Have an exciting workshop idea you would like to share with the community? The Foellinger- Freimann Botanical Conservatory is currently accepting class proposals for the upcoming season. Check out the Instructor link to learn more! 

Check out our list of classes below and/or check out the  Summer Fun Times for even more FUN! 

 Ready to Register?  Register on-line now! 

Summer Classes

An Herban Garden, Showcase Reception

Friday, August 25, 5:15-7:45 p.m.

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Hang out in ‘An Herban Garden’ where friends and neighbors come together at the Botanical Conservatory. Vibe to Sankofa’s live performance and savor a sense of community in a downtown full of garden-to-table herbs with a trendy streetscape. Also meet local artist Daniel Dienelt who is exhibiting pieces with a unique perspective on public space in the city. Herb-centric appetizers and bar catered by Bluspoon. Two drinks/person included. Ages 21+. Registration deadline: August 11.

Code                     Date               Day               Time              

327702-F1            8/25                 F                 5:15-7:45 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$70

Couples: 2/$125

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Fall Plant Swap

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

Code                    Date       Day        Time

327703-S1            9/2         Sa           10-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 1/FREE

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Grow What You Eat

Ever thought to grow your own food? Bring your friends and learn together just how easy it can be! For gardeners of any level, join expert Bevin Cohen, owner of Small House Farm, and learn all about the benefits of living closer to the land through seeds, herbs and locally grown food. In addition to a special presentation, registration includes Bevin’s new book Grow Great Vegetables in Indiana that is signed on the spot by the award-winning author himself. Also includes admission to ‘An Herban Garden’ exhibit. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: July 7. Max. 45.

Code                    Date       Day             Time

327102-S1            7/8         Sa           12:15-1:15 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$20

Member or Volunteer Fee: $18

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Foraging Wild Edibles

Learn how to forage for food in your own back yard! Identify common edible plants and learn how they can be used as well as when and how to harvest them. Take advantage of this opportunity to not only learn about, but taste wild edibles with Carrie Vrabel. A known wild food forager, Carrie is certified by the state of Indiana as a Wild Mushroom Identification Expert and is the founder of Wild Edible Indiana. Garden admission is included with registration. Ages 8+. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration deadline: August 10. Min 10. Max 20.

Code                    Date      Day           Time              

327104-R1           8/17       Th           6-8 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22

Member or Volunteer Fee: $19

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Kokedama: Art of Making Moss Balls

Design a living planter as a natural, green element for your living space. This hands-on workshop is inspired by the Japanese art of kokedama through the creation of a jute-wrapped ball of soil and moss that fits harmoniously in the palm of your hands. Ornamented by a piece of the Botanical Conservatory’s plant collection, learn care and maintenance in addition to what types of arrangements can be made at home. Such a special occasion to register together and also visit the gardens! Conservatory admission included. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: September 7. Min. 12. Max. 20.

Code                   Date       Day          Time              

427500-R1           9/14       Th           6-7:30 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22

Member or Volunteer Fee: $19

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

T'ai Chi in August

Reduce stress through summer T’ai Chi sessions that modify 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 water and wear comfortable fitting shoes. Class will be held outdoors in the shade, weather permitting. Includes garden admission. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: July 25. Min. 12. Max. 20.

Code                     Dates                 Day             Time

327403-T1            8/1-8/22               T              10-11 am

# Sessions/Fee: 4/$42

Member or Volunteer Fee: $37

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun

T'ai Chi in September

Find flow in your movement and develop confidence in your balance with the ancient Chinese practice of T’ai Chi. Certified instructor, Liz Monnier guides movement in the method of Qigong to induce relaxation, healing and internal harmony. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable fitting shoes. Class will be held outdoors in the shade, weather permitting and with class consensus. During public hours, participants are invited to meditate in the gardens prior to the session. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 29. Min. 12. Max. 20. 

Code                      Dates                Day            Time

327403-T2            9/5-9/26               T              5-6 pm

# Sessions/Fee: 4/$42

Member or Volunteer Fee: $37

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun

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. Please bring a water bottle, yoga mat or blanket, long scarf and small hand towel. Upon registration, all new participants must provide an email address to complete a required memorandum of understanding prior to class. For more information, visit movementintelligence.org. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: August 29. Min. 12. Max. 20. 

Code                     Dates                 Day               Time

327404-T1            9/5-9/26               T              9:30-10:30 am

# Sessions/Fee: 4/$59

Member or Volunteer Fee: $54

Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun

Botanical Field Trip & Outreach

Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 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, scientific methods, data collection and more! Reservations must be made online at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information and to register, visit botanicalconservatory.org.

National Pollinator Week

Tuesday-Saturday, June 20-24, Public hours

Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.

Join us as we celebrate National Pollinator Week at the Botanical Conservatory! Get a thrill out of the Conservatory’s Live Butterfly Exhibit and Observation Bee Hive both having returned for another season. In addition, explore the amazing world of pollinators and learn the importance of pollinators in our world. Regular Conservatory admission applies.

Testimonials

Bonsai Workshop
Very nice instructors and the class was very interesting. Adam G.
I've always thought bonsai trees were very interesting. I never realized how intricate the caring process was, but I am excited to care for my tree. Kandice G.

Lacto-fermentation
Good introductory course for those contemplating starting Lacto fermentation. Theresa W.

Centerpieces
Dennis Bowman did an excellent job instructing us and helping those of us in need. Elaine M.
Everyone was very helpful regardless of our (the participant) ability-helped us make a beautiful centerpiece! Nancy S.

Functional Gardening
Even more than I expected-land water and plant information-WIN, WIN, WIN-Abigail K.

Spring Arrangement
Always excellent. Mary Ann L.

Tai Chi
This is my second Tai Chi class and I thoroughly enjoy it!  It helps me with my balance, flexibility and posture.  Suzanne R.

Backyard Bluebirds
I work for Angel Corps. It is so wonderful to bring my client (who has a membership) to the workshops.  I believe it is our third one.  It is very stimulating for her and she enjoys it.  It is very rewarding for both of us.  Deb W.

Terra Cotta Turkeys
Had a great time! Deb W. and Joan C.

Amanda shares her plant knowledge at Stress Less Fest 2021!