Everyone loves birds so why not learn how to photograph them? It can be easier if you have a 200mm or longer lens but there are also tricks of the trade that can bring birds to you, even in your own back yard! Fall is the time of the year when birds are moving around…A […]

Join horticulturist and Virginia Home Grown VPM/PBS host Peggy Singlemann at the Garden for an engaging and informative session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Discover how to work with nature—not against it—to manage pests in your garden using sustainable, eco-friendly strategies. Peggy will share expert insights on identifying common garden pests, recognizing beneficial insects, and […]

Backyard Orchard: Fruit Cultivation prepares you for growing fruit trees, shrubs, and brambles right at home. Learn about techniques and practices starting from site and plant selection, exploring the diverse varieties of fruit trees and brambles suited for different climates and soil conditions. Gain insights into first-year care, learning how to nurture young plants along […]

In this immersive and intellectually engaging session, you’ll experience what sommeliers and wine judges face every day: the mystery and thrill of blind tasting. Led by WSET 3 certified & sommelier Justin Ferguson (@theblacksommrva), you’ll learn to identify six wines (three red, three white) without ever seeing the label — using nothing but your senses, […]

Although the classical school of botanical art does not recommend illustrating plants with sunlight illumination, many contemporary academic botanical artists are achieving spectacular results with that, without any impairment of the morphological or chromatic aspects of the plants portrayed, proving that the pictorial tendencies in all types of visual art are in constant motion. Thus, […]

Intricate leaf veining? Pillowy patterned leaves? Dark, shiny, smooth leaves? Folding? Curling? Insect damage? Serrated edges? In this "focus" session, you will build confidence and skill in practicing techniques to achieve realistic effects. Mixing greens in watercolor will be the main color focus. Layering colored pencil and watercolor will be demonstrated and can be practiced […]

People often have encountered origami cranes, but how about origami butterflies? In this class, students can learn how to fold an endless variety of butterflies. We will cover the basics for success in a way that beginners and experienced folders can all enjoy. With several "species" to choose from, students have the opportunity to explore […]

You’ve built a strong foundation in Botanical Drawing I—learning to see, structure, and create form using only line. That’s no small feat. Now, it’s time to expand your understanding of depth and dimension by exploring light, shadow, and value. This course takes the next step in your artistic journey, sharpening your ability to see subtle […]