FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory will officially open the new INcrEDIBLE Discovery Garden on Friday, August 7, 2026, introducing visitors to a beautiful and imaginative landscape filled with familiar favorites and unexpected edible plants.
Located in the former Sales Garden, the INcrEDIBLE Discovery Garden demonstrates what an attractive, productive and diverse edible garden can look like in Indiana. The space is planted primarily with perennial edible trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers, complemented by a smaller selection of annual vegetables and herbs.
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“The INcrEDIBLE Discovery Garden invites guests to reconsider what an edible landscape can be,” said General Manager of the Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory Nate Cardelli, PhD. “Many people immediately picture a traditional vegetable garden when they think about growing food, but this space demonstrates how fruiting trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, herbs and vegetables can come together in a garden that is both beautiful and productive.”
The collection includes two established serviceberry trees, three ‘Chicago’ cold-hardy figs, espaliered heritage apple and pear trees, nectarine, blueberry, blackberry, Concord grape and cherry. Visitors will also encounter less familiar edible plants, including hardy kiwi, filberts, quince, Asian persimmon, honeyberry, medlar, maypop, gooseberries, elderberries, jujube, wintergreen, salal, almonds and hops.
Designed as a garden of discovery, the space highlights edible plants that can be grown successfully in Indiana while encouraging visitors to explore new approaches to home gardening and landscape design. The garden also creates opportunities for future interpretation and small-group programming focused on perennial food plants, plant care, seasonal growth and the connections between horticulture and food.
The garden’s name emphasizes both its Indiana roots and its focus on edible plants. Through its layered plantings and unexpected varieties, the INcrEDIBLE Discovery Garden offers guests a space meant to teach, be explored and enjoyed throughout the growing season.
Guests may visit the INcrEDIBLE Discovery Garden beginning August 7 during regular Botanical Conservatory public hours.
The Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is located at 1100 S. Calhoun St. in downtown Fort Wayne. Regular public hours at the Botanical Conservatory include Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., and Sundays: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. The Botanical Conservatory is open from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings for $1 admission. It is closed on Mondays.
For more information about the Botanical Conservatory, visit botanicalconservatory.org
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