Programs > Classes and Workshops

Classes and Workshops

We offer many learning opportunities for adults, including gardening workshops, botany and ecology courses, and studies of local flora and botanical illustration. 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 at right. 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 Totten Center, located off of Old Mason Farm Road in Chapel Hill, unless otherwise indicated.

These classes & workshops are listed in date order!

Native Plant Studies [303]: Local Flora—Fall

Dates: Fridays, October 2, 9, November 6, 20
Time: 12:30 - 3:30 pm
Instructor:Milo Pyne, Ecologist with NatureServe

The instructor will take students to a variety of local habitats where they will learn about the native fall plant species, take an in-depth look at the fall's woody and perennial herbaceous plants, and study the characteristics of the fall flowering plant species. This is a core course for both the Native Plant Studies and Botanical Illustration certificates. Pre-requisite: [101]Basic Botany. Fee: $120 ($100 NCBG members). Limit: 15.

Native Plant Studies [402]: Introduction to Lichens

Dates: Saturdays, October 24, 31, November 7, 21
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Instructor: Gary Perlmutter, Lichenologist & UNC Herbarium Associate

Lichens (lichenized fungi) are symbiotic organisms that consist of a fungus and an alga. Among the first life forms to live on land, lichens have occupied nearly every habitat on Earth and grow on many of the surfaces of our environment. This class will cover general lichen biology, the dazzling diversity of our local lichen flora, and their importance as indicators of environmental health. Recommended: [101]Basic Botany and [102]Plant Taxonomy. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members). Limit: 15.

Yoga at the Garden [NEW!]

Dates: Sundays, October 25, November 1, 8
Time: 3:15 - 4:45 pm
Instructor: Joanne Marshall, Yoga Instructor

Enjoy the benefits of a mindful yoga practice in the beautiful "Growing Classroom" of the new Education Center. Huge windows look out onto the Garden's Nature Trails and let in ample light. Perfect for Gardeners and nongardeners alike. Bring a yoga mat if you have one; a limited number of mats will be available. Come to one, two, or all three classes—but please register ahead of time: space is limited. Fee: $10 per Sunday ($5 NCBG members).

Native Plant Studies [401]: Dendrology—Trees of North Carolina

Dates: Thursdays, October 29 - November 19
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Instructor: Stephanie Jeffries, PhD Botanist/Ecologist

Dendrology is the study and identification of woody plants. Students will learn to identify trees using morphological characteristics such as branch and leaf arrangements, bark, twigs, and fruits. The format of this course resembles the Local Flora courses, with the emphasis on woody plants—mainly trees, but also shrubs and vines. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members). Limit: 15.

Native Plant Studies [202]: Conservation Biology

Dates: Saturdays, October 31, November 21, December 5, 12
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Instructors: Peter White, NCBG Director & Johnny Randall, NCBG Assoc. Director for Conservation

Students will study the concepts of natural diversity and island biogeography. Topics to be addressed in the course are rare plants, conservation genetics, ecological restoration, conservation landscaping, and preserve design. Both classroom lecture and outdoor field experiences are included. This is a core course for the Native Plant Studies Certificate. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members). Limit: 15.

Botanical Illustration [202]: Pen & Ink

Dates: Mondays, November 2 - 23
Time: 1:00 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Emma Skurnick, Professional Artist/Illustrator

Pen and Ink is the most traditional medium for the depiction of botanical subjects, and is still widely used in botanical publications today. We will work with both "old-fashioned" crow-quill dip pens and modern technical pens. Skills learned include the care and feeding of pens, the depiction of space through line weight, stippling, depiction of texture, and working with herbarium specimens (pressed plants). There will be regular critiques of students' work, and plenty of one-on-one instruction. This is a core course for the Botanical Illustration Certificate. Pre-requisites: [201] Drawing II. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members). Limit: 15.

