Fall Gardens with Big Impact Walk

Class Cancelled

Enjoy the beauty of fall in Olbrich's outdoor gardens during this stroll to see late bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees, and native plants. Top-performing and favorite plants will be highlighted, as you learn how they have been incorporated into Olbrich's garden designs and how you can use them in your own landscape for fall impact.

Instructor: Jeff Epping, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Tuesday, October 16, 5-6:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 9

Cost: $17/$13 member | Course Number: 31-27

Touching the Earth

Mindfulness and Eastern Poetry

Celebrate the Earth by working through the mindfulness practices offered us by Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh, author of Peace is Every Step, and draw insights to write your own daily meditations and poetry. This class will help you cultivate a practice of appreciation for the natural world and insight into turning mindfulness into poetry. Bring writing supplies; dress for the weather.

Instructor: Troy Hess, On the Yahara Writing Center

Thursdays, October 25, November 1, 8, and 15, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration deadline: October 18

Cost: $40 per person | Course Number: 21-41

Coptic Stitch Book Binding 

Class Cancelled

Coptic stitch is an intermediate level technique that will further develop and challenge your creative book binding skills. This binding is designed to lie flat when open, which allows for ease in drawing or writing. Basic bookmaking and sewing experience is recommended. Some supplies included; a supply list provided. Each attendee in an adult/youth pair pays the registration fee.

Youth Ages: 15 years and up w/ an adult
Instructor: Jackie Hefty, Whispering Woodlands

Sunday, October 14, 1-4 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 5

Cost: $87/$70 member | Course Number: 21-34

Make a Bird Pod

Make a one-of-a-kind piece of fiber art for your backyard feathered friends or a bird lover. Learn the art of felt making using wool roving to create a shape around a resist. Bird pods are soft in appearance, but durable enough to stand up to outdoor use. Imagine looking outside and watching the birds enjoy your fiber art! No experience necessary; come open to learning, creating, and fun. Felting tools and fibers provided to make one bird pod; bring three towels.
Instructor: Michelle Martin, Artist

Sunday, October 14, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Class Full - call or email to be added to waitlist

Registration Deadline: October 8

Cost: $40/$32 member | Course Number: 21-51

Sunday, October 14, 1-3:30 p.m.

Class Full - call or email to be added to waitlist

Registration Deadline: October 8

Cost: $40/$32 member | Course Number: 21-35

Weave a Dishcloth

Learn to weave a square with a continuous strand of cotton yarn on a pin loom. The completed square makes a superb dishcloth; multiple squares can be joined for larger projects. This weaving technique will get you on the road to years of weaving enjoyment. No weaving experience required; must be able to hold and manipulate a crochet hook. A loom will be available to use during class; you may purchase the loom after class from the instructor ($42). Bring your own 10.5" square pin loom (if you own one), blunt tapestry needle, scissors, and notetaking utensils; all other supplies provided.
Instructor: Jane Grogan, Madison Knitters Guild

Thursday, October 18, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 11

Cost: $45/$36 member | Course Number: 21-37

Do-It-Yourself Photovoltaics (Solar Electric Panels)

Learn practical background information about solar panels, solar electricity, and various photovoltaic systems, along with the costs. See examples of solar electric systems and installations, as you plan your solar project to meet your site's needs. You will receive a do-it-yourself manual that can be used with any solar set up, plus lots of resources. Bring notetaking supplies and a bag lunch.
Instructor: Jon Passi

Sunday, October 21, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 15

Cost: $81/$65 member | Course Number: 21-38

Native Shrubs for Your Landscape

Explore the exciting possibilities of native shrubs in your landscape. Learn easy-to-follow tips about native shrub selection, placement, and maintenance. Expect to discover the environmental and economic benefits of native shrubs and how these beautiful, low-maintenance plants can be used in your landscape for both aesthetic appeal and functional purposes.
Instructor: John Gishnock III, Formecology, LLC

Tuesday, October 23, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 16

Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 11-22

Make a Grapevine Ball

Get ready. . .Get set. . . GRAPEVINE! Have fun making a unique structure that is ideal for adding a rustic and whimsical touch to your garden containers or beds. Learn tips and tricks, and take home inspiration and your own medium-sized (16"-18" diameter) grapevine ball.
Instructor: Katey Pratt & Samantha Yoder, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Thursday, October 25, 6-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 18

Cost: $40/$32 member | Course Number: 21-40

Native Beauty - Flower Arranging 

Class Cancelled

Many native plants are long-lasting and beautiful in fresh summer bouquets and can be dried for winter arrangements. Learn about some of the best native plants to include in your landscape for cut flowers and foliage, including examples and tips on how to create beautiful indoor floral arrangements. Each attendee in an adult/youth pair pays the registration fee.

