Classes and Workshops
We offer many learning opportunities for adults, including gardening workshops, botany and ecology courses, nature journaling, botanical illustration, and animal studies. Classes may be a one-time session, weekend workshop, or multi-session course. Some classes are core courses or electives for our Certificate Programs. For general information on our Certificate in Native Plant Studies and Certificate in Botanical Illustration, please see the Certificate Programs page.
Advance registration is required for all programs except where indicated otherwise. Please see Registration Instructions in sidebar. Fees for classes vary depending on the format of the class. Members of the Garden receive a discount on classes. All classes and workshops are held at the Garden's visitor area and Education Center located off of Old Mason Farm Road in Chapel Hill, unless otherwise indicated.
- Horticulture and Home Gardening ↓
- Native Plant Studies ↓
- Botanical Illustration ↓
- Other: Chinese Brush Painting, Photography, Food, Herbs ... ↓
- Mindful Movement
HORTICULTURE & HOME GARDENING
Weeds 101
Date: Saturday, Feb 11 (Inclement weather date: Feb 18)
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Instructor: Sally Heiney, NCBG Horticultural Technician and "Queen Weeder"
Every gardener and homeowner can tell you what they consider to be a weed. Too often, one person's weed is another creature’s lunch or shelter, while another person's prized plant might be the next ecological disaster. Discussion topics will include a brief history of weeds and their impact on ecosystems and our economy. This workshop focuses on identifying your weeds and strategies for their management, whether they be friend or foe. Management practices include time-tested approaches and the newest techniques we've explored here at NCBG, with an emphasis on environmentally responsible gardening. Participants are welcome to bring in their own specimens for identification. Fee: $27 ($22 NCBG members)
Get Ready for Spring: A Vegetable Gardening Workshop
Date: Saturday, Feb 18
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 am
Instructor:Bob Peoples, NCBG Horticultural Technician
Get ready for spring! We have a new Vegetable Demonstration Garden and are excited to have this learning laboratory for a new workshop in our Home Gardening Series. This workshop covers what vegetables to plant for a spring garden; when to start planting; how to grow your own vegetable seedlings; tips on protecting plants from freezing; and how to get a large harvest from a small space. Fee: $27 ($22 NCBG members).
The Dos and Some Don'ts of Pruning
Date: Saturday, Feb 25
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Instructor:Charles Tomberlin, Horticulturist
Join us for this popular, informative workshop on the DO, DO, DOs of pruning. Pruning is beneficial to the overall health of plants and stimulates new growth and flowering. Participants learn about the different types of pruning equipment, safe use of that equipment, best pruning techniques, proper timing of pruning, and hands-on pruning activities. Primary focus will be on, but not limited to, trees and shrubs. Register early! Fee: $37 ($32 NCBG members).
Also see below under "Native Plant Studies" for Native Plant Seed Propagation Workshop on Feb 18, Identifying & Controlling Invasive Plants on March 2, and Native Plant Propagation Workshop on June 2. See sidebar at right for Therapeutic Horticulture Introductory Workshop on April 14.
NATIVE PLANT STUDIES
Research Methods [New short course]
Dates: Wednesdays, Jan 18 & Feb 29 (Inclement weather date: March 7)
Time: 9 am - noon
Instructor: Steph Jeffries, Plant Ecologist
This short course is aimed for students who are midway through their completion of their coursework for the native plant studies certificate program, and want to begin work on their final independent study project. This course will help them identify a topic, develop a viable research question, and write a research proposal to answer their question. This workshop is ½ credit for the Certificate in Native Plant Studies. Students must enroll no later than January 2nd. There is independent work due before the first day of class. No prerequisite. Fee: $65 ($55 NCBG Members)
Plant Ecology
Dates: Wednesdays, Jan 25, Feb 8, 15, 22 (Inclement weather date: March 7)
Time: 9 am - noon
Instructor: Steph Jeffries, Plant Ecologist
Plant Ecology is a conceptual course designed for a broad audience interested in the interactions of plants and their environments. Ecological relationships at the organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels are examined, using examples from the rich and diverse flora of North Carolina. Students learn about nutrient and energy cycling within ecosystems, as well as current threats to and management practices for the conservation of ecosystems. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification. No prerequisites. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Winter Flora
Dates: Sundays, Jan 29, Feb 5, 12, 19 (Inclement weather date: Feb 26)
Time: 1:45 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Ken Moore, NCBG Assist Director Emeritus
This course is designed for a broad audience as well as for students who are enrolled in either of the Garden's certificate programs. Field trips and exercises provide experience in the use of identification keys and recognition of winter and early spring native plants in a natural setting. Enjoy discovering that many trees and shrubs are easily recognized when not covered with leaves! No prerequisites. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria II for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members).