Botanical Illustration [510]: Painting White Flowers [CANCELLED]

Dates: Friday - Sunday, November 13 - 15
Time: Nov 13 1:00 - 4:30 pm, Nov 14 9:30 am - 4:30 pm, Nov 15 1:30 - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Patricia Savage, Professional Artist/Illustrator

Painting white flowers on a white background present a unique challenge to botanical artists and often leave the artist frustrated. This class will concentrate on planning the composition, using warm and cool colors, subtle value contrasts, and painting extremely thin, transparent, and glowing glazes. Students may work from photographs or living flowers. This is an elective course for the Botanical Illustration Certificate. Pre-requisites: Some experience in watercolor and drawing. Fee: $125 ($110 NCBG members). Limit: 15.

Botanical Mosaic Workshop [CANCELLED]

Dates: Saturday & Sunday, November 14 & 15 + Sunday November 22
Time: Nov 14 9:30 - 4:30, Nov 15 1:30 - 4:30, Nov 22, 1:30 - 4:30
Instructor: Jeannette Brossart, Mosaic Artist

Become inspired while learning the basics of mosaic art! Participants will use traditional techniques to complete a finished 12x12 indoor mosaic panel. Create a preliminary botanical design of your own choosing, then learn how to hand-cut and apply mosaic tesserae (glass, ceramic, and more) in the direct method to enhance your design. The last session will focus on mixing and applying grout and learning how to finish and protect your mosaic art. Fee: $195 (NCBG members $175). Fee includes all materials. Moderate hand strength required. Students must wear close-toed shoes and bring eye protection and a work apron.

Chinese Brush Painting: Poinsettias & Chrysanthemums

Dates: Thursday, November 19
Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Jinxiu (Alice) Zhao, artist from China

Chinese Brush Painting is an expressive art form. In this workshop, you will practice another of the famous Four Gentlemen in Chinese brush painting—the Chrysanthemum. As a bonus, you will also learn brush paint interpretations of a holiday favorite—the Poinsettia—just in time for holiday cards and decorations! Step-by-step instruction is provided, so no previous experience is required. If you have taken these classes previously, bring your materials. Fee: $30 ($25 Garden 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 November 12, 2009 at 05:16:23 pm.

Your support is crucial to our continued success. Become part of the Botanical Garden through volunteering or becoming a member.

Stay informed about the Garden by signing up for Garden Notes, our email newsletter.

Registration Instructions

1. The first step in registering is to call the Garden at 919-962-0522, Monday - Friday (please note any registration dates given here to the left). Your name will be placed on a list for the program, but your registration is final only when your registration form and payment are received (see below). You also may come by the Totten Center to register.

2. Please fill out this registration form [PDF]—or request one when you call. Mail in this form with your payment, right away. Payment can be made by check, VISA, MasterCard, or cash (if paying in person at the Totten Center). If you are also purchasing or renewing your membership, payment must be made separately (to the "Botanical Garden Foundation"). Make registration checks payable to "NCBG," with "classes" on the memo line. Mail to:

North Carolina Botanical Garden Classes
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CB 3375, Totten Center
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3375

Cancellations

If a course does not reach a minimum registration level, the class may be cancelled at the Garden's discretion. You will receive a phone and/or e-mail notification, and any registration fees will be refunded in full.

If you must cancel your registration, please inform us as quickly as possible so we can notify someone on the waiting list. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 5 working days from the class start date.

Accessibility

The Totten Center is wheelchair accessible. Visitors can enjoy an accessible pathway through the gardens. If you have special needs that could be accommodated to enable you to visit the Garden or participate in one of our programs, please let us know in advance by calling 919-962-0522.

Please see the parking map as a guide.

Several marked accessible parking spaces can be found in the parking lot. For another accessible space behind the Totten Center, drive south on the US 15-501/NC 54 Bypass (Fordham Blvd.); at the next traffic light, turn left onto Manning Dr.; go 1 block and turn left on Coker Drive; go 1 block and turn left into the staff/delivery driveway for the Garden (the former Laurel Hill Rd.); at the bottom of the hill, turn left into the staff parking lot; continue through the lot up the driveway; past the greenhouse on the left will be an accessible parking space. If you require assistance in moving from a parking space to the building entrance, please call (919-962-0522) and tell us when to expect you; a member of the staff will be available to assist you.