Blooms & Butterflies
March 15-September 7, 2008

It's the 15th season of this much-loved central Ohio tradition, featuring the Butterfly Discovery Center, "adopt-a-butterfly" programs each weekend morning, and daily releases of butteflies at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The Butterfly Discovery Center will feature a wall mural that you can help to create! Click Here for a downloadable pattern and directions on how you can participate.

Chihuly Collection
In October 2004, the Friends of the Conservatory, a private, nonprofit group that supports the Conservatory’s events, purchased Dale Chihuly’s artworks that drew record crowds to Franklin Park Conservatory in 2003 - 2004. Currently, select pieces of Dale Chihuly's work are on permanent display. In 2009, the entire collection will be placed on view again.

The Chihuly Resource Center, located just off the lower level Atrium, is open Saturdays and Sunday sfrom 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., on Wednesday evenings between 5 and 8 p.m., and by appointment. Franklin Park Conservatory is the only public botanical garden in the world to own a signature collection of Chihuly’s artworks, which represents over 3,000 pieces of glass.

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Special Events

Spring Plant Sale
May 10 & 11, 2008, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Members-Only Presale: Friday, May 9, 2008, 5 - 8 p.m.
Click Here for details.

A Free Concert by the Columbus Symphony String Ensemble
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
5:30 p.m.
Conducted by Peter Stafford Wilson, The Columbus Symphony String Ensemble will perform five works in the Conservatory's Grand Atrium. Admission to the Conservatory is free from 5 - 8 p.m. on May 7 and there is no charge for the performance.

Tastings on the Terrace
Thursday, June 12, 2008
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Unwind and indulge in spirits and hors d'oeuvres on the Conservatory's West Terrace. In addition to a full bar, guests will enjoy signature cocktails, tastings of select scotches, and offerings from Tinder Box of Easton. roceeds benefit the Conservatory's horticulture programs. Tickets are $175.00 per person and may be ordered by calling: 614.645.1756.
Tastings on the Terrace receives major support from The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus Business First, and Tinder Box of Easton.

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Education Programs

Family Fun Saturdays
Family Fun Saturdays are exciting, fun-filled days for children ages 5 and up with adult companions. They take place the second Saturday of every month. Each Family Fun Saturday starts promptly at 11 a.m. and is free with admission.
May 10: Make a special gift for Mother's Day.

Watercolor Gardens with Mindy Newman
Choose from three different class options to suit your schedule—one-day intensive, series, or one class.
Beginners and experienced students alike are welcome to join these classes taught by watercolorist, Mindy Newman. Conservatory plant collections and special exhibitions serve as inspiration and subject matter. Focus on different techniques in each class and build your skills over time.

Series 1: May 3, 10, 17, 24
Series : July 19, 26, August 2, 9
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m

One-day Intensive Classes: Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with lunch break:
June 14
June 21
June 28

The Intensive Class is $36 for members and $40 for non-members. The Series (four consecutive classes) is $45 for members and $50 for non-members. One-class (any one day of the “Series”) is $18 for members and $20 non-members. To register, call 614.645.5923. Download a registration form here (Word, 584KB).

Beginning Bonsai Series
Wednesdays, May 7, 14, 21
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
A comprehensive beginner's course on this ancient form of gardening. Students receive their own tree and pruning scissors and learn the basics of bonsai in a hands-on repotting and styling session under the expert guidance of the Conservatory's bonsai specialist, Dan Binder, and members of the Columbus Bonsai Society. Learn the history of bonsai; compare traditional and American Styles; and receive information on basic plant care including soil preparation, fertilizing, and pest control. (Word, 584KB)
Call 614.645-5923 to register, Cost: $90 members, $100 non-members.

2008 Summer Youth Workshops
For children ages 4 through 12.
With nature as the touchstone for each workshop, the Conservatory's summer programs allow children to gain hands-on experience with science and the arts, and most of all have fun exploring the world around them. Each workshop is planned around a theme and includes age appropriate activities and crafts. Guest presenters and Conservatory horticulturists assist counselors in presenting topics and guiding children through fun and enriching experiences.
To download a PDF of the programs along with a registration form Click Here.
For more information and to register, call 614-645-5923.

For Ages 4 & 5: Four-day (Tuesday - Friday) morning sessions.
Time: 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $65 members: $75 non-members.
Topics:
Backyard Discovery: Explore insects and plants in the outdoor garden.
June 17 - 20
Little Travelers: Celebrate cultures in the Conservatory biomes
June 24 - 27
Butterfly, Butterfly: Come face-to-face with these winged wonders
July 15 - 18
Fairy Tale Garden: Grow a magic beanstalk and much more!
July 22 - 25, 2008

For Ages 6-8: Five-day (Monday - Friday) afternoon sessions.
Time: 1 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $85 members: $95 non-members.
Topics:
Nature Detectives: Discover the wonders of plants and animals
June 16 - 20
World Travelers: Travel through customs from around the world
June 23 - 27

For Ages 9-12: Survivor!
Sharpen your survival skills on the wild side of the Conservatory.
July 21 - 25
Time: 1 - 4 p.m.
Cost: $85 members: $95 non-members

NEW THIS SUMMER! Bizarre Botanicals
For students entering third and fourth grades
Double your fun in ths exciting new workshop at Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Museum of Art.
July 14 - 18
Time: 1- 4 p.m.
Cost: $85 members: $95 non-members
Location:
July 14 & 15 at Franklin Park Conservatory; Jul 16-18 at Columbus Museum of Art

Got a Group?
Looking for a fun, educational activity for your garden club, lunch meeting,
corporate group or just a few friends? Come to the Conservatory or schedule an
outreach presentation for your group of 10 or more people. Choose from the
following programs:

Orchid Fever - take a journey through the largest of the flowering plant
families and learn about easy-to-care-for types you can grow at home.
Clever Containers - from herbs to ornamentals, explore the endless
variations of container gardens.

Houseplants 101- apply basic botany knowledge to your houseplants and watch
them thrive.

Introduction to Franklin Park Conservatory - get to know the colorful past,
present and future of the “jewel of Columbus.”

Call 614-645-5923 M-F, 9am-5pm. for information on pricing and registration.

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