Geology for Ecologists and Botanists [New elective!]
Dates: Saturdays, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 (Inclement weather date: March 3, 1:30 - 4:30)
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Mike Schafale, Botanist/Geologist & Edward Stoddard, Geologist
This course introduces students to the principles of geology, with an emphasis on the aspects that most affect the distribution of native plants and natural communities. Classes will cover the different types of rocks, and their chemical and physical effects on the soils that form from them. It will address the geological processes that shape the earth's surface, the landforms that result from them, and the way natural communities align with these patterns. This course is intended for a broad audience, but some familiarity with natural communities or native plants and some exposure to chemistry will be assumed. Includes 9 hours lecture and a full-day field trip. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria II for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification. No prerequisites. Fee: $155 ($140 NCBG members)
Native Plant Seed Propagation Workshop [short course]
Dates: Saturday, Feb 18 (Inclement weather date: Feb 25)
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Instructor: JC Poythress, NCBG Horticulture Staff
This workshop is dedicated to the propagation of native perennials and woody plants by seed. Topics will include seed collection methods, post-collection handling, cleaning equipment and techniques, and seed storage. Subjects relating to successful seed germination will be discussed, including sowing media, cultural requirements of seedlings, and satisfying dormancy requirements, including many specific examples to highlight major plant groups. Free seeds will be provided to participants with a demonstration of proper sowing method. This workshop is 1/4 credit for the Certificate in Native Plant Studies but is open to anyone. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members)
Identifying & Controlling Invasive Plants
Dates: Friday, March 2
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Michael Kunz, NCBG Conservation Ecologist
For anyone interested in invasive plants, this workshop will be beneficial to home gardeners, landowners, and professionals. Through classroom and field demonstrations, participants will learn the tools and methods needed to identify invasive species and effectively remove invasive plants. Explore techniques specific to situations and invasive species. Involves some walking outdoors on uneven terrain. Serves as ¼ credit for the Certificate in Native Plant Studies, but is open to anyone. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members).
Botany
Dates: Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 9:00 am - 1:30 pm
Instructor: Emily Gillespie, Biologist
This course is introductory in nature and designed for a broad audience. A fundamental core course for students enrolled in either NCBG certificate program, it covers basic principles of botany including taxonomy, anatomy, morphology, and physiology. Class time is divided between lectures and examining/dissecting samples. There are also opportunities for making observations of examples in the Garden. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. No prerequisites. Fee: $140 ($125 NCBG members)
Plant Communities of North Carolina
Dates: Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20; & March 27 all-day fieldtrip (8 am - 6 pm)
Time: 9:00 am - noon
Instructor: Alan Weakley, NCBG Curator,UNC Herbarium
This course is intended for a broad audience and introduces students to North Carolina's rich diversity of plant communities. Variations in climate and soil types across the state as well as other factors have resulted in the creation of distinctive regions: subtropical maritime forests, salt marshes, longleaf pine savannas and sandhills, pocosins, oak-hickory forests, bottomland hardwoods, spruce-fir forests, rock outcrops and glades, relict prairies and grasslands. This course explores the causes and history of North Carolina's plant community diversity. Includes 9 hours lecture and a full-day field trip with transportation provided. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. No prerequisite. Fee: $($155, $140 NCBG members)
Plant Taxonomy
Dates: Fridays, March 23, April 13, 20, May 4
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Milo Pyne, Plant Ecologist
This course builds on the fundamentals taught in Botany and compliments the supplementary material covered in Flowering Plant Families. It is a core course for students enrolled in either of the NCBG certificate programs. Students learn the basic concepts of the taxonomy of vascular plants and how to identify plant families by making observations of selected characteristics. The use of taxonomic keys is introduced. Interesting examples are studied to illustrate current issues in plant taxonomy and nomenclature. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program Prerequisite: Botany. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Spring Flora
Dates: Saturdays, March 24, April 14, 21, May 5
Time: 1:45 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Milo Pyne, Plant Ecologist
This course is designed for a broad audience as well as for students who are enrolled in either NCBG certificate program. Field trips and exercises provide experience in the use of identification keys and recognition and emphasis on species that flower in the spring in a natural setting.This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria II for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. No prerequisites. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Soil Ecology
Dates: Saturdays, April 7, 14, 21
Time: 9:15 am - 1:15 pm
Instructor:Nicolette Cagle, Plant Ecologist
This course is intended for a broad audience. Students are introduced to the complex world of soils including information on how they are formed, characterized, and populated by a wide array of organisms. An overview of soil types is presented, followed by the study of typical Piedmont soils and their properties. The various roles that soils play in both human society and ecological systems are discussed. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification. No prerequisite. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members).
