New director finds 'magic here for everyone' at Potawatomi Conservatories in South Bend
Some call it the greenhouse on Mishawaka Avenue. Others say the Morris Conservatory. Or Potawatomi Conservatories. Everyone knows it ― by one name or another. Officially, it is the Potawatomi Conservatories.
It looks green and toasty during the winter and the early spring chill. A quiet place. It is on the edge of the multi-faceted Potawatomi Park with its zoo, playground, picnic area and band shell.
It is quickly approaching its 60th anniversary in 2023.
It is a gem, according to Melissa (Mel) Lewark. She is the new executive director. She has been at it a month and still growing into the job.
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She is the only employee. She has a group of volunteers, plus four Goodwill Industries employees who assist, and extra support from the Botanical Society. The society oversees the day-to-day operations.
Mel is a Clay High School and IU South Bend graduate. She is a plant fan ― having bunches and bunches at home. This job seemed like a good place for her. “I liked the job before this one, but this is perfect.”
The job entails watering, care and outreach. Mel said her goals include amplifying the social media presence, increasing rentals and programming. Get more feet walking through and use the place more often for receptions, weddings and showers. Maybe more fitness classes. Maybe more plant sales.
Janet Maciulski, president of the Botanical Society, said they were looking for someone with a lot of energy who is outgoing. “Mel has all that. I see wonderful things on the horizon.”
Janet said there have been some great changes with the hard work of the volunteers, especially the addition of river rocks in the dome.
Now for a little history. Designed and built in the 1960s by Lord & Burnham, one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent designers of greenhouses, the conservatories were gifts from Ella Morris and the Muessel-Ellison Foundation to the people of South Bend.
We all know Ella Morris is the same Morris from the performing arts center. She saved the Palace Theatre from being demolished in 1959. She purchased the theater and sold it back to the city for $1. Then there is also the Morris Park Country Club and the Morris Inn at the University of Notre Dame.
You get the picture.
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Lord & Burnham began building greenhouses in 1849. Their names are on a long list of greenhouses across the country.
Mel said Ella wanted a place where her garden club could meet. That’s how you get a greenhouse.
There has been a greenhouse of sorts on the park property since the 1920s. Back then it was growing some tropical plants plus greenery for the other city parks and for sales.
Today, there are three areas. First, the Ella Morris Conservatory with a meeting room, a fountain and a walking path. Second, is the Muessel-Ellison Conservatory, which was added in 1967. It has a large open space where you can stroll to a lower area with its small waterfall. The third area is the Arizona Desert Dome that is occupied by agave, cacti and succulents. The dome opened in 1973.
Rev. Joseph McGrath, a priest from Notre Dame, donated a large number of cacti and succulents in the 1970s.
Mel said she wants to increase the number of native plants on the exterior of the building, add more plant signage inside and build on the success of the sensory garden area to the north. The sensory garden is named for D.J. Milliken, a special needs adult.
There have been some low points over the years, according to Janet. The idea was floated several years ago to close the greenhouses but residents rallied. There was a big freeze outside in 2019 with a boiler issue inside. Roughly, a third of the plants died.
COVID hit, and that was a problem. Programs were canceled. Doors are open again. “Now we would like to start up more classes ― for children and adults, maybe a drum circle,” Janet said.
Mel said there is a minimal charge to visit. Memberships are available. Volunteers are always welcome. “We would be lost without the volunteers.”
Mel said she sees the need to get the conservatories on everyone’s radar. “It is a positive place. A positive place for families. A walk through will enrich your life. There is magic here for everyone.”
You can contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Mel Lewark new director of South Bend's Potawatomi Conservatories
