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What’s Happening At The Botanical Conservatory In September

Botanical Roots Final Concert

September 1

Morry Sochat and the Special 20s (Blues)

Doors open 7:30 pm, Show starts 8:30 pm, Headliner 9:30 pm

The final concert of the Conservatory’s fresh-air Botanical Roots series features blues music with a touch of swing. Local opener Swick & Jones will kick off the show at 8:30 pm, bringing together elements of folk, blues, Americana, rock, and pop music for a wonderful blend that everyone can enjoy. Our headliner band, Morry Sochat and the Special 20s, hails from the Windy City. The Special 20s bring a freshness to Chicago blues, mixing in the sounds of swing and 1950s rock ‘n roll. Concerts are held on the Conservatory Terrace rain or shine. Seating is limited, so you may bring your own lawn chair. Food and beverage are available from Mad Anthony Brewing Company; no outside food or drink permitted. Admission: $6 ages 13+; 12 and under free. Members entrance and early admission. For more details, call (260) 427-6440 or visit Facebook page-Botanical Conservatory or www.botanicalconservatory.org. Sponsored by PBS39, Fort Wayne Metals Research, 96.3 WXKE, Whatzup, Mad Anthony Brewing Company, and Holiday Inn @ IPFW, and the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department.

Biergarten Games

Friday, September 22, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

What’s a Biergarten, you ask? From the German, Biergarten literally translates to Beer Garden, an outdoor area where beer and local food are served at shared tables. This Adults Only interactive cultural event will offer traditional German food and entertainment, live music, games and, of course, beer. We will provide an atmosphere reminiscent of times with friends and strangers spent in Biergartens throughout Germany. Your ticket includes garden admission, German food with dessert, one drink ticket, games and entertainment. We’ll organize participants into small teams for some friendly competition over the course of the evening, involving a variety of favorite German pastimes — singing, dancing, teamwork, and tests of skill and strategy. Winners earn prizes! Your team will visit five activity stations. Try your hand at the card game Scat, German “horse,” slackline, stein holding, and Win Lose or Draw auf Deutsch. Cash bar will be available. Meet friends or make friends: singles, couples, and groups are welcome. Groups of 3 or more must register by phone at (260) 427-6000. When you register, please specify names of those you wish to be in your group. This is a rain or shine event! Age 21+. Registration deadline: September 8. $40/individual; $35/person as couple; $30/person as group. Groups must register by phone. Call (260) 427-6000 and refer to code 427061-F1. Individuals and couples can register online at fortwayneparks.org.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

Sunday, September 10, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Rediscover your own backyard during the annual Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown celebration. Fort Wayne residents with a Be a Tourist passport will be able to visit area attractions and museums – FREE! These passports provide entrance to some of Fort Wayne’s leading attractions including the Botanical Conservatory. During the afternoon, participants can enjoy the swingin’ vocal performance of “Those 2 Guys in Suits & Ties,” 1:00-3:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information, go online to www.visitfortwayne.org or pick up a passport at Kroger stores or area attractions.

$1 Night

First Thursday of the month

September 7, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

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: Acorns for Luck

Thursday, September 7, 6:00 -7:00 p.m.

Have you ever picked up an oak nut — the nut most of us know as an acorn? You may be surprised to know the acorn has been the symbol of good luck, long life, and strength for centuries. Make an acorn necklace and get a German cultural perspective on the awesome acorn in light of our current “Blumengarten,” or Flower Garden exhibit. Activity included in your $1 Night admission fee. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

Fall Bonsai Display

Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Explore a forest of miniature trees carefully trained and pruned by members of our local bonsai club. Elms, maples, junipers and other familiar plants look just like their outdoor cousins – but a fraction of their size! The club also grows tropical bonsai that don’t need special winter treatment. Learn about the fascinating hobby or just enjoy “a stroll in the miniature forest.” Bonsai pots and young plants will be available to purchase. Sponsored by the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club. Enjoy a special discount on admission for the gardens and bonsai show, only $3/adult, $2/child. Children age 2 and under free.

Family Garden Close-Up: Pumpkin or Gourd?

