There is great appeal in all black & white drawings, but although colors get suppressed, their tonal values can and should still be faithfully represented in botanical art. The result of such an endeavor is surprisingly enchanting, although the process is sometimes quite challenging. This course aims to navigate those challenges and explore logical and […]
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Attend a special talk with Kristine Mays, the artist behind the hit Rich Soil sculptural exhibit opening at the Garden on January 18. Ms. Mays will speak to the inspiration, meaning, and process behind creating the 29 life-size sculptures, and will be joined by Saajida Chohan, Director of Education & Visitor Experience at the Black […]
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Inspired by the movements and gestures of Alvin Ailey’s dance composition “Revelation,” artist Kristine Mays’ expression of the human form through wire pays honor to the ancestors — those that walked, lived and tended to this land.
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This course builds on the skills learned in intermediate graphite drawing for botanical illustration. Using shapes and basic pen and ink techniques, we explore the art of representing form with line. Class activities improve observational skills, line quality, and three-dimensional drawing (e.g. surface contours). In addition to learning pen and ink techniques, students also acquire […]
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This course provides an in-depth overview of the tools and techniques used by botanists to identify woody plants to the species level using winter characteristics. Attendees are exposed to the key characters that differentiate woody plants at different taxonomic levels, including growth form (habit), habitat, bark and the various characteristics of the twigs such as […]
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Our conservatory is under major expansion and will close in March. Take this opportunity, with Garden Guide Julia Cothron, to explore favorite groups of plants including palms, bromeliads, ferns, orchids, anthuriums and desert plants. See spectacular blooms that emerge in the winter. Learn how the plants were obtained and curated to develop the current botanical […]
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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 […]
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This course is designed to introduce the student to the Ohara School of Ikebana, an approach rooted in classical Ikebana but with modern and naturalistic elements. The 19th century founder of the Ohara School, Unshin Ohara, created a low bowl container to display plants and materials. As an artist devoted to nature, he was inspired […]
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Included with Garden admission; free for members In need of seeds? Want to meet fellow seed lovers? Bring seeds or bulbs to share, exchange them for new and interesting seeds, and learn how to use Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Seed Library. By swapping, borrowing, planting, harvesting, saving, and returning seeds to the library, you can […]
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Since the founding of America, African Americans have planted crops for themselves that have cultural importance, particularly in Virginia and the greater South. Join Debra Freeman, host and creator of Setting the Table podcast, as she explores the fascinating history and relevance of fish peppers, watermelons, sweet potatoes, collards, peanuts and other legacy vegetables that […]
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