Native Plant Propagation [short course]
Dates: Saturday, June 2
Time: 9:00 am - noon
Instructor:Matt Gocke, NCBG Nursery Manager
Want to learn more about propagating native plants? In this class participants are exposed to several forms of vegetative propagation. Topics include the fundamentals of vegetative propagation and techniques for vegetatively propagating southeastern native plants by means of stem cuttings and root cuttings. A portion of the class is dedicated to hands-on propagation of native plant species and a tour of the vegetative propagation facilities at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Counts as 1/4 credit for the Certificate in Native Plant Studies but is open to anyone. No prerequisites. Fee: $35($30 NCBG members)
Summer Flora
Dates: Saturdays, June 23, 30, July 14, 21
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor:Milo Pyne, Plant Ecologist
This course is designed for a broad audience as well as for students who are enrolled in either of the NCBG certificate programs. Field trips and exercises provide experience in the use of identification keys and recognition and emphasis on species that flower in the summer in a natural setting. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria II for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. No prerequisites. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Pollination of Flowering Plants
Dates: Saturdays, June 23, 30, July 14, 21
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor:Anne Lindsey, Botanist
This course is intended for a broad audience and explores the dynamic relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators. It includes floral reproductive biology, including flowering plant life cycle, breeding system biology and pollinator attraction mechanisms. Study of important common insect pollinators includes an introduction to insect taxonomic groups. Pollinator studies include important sensory systems, nutritional and energy requirements, foraging behaviors and nesting behaviors. Also included are aspects of pollination ecology and conservation and, specifically, the importance of pollination to our ecosystems and agriculture/food supply. The class format includes sessions dedicated to lecture, and indoor and outdoor laboratories. This course can also be counted as 10 hours of Criteria III for the N.C. Environmental Education Certification Program. No prerequisites. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION
Intermediate Watercolor
Dates: Tuesdays, Jan 10, 17, 24, 31 (Inclement weather date: Feb 6)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Maryann Roper, Professional Artist
Using live botanical specimens, students apply basic drawing and watercolor skills to create detailed, realistic watercolor studies of individual plant structures such as stems, twigs, leaves, petals, flowers, pods, and fruit. Classes cover such topics as creating the illusion of depth and volume and portraying shape, color, and textural details accurately. Prerequisites: Beginning Watercolor, Intermediate Drawing. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Italic Calligraphy—Basic Letter Forms [Short Course]
Dates: Wednesdays, Jan 11 & 18 (Inclement weather date: Jan 25)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Maryann Roper, Professional Artist
This short course focuses on learning to write lower and upper case Italic letters using a broad nib "dip" pen and black sumi ink. The first day will be spent learning lower case letters; the second day will concentrate on upper case. This workshop is ½ credit for the Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration but is open to anyone. Fee: $70 ($60 NCBG members).
Introduction to Botanical Illustration [Short Course]
Dates: Saturday, Jan 21 (Inclement weather date: Jan 25)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Koffenberger, Professional Artist
This half-day class explores the history of botanical illustration, shows examples of types of botanical illustrations and botanical art, describes coursework for the Certificate in Botanical Illustration, and introduces the instructors. This is a core course intended for students beginning the NCBG certificate program. No prerequisites. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members).