Youth Ages: 14 years and up w/ adult
Instructor: Mariette Nowak, Author

Sunday, November 4, 1-2:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 29

Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 11-23

2019 Garden Trends

Stay on top of the newest garden trends for the upcoming year! Hear about the upcoming trends for next year including new plants, gardening techniques, and colors to add into your gardens. Gain insight on the latest and greatest to keep your garden on trend!
Instructor: Avery Marcott, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Wednesday, November 7, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 31

Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 11-24

Ice Luminary Magic! 

Explore the magic of ice lanterns with "Ice Wrangler" Jennifer Shea Hedberg, an ice luminary artist whose passion is discovering and refining methods of creating beautiful illuminated ice structures. Ice lanterns can be displayed outdoors/indoors and are a perfect wintertime activity for the entire family. She will share in detail a couple of techniques from her new book, Ice Luminary Magic!. Some hands-on and Q&A time will be included. Each registrant will receive a copy of the new book. Each youth/adult pair pays one registration fee and receives one book. Some supplies available for purchase during class.

Youth Ages: 12 years and up w/ and adult
Instructor: Jennifer Shea Hedberg, Wintercraft

Thursday, November 8, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 1

Cost: $56/$45 member | Course Number: 21-43

Pine Needle Basket Weaving

Class Full

Make a coiled basket using pine needles, and explore the creative possibilities of this ancient art form. Learn the process, and then try various stitching techniques, as well as approaches to incorporating other materials into the design of your coiled basket. Bring a small pair of sharp scissors, thimble, and reading glasses, if needed for close work; other supplies provided. Bring a bag lunch.
Instructor: Linda Conroy, Moonwise Herbs

Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 2

Cost: $56/$45 member | Course Number: 21-44

From the Garden:

All About Soap Making Workshop 

Enjoy an afternoon of making soap with herbs, as well as fresh goat's milk. Learn the basics, and then dive into a hands-on experience. Explore how to create a natural washcloth by felting finished soap bars. You will go home with soap made in class, along with the instructions and recipes. Bring a pair of rubber gloves; all other supplies provided. Each attendee in an adult/youth pair pays the registration fee.

Youth Ages: 12 years and up w/ an adult
Instructor: Linda Conroy, Moonwise Herbs

Sunday, November 11, 1-5 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 2

Cost: $56/$45 member | Course Number: 21-45

Bark, Berries, Grasses & Beyond

With a little foresight and the right plants, you can add interest to the dormant garden. Learn about the best performing trees, shrubs, conifers, vines, and ornamental grasses, as well as other garden features and ideas, that are guaranteed to breathe life into your "off-season" garden.
Instructor: Jeff Epping, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Monday, November 12, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 5

Cost: $17/$13 member | Course Number: 11-26

Gardens of Stone

Explore the exciting world of stonework, and learn how simple materials and layout choices can help your natural stone landscape features go beyond function to express the essence of the landscape. Through numerous examples, this presentation will focus on the use of local landscape materials and cover the aspects of natural stonework, including the different functional, aesthetic, and emotional uses.
Instructor: John Gishnock III, Formecology, LLC

Tuesday, November 13, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 6

Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 11-27

Funky Bird Ornament

Make a funky woven bird to hang as an ornament or to decorate gift packages. This bird project is made from a pre-woven diamond and then "comes to life" with the addition of a beak, wings, legs, tail, and other additions. All materials for making one bird ornament provided. No special experience required. Bring a sharp tapestry needle and scissors.
Instructor: Jane Grogan, Madison Knitters Guild

Tuesday, November 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 6

Cost: $32/$26 member | Course Number: 21-46

A Wilder Garden

Join 702WI and Olbrich Botanical Gardens for this special program with New York Times bestselling author Marta McDowell to celebrate the release of her latest book, The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Frontier Landscapes That Inspired The Little House Books. McDowell will explore the natural history, prairies, and plants of the beloved American children's author. She will be introduced by Judith Siers-Poisson, Executive Producer of Central Time on Wisconsin Public Radio. A book signing follows the presentation; books available for purchase.

Instructor: Marta McDowell, Author

To register for this presentation visit:

https://www.702wi.com/martamcdowell.html

702WI (WI = Writer Incubator) is a co-creative workspace for writers, creators, and designers to work. It is also an event space for authors and reading groups, and a gallery space for artists who incorporate writing and words. 702WI was created by Reading Group Choices, a company that recommends books for reading group discussion, and is based out of Madison, WI.

Thursday, November 15, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 8

Cost: $5 per person

Free Floating Abstractions 

Using Sumi ink, walnut ink, watercolors, acrylic inks and water, flowing colors create the foundation for your personal mixed media interpretation in this workshop. A variety of new or familiar textures and techniques will be demonstrated and explored. These explorations will provide you with several unique abstract works, along with opportunities to selectively cut and paste pieces together. Some supplies included; a supply list provided. Each attendee in an adult/youth pair pays the registration fee.

