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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In August

$1 Night

First Thursday of the month

The Conservatory is open on the first Thursday night of the month for a discounted admission of just $1 per person. During each $1 Night you can also drop in to our program room for a fun and educational lecture or activity. No reservations required. We validate parking tickets from the Civic Center Parking Garage for free parking. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

$1 Night Insight: Color Changing Flowers

Thursday, August 3, 6 – 7 pm

We will demonstrate some experiments you can try at home. Learn about flower colors and how flowers hydrate themselves. Then, choose a flower to dye and get the process started. You’ll be able to take your freaky flower home! Suitable for young and old; included in your $1 Night admission fee. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Botanical Roots Concert Series

Friday Nights, Now-September 1, 8:30-11:00 p.m.

It’s our 12th season! Six concerts feature Zydeco, Blues, Reggae and more with local bands performing the opening act. Concerts are held rain or shine in our outdoor Terrace Garden. Seating is limited so please feel free to bring your own chair. Food and beverage will be available for purchase; no outside food or beverage allowed. Admission: $6/age 13 and older; age 12 and under free. Members entrance and early admission. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit us at www.botanicalconservatory.org or Facebook-Botanical Roots.

August 4 Gizzae (Reggae)

August 11 C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band (Zydeco)

August 18 Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers (Zydeco)

August 25 The Soul Lounge Band (Soul/Funk)

September 1 Morry Sochat & the Special 20s (Blues)

Garden Close-Up: German Gardens

Saturday, August 26, 11 am-1 pm

Visit the Botanical Conservatory on the fourth Saturday to get a closer look at our plants and gardens with an exploratory walk, hands-on activity or demonstration. We highlight a different garden each month so you can make new discoveries through fun, educational activities. Included in your regular Conservatory admission, so drop in! When you visit the Conservatory’s Blumengarten exhibit this month, you’ll experience something of what German gardens are like. Learn about the modern German style that includes beautiful ornamental grasses and perennials in a free-flowing, meadow-like design. And discover the phenomenon of the Schrebergarten, which doubles as a veggie plot and summer getaway. As you stroll in the gardens, enjoy nibbling on a special German treat. Included in your regular Conservatory admission. Call (260) 427-6440 for more information.

Skill Building Tai Chi in the Garden

Tuesday, August 22, 5:30-6:30 pm

Have you been wanting to try out Tai Chi? The Botanical Conservatory is offering a sampler this summer, focusing on the basics for beginners and those who would like to refresh. Tai Chi helps you renew your energy level while benefitting with better posture and improved breathing, balance and relaxation. Sandy Gebhard has been teaching and practicing Tai Chi for over 30 years and is certified as an instructor by Master Dr. Paul Lam. Registration deadlines: August 15. Ages 18+. Min. 10. Max. 16. Drop-ins welcome for $10 fee per evening; call in advance to make sure class is in session. $9/public; $7/Conservatory member or volunteer. Refer to Code #327002-T3 when registering. Call (260) 427-6000 or go online to www.fortwayneparks.org to sign up. Held at the Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Blumengarten: A German Story

Through November 12

From summer to fall we celebrate our German twin, the city of Gera, with a special garden. The Showcase will present five aspects, including a dahlia garden, casual biergarten, and practical cottage garden, to introduce visitors to Germany through its natural spaces. In addition, a gallery exhibit of artifacts will provide Conservatory guests a little more taste for the history of Thuringia, “the green heart of Germany,” where Gera is located. Established in medieval times but influenced by the modern era, Gera is different than familiar Bavaria. Explore the culture of central Germany with interpretive displays spotlighting their respect for both nature and history. Additional public programs will be offered concurrent with this exhibit to help Fort Wayne discover more about Gera, our German sister city since 1992. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, ABC21 WPTA, Fort Wayne Sister Cities International, the M.E. Raker Foundation, Wilson Foundation, and Auer Foundation.

Discovery Corner: Animals in the Garden

Daily in the Discovery Gallery throughout April

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 August, we’ll talk about animals in the garden! Adults can read aloud to their young learners and encourage their children as they explore ideas together. Our materials are all safe and suitable for kids in pre-K through 1st grade. The Discovery Corner is free with general admission; preregistration is not required.