North Carolina Botanical Garden
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Month
Date
Upcoming Event
Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Native Plants
The Certificate in Native Plant Studies provides a well-balanced botany, ecology, and taxonomy curriculum that enables students to develop a greater appreciation of native flora of the southeastern United States. The program provides basic scientific background and hands-on investigative opportunities. Studies leading to the Certificate will enhance the experience of professionals as well as dedicated amateur botanists and provide strong credentials for those involved in botanical, ecological, and conservation endeavors. Classes are taught by Garden staff, UNC professors, and other area experts.
Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration
The Certificate in Botanical Art and Illustration provides comprehensive courses to people who wish to improve their skills in drawing and painting plants in an accurate and technically detailed manner. Studies leading to the certificate will enhance the experience of both the professional and the dedicated amateur artist. The program is designed to give students a well-balanced curriculum combining basic scientific background, visual arts theory, and practical experience using various media.
Foodscaping with Native Plants - Virtual On Demand
Thoughtful design and management of landscapes is more important than ever as concerns of climate, water quality and invasive plants increase. Brie will discuss how to create a foodscape using native plants mixed with favorite seasonal food crops. The best organic products are featured and easy, earth friendly maintenance strategies are highlighted. Learn about native edible plants and the pollinators they attract that aid in ecological restoration. Get inspired to see the potential every landscape offers by transforming them into purposeful spaces that embrace solutions to modern day landscape practices.
Keep the Animals (including deer) Out of Your Garden - Virtual On Demand
Mammal browse is one of the biggest challenges that gardeners face. And we all have critters that we are sharing our gardens with, including deer, rabbits, groundhogs, even cats and dogs! The reality is, our gardens are delicious- they are fertilized, irrigated and full of tasty plants, so of course the local wildlife will take delight in eating our hard work. In this fun webinar, author, and horticulturist Brie Arthur, will explain her approach to dealing with unwanted animals. She will cover it all, including a few things that you should NOT do! From the best repellents and inexpensive fencing solutions to using a few favorite veggies to help deter problem animals, attendees will learn easy-to-apply strategies. Brie aims to make you laugh and answer all your questions in this recorded virtual session.
Spring Veggie Garden Prep - Virtual On Demand
Are you ready for the growing season? Life-long home gardener Brie Arthur shares expert advice for success in the veggie garden. She will cover everything you need to cultivate an abundant harvest. From seed selection and sowing, to bed prep, fertilization and proper crop rotations, this informative program will inspire attendees to grow all the food they love to eat. Brie will also share tips for maximizing your homegrown harvest through easy to learn processing and preserving techniques. After this session you will be ready to grow like a pro!
Botanical Art Fundamentals: An Online Program
The Botanical Art Fundamentals Program is designed to give students a foundational level curriculum combining basic scientific background, visual arts theory, and a basic level of experience using various media. Classes are taught by North Carolina art professionals and botany professionals. The program can be completed 100% in the virtual format, although individuals may also choose to take courses in-person as well. Course offerings and scheduling are designed for completion within a one and one half to two-year period.
June
6/8/2023
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sketching in the Garden
Have you ever wanted to sketch what you see on a hike or in your own backyard? Sketching is simple, enjoyable way to gain appreciation for nature and spend time relaxing outdoors. In this nature sketching class you start in the classroom with a mini sketching lesson. The topics of the lesson time will vary. Covering a variety subject matter, approaches and sketching basics. The instructor can also address specific questions related to sketching, and how to use your materials. We will then go out into the garden as a group to sketch outdoors where you will receive guidance as you sketch. All levels of experience welcome.
6/8/2023
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Sketching in the Garden
Have you ever wanted to sketch what you see on a hike or in your own backyard? Sketching is simple, enjoyable way to gain appreciation for nature and spend time relaxing outdoors. In this nature sketching class you start in the classroom with a mini sketching lesson. The topics of the lesson time will vary. Covering a variety subject matter, approaches and sketching basics. The instructor can also address specific questions related to sketching, and how to use your materials. We will then go out into the garden as a group to sketch outdoors where you will receive guidance as you sketch. All levels of experience welcome.