Intermediate Colored Pencil
Dates: Wednesdays, Feb 8, 15, 22, 29 (Inclement weather date: Jan 25)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Koffenberger, Professional Artist
This course makes use of the techniques and information covered in Beginning Colored Pencil and hones skills in color matching and layering. Students complete an illustration of a botanical subject of choice. This elective is intended for students who choose to develop a strong, more-advanced-level skill in colored pencil. Prerequisites: Beginning Colored Pencil, Intermediate Drawing. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
How to Paint a Flat Wash [short course]
Dates: Saturday, Feb 11 (Inclement weather date: Feb 25)
Time: 1:15 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist
Working on pre-stretched watercolor paper, students will paint a large flat wash. Students will learn the differences between watercolor papers; how to use a flat brush; how to mix and prepare the color for a large wash; how to prevent blossoms; how to collect beads of water; and how to prevent pinholes from forming. This course counts as 1/4 credit for the Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration but is open to anyone. No prerequisites. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members)
How to Paint a Feather [short course]
Dates: Sunday, Feb 26
Time: 1:15 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist
This class explores how to lay down washes and paint the fine details of a feather using the dry-brush watercolor technique. Counts as 1/4 credit for the Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration but is open to anyone. Fee: $35($30 NCBG members)
Beginning Drawing
Dates: Sundays, March 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: 1:15 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist
This course is designed to get your drawing skills up to speed before you tackle the complex subjects of traditional botanical illustration. In a friendly, nonjudgmental atmosphere, students cover the basics of contour, negative space, perspective, and tone. The perfect class for anyone who hasn't tried drawing in years, or for those who want to refresh their drawing skills. No prerequisites. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members).
Advanced Watercolor
Dates: Tuesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27 (Inclement weather date: April 3)
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Maryann Roper, Professional Artist
In this class, the student completes a botanical watercolor painting of a subject of her/his own choosing, with the instructor available for consultation and problem solving. The composition will include the plant's major features: stems, leaves, flowers, and buds. This class is open to any students who would like the discipline and/or review of painting a complete composition, with weekly feedback. Prerequisites: Intermediate Watercolor, Color Theory. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Portfolio/Graduation Preparation
Dates: Mondays, March 12, 19, 26, Apr 2
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Emma Skurnick, Professional Artist
This course is designed for students nearing completion of the Botanical Illustration Certificate and covers a myriad of topics to help prepare students for graduation. The course reviews how to assemble a portfolio, options for framing your work, how to approach galleries, publishing, marketing materials, copyright issues, and pricing artwork. No prerequisites. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Butterflies in Colored Pencil [short course] [REGISTRATION FULL BUT NEW SESSION ADDED ON APRIL 21]
Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Koffenberger, Professional Artist
Students receive instructions and color selections needed to complete an image of a butterfly species native to North Carolina. This course counts as 1/4 credit for the Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration but is open to anyone. No prerequisites. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members)
Mix and Match Color [New short course]
Date: Sunday, April 15
Time: 1:15 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist
All budding watercolorists have puzzled over how to find the right pigments for a particular color, how to mix that color on a palette, and how to paint the color transparently with minimal pick-up of layers. In this workshop, students will learn through a series of exercises how to determine the hue of the color and its warmth or coolness. Students will learn basic pigment mixing and how to paint transparent layers with dry-brush watercolor. Working with these basic principles and technique will give the beginning watercolorist the tools to find and apply any color in the rainbow. No prerequisites. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members)
Color Theory
Dates: Sundays, April 29, May 6, 13, 20
Time: 1:15 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist
Color theory is the study of how colors relate to one another. This class covers techniques for finding a particular hue, the push and pull of warm and cool pigments, the zing of a saturated color and the importance of beautiful muted color, how values create depth, and the beauty of complementary colors. Prerequisites: Composition, Intermediate Watercolor. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Intermediate Drawing
Dates: Mondays May 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Emma Skurnick, Professional Artist
The first step in any botanical illustration is the creation of a clear, accurate pencil drawing. In this class, students learn everything needed to produce beautiful pencil drawings—contour drawing, seeing values, tone application, basic plant anatomy, plate composition, and working with microscopes. There are regular critiques of students' work and one-on-one instruction. Prerequisite: Basic Drawing. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
Mixed Media
Dates: Wednesdays, May 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Linda Koffenberger, Professional Artist
This class provides instruction in combining various drawing and painting media for both botanical illustration and floral painting. The four-week course is meant for artists who have a working knowledge of graphite, pen and ink, watercolor, and colored pencil and who are interested in learning to combine them for enhanced effect. Prerequisites: Beginning Colored Pencil, Pen and Ink, Intermediate Watercolor. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members)
OTHER: WRITING, CHINESE BRUSH PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, FOOD, HERBS . . .
