Plants

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to FREE FRIDAY Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have MANY people attending our Friday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians.

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 

Leanne & Lyn 💕

​Looking to meet people in Melbourne or practice a new language? Get your Tix: https://luma.com/1zsmr7e2 ​Aloha Melbourne is a fun and welcoming weekly social where backpackers, expats and locals come together to connect, chat and make new friends. ​The venue energy is international, social and lively, which makes it especially strong for newcomers to the city. ​Come solo or with friends, most people come alone and quickly meet others. ​**Highlights** * ​Meet internationals, backpackers and locals 🌍 * ​Practice languages in a natural way 🗣️ * ​Karaoke 🎤 * ​Board games and icebreakers such as Jenga, Uno and more 🎲 * ​Pool, ping pong and darts 🎱 * ​One free drink included 🍸 * ​Fun, high-energy but still social vibe ​**How it works / flow** ​Arrive, use your included drink and join a conversation. ​The event is easy to join for solo attendees and works especially well for backpackers and internationals. ​Games and karaoke help break the ice quickly. ​Join the group chat to connect before the event 💬 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J7UUKaYxxtY6EQQX3xz6IR?mode=gi_t&utm_source=luma)

TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests. UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. 8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S

A two-day workshop presented by Nicky Bassett & Tony Petcopoulos Saturday 23rd May 9:30am-4:30pm & Sunday 24th May 9:30am-4:30pm Please join us as we explore our heart’s power to achieve higher states of consciousness, and our soul’s journey that enables us to become more open-hearted spiritual beings guided by love and wisdom. We begin by discussing the convergence of ancient heart wisdom traditions and recent heart-based scientific findings; and identify heart qualities that can increase our physical, emotional and mental well-being, resulting in awesome spiritual transformations including enhanced intuition, reduced karma and clarity of vision. Then, using H.P.Blavatsky’s treasured classic *The Voice of the Silence* as our guide, we reflect on our soul’s journey by exploring the significance of *The Voice*, the Doctrine of the Heart, the power of concentration, thought-forms and our shadow, and our path through the seven Portals that can lead us to spiritual wisdom. The workshop will include techniques and activities along with a two 50-page reference booklet to be distributed at the end of each day to reinforce the key concepts. Nicky and Tony have travelled the world since their early twenties, studying and practising various sacred traditions in search of Self, and have taught the Ageless wisdom for many years. Nicky’s tertiary studies in psychology and business have supported her work as an academic communications lecturer, management and training consultant, astrological counsellor and CEO. Tony is a retired social worker with 35 years’ experience in employee assistance schemes specializing in stress, burnout and community development and has studied at Adyar in India. They welcome you on this magical journey deep into our hearts. To register and pay the $30 to attend this special event, please contact the Melbourne Theosophical Bookstore in person or via the phone 8638 0364 during opening hours - Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11am-4pm. **The MTS is committed to providing events that align with and further The three objects of The Theosophical Society:** * To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or colour. * To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy and science. * To investigate unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in the human being. However this being stated, the MTS does not endorse any health, spiritual, science-related, philosophical or theological /other assertions or claims made by any facilitator we host.

Join me for a family friendly afternoon walk, coffee and a game of bocce in the Royal Botanic Gardens. This environment is a stunning place to relax, explore, and make new connections in all seasons. There are winding paths, groves, lakes, lawns and more than 8,500 species of plants. We will stop in at the Terrace cafe for takeaways, or bring your own drinks and snacks and we can stop for a chat and a game on the lawns. Our walk will finish at the Shrine of Remembrance to see the beautiful views of the city. This walk is rated easy, it is relatively flat and we will walk at a slow to moderate pace so we can socialise along the way. There are a few sections with stairs but there are alternative pathways close by. **Agenda:** I will meet you at **2pm** at the circular sculpture near the Observatory & Visitors Centre, 100 Birdwood Avenue. There is a map and photo of the meeting place below. We will head off no later than **2.15pm** We will reach the Terrace Cafe by **3pm**, have a coffee and a game of bocce on the lawns, then explore the gardens finishing at the Shrine of Remembrance at 5pm. When you RSVP **please click Attend** on the event page and I will be in touch about the details via direct message. As this is a rain or shine event I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day, and add any updates there if needed regarding weather conditions.

Modern life moves fast. Work, screens, notifications, constant thinking. It’s easy to feel stressed, tired, or disconnected. This Sunday, slow down with Kirtan - a powerful live music meditation experience. Come for: ✨ Singing, dancing, and uplifting energy ✨ A calm mind and open heart ✨ A real sense of belonging No singing skills needed! Just calmness & connection. 🗓️Sunday \| 6\-8pm 🍴Incl Dinner 📍South Melbourne

🎉 **KISMETRIX \| TRUE CONNECTION** [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/may-23-kismetrix-social-a-hosted-singles-evening-at-secret-garden-tickets-1988384078304?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Kismetrix Social — Drinks, Conversation & Connection Under the Sunflowers** Hosted by KISMETRIX \| True Connection 📍 Secret Garden Bar: 7/60 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182 📅 Saturday 23 May 2026 🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM *(venue open late)* ## A SATURDAY NIGHT TO ACTUALLY CONNECT There's a place in St Kilda where sunflowers hang from the ceiling, the garden feels like a secret you've stumbled into, and the night just slows down a little. That's where we're hosting Kismetrix Social — our most relaxed evening, designed for singles who want real conversation, good company, and a Saturday night that actually feels like one. Think less "dating event"… more a Saturday night you'd actually choose to go out for. ## 💫 ABOUT THE EVENT Tired of dating apps that go nowhere? Over environments that feel forced or awkward? So were we. KISMETRIX \| True Connection was created for people who want something more human — real conversation\, real presence\, genuine connection\. You'll walk into a room full of people who: 🌻 Are open to meeting others 🌻 Enjoy good conversation and social energy 🌻 Prefer real-life interaction over apps 🌻 Are simply here for a good, intentional night out Come for a drink. Stay for the vibe. See where the night goes. ## 🌻 THE VIBE Picture it: warm lighting, hanging sunflowers above your head, the garden buzzing softly around you, and the kind of crowd where it's actually easy to start a conversation. Expect: 🌻 A welcome drink in your hand within a minute of arriving 🌻 A warm, hosted welcome so nobody walks in feeling lost 🌻 Hosted introductions early in the evening to help conversations get started 🌻 Free-flowing mingling with light support from our hosts throughout the night 🌻 Conversation prompts on each table, if the room needs them 🌻 A relaxed, social crowd of intentional singles No rotations. No forced formats. No hookup-bar energy. Just a thoughtfully designed night under the sunflowers, with people who actually want to meet someone. ## 👥 AGE GUIDE: 28–45 Kismetrix Social is open to all singles who care about meaningful connection. We provide an age guide so you know what to expect — most of our guests will fall within this range. The focus of our events is intentional people, not strict age groups. If you're slightly outside this range and the format feels right for you, you're welcome to book. ## 🎯 WHO THIS NIGHT IS FOR This event is for singles who: 🌻 Prefer a relaxed, social way to meet people 🌻 Enjoy conversation without forced formats 🌻 Want something more grounded than the apps 🌻 Appreciate good venues, good drinks, good company 🌻 Are open, friendly, and easy-going Come solo or with a friend — most people come solo. You'll be in good company. ## 🍽️ FOOD & DRINKS Your ticket includes a welcome drink on arrival. Secret Garden has a great food and drinks menu throughout the night, available directly from the venue. Perfect if you'd like to make a full evening of it — and many of our guests do. ## 🎟 TICKETS 🌻 Early-Bird — $39 🌻 Bring-a-Friend Early-Bird — $35 each (paired bookings only) 🌻 General — $45 🌻 Last Minute— $55 Welcome drink included at every tier. Tickets are limited to maintain a comfortable, social atmosphere — early booking is recommended. ## 💡 WHY PEOPLE LOVE KISMETRIX EVENTS 🌻 No swiping. No apps. Just real people 🌻 No awkward formats or forced interactions 🌻 Thoughtful structure without rigidity 🌻 A genuinely enjoyable night — even if you come solo 🌻 Hosted by people who actually care about how the night feels Many guests come "just for a drink"… and end up staying all night. ## ✨ WHERE KISMETRIX SOCIAL FITS Kismetrix Social is our most accessible event — a relaxed, hosted evening for singles who want real connection without the structure of our Elevated Evenings or the formality of our Dinners. It's the easiest way to experience how we do things, and many guests go on to join our other events from here. ## 🔔 IMPORTANT NOTES 🌻 This is a hosted social experience — not speed dating 🌻 A welcome drink is included; additional drinks and food are available at the venue 🌻 Participation in introductions is always optional 🌻 Respect, boundaries, and good energy are essential 🌻 Tickets are non-refundable but transferable ## 🔗 STAY CONNECTED WITH KISMETRIX \| TRUE CONNECTION 📧 [social@kismetrix.com.au](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/may-23-kismetrix-social-a-hosted-singles-evening-at-secret-garden-tickets-1988384078304?aff=oddtdtcreator) 🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au/ "http://www.kismetrix.com.au") 📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & Eventbrite 📄 Important Notice: By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection's Terms & Conditions\, Privacy Policy\, Disclaimer and Code of Conduct\. 🤝 Collaborations: [collabs@kismetrix.com.au](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/may-23-kismetrix-social-a-hosted-singles-evening-at-secret-garden-tickets-1988384078304?aff=oddtdtcreator)

