Explore the basics of native plant identification with instructor Robert Jennings, an expert in natural lands management and environmental sciences. Learn the proper method of scientific classification and how to use this method to aid with narrowing down plant ID possibilities. Gain an understanding of why plants are placed into specific categories and increase your […]

In this workshop, learn the step-by-step process of creating a free-flowing, organic-style bouquet, paying special attention to shape and movement. Design your bouquet using the best locally grown blooms and foliage available. Instructor Svetlana Green will share helpful tips and tricks on flower handling and care, choosing a color palette, and creating a well-rounded design. […]

People live indoors, but your garden is a dynamic, living habitat for other fauna. Science tells us that a diversity of plant materials promotes a diversity of landscape insects and a healthier, more sustainable ecosystem. Janine Lester, landscape designer and consulting arborist, will show you how your ornamental landscape can be a beautiful and edible […]

It can seem watercolor painting needs only water + watercolor paint. Mix them together, apply to paper with a brush and voila! It’s not quite that simple. It is essential for watercolor artists to observe and recreate the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows of specimens in a variety of hues and values. The ability to manipulate […]

Whether for quick sketches or fine-finishing artwork, toned papers provide numerous advantages. They are quite handy in greatly reducing the difficult work of applying midtones--the most time-consuming in most media. In addition, white pigment for highlights and other light values appears more realistic and, when desired, can really pop! Toned papers can also be great […]

Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement, was introduced by the Buddhist monks in the mid 6th century through their floral offerings in the temples. They began teaching the art in the 14th century to nobility, shoguns, samurai and merchants. The principles focus on lines; which represent heaven, man, and earth; space and form. As […]

Published in 2012, the Flora of Virginia is our long-overdue technical manual covering all of the native and naturalized plant species found in the Commonwealth. This three-day session covers essential aspects of the Flora that will help attendees successfully navigate dichotomous keys at all levels (family, genus, species), teach them how to get the information […]