A common theme in mental wellness has been creating a personal connection with the natural world. That’s the new focus of the Regina Floral Conservatory.

The conservatory is kicking off a new season on Tuesday, August 6th at 1 p.m.

“We launch our season every September after the long weekend and usually that launches with a beautiful fall display so thinking of all the nice fall colors; oranges, reds, and yellows and fall flowers,” says Jess Paul, Chair of the New Floral Conservatory Committee.

The display stands with beautiful fall flowers and plants and it represents the conservatory’s new outlook on what it does for the community.

“The theme for this coming (opener) is called Growing Wellness. One of the reasons we decided to launch with that theme is because over the last few months we’ve decided to update our mission vision to be more in line with the idea that connecting people and plants helps grow wellness in individuals and in our community at large as well,” says Paul.

The Regina Floral Conservatory is run by Regina Garden Associates Inc. (RGA). The President of RGA, Brenda Herring, states that this vision for the garden will be beneficial for residents, “Therapists are now using plants and soil to help people make that connection. Doctors are also prescribing that people should spend more time in natural surroundings.”

Along with a new theme and vision, the conservatory is introducing two new initiatives this season.

The conservatory will host a weekly Adult Tranquility Hour on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Then, weekly on Fridays, the conservatory will open early to host a Bring Your Lunch gathering from noon to 1 p.m.

“Our new Tranquility Hour is a time where the conservatory is free from events and other distractions. It’s adult-only time to relax, breathe, and unwind in Regina’s only indoor tropical garden. You will feel calmer the moment you walk in the door. On Fridays, we welcome folks to bring their lunch and friends and take in the display,” says Herring.

The conservatory along with its initiatives is free to attend but donations are encouraged since it’s run entirely by a volunteer staff.

The conservatory is always looking for new volunteers to help tend to the gardens. If you’re interested, you can register and find more information on its website. A $25 yearly membership fee is required.

On top of kicking off a new season and new initiatives, the RGA is returning to the blueprint table for a new Floral Conservatory in Wascana Centre. The work for the new building was put on hold during the pandemic.

“There’s not much life left in our current facility and our programs continue to be in high demand. The Wascana Centre Master Plan has had a space reserved for a new Floral Conservatory for several years. We’re excited to continue that work to make that a reality,” says Paul.

A conceptual plan of what the new Floral Conservatory will look like and more information on the project can be found on the conservatory’s website.