Saturday, September 23, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

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. At this time of year we see many homes decorated for the autumn season with pumpkins. But are they really pumpkins or are they gourds? Or do people decorate with both pumpkins and gourds? This month we will look at the differences between these two popular autumn vine fruits. You can even make your own autumn decoration to take home. Included in your regular Conservatory admission. Call (260) 427-6440 for more information.

Fall Plant Swap

Saturday, September 2, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

The Conservatory’s free plant swap is coming up on the first Saturday of September. Bring at least one plant to share and take home an armful of starts from other gardeners in the area. Plants can be seeds, divisions, or full-grown plants; they could be flowers, fruits, houseplants, ground covers, shrubs, or trees, but no weeds please! Bring a box or bag to carry home your new babies. Everyone gets a number when they arrive and we take turns picking. The swap is free, but phone reservations are required by August 31. For more information or to register, call (260) 427-6442.

Preserving and Using Your Herbs

Saturday, September 9, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Have you always dreamed of growing your own delectable herbs and then using them in delicious homemade meals? Master Gardener Pam Snyder will teach you about a myriad of herbs. Discover preservation methods and how to use them in your own cooking. Many herbs are downright enthusiastic, so even if you’ve never kept something alive before, you’re sure to find an herb that suits your skills. Explore which herbs/spices to use for which food and share some great recipes for enjoying your herbs as Pam will have a variety for you to see, taste and smell. Ages 16+. Registration deadline: September 1. Min. 10. Max. 35. $10/person; $8/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online to fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 427063-S1.

Forest Bathing Walk (Shinrin-Yoku)

Thursday, September 21, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, is the experience of immersing oneself in the sensory gifts of nature. This can be done in a forest setting, but also in gardens and parks. The benefits are not only a greater sense of well-being, but a boost in immune function and ready access to lower stress hormones and boosts in serotonin levels. This is not your regular walk in the park, but a series of invitations using the senses to rediscover your inner child and your connection with the natural world. Being relaxed, revitalized, and better equipped to handle the stresses of daily living are the goals of this forest bathing walk. Instructor Christy Thomson is a life-long resident of northeast IN. She is the only certified forest therapy guide in Indiana and is thrilled to share this opportunity with the Fort Wayne community. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 14. Min. 5. Max. 15. $15/person; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online to fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 427065-R1.

Autumn Succulents

Thursday, September 28, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

What a perfect time of year to turn a cute personal-sized pumpkin into a decorative piece for the fall season! Nancy Murphy, an active volunteer at the Conservatory, demonstrates how to place and maintain succulents on your very own pumpkins. When the season is over you will be able plant your succulents in pots and enjoy them year after year. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: September 20. Min. 10. Max. 15. $15/person; $12/Conservatory member or volunteer. To register, call (260) 427-6000 or go online to fortwayneparks.org and refer to code 427068-S1.

Kathryn Clark: Watercolor, Graphite, Oil Painting

September 3-October 28

Public Reception: September 3, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Kathryn Clark was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Fine Art. In 1971, she and her husband founded Twinrocker Handmade Paper and were central to the revival of handmade paper in America. When Twinrocker Handmade Paper started making watercolor paper in 1985, Kathryn began painting in watercolors to test the papers. She soon fell in love with the medium and has been painting ever since. Today, Kathryn exhibits art works in watercolor, graphite, and more recently oil. She was voted an artist member of the Indiana Artists Club, the Brown County Art Guild in Nashville, IN, Oil Painters of America, the American Impressionist Society, and the Hoosier Salon. She’s also won awards in juried exhibitions at the Hoosier Salon, Indiana Heritage Arts, Indiana Artists Club, and more. To meet Kathryn, drop in to her public punch & cookie reception on Sunday, September 3 between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Regular Conservatory admission applies: $5/adult, $3/child age 3-17; Conservatory members and volunteers free. For more information, call (260) 427-6440.

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 programs will be offered throughout the length of this exhibit to help Fort Wayne discover more about Gera, our German sister city since 1992. Sponsored by WAJI Majic 95.1, ABC21 WPTA, the M.E. Raker Foundation, Wilson Foundation, and Auer Foundation.