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 Fall Fun Times for even more FUN!
Ready to Register? Register on-line starting August 2nd for Fall programs!
Classes & Events
Summer Classes
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.
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.
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 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
Fall Classes
Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown
Sunday, September 10, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Celebrate all Fort Wayne has to offer with FREE admission to your favorite hometown attractions including the Botanical Conservatory! Get your event passport stamped having explored diverse plant collections and toured this destination in the heart of downtown. Be sure to also leave your mark when visiting “An Herban Garden” seasonal exhibit. Go to visitfortwayne.com for details.
Fall Bonsai Show
Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Stroll through a miniature forest of familiar trees as the focus of conversation. Members of the Fort Wayne Bonsai Club are eager 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.
Kokedama: The Art of 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
427508-R1 9/14 Th 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Member or Volunteer Fee: $19
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Succulent Pumpkins
What is cuter than succulents paired with pumpkins? Sign up for this popular returning workshop, and create your own living décor to enjoy this autumn! Arrange individual succulent cuttings on miniature pumpkins and also learn expert tips on how to maintain and multiply your new plant babies once the season is over. Make time to visit the gardens too, as Conservatory admission is included. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: October 12. Min. 12. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
427503-R1 10/19 Th 6-7 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$19
Member or Volunteer Fee: $16
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Pumpkin Macramé
Accompanied by boho macramé, go home with a trendy wall hanging holding a baby pumpkin topped with a baby succulent cutting! Join master of knots, Laurie Higi, in this beginner’s level workshop that offers step-by-step instruction on simple knotting techniques with naturalized cotton rope and wooden beads. Such a fun occasion to sign up with friends when Conservatory admission is included and Conjure Coffee and the Conservatory Shop are within reach. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: October 13. Min. 10. Max. 15.
Code Date Day Time
427504-S1 10/21 Sat 10 am-1 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$28
Member or Volunteer Fee: $25
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Cornucopia Centerpiece
Prepare your table during a bountiful harvest workshop at the Botanical Conservatory. With gratitude, invite your guests to assemble an overflowing centerpiece with recommended floral designer, Dennis Bowman. Both fresh and faux autumn imagery is provided, though you are welcome to incorporate your own festive accents. Admission to the gardens is also included. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: November 2. Min. 12. Max. 24.
Code Date Day Time
427506-R1 11/9 Th 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$49
Member or Volunteer Fee: $46
Location: Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Fall Plant Swap
Swap quality established plants with fellow plant enthusiasts and perhaps garner one or two more! Perennials, bulbs and houseplants are preferred 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 427-6000 by September 1. Min. 10. Max. 45.
Code Date Day Time
327703-S1 9/2 Sa 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 1/Free
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. Conservatory admission is included. Ages 8+. All minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration deadlines: September 23 and October 5. Min 10. Max 20.
Code Date Day Time
427105-S1 9/30 Sa 10 am-12 pm
427105-R1 10/12 Th 6-8 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$22
Member or Volunteer Fee: $19
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
Simple Salads with Local Flavor
Make and take your own vinaigrette with freshly prepared spices and herbs straight from the garden! Perfect for flavoring salads or meats, learn what simple ingredients blend together for the most delightful taste. Presented by local owner of The Olive Twist, Inc., Lori Berndt demonstrates her specialty while sharing favorite recipes along with tips for creating colorful combinations on every plate. Taste for yourself as part of this participatory workshop, then savor the flavor while also enjoying a visit to “An Herban Garden” exhibit. Ages 15+. Registration deadline: October 26. Min. 10. Max. 20.
Code Date Day Time
427106-R1 11/2 Th 10-11:30 am
427106-R2 11/2 Th 6-7:30 pm
# Sessions/Fee: 1/$33
Member or Volunteer Fee: $30
Botanical 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 any restrictions. Removing shoes is recommended for best results. Please bring a water bottle, yoga mat or blanket, long scarf and small hand towel. All new participants must provide an email address to complete a required memorandum of understanding prior to class. Visit movementintelligence.org for more information. 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
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
T’ai Chi Tuesdays
Revive your energy levels with a T’ai Chi series for beginning and continuing students. This is a great opportunity to build upon your skills with experienced instructor, Sandy Gebhard, who promotes the benefits of this gentle exercise that relaxes the body and focuses the mind. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable fitting shoes. Individual garden admission is included. Ages 18+. Registration deadline: September 19. Min. 12. Max. 20.
Code Dates Day Time
427402-T4 9/26-10/31 T 10-11 am
# Sessions/Fee: 6/$52
Member or Volunteer Fee: $47
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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. Instructor Liz Monnier guides movement in the method of Qigong to induce relaxation, healing and internal harmony. Please bring water 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
Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S. Calhoun St.
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.
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!
