Avoid the chilly weather and take a tropical mini-vacation inside the Conservatory. Look carefully at major groups of plants that reside there – ferns, orchids, palms and unusual blooming tropical plants. Learn their origin, growth patterns and adaptations, including the multiple ways they attract pollinators. Acquire tips for growing tropical plants and making them part […]

Explore the plants and animals in your schoolyard through multidisciplinary activities, experiments, art, and literature connections. 2.5 hours professional development points. Includes light fare.

A miniature land of your design is waiting to appear! Using clay, sheet glass and copper foil, create lidded terrariums brimming with unique, living environments. Any natural elements you collect, such as mosses, barks or stones, may be added to the interior of your inventive structure during the final session.

Do you love all the hearty and flavor-packed dishes of winter, but don’t always have time to spend all day in the kitchen? Join Executive Chef Anne Maury Haapala as she demonstrates how to create delicious comfort food favorites in a fraction of the time. The demonstration is followed by a delectable lunch showcasing the […]

Learn about the ‘secret life of plants’ with instructor Joey Thompson.  This class introduces you to the way plants make food, grow, and reproduce.  Includes a copy of the class text, Brian Capon’s Botany for Gardeners. Follow up later in the year with "Intermediate Botany."

In Basic Floral Design, Part 1, learn how to create the basic shapes and styles of floral designs—the building blocks for true creativity.  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. A section on […]

This is the first of four one-day workshops to be held in 2020 to meet the requirement for Advanced Watercolor. Artichokes are our plant models to learn about painting complex forms, spiral formations and the Fibonacci Series. A line drawing will be sent with the supply list. Students are asked to bring to class an […]

Learn the basics of gardening the earth-friendly way! Organic gardener Heather Veneziano discusses how to 'go green' with your garden, including soil amendments, plant maintenance and pest control. Heather focuses on growing vegetables in our area, with an emphasis on heirloom varieties that grow well in the Richmond area. Take home a packet of seeds […]

Join your Garden Guide on a Garden tour that explores the senses! In addition to vision, smell and touch, the senses of taste and sound will be engaged as you experience the Garden through various perspectives. While those with sensory limitations may especially enjoy this tour, all abilities will benefit from this unique Garden experience. […]

Join spice expert Mark Ragland as you learn how the desire and quest for spices played a huge role in the history of mankind. What was so special about these seeds and bark? Learn where favorite and exotic spices come from and how they were used both historically and in today's kitchen. Discover how to […]