Bolz Conservatory                                                  back to top

Bolz Conservatory Exhibit:  Light Gaps

The trees are trimmed and the bushes are pruned during annual maintenance in the Bolz Conservatory...now it's time to see the light in the forest! Learn about light and how plants develop and change in the forest as light fluctuates. With more than 650 plants in the Bolz Conservatory, the tropical plants compete for every sunbeam that radiates through the glass pyramid. When a gap in the forest canopy is created naturally, or by a clipping from Olbrich's Conservatory staff, new growth develops at an exceptional rate.

April 7 - July 15, 2012

Admission
$2 per person

FREE to Olbrich Botanical Society members & children ages 5 and under

Garden Walks                                                           back to top

Join Olbrich staff for fun and informative garden walks. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Walks occur rain or shine, and will be cancelled only in the event of dangerous lightning or snow storm. All walks begin in the Visitor Center Lobby. Advanced registration required.

Spring Bulbs GARden Walk

Be inspired by bulbs in drifts of spring color! Join Olbrich Horticulturist Christian Harper on an informative walk through the outdoor gardens to see the spring bulb color palettes. Learn how you can create an equally stunning bulb display in your home landscape, along with selection and maintenance tips.

Tuesday, April 24, 5:30-7 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 17

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  30-02

Beyond Green: Exploring Colored Foliage

Join Olbrich Horticulturist Christian Harper for a garden stroll focusing on plants with uniquely colored foliage. He will highlight trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines that display foliage colors such as yellow, white, and purple during the growing season. The discussion includes what conditions these colorful plants need to be successful in your landscape, along with selection and maintenance tips.

Thursday, May 17, 6-7:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  May 10

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  30-07

Yoga
This is a participative experiential class for gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and yoga students. Held outdoors when weather permits. Comfortable, loose fitting clothing and a portable mat are recommended; feel free to bring a water bottle. Instructor Jonathan A. Garber, RMT, is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher. Check with the instructor concerning holiday weeks. This class is held outdoors and indoors, depending on weather. Meet in the Lobby.

ON-GOING
Mondays, 5:30-6:45 pm, Check with instructor concerning holiday weeks.
Thursdays, 7:30-8:45 am, Check with instructor concerning holiday weeks.
Registration: Walk-In
Cost: $12/session or 9 sessions for $80

Tending the Garden Within

The months when the outdoor garden is sleeping under snow, or just beginning to awaken to the potential of its future flowering and fruiting, provide just the right opportunity to turn within to the hidden garden - the personal garden of inspiration and creative potential. The Tending the Garden Within series is designed to cultivate the integration of body, mind, and spirit so that creative inspiration may grow and bloom in its season. Jody Curley, MA, Certified Heart Rhythm Meditation