GARDENING
FOR BIRDS

Birds are a vital part of our ecosystem. They help pollinate plants, disperse seeds, regulate insect and rodent populations, and provide a food source for other animals. By planting bird-friendly plants, you can attract more birds to your garden and support local bird populations! Join Barb and Buz Sawyer, both birdwatchers since childhood, as they share experiences from their own backyard garden, highlight which plants do well in our zone, and suggest ways to attract more species to your garden with a layered approach that focuses on what birds need during their life cycle. Watching birds is such an enjoyable hobby, and both you and the birds will benefit when you garden intentionally to support birds.

Fees: Member $36, Non-Member $43

All programs are subject to change. Pre-registration through our website is required.

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden strives to be a Garden for all and we are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x328 and we will make our best effort to help.

REGISTER MEMBER $36

REGISTER NON-MEMBER $43

Date:
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Time:
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Event Details

Please bring binoculars if you have them. This class will spend some time outdoors (weather-permitting) in the Garden observing birds and a majority of the time indoors in a classroom setting.

Barb and Buz SawyerAbout the Instructors

Barb and Buz Sawyer were both born in Maine, met and married in Massachusetts. Both are lifelong birdwatchers. Buz began birdwatching in Maine, in the summer of 1963, as a way to keep out of mischief! Barb began birdwatching around the same year, also in Maine, but not for behavioral issues…! Audubon members since 1985, when they moved to Texas, they both began participating in the Christmas Bird Count in 1986. Buz has participated in the Hopewell Christmas Bird Count since their move to Virginia in 2000. Both have been Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden volunteers since 2005, shortly after becoming Hanover Master Gardeners, and have volunteered in the Children’s Garden as well as in other areas since then. Buz has managed the Lewis Ginter Bluebird Trail since 2013, and has been a Virginia Bluebird Society member since 2017. Buz retired from DuPont in 2011 after a 38 year career as an Electrical Engineer. Barb retired from her quilt and fabric design business shortly thereafter.

login or create an account

We have adapted a new Garden-wide system as of March 6, 2024. You will need to create or activate your account the first time you use the system.

manage my account
Adult Learning at the Garden

Browse all upcoming adult classes, tours and programs using our Programs By Date tool.

Browse Opportunities