Walk the Gardens with Blanka Aguero, bryophyte data manager at the Duke University Herbarium, to look for mosses and liverworts, discussing what they tell you about the site. Visit and learn about recent expansions to the moss garden that have increased the variety of mosses you’ll encounter here. You will learn identifying characteristics of these small plants by observing similarities and differences with a magnifying lens.
This interactive program led by Scott LaGreca, Paul J. Kramer Plant Collections Manager at Duke Gardens, will combine the scientific and artistic aspects of plant specimen preservation. Participants will learn the process of creating herbarium specimens, from plant collection and pressing to proper mounting techniques, including exploration of historical practices. Through hands-on activities, attendees will gain an appreciation for both the scientific and aesthetic value of preserved plant specimens in museum collections, and everyone will leave with a prepared plant specimen from the Duke Gardens plant collection.
Develop your relationship with some well-known plants by creating an herbal face mist with Sufia Ikbal-Doucet (they/them), herbalist & sovereignty doula. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll uncover the refreshing power of plants like rose, aloe, chamomile and mint. Learn about their healing properties, tap into deep presence and intuition to deepen your relationship and create a personalized blend to refresh your skin and spirit. All materials will be provided for each participant to create an herbal face mist to take home.
Join us for a watercolor plein-air painting workshop set amid the lush beauty of the public garden with artist Ryann Carey. This class focuses on capturing the many shades and subtleties of green found in nature. Students will learn how to mix naturalistic greens and create depth and variation within a monochromatic landscape. All levels welcome; bring your own materials. Suggested supply list includes: basic multicolor paint set, palette or plastic plate, brushes, water container, paper towel or rag, watercolor paper or block (of a size that is comfortable for you without a table), pencil, eraser, tape (if not using a block) and optional painting board.
Come discover the regenerative power of mindful engagement with nature with certified forest therapy guide Stephanie Campbell. The Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing, is a practice using all your senses to connect with nature. Many studies have found it to help decrease stress, increase immune system functioning and improve concentration, creativity and mood. In a slow-paced, two-hour session, Stephanie will offer a sequence of gentle invitations designed to help you immerse yourself in a deeper connection with nature, ending with a forest-based tea.
Gardens with botanical artist Julia Einstein. Be inspired by botanical still lifes, floral motifs and natural forms in the decorative arts. You will be guided to "paint" with pencil and use techniques to add color. Take home a folio of your discoveries in a set of watercolors. Julia creates a welcoming, inclusive environment for artists of all skill levels. All materials are included in the cost.
Gather inspiration from the gardens in this introduction to linocut printmaking, a relief printing technique where an image is carved into a linoleum block, with Bella Insignares, education staff at Duke Gardens. Participants will have the opportunity to make prints from nature, practice relief printmaking and carve their own linocut stamp.
Does your landscape look tired near the end of summer? Give yourself and the wildlife around you a boost with fall-forward perennials. At their peak during late summer and fall, these species have unique charms and an important ecological role. They give pollinators the resources they need before transitioning to the next stage of development. The superstars of autumn, asters and goldenrods, are keystone species that lend outsized support to food webs. They and other fall-forward plants extend the season visually and offer a rich tapestry of color and radiance optimized for the changing angle of the sun. Join Shannon Currey, education and outreach at Izel Native Plants, to learn more about lighting up your landscape with fall in mind!
Join horticulture staff and volunteers on a walk around the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants to learn about connections between people, plants and place. Each month will feature a different seasonal topic related to gardening with native plants.
Join tree expert Matt Archibald, ISA board-certified master arborist at Leaf & Limb, for a walk to wonder at the beauty of trees and learn fascinating facts about various species, their ecological importance and their role in our environment.