exhibit

Through April 2

When there’s a bit of heavy weather brewin’ outdoors this winter, bring the children down to the Conservatory to explore the new Mary Poppins- themed garden exhibit. Jane and Michael Banks seemed always to be in trouble. But after their new nanny arrived (in a most curious way, mind you), nothing was the same. Their time in the nursery and out for adventures taught both self-discipline and wonder. Discover Mr. Banks’ world of finance, Admiral Boom’s punctuality and nose for weather, a chimneysweep’s rooftop

perspective, and the magical imaginings of Bert’s chalk drawings and carousel horse steeplechase. Decorated with winter-blooming cyclamen, primroses, and pocketbook plant, the gardens offer grown-ups a breath of spring while they explore alongside their youngsters. Can you say

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? Sponsored by WLDE and Majic 95.1FM. Regular admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440 or visit www.botanicalconservatory.org.

Discovery Corner: Dr. Seuss

Daily in the Discovery Gallery throughout February

Our youngest visitors are always welcome to visit the Discovery Corner behind Woody the Talking Tree where they’ll find stories and activities relating to a monthly theme. In February, we’ll focus on Dr. Seuss. Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. Adults are encouraged to read aloud to their young learners and explore ideas together. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is not required.

Art Display: Patricia Biesen: Pastels, Ink Drawing & Acrylic

Through February

Patricia Biesen’s work, involving the media of oil pastel, pen and ink, and acrylics, will be featured at the Botanical Conservatory in the Saguaro Room during public hours. Patricia was educated at the American Academy of Art in Chicago and School of Decorative Arts in St. Louis. She lived and worked in Chicago for three decades and is a newcomer to Fort Wayne. Her work has been featured in Woman Made, Gallery 312, and David Leonardis in Chicago. She draws inspiration from flowers and weeds for both their beauty and medicinal value. Regular Conservatory admission applies. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.