6/10/2023
9:30 AM - 6/24/2023 12:30 PM
Entomology
Event is Full: Accepting Wait List Registrations
This course is designed for a broad audience. Students learn insect family recognition and common species identification, insect ecology and conservation, basic life cycle biology, and how to improve insect habitat and conservation in the urban environment. No prerequisites.
6/10/2023
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Second Saturday NCBG Tour
From March to November, join our skilled volunteer Garden Guides on the second Saturday of the month for a guided tour of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Each month offers a glimpse into what’s happening in our unique native plant gardens – from spring wildflowers to fall color – and what makes the NCBG one of the premier conservation gardens in the US. Tours are one (1) hour and space is limited! Please register each member of your party separately.
6/13/2023
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Introduction to the Zentangle® Art Method with Florals - Virtual
Zentangle® is a form of relaxation using easy to learn patterns drawn by focusing on single lines, one at a time. This method focuses on simple, elemental strokes that anyone can draw, regardless of creative ability and allows the mind and body to release stress while creating beautiful images. In this class, you’ll learn the history and philosophy of Zentangle®. In addition to learning about the necessary supplies, students will also learn how to create at least (8) tangles (patterns) to finish a complete paper tile. Basic shading techniques will also be taught.
6/14/2023
9:30 AM - 6/16/2023 4:30 PM
Visiting Artist Master Course with Carol Woodin: Nature’s Rarities: Painting Native Orchids in Watercolor
Event is Full: Accepting Wait List Registrations
Orchids are one of the art world’s most treasured subjects, and we’ll find ours growing in the landscape at NCBG. Students will begin by studying their choice of subject in its natural habitat, learning to collect field information accurately and quickly through drawing, watercolor studies, and photography. Returning to the studio, we’ll finalize and transfer drawings to either paper or vellum. Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on practice, artists will learn to manage multiple layers of watercolor drybrush, capturing color, shaded form and surface qualities characteristic of orchids, while retaining botanical accuracy of their subject. By the end of the three-day course, artists will have their paintings complete or nearly so.
6/17/2023
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Nature Journaling in the Garden
Develop your nature journaling skills, whether you are just getting started, want to add visual notes to a written journal, or simply enjoy drawing what you see. Through guided exercises, we’ll practice perceptual and drawing skills to quickly establish a framework for a diagram, drawing, or description in your journal, then experiment with portable drawing and painting media. We’ll also look at strategies for organizing your journal for outdoor excursions. All skill levels are welcome! Come dressed to venture outside. Bring your favorite journal and tools or refer to the provided materials list.
6/17/2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Coker Arboretum Tour
Take a tour of this gem on the UNC campus with a Coker Arboretum curator. This walking tour will explore the 5-acres that make up the Arboretum, allowing time for observation and discussion. Each tour differs as the gardens change through the seasons.
6/17/2023
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Planting Piedmont Grasslands Helps Fight Climate Change
Grasslands and prairies are native to North Carolina’s ecosystem. These unassuming swaths of land provide critical habitat for wildlife and pollinators and can actually change the soil around them for the better - improving the soil’s ability to store carbon. By taking excess atmospheric carbon out of the air, prairies and grasslands have innumerable environmental benefits.
6/17/2023
1:30 PM - 8/5/2023 3:30 PM
Photography in the Garden - Garden Portraits, Summer Workshop
Students create portraits with their favorite trees and plants. This may include self-portrait, loved ones, and friends. In class we will consider posing, lighting, design, interpretation, and interview. Each student will receive a photograph on paper for framing and gifting as desired. Students may participate in the September exhibition and reception at the NCBG with Red Nucleus musical performance.
6/22/2023
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Sketching in the Garden
Have you ever wanted to sketch what you see on a hike or in your own backyard? Sketching is simple, enjoyable way to gain appreciation for nature and spend time relaxing outdoors. In this nature sketching class you start in the classroom with a mini sketching lesson. The topics of the lesson time will vary. Covering a variety subject matter, approaches and sketching basics. The instructor can also address specific questions related to sketching, and how to use your materials. We will then go out into the garden as a group to sketch outdoors where you will receive guidance as you sketch. All levels of experience welcome.