Youth Ages: 15 years and up w/ an adult
Instructor: Jackie Hefty, Whispering Woodlands

Sunday, November 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 9

Cost: $110 per person | Course Number: 21-47

Herbal Gift Making: Hands-on Fun! 

Make approximately 10 different herbal gift items for friends, family, or yourself. You will rotate through each station, making a different item: lip balm, body spray, felted soap bar, herbal condiment, herbal salt for foot and bath, lotion bar, dream pillow, and herbal tea blend. Learn about the variety of herbs offered and select herbs that resonate with you. All supplies provided; decorative packaging provided as well. Each attendee in an adult/youth pair pays the registration fee.

Youth Ages: 8 years and up w/ an adult
Instructor: Linda Conroy, Moonwise Herbs

Saturday, December 1, 1-5 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 21

Cost: $75/$60 member | Course Number: 21-48

Evergreen Holiday Wreath With Natural Materials Workshop

Evergreen holiday wreaths smell wonderful and add charm to your winter decorating scheme. Learn how to decorate your own unique wreath with natural materials from Olbrich's gardens. Fresh evergreen wreath, plant materials, and other supplies provided to make one holiday wreath.
Instructor: Erin Presley and Samara Eisner, Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Tuesday, December 4, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 27

Cost: $71/$57 member | Course Number: 21-49

Wednesday, December 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 28

Cost: $71/$57 member | Course Number: 21-50

Cheese Making: Feta & Ricotta

Feta and Ricotta are two styles of cheese that easily can be crafted in the home kitchen. We will discuss the best milk choices for making cheese at home, and then delve into a hands-on experience of making cheese. Samples provided, and you will take home cheese, as well as recipes for making cheese and for incorporating it into other recipes.
Instructor: Linda Conroy, Moonwise Herbs

Tuesday, October 16, 6-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 9

Cost: $50/$40 member | Course Number: 21-36

Miso Making

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting soybeans, chickpeas, adzuki, or other beans with salt and a culture called koji. Learn how to prepare the beans for fermenting, and then how to make the culture and add it to the beans. You will take home a jar of miso with instructions on how to finish fermenting it at home, along with recipes.
Instructor: Linda Conroy, Moonwise Herbs

Tuesday, October 30, 6-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: October 23

Cost: $50/$40 member | Course Number: 21-42

Join the Book Discussion Group at Olbrich! 

Join the Book Discussion at Olbrich! Join fellow garden enthusiasts and book lovers to discuss fiction and non-fiction books about plants, gardens, nature, and the environment. The Olbrich Gardens Book Club is a book discussion group hosted by Olbrich's Schumacher Library staff where readers come together to discuss a book and share in the reading experience. The discussions are free and open to the public. Participants will need to read the selected book prior to the discussion. Books are not supplied, but a copy will be available in the Schumacher Library for check-out. Members of the Olbrich Botanical Society enjoy lending privileges. For adults and youth (ages 16 and up). Limited space; register early and by the deadline. Online registration is not available for the Book Club discussion groups; please register by phone (608-245-3648), mail, or email (aschwoerer@cityofmadison.com).

Youth Ages: 16 years and up
Instructor: Lynn Jacobson

Book: The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair with Nature by Drew J. Lanham

Sunday, September 30, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: September 24

Cost: Free | Course Number: 11-18

Book: The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Marta McDowell

Sunday, November 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: November 5

Cost: Free | Course Number: 11-25

Toddler Story & Strolls

Toddler Story & Strolls are nature and literature-based early childhood classes designed to meet the multidimensional learning and developmental needs of children ages 2-5 years. Each class is designed for children to work side-by-side with their adult caregiver as they engage in hands-on, fun, age-appropriate experiences that support the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards. Classes include a story, theme-related learning activities, and a stroll through the outdoor gardens or conservatory. Sign up for one class or an entire series. Ages 2-5 years with an adult. Dress for the weather and activities. Limited space; register early and by the deadline.

Fall Favorites with Stories by Pat Hutchins

Ten Red Apples

Friday, October 5, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: September 28

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-22

Goodnight Owl

Friday, October 12, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: October 5

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-23

The Wind Blew

Friday, October 19, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: October 12

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-24

Birds at the Gardens

Ducks

Friday, November 2, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: October 26

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-25

or

Tuesday, November 27, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 20

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-30

Hummingbirds

Friday, November 9, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 2

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-26

or

Tuesday, November 13, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 6

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-27

Wild Turkeys

Friday, November 16, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 9

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-28

or

Tuesday, November 20, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 13

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-29

December Delights

Whistling Trains

Saturday, December 1, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 26

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-31

or

Friday, December 7, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 30

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-32

Splendid Gingerbread

Saturday, December 8, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: November 30

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-33

or

Friday, December 14, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: December 7

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-34

Marvelous Peppermint

Saturday, December 15, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: December 7

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-35

or

Friday, December 21, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline: December 14

Cost:  $9/$7 member (per child/adult pair) | Course Number: 51-36