Nature Photography: Within Your Grasp
Date: Saturday, March 10
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 am
Instructor: Al Denelsbeck, Professional Photographer
This two-hour presentation provides a basic perspective into approaching nature and wildlife photography as a serious pursuit. You'll get tips on your overall approach, finding subjects, composing your images, and being prepared for dedicated photographic outings, as well as hearing some of the back-stories of chasing the pictures. Well illustrated and with accompanying handouts, this presentation is both interesting and fun, and will encourage you to produce those photos yourself! No materials needed. Al Denelsbeck has been pursuing photography for over 25 years, with most of the emphasis on nature and wildlife subjects, especially in the close-up world. He stresses that photography is not about equipment, but about approach. Fee: $27 ($22 NCBG members)
Chinese Brush Painting: Lotus Flowers & Fish
Date: Thursday, March 15
Time: 1 - 4 pm
Instructor: Alice Zhao, Professional Artist
Fish and shrimp are favorite subjects for Brush Painting; in this workshop, students will learn how to paint fish and shrimp as well as the lotus flower. Suitable for all experience levels. A supply list will be sent; please bring your supplies, including watercolors. Fee: $37 ($32 NCBG members)
Spring Garden Photography Workshop
Date: Saturday, March 24
Time: , 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Al Denelsbeck, Professional Photographer
Celebrate Spring by learning how to get better results from your garden photography. Learn about light levels, angles, and control; framing and composing your subject for best impact; making the most of conditions; and working with small subjects. The first part of the course provides instruction and tips regarding your photographic approach, while part two takes place in the garden itself, where you get to practice applying what you've learned, with a qualified nature photographer to answer questions. Bring your camera! Al Denelsbeck has been pursuing photography for over 25 years, with an emphasis on nature and wildlife subjects, especially at close range. He stresses that photography is not about equipment but about approach. Fee: $37 ($32 NCBG members)
Celebrating Spring Haiku Walk-and-Write Workshop
Date: Sunday, March 25
Time:2:30 - 4:30 pm
Guide: North Carolina Haiku Society (NCHS)
You've probably heard that a haiku is a short poem of 17 syllables, written in three lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables. There is much more to haiku than the famous syllable count—find out what these little poems have to offer! The N.C. Haiku Society was founded in 1979 to promote the writing and appreciation of haiku in English. We begin with some simple approaches to writing haiku. Participants then take a "haiku walk" in the gardens and along the trails with NCHS members, and follow up with a discussion of poems written by participants. Fee: $15 ($10 NCBG members)
All About Grains: Plant to Plate
Date: Saturday, March 31
Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Instructor: Abraham Palmer, Box Turtle Bakery
This workshop will explore wheat varieties and some related grains, from the garden/field to the freshly baked loaf on your plate. Learn about grain varieties, cultivation, harvesting, cleaning, storage, milling, and using grains in various forms. While soft wheat for biscuits and other baked goods is still grown in large quantity throughout the Southeast, we are in the early stages of reintroducing bread wheat to parts of the country outside the Midwest. Other regions have successfully interested local gardeners in reintroducing some of these fascinating species of plants. This is your opportunity to join the effort by taking home seeds to plant and information to let you taste the results of your labors. Abraham Palmer started Box Turtle Bakery in 2009 with the goal of freshly milling and baking locally grown grains into a variety of whole grain breads. Fee: $27 ($22 NCBG members)
Chinese Brush Painting: Landscapes
Date: Thursday, April 12
Time: 1 - 4 pm
Instructor: Alice Zhao, Professional Artist
Landscape is a major aspect of Chinese Brush Painting; in this workshop, students will paint a marvelous landscape. Suitable for all experience levels. A supply list will be sent; please bring your supplies, including watercolors. Fee: $37 ($32 NCBG members)
Native Southeastern Medicinal Herbs
Date: Saturday, April 28
Time: 1 - 4 pm
Instructor: Ricky Bratz, Certified Herbalist
During this short course, participants explore the beauty of our spring native medicinal plants. Using the expansive resources of the gardens and woodland trails, students will take in the abundant medicine that our local flora has to offer. Topics include field identification, history and lore of each plant, therapeutic and medicinal uses and preparations. You may discover some other uses for your favorite native plants! All levels of experience are welcome. Serves as ¼ credit for the Certificate in Native Plant Studies, but is open to anyone. Bring notebook, walking shoes, and water/snack if desired. Fee: $35 ($30 NCBG members)
Return to the EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS page to find other public programs, such as Lectures, Hikes and Tours, Art in the Garden.
Last updated by Laura Cotterman on February 09, 2012 at 11:00:02 am.
