The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory has been captivating Fort Wayne since 1983
By Joe Frye
While a mention of Indiana may suggest sprawling corn fields, visitors may be surprised to find a desert, a tropical rainforest and more on their trip to the Hoosier State. Even more surprisingly, all of these biomes can be found in downtown Fort Wayne.
Of course, these landscapes are not naturally occurring. They instead reside under a massive glass roof at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. The conservatory, which has been serving the community since 1983, features 24,500 square feet of space housing 1,000 plant varieties. “The Botanical Gardens is a hidden treasure,” says Stephen Bryden, a member of the conservatory. “A refuge hidden in the heart of downtown.”
Upon arrival, visitors to the gardens walk through the Showcase Garden, a limited-time exhibition that changes four times throughout the year. Currently, “Raise a Glass!” fills the space and will do so until Nov. 17. A celebration of the conservatory’s 40th anniversary, the “Raise a Glass!” exhibition features numerous glass fixtures suspended from the ceiling. Made by regional artists, the exhibit captures “vivid streams of light and reflects into glimmers of a vibrant future,” according to the conservatory.
Even better, with the seasonal exhibit guests who are eager to raise their glass and celebrate the conservatory can take advantage of “Raise a Glass!” $1 nights where guests can enter the gardens for this special price on Thursdays through the exhibit’s time at the conservatory.
However, guests who are looking for more than just a good deal can join the conservatory in several other events going on. Upcoming events include a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Oct. 19) and a food and drink event highlighting local vendors (Oct. 4).
Beyond the current temporary exhibit, the permanent ones allow visitors to see plants and flowers one would have to leave the Midwest—even the hemisphere—to see. Guests can roam among the coffee and banana trees in the tropical garden. In addition to the impressive collection of plants within this exhibit—the conservatory highlights its chocolate tree—the tropical garden features a waterfall and a pool that is home to mature koi. While the waterfall may add a special touch to the tropical exhibit, close by is an exhibit that celebrates the plants that grow with little water. The Desert Garden was curated to celebrate the Southwest and showcases plants like mesquite, yucca and 72 types of cacti.
Outside, guests can take in the local flora, with four different gardens to stroll through. The Exploration, Terrace, Salon and Beverforden gardens feature a wide array of Midwestern plants. Other highlights of the outdoor gardens include the Terrace Garden’s open access to the city, the Salon Plaza’s art installations from artists Cary Shaffer and Tony Frudakis and the Beverforden’s emphasis on so-called “acid-loving plants.”
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, so you can find an escape to the elements almost every day of the week.