6/22/2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Therapeutic Horticulture: A Gateway to Healing & Connection with the Natural World
Who would you be and how would you be affected if you completely lost or had minimal ability to connect with the natural world physically, cognitively, or emotionally? How would it feel to live in a sterile institution, a hospital bed, or a body or mind that confines you to your own home or thoughts? We are all just an accident, illness, or a few years of the aging process away from being faced with these possibilities and millions of people are already coping with this experience every day. Therapeutic Horticulture is the professionally facilitated gateway that enables and empowers those who desire a connection with Nature to regain access and function within natural environments.
6/23/2023
9:30 AM - 8/4/2023 12:30 PM
Summer Flora
This course is intended 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 of plants in a natural setting. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of basic plant morphology, naming conventions for plants and the history of scientific naming, how to identify the prominent plants of the season using a dichotomous key and field characteristics, all through a season-specific lens.
6/29/2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: The Flora of the Southeast Web App
For nearly 20 years, the herbarium has produced a print and pdf flora of the southeastern United States, a guide to keying out plant species across 25 states. In the last year, we've transformed this valuable resource into a web app with dynamic keys, photographs of species, quick searches by synonyms as well as Latin and common names. We've also designed a mobile app that further assists botanists with plant identification by narrowing down options using flower color, flowering month, geographic location, and other assorted bits of botanical information. NCBG herbarium associates Michael Lee and Scott Ward will present these two apps and how to best use them.
July
7/8/2023
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Second Saturday NCBG Tour
From March to November, join our skilled volunteer Garden Guides on the second Saturday of the month for a guided tour of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Each month offers a glimpse into what’s happening in our unique native plant gardens – from spring wildflowers to fall color – and what makes the NCBG one of the premier conservation gardens in the US. Tours are one (1) hour and space is limited! Please register each member of your party separately.
7/8/2023
1:15 PM - 8/19/2023 4:45 PM
Integrating Composition and Color Theory
In this class students learn the basics of color and the techniques for properly mixing pigments to match a specific color. Concepts of the color wheel and analogous/complementary colors are explored through instruction and numerous exercises. The three attributes of color – hue, value and intensity are also covered. This class was formerly known simply as Color Theory. It serves as a prerequisite for the Advanced Watercolor classes and for Intermediate and Advanced Colored Pencil. Prerequisites: Composition, Intermediate Watercolor
7/15/2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Coker Arboretum Tour
Take a tour of this gem on the UNC campus with a Coker Arboretum curator. This walking tour will explore the 5-acres that make up the Arboretum, allowing time for observation and discussion. Each tour differs as the gardens change through the seasons.
7/25/2023
1:15 PM - 8/15/2023 4:45 PM
Beginning Drawing: Virtual
An introductory level course of drawing for beginners and those wishing to refresh their skills. Includes using a sketchbook for line drawing exercises on seeing to draw, quick sketching, mapping for accuracy, and other basic principles of drawing. This is a live two hour Zoom format class divided into a group session for lecture, demonstrations, and group critique with the instructor followed by one on one individual appointments for consultation and problem solving. Prerequisite for Intermediate Drawing, Beginning Watercolor, and Beginning Colored Pencil. Note: This class involves homework assignments. The amount of time students need to spend on homework varies and usually ranges from five to 15 hours per week.
August
8/5/2023
9:30 AM - 8/26/2023 12:30 PM
Botany
Event is Full: Accepting Wait List Registrations
This course is introductory in nature and designed for a broad audience. 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 in the gardens.
8/6/2023
1:30 PM - 8/13/2023 4:30 PM
Lichens
This class is intended for a broad audience. Lichens (lichenized fungi) are symbiotic organisms that consist of fungal, algal and/or bacterial partners. 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 introduces students to the fascinating world of lichen biology, the dazzling diversity of the local lichen flora, and their importance as indicators of environmental health. Includes lecture, demonstrations, and a foray out into the Garden.
8/7/2023
8:00 AM - 5/13/2024 5:00 PM
Hybrid Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture
The Hybrid Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture (HCTH) provides comprehensive online and in-person instruction to professionals and students in allied health, education, and design fields who wish to incorporate therapeutic horticulture into their practice. This nine-month program allows maximum flexibility for those who need convenient, self-paced, evening, and weekend learning opportunities. Students will build foundational knowledge and explore how Therapeutic Horticulture supports human health & wellness, including physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social needs.
