Interested in taking a class? Click here to see a complete list of upcoming educational programs.
35th Annual Sculpture in the Garden
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis autumn marks the 35th annual Sculpture in the Garden exhibit, a show that brings the work of local artists to the native plant landscapes of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. From a giant steel scorpion to small ceramic mushroom creatures, there's a huge variety in the show: this year will feature over 80 works by 58 artists!
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Saving Snakes: Snakes and the Evolution of a Field Naturalist
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesIn this Lunchbox Talk, Dr. Nicolette Cagle will explore the mysteries of snakes, their conservation, and connect it to larger themes of environmental identity development and conservation ethics, sharing excerpts from her book, Saving Snakes.
Twilight Thursdays: Fall Season
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesEvery Thursday from August 17 to September 28, we’re staying open until 7 p.m. so you can enjoy our display gardens in the evening. Our exhibit hall and Garden Shop will be open, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy outdoors – we have lots of benches and picnic tables, plus open lawn...
Fall Plant Sale
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesDid you know fall is the best time to plant native plants in your home garden? Planting in the fall gives time for plants to establish their root systems prior to the growing season. At our Fall Plant Sale, you'll be able to choose from a wide variety of southeastern native wildflowers, shrubs, trees, vines,...
Virtual Lunchbox Talk: Okra and Collards: Saving and Savoring Two Southern Staples
VirtualThe Utopian Seed Project has taken a deep dive into the varietal diversity and crop potential of many traditional southern vegetables. This class uses okra and collards to explore crop trialing, seed saving, culinary evaluations, regional and community seed work, climate adaptation, and crop development. The class aims to showcase the importance of regional seed sovereignty and share seed saving as a simple and accessible technology that all gardeners and farmers can engage with. The lessons learned here can be applied to any crop at any scale. Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of okra and collards.
Garden Journeys, Photographic Field Studies in the Garden
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis 6-week class is designed to provide individualized and small group instruction on the technical and aesthetic characteristics of landscape photography including environmental portraiture. Students will explore the trails surrounding the North Carolina Botanical Garden and return to the classroom for critique and sharing. All cameras and lenses appropriate from smart phones to digital single lens reflex and mirrorless. All students will receive an 8x10 print suitable for framing at the conclusion of the class.
Art and Yoga Retreat – Heart of Peace: Nourishment from the Garden
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesEmbody the meaning of peace in your mind, body, and heart at this semi-annual yoga and art retreat. The beautiful Autumn background invites us to reflect on a time of transition and letting go. Through the integration of mindfulness practices of gentle yoga, meditation and creative art journaling, you will have the opportunity to foster community, resilience and peaceful intention to nourish yourself for the changing season.
Early Autumn at Mason Farm
Mason Farm Biological Reserve Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesAn in-depth tour of Mason Farm Biological Reserve's Old Farm Trail that travels through some 260 years of cultural and natural history. Explore the beauty of fall, and learn about the Garden's intense management of both field and forest on the Reserve. The walk includes a short hike off-trail into the Shagbark Hickory Forest.
Yaupon Holly and the Ethnobotany of Caffeine
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesThis class will explore how yaupon holly, coffee, tea, and kola nut have powered the ancient and modern world. We will learn the origins of these plant-derived drinks, their production and our relationship to them. Please bring your favorite caffeinated beverage with you.
Drop-In Discoveries: Spider Search
North Carolina Botanical Garden 100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, United StatesDid you know not all moths are nocturnal? Learn about moths and create your own moth at our Drop-In Discovery Station. We will have materials to help you search for and identify moths at the Garden and at home. You can participate in the 2023 NC Moth Week (and even earn an embroidered badge) by observing and photographing moths from July 22 to 30. All ages welcome, but most appropriate for families with children ages 6+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a free, walk-up program that takes place outdoors.