As the leaves drop and the fireplace sparks to life, our palates crave something deeper. This evening, we step away from simple fruit flavors to explore the moody, complex world of savory wines. We are diving into bottles defined by "terroir" — wines that smell of damp forest floor, black truffles, wild mushrooms, and volcanic […]

Experience the almost instant magic, the infinite possibilities and surprises of alcohol inks over three class sessions. Inspired by the images and colors of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, participants will use a variety of techniques to create several small, painted tiles suitable for hanging and gifting. For those who have painted on tiles with Shelley […]

Have you ever grown what looks like the perfect strawberry only to find a slug inside? Learn growing methods that reduce pest pressure, attract beneficials, and keep weeds at bay without herbicides. This crash course in pest management will discuss identifying and treating common pests and diseases in popular vegetable plants. We’ll learn what treatments […]

Create a professionally designed fall container in this hands-on planting workshop, perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Each participant will build a custom seasonal arrangement using a curated selection of fall plants chosen for color, texture, and longevity. To simplify the process and ensure consistent results, all designs will be created in a standard-sized […]

This course provides an in-depth overview of the tools and techniques used by botanists to identify plants to the species level, with a strong emphasis on family characteristics. Attendees will learn how to use the diversity of resources available – including field guides, apps, AI, and technical manuals – to answer the question: “What is […]

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. Svetlana will share helpful tips and tricks on flower handling and care, choosing a color palette, and creating a well-rounded design. You'll leave this class with […]

Learn the basics of including native perennial plants in your home garden. Join instructor Kaity Bevenour, native plant specialist & owner of Parallel Nursery, for an introduction to the ornamental & environmental benefits of commonly available Virginia native plants. Participants will get an overview of a variety of native perennial species suitable for garden use, […]

Join former flower farmer Conner Parrish of Bloomistry for a hands-on workshop focused on growing and storing beautiful dahlias year after year. Participants will learn proper harvesting techniques for longer vase life and continuous blooms, as well as how to dig, divide, label, and store dahlia tubers through the winter for successful replanting in spring. […]

What is Migration? Why do birds migrate? Where do they go? How do they know how to get there? Some birds fly nearly 2500 miles nonstop to their winter homes! Some fly at altitudes over 20,000 feet! How do we know this? Barb and Buz Sawyer have been birders for decades and have asked these […]

Although no longer considered formally to be members of the plant kingdom, fungi make fascinating subjects for botanical illustrators. The class opens with a session to help you understand the structure of these distinctive organisms through lecture and observation under the guidance of botanist John Hayden. Descriptive morphological terms and scientific names are discussed and […]