8/8/2023
2:00 PM - 8/29/2023 4:00 PM
Drawing Florals in Colored Pencil - Virtual
This course will focus on drawing florals in colored pencil and is designed for artists new to botanical drawing and those wishing to refresh their skills. The course will cover the basic techniques that form the foundation of colored pencil art including pencil strokes, pencil pressure, layering, blending and burnishing. During the three-day program, students will work on two projects featuring plants native to the Southeast. Instructor will provide group instruction and individual feedback of student progress. All levels are welcome.
8/10/2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: NC Certified Master Naturalist Volunteer Program
The NC Certified Master Naturalist Volunteer program, a 50-hour classroom and fieldwork education program, offered by NC Cooperative Extension, Chatham and Durham counties, prepares volunteers for stewardship, advocacy, education, and citizen science projects with leading environmental organizations in the Triangle. This new program will begin January 2024, classes will be held on Saturdays once a month at locations in Chatham and Durham counties. A key feature of this program are the Impact Projects participants develop that integrate course concepts and benefit one of the Partner Organizations. These projects challenge the program participants to answer the question, “What impact can I make on our environment?”
8/23/2023
1:15 PM - 10/4/2023 4:30 PM
Virtual Visiting Artist Master Course: Rendering Textures in Graphite with Rogério Lupo
Event is Full: Accepting Wait List Registrations
A drawing done purely in graphite can by its very nature provide a spectacular result. But besides that, mastering the graphite technique yields us the tools for a detailed investigation of the subject by doing previous studies, so we can grasp the essentials of light and shade before working with other media such as colored pencils, pen and ink, or even watercolors. This workshop offers the fundamentals for that as well, but focuses specifically on the richness of textures found in nature with all their diversity, and how to represent them artistically either using only graphite on white paper or else graphite plus a light-colored pencil on toned paper.
8/24/2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Toxic Plants and Pets - Awareness is Key
Dogs, cats, and other pet animals may interact with poisonous plants in their homes, yards, and neighborhoods. As their humans, it’s our responsibility to be aware of the effects of potential exposures and to avoid these as much as possible. We’ll review some recent data from ASPCA Poison Control and Pet Poison Helpline on the plant poisonings they see most frequently in pets and look at some of the plants that occur in our area and their specific toxic effects.
September
9/5/2023
1:15 PM - 9/26/2023 4:45 PM
Beginning Watercolor - Virtual
In this class, students are introduced to watercolor and learn basics techniques such as flat and graded washes. Students learn to paint various simple shapes (spheres and cylinders) and a small botanical subject. Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing.
9/8/2023
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Native Seed Propagation
Event is Full: Accepting Wait List Registrations
Intended for all levels, students learn seed propagation techniques for native perennials and woody plants. Topics include seed collection methods, post-collection handling, cleaning equipment and techniques, seed storage, seed sowing techniques, sowing media, cultural requirements of seedlings, and dormancy requirements. No prerequisites.
9/9/2023
9:30 AM - 9/23/2023 2:00 PM
Botany
This course is introductory in nature and designed for a broad audience. 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 in the gardens.
9/13/2023
9:15 AM - 10/4/2023 12:45 PM
Beginning Colored Pencil: Virtual
Colored pencil is a next step in advancing from drawing to painting, and introduces the full array of fine art pigments. This course is a hands-on introduction to commonly used materials and techniques such as layering, blending, burnishing and tonal gradation. No prerequisites
9/15/2023
9:30 AM - 9/22/2023 12:30 PM
Pollination
This intermediate-level course explores the dynamic relationship between flowering plants and their pollinators. It includes floral reproductive biology, including the flowering plant life cycle, breeding system biology, and pollinator attraction mechanisms. Students learn to recognize important insect pollinators. Additional topics include pollination ecology, conservation, and the importance of pollination to our ecosystems and agriculture/food supply. Prerequisite: Botany.
