Watercolor begins not with painting, but with learning the language of color. This intensive foundation course builds on the visual concepts introduced in Botanical Drawing II concerning how to interpret light and value through color. Students will learn to read paint labels, identify pigment numbers, and understand how individual pigments interact — skills essential for […]

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for a hands-on workshop where you learn to make your own spring-scented incense using natural ingredients! She will cover the science and rich history behind incense making and teach you how to work with resins, herbs, oils, and wood to create your own unique blend that celebrates spring. Fees: Member […]

Discover the luminous world of alcohol inks! This fluid medium offers endless possibilities for both beginners and experienced artists. Alcohol inks can be used on any non-porous surface, creating a wide range of unpredictable and beautiful effects. In this workshop, we’ll focus on creative play using vibrant alcohol inks on Yupo, a smooth plastic paper. […]

Learn how to create the basic shapes and styles of floral designs—the building blocks for true creativity—with floral designer Mimi Cassick. This course will introduce you to techniques and styles commonly used by professionals. Learn preparation techniques, how to create basic shapes and how to prepare flowers for long-lasting arrangements. Through step-by-step instructions, students will […]

Join instructor Kate Hugo Vernon for a cheerful, flower-packed class designed to celebrate motherhood in all its beautiful forms. You’ll learn simple floral design tips while creating a lush spring arrangement — perfect for a gift honoring a mom you love or treating yourself to a mom's morning out. Fees: Member $77, Non-Member $96 All […]

The process of working with watercolor and ink on masa paper allows beginner and intermediate painters to create unique and beautiful finished works. Masa is a versatile Japanese paper which can be used for a wide range of art techniques. Using images taken in the Garden, we will create detailed ink pen drawings on day […]

This class is designed to provide foundational drawing skills and inspire a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Any age can learn to draw. Marks on paper are all a drawing is. Marks can be made on paper by anyone. Despite this, not everyone takes the time to learn how to draw. […]

Have you been gifted a bonsai and—against all odds—managed to keep it alive, but now you’re wondering what to do next? Do you find yourself eyeing those bonsai at the garden center but feeling too intimidated to take one home? Or maybe you already have a bonsai and want to learn how to help it […]

Spend the evening at the Garden enjoying a light snack and drink while creating your very own floral painting under the step by step guidance of local Virginia artist and art educator Ellie Franklin. Perfect for an evening out with friends! Fee includes wine or infused water, cheese and crackers and all materials. Fees: $57 […]

Growing vegetables is fun, easy and can transform your yard into a beautiful, delicious space. By growing your own, a vegetable gardener can delight in delicious varieties that will never grace grocery store shelves. In this course you will learn organic approaches to edible gardening including siting for success, choosing the right cultivar, seed starting […]