There is something inherently peaceful and soothing about nature. Its quiet and solitude in unlike any other, and its beauty is unmatched. It can be difficult sometimes in the hustle and bustle of urban living to find a time and place to experience that calm. Luckily for us, the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne makes it easy.
Stepping into the gardens is like leaving the city behind entirely. The first garden visitors will come to is the Showcase garden, which changes seasonally. The current exhibit, titled “Rhythm and Flow,” is a feat of design and an explosion of color.
A myriad of different flowers in all shapes and sizes wind through the exhibit. Mixed in with the vibrant flowers are a variety of succulents. From carving paths through the tall flowers to hanging off every side of a large box, the succulents grab the eye. Their frosty and somewhat muted colors stick out against the rich flowers, which display a rainbow of colors from pales yellows to flashy reds and midnight purples.
The designs even carry on to the walls of the exhibit. Succulents and delicate flowers weave together to create an eye-catching optical allusion.
This exhibit is also home to a suspended canopy with delicate sheer curtains that create the perfect photo shoot location.
The gardens don’t stop there, though. The Botanical also holds tropical and dessert gardens. The Tropical garden is thick and full with pops of radiant colors amidst a sea of greens. Larger than life plants dwarf you and really make you feel as though you are in the rain forest.
The desert garden is hot and dry and the muted colors of the cacti mirror the staleness of their habitat. Still, their twisting forms and reaching tendrils are striking. There are even small copper sculptures of animals that call the dessert home, making the garden a complete scene.
An often forgotten part of the gardens lays outside the Botanical walls. The terrace and exploration gardens are definitely worth a look. Surrounded by the quiet of nature, it’s hard to believe that downtown continues to hurry just outside the confines of the gardens. Statues, large rustic planters, and decorative benches make these gardens unique. This would be a great place to go to enjoy the outdoors, read a book, write, draw, or just hang out.
On your way out of the gardens, be sure to stop in the gift shop. There is something for all ages to enjoy there! You may even want to pick up your own plant to take home and try out your green thumb. Make an afternoon of it, and stay for lunch at the Bagel Station.
The Botanical Conservatory is conveniently located in the heart of downtown as well, so its easy to hit all the sites at once. And, if you stay at one of our great downtown hotels, you’ll be within walking distance.
“Rhythm and Flow” will be on display until November 16, so start planning your trip today at Visit Fort Wayne and don’t miss out on any of the fun!
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