9/16/2023
1:15 PM - 10/14/2023 4:45 PM
Botanical Sketchbook: Virtual
Take your sketchbook outdoors and reconnect with plants in their natural environment. In this course, students are encouraged to shed old habits and try new techniques as they travel through the variety of gardens and habitats in their home areas. Through a combination of guided exercises and free experimentation, students discover new ways of seeing plants, new problem-solving skills, and a refreshing way of thinking about layout and color. Several media are used, from ballpoint pen to watercolor to pencil. No prerequisite.
9/28/2023
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Hybrid Lunchbox Talk: Saving Snakes: Snakes and the Evolution of a Field Naturalist
In 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.
October
10/1/2023
1:15 PM - 10/29/2023 4:45 PM
Field Sketching
Take your sketchbook outdoors and reconnect with plants in their natural environment. In this course, students are encouraged to shed old habits and try new techniques as they travel through the variety of gardens and habitats at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Through a combination of guided exercises and free experimentation, students discover new ways of seeing plants, new problem-solving skills, and a refreshing way of thinking about layout and color. Several media are used, from ballpoint pen to watercolor to pencil. No prerequisite.
10/3/2023
1:15 PM - 10/24/2023 4:45 PM
Intermediate Drawing - Virtual
In this class, students continue their journey to learn the skills needed to produce accurate tonal graphite botanical drawings from life. Covered topics include: more methods to increase accuracy, transitioning to tonal drawing, light on form fundamentals, realistic textures, and rendering fine plant details. Prerequisite: Beginning Drawing.
10/6/2023
1:15 PM - 10/27/2023 4:45 PM
Composition - Virtual
This course is a broad study in the elements that formulate a good artistic composition. Students learn how to make visual choices and determine how parts of a plant are arranged on the page to balance botanical accuracy and artistic sensitivity. Composition serves as a prerequisite for Integrating Composition and Color Theory. Note: This class involves homework assignments. The amount of time students need to spend on homework varies and usually ranges from five to 15 hours per week.
10/7/2023
9:30 AM - 10/14/2023 12:30 PM
Soil Ecology
This 6-hour course is intended for a broad audience. Students are introduced to the complex world of soils, including 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. No prerequisites.
10/19/2023
1:15 PM - 11/9/2023 4:45 PM
Intermediate Expressive Watercolor - Virtual
This class introduces students to fluid watercolor techniques such as wet-on-wet. Students will learn to work with more water in the beginning and middle of the painting process and then rely on the skills learned in Beginning Watercolor to refine and add detail towards the end of the process. Students will create textures for backgrounds, work on color mixing using a limited palette, and learn to use glazing and masking fluid. Techniques for correcting mistakes in watercolor will also be covered. Upon completion of this course, students will have knowledge/skill of the following: • Working with various amounts of water and watercolor paint; • Working wet-on-wet; • Working with masking fluid; • Making a variety of watercolor textures such as salt, plastic wrap, etc.; • Glazing; • Working with a limited palette; and • Color mixing
10/21/2023
1:15 PM - 11/11/2023 4:45 PM
Intermediate Expressive Colored Pencil - Virtual
This course makes use of the techniques and information covered in the Beginning Colored Pencil class. Students will continue developing skills in drawing in colored pencils with attention to form, texture and detail. Using live botanical specimens, students will apply their drawing skills to create botanical portraits of seasonal plants such as twigs, leaves, petals, flowers, pods, and fruit. We will develop personal and expressive aesthetic while maintaining scientific accuracy.
10/28/2023
1:15 PM - 11/11/2023 4:45 PM
Intermediate Traditional Watercolor
This course builds upon the knowledge and skills of Beginning Watercolor. 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
November
11/5/2023
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Annual Jenny Elder Fitch Memorial Lecture - A World of Discovery: How Science and Heart Can Make You a More Ecological Gardener
Much has been written about gardening for human senses, but how do plants and animals perceive the world around them? What do we miss when we landscape for human visual appeal but neglect the sensory experiences of our wild neighbors? Noise, light and odor pollution can have many unintended consequences. Through science, heart, and our powers of observation, we can learn to mitigate these disruptions and create sensory refuges in an increasingly noisy world.
December
12/9/2023
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Graduation Preparation for the Certificate in Botanical Art & Illustration
Students will receive guidance on Independent Projects, graduation procedures and requirements, as well as organizing the exhibit, photographing and framing their paintings, and an introduction to marketing their work. Non-credit course.