Class Schedule April – August 2026

Hummingbird Haven | May 16 | IN-PERSON

Learn techniques to make your Virginia garden a welcoming stop for hummingbirds all year long! Dive into practical advice for creating a hummingbird garden that offers a safe, supportive environment with proper food sources, perching spots, and shelter. We will highlight native Virginia plants alongside design and care tips, resulting in a garden robust enough to provide for hummingbirds throughout the dormant season. Each student will also receive specialized consultation from native plant expert Kaity Bevenour to build a custom Parallel Nursery mix-and-match pack of six native perennial plants to take home!

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NEW! Gardening for Pollinators and Wildlife | May 18 | IN-PERSON

Enjoy a quiet early morning tour before the garden opens to look for wildlife and pollinators. Bring your camera! Return to the classroom for a lecture and discussion about how to create a pollinator and wildlife habitat at your home.

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NEW!  Creating a Backyard Butterfly Oasis | June 7 | IN-PERSON

If you’re looking to build a beautiful and functional butterfly habitat in your own backyard, this class will provide all the necessary tools to get you started. We will cover how to support butterflies in all life stages, with a focus on how to attract them with plants. To support the adult butterfly feeding on nectar plants, each participant will receive a packet of native nectar flower seeds. To support the adults basking in the sun and drinking water, we will create a colorful ceramic bowl with stones that are perfect for perching and taking a sip. Finally, to support the eggs and caterpillars, each participant will take home a native butterfly host plant. Soon you could be watching caterpillars become butterflies in your own yard- and supporting the local ecosystem!

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Honeybee Mythology | June 20 | IN-PERSON

Explore the myths, folklore, and sacred symbolism of honeybees across cultures, from ancient Egypt to indigenous traditions. Participants will uncover the deep-rooted connections between bees and human civilization. The experience culminates in a honey tasting, where you’ll sample different varieties of honey to explore flavor, texture, aroma, and origin. Register now for an afternoon of storytelling, science, and sweetness as we celebrate the magical role of honeybees around the world.

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Moth Observation Night | June 27 | IN-PERSON

As the moon and stars come out, so do the moths! Join Lepidopterist Clara Aus for a night filled with fun moth activities in the Garden during National Moth Week. Before class begins, she will set up a moth observation sheet and special UV lamps to attract them. After a brief introduction to native Virginia moths with some discussion time, we will head into the woods to start making observations. As moths land on the sheet, we will take photographs and attempt to identify and log each insect for citizen science on iNaturalist. Each participant will receive multiple handouts, we will play a few rounds of Bug Bingo, and one lucky person will win the book “Moths: A Complete Guide to Biology & Behavior” to take home.

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Nightlife at Home: Creating Firefly Habitat | July 25 | IN-PERSON

A garden doesn’t stop being beautiful when the sun goes down– the nighttime brings a whole new dynamic! In this course we will discuss which flowers are pollinated by moonlight and why, what native plants create habitat for overnight “guests”, and ways you can create spaces at home for both you and these beautiful insects. Students will receive 1 native perennial (1 qt size) selected for firefly support, and a copy of the book “Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies” by Sara Lewis.

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Butterfly Pinning 101 | August 16 | IN-PERSON

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the delicate art of butterfly pinning — a timeless method of preserving these stunning insects for display. In this class, you’ll be guided through each step of the process, from rehydration of the specimens to proper pinning techniques. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this class combines elements of entomology, art, and natural history. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with your own beautifully preserved butterfly and the knowledge to continue the craft at home. Conclude the class with a guided visit to Butterflies Bloom with Butterfly Exhibit Manager, Clara Aus. Note: All butterfly specimens are ethically and sustainably sourced!

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NEW!  Our Little Feathered Friends: A Bird Photography Workshop | August 29, September 12 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to photograph birds with practical tips on gear, technique, and attracting them even in your own backyard. You’ll explore bird behavior, practice skills in the field, and discover how patience leads to better shots. A follow-up session includes a fun group critique to share your work and insights.

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NEW! Butterflies Bloom Backstage Pass

Step behind the scenes of the new Butterflies Bloom exhibit for an exclusive backstage tour. Join Butterfly Exhibit Manager Clara Aus for a look inside the exhibit to learn more about adult butterflies and then explore the back of house spaces to see how we care for butterflies at all life stages. Offered on select Sundays in 2026, this action-packed tour is sure to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience in our Conservatory’s new Subtropical House and Butterflies Bloom exhibit!

Early July Backstage Pass | July 12 | IN-PERSON

Late July Backstage Pass | July 26 | IN-PERSON

Early August Backstage Pass | August 9 | IN-PERSON

Late August Backstage Pass | August 23 | IN-PERSON