This course builds and expands on the knowledge learned in Introduction to Drawing for Botanical Illustration. Practice toning the key shapes found in Nature using graphite. Learn how to set up your light source in order to achieve the full range of values needed to create three-dimensional form for your subject. Learn to translate colors […]

Join local Mixologist Beth Dixon, proprietor of Salt and Acid Beverage Consulting for a taste of the tropics in Virginia. Beth perfected her tropical cocktail skills as the Bar Manager at Perch, Mike Ledesma's now shuttered Pacific Rim inspired restaurant. Learn how to create your own Hawaiian-inspired drinks with Beth as she demonstrates how to […]

David Pippin looks to the winter garden for a surprising selection of color, line, and texture with which to design, highlighted with a thoughtful selection of floral materials. Use a variety of winter-hardy materials found in Central Virginia and your own container to create a design bridging winter and spring. Our Garden continues to follow […]

Learn about the life under your feet in this three-part series. In this class, instructor Karin Stretchko discusses organic matter in soil, including the process of decay, factors that affect organic matter content, managing it, and amendments to the soil. Parts 1 and 3 cover the physical properties of soil, life in the soil, and […]

Conservatories enable exotic plants to be grown, showcase treasures of the plant world, and provide a peaceful reflective setting. Hear how the physical environment is designed and controlled. Discover how plants are obtained and curated to develop a significant botanical collection of ever-changing displays. Explore favorite plant groups – ferns, orchids, and desert plants. See […]

Create a uniquely different painting on Japanese masa paper using permanent pens and watercolors. Masa paper is a type of machine-made Japanese art paper. The first day will be spent drawing with pencil and permanent marker. We will paint on the second day. The unique paper and process make this an exciting project with beautiful […]

Learn the basics of gardening the earth-friendly way! Michael Partusch, horticulturist for the Kroger Community Kitchen Garden, discusses how to 'go green' with your garden, including soil amendments, plant maintenance and pest control. Michael focuses on growing vegetables in our area, with an emphasis on heirloom varieties that grow well in the Richmond area. Take […]

Plants are intimately linked to our cultural identities and food traditions. Plants tell us where we are, and who we are in how we use them to feed ourselves. When we migrate, we carry our culture and cuisine with us. In this series, renowned chefs, culinary historians, and authors from cultures around the world discuss […]

In early March, spring creeps in. Fruit trees and witch hazels bloom on bare limbs and early bulbs emerge among the leaves. By April, daffodils, tulips and bluebells color the ground while viburnum and redbuds paint the canopy above. The blazing colors of rhododendrons and azaleas fill the space between. With warming weather, peonies, iris […]

Create a unique living wreath for winter with Melissa Tebbenhoff of Rusted Rabbitt in Williamsburg. Using air plants and exotic succulents of your choice create a living work of art to perk up your winter. Melissa guides you through the process of designing your wreath with an assortment of live plants and dried flowers. Your creation will […]