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Living Life After 50
April 2024 Rhonda Maller Teaches Bible Education See Page 10
Allen County edition ReAChing FoRt WAyne And SuRRounding CountieS Vol. 36, No. 12
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
Unique offerings abound at the
Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory By CATHY SHOUSE Feature Writer Butterflies and star fruit and a cascading waterfall, oh my. The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne, offers these and many more rewards for visitors to enjoy. Plus, research has shown that experiencing nature means people may walk away feeling an improved mood and less stressed. In a career that has spanned decades, Linda Miller’s seen the inside and outside of what the conservatory offers, literally. “I marked my 24th anniversary with the conservatory and the park department in March 2024,” Miller said. “I started in marketing at the conservatory as the community involvement specialist from 2000 to 2006 and then was promoted to supervisor of business development in 2007 to the present.” Under the supervision of the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, the conservatory has multiple exhibits, sponsors several events, and more. Miller was instrumental in a recent funding success. “The conservatory applied to the Foellinger Foundation in February 2023 for support of our 2023 Showcase Garden Exhibits under their community interests grant,” Miller said. The foundation declined support (and) . . . invited the conservatory and the Foellinger Theatre to apply for a capital
grant to celebrate the foundation’s 65th anniversary. The two park department facilities received $1 million ($500,000 each) to be paid out over the next three years.” All of the financial aspects aside, Miller has a deep appreciation for what the conservatory actually does, its mission and purpose. Originally from the area, she grew up on a farm outside of Huntertown. “A highlight of working at the conservatory is seeing the connection with nature that guests experience during their visit and how the gardens serve as a place of fun, solace, learning, and engagement for all types of people,” she said. “I also love the vast diversity of our plant collection,” she continued. “I often marvel about having a conservatory right in downtown Fort Wayne where you can visit unique- themed exhibits but also see lots of palms, cycads, chocolate, orange and coffee trees, many different types of cacti and so much more. It’s a great treat to see the different plants bloom in their seasons. I’ve visited the gardens with both family and friends; yes, even on my days off.” Nate Cardelli, the conservatory’s general manager, said the area covers more than five acres and the indoor garden space is 30,000 square feet. There are more than 150 volunteers and many are age 55 and older.
PARIS EXHIBIT GARDEN — Surround yourself with nature at the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory experience the Showcase Garden with its lush seasonal displays, wander through the Tropical Garden where orchids and palms thrive in the shadows of a cascading waterfall, retreat to the quiet beauty of the Desert Garden, or check out the Paris exhibit garden. Photo provided the FoellingerFreimann Botanical Conservatory. “Our volunteers help at the front desk, in the gift shop, and with preparing in our production greenhouse,” Cardelli said. “We have plants available for sale and also produce plants for display.” She added, “This year, I’m looking forward once again to our annual live butterfly exhibit featuring butterflies from tropical areas. It’s our 21st annual exhibit and a lot of hard work for our staff and volunteers, yet I never tire of seeing the amazing species of butterflies.” She also anticipates a great display for the summer-fall exhibit, “Raise a Glass,” which celebrates the conservatory’s 40th anniversary. Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne. Call (260) 427-6440 or visit botanicalconservatory.org for hours of operation.
GREETING VISITORS — Joyce Harrington greets visitors to The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory. The building covers more than five acres and the indoor garden space is 30,000 square feet. Photo provided the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory.