Amidst winter, these Fort Wayne greenhouses create an eternal summer for plants—and volunteers

For the past 90 years, there has been a cluster of unassuming greenhouses nestled between Lawton Park and Science Central. But unless you’ve worked or volunteered there, you likely haven’t seen inside.

This facility helps over-winter large tropical plants from the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. It also grows plants for the Fort Wayne Botanical Gardens and the annual plant sale at McMillen Park Community Center and provides nearly 18,000 plants for Fort Wayne Community Schools students, in addition to storing and growing plants for local public parks and gardens. 

Input Fort Wayne met with Lynda Heavrin, the Manager of Landscape and Horticulture for the City of Fort Wayne’s Parks and Recreation Department, for a tour of the facility and details on the plant magic that happens inside. 

IFW: How long have you been working with plants?
LH: I’ve been at the greenhouse for 22 years. I worked at the Botanical Conservatory for nine years, and at the same time, I worked at Canterbury Green Apartments, designing and caring for the flower beds. I’ve done landscaping, and my first job while in high school was working at a truck farm, Delancey’s on Smith Road. So the short answer is my whole life!

 
IFW: How many plants come and go from this facility annually?
LH:  Approximately 112,000.

IFW: Tell us about some of your volunteers and employees. 
LH: We have two full-time employees and one seasonal employee, and me, in the greenhouse. They are very dedicated and work nonstop on growing and caring for the plants, but we would not be able to produce all those plants without the volunteers. There are more than 30 volunteers who work in the greenhouse on a regular basis, usually one, but sometimes two mornings a week. A few have been volunteering here more than 30 years, and I am so grateful for their expertise.

IFW: What is your favorite plant or room in the facility?
LH: I do not have a favorite. There are so many wonderful plants, although there are a few not-so-favorites that are difficult to grow.

IFW: What advice would you give someone who wants to grow plants, but is intimidated by gardening?
LH: Patience. I read a great quote that said, “It’s great when a plant dies; it gives you an opportunity to try another.”