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

## 🌿 **Kismetrix Singles Social Run/Walk + Coffee – TAN Track** [Register Here](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apr-26-kismetrix-social-runwalk-coffee-the-tan-botanical-gardens-tickets-1985661113844?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) 📅 **Date: Sunday** 26th of April 🕘 **Time:** 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (please arrive by 9:45 AM) 📍 **Meeting Point:** Royal Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre 🏃 **Route:** TAN Track loop through the Royal Botanic Gardens 📏 **Distance:** Approx. 3–4 km (relaxed social pace) Or Walk 🎽 **Dress Code:** Comfortable activewear or casual running clothes ## **About the Event** Looking to meet new people, get active, and enjoy great company — without the pressure of a dating event? The **Kismetrix Singles Social Run or Walk + Coffee** is a relaxed, feel-good experience for singles who enjoy movement, nature, and meaningful conversation in a warm, welcoming environment. We’ll run at an easy, conversational pace around the iconic **TAN Track**, giving you plenty of chances to chat, laugh, and connect with different people along the way. There’s no racing, no awkward icebreakers — just a friendly group of singles sharing a beautiful morning together. After the run, we’ll walk back as a group and enjoy **optional coffee and mingling at the Visitor Centre café**, where conversations can continue naturally and comfortably. Many guests tell us these events feel more like meeting new friends — with a spark of something extra. ## **Who It’s For** ✨ Singles who want to meet people offline ✨ Adults 18+ across a wide range of ages (20s to 60s+) ✨ People who enjoy light running, jogging, or active social experiences ✨ Anyone looking for community, confidence, and connection **Singles only. Adults only. No children or dogs.** This helps keep the space relaxed, focused, and socially comfortable for everyone. ## **What to Bring** * Water bottle * Comfortable running or walking shoes * Sunscreen / hat * Light jacket (weather can change) * Positive energy and an open heart 💛 ## 🎟️ This is a **free community event**, with **optional donations** to support the Kismetrix community. While many of our curated singles events are ticketed, this run is part of our **open community series**, created to make connection, movement, and belonging accessible to everyone. Your support helps Kismetrix continue building safe, welcoming spaces where real human connection can grow — romantically or platonically. ### **Hosted by:** **Kismetrix \| True Connection** Because real love starts with real connection. ### **🔗 Stay Connected with Kismetrix \| True Connection** Love this event? We run a variety of experiences to help people meet and connect in meaningful ways. 📧 **[social@kismetrix.com.au]()** 🌐 **[www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")** 📱 **Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/ "https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/") **, Facebook & Eventbrite** 🤝 **Collaborations: [collabs@kismetrix.com.au]()** ### **📄 Important Notice** By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection’s Terms & Conditions\, Privacy Policy\, Disclaimer and Code of Conduct\. Some events may be non\-refundable as stated in their individual descriptions\.

We will meet at the starting point and take a round trip within Elsternwick Park (See **Getting There** 👇 for direction). Please feel free to BYO a coffee or a drink bottle. Dress for comfort and outdoor walking. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organisers to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoyed the conversation, you're welcome to continue on afterwards. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- Getting There \-\-\-** Via Sandringham Train Line : Elsternwick Station Via tram: Take tram line no. 67 Via bus: Take no. 630 bus Via car: parking is available at the park **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **— Heylo App Group —** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the WhatsApp Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 23th, 2026 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (Eastern Time) Overbrook Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 4131 N High St, Columbus, OH, 43214 Public Welcome, Family-Friendly Free Event A wide variety of native flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, and trees will be available from Wild Ones Columbus and local vendors Natives in Harmony, Leaves for Wildlife, and Scioto Gardens. Wild Ones will publish a list of plants that will be available at this year's sale closer to the event date. Be sure to stop by! Show up anytime!

SAVE THE DATE! POLLINATOR PATHWAY + LICKING LAND TRUST Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 30, 2026 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon Granville Farmers Market Raccoon Valley Park 1225 River Road | Granville Plant package pre-order available as of 6-May at this link [https://lickinglandtrust.org/store/plant-sale](https://lickinglandtrust.org/store/plant-sale) Sun, Shade and Native Tea garden packages available

Community Backyards Workshop Join us at the Ohio Herb Center in Gahanna to learn about sustainable home gardening. We can make small changes in our yards to make a BIG impact for a better environment and healthier waterways while saving money. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek and hosted by Ohio Herb Center. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but NOT required. Click here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/65f65aw (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) * Location: Ohio Herb Center, 110 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230 * Date and time: Sat, May 23, 2026 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM * Organizer: The Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Stop by the Licking County Master Gardener Volunteers’ (MGVs) table at the Farmers Market to pick up your free Veggie plant of the month to add (or start!) your vegetable garden. The little plants come with instructions and tips. Have other garden related questions? Bring your questions to one of the MGVs in the green shirts. ******************* Newark Grows 1st & 3rd Friday, May 1-Oct. 2 Our Booth at the Canal Farmers Market 4pm- 7pm 36 E. Canal Street, Newark JOIN US AT THE CANAL MARKET DISTRICT FARMERS MARKET IN NEWARK, May – October (First and third Fridays of the month) Free plants, seeds, and gardening information! May 1 Buttercrunch Lettuce May 15 Double Curled Parsley June 5 Mark Twain Tomato June 19 Aconcagua Elongated Sweet Pepper July 3 Market Closed for 4th of July Weekend July 17 Silver Slicer Cucumber August 7 Wizard Coleus August 21 German Thyme September 4 Sweet Bunch non heading Broccoli September 18 Strike Shell Pea October 2 Garlic No RSVP needed- just show up and enjoy the market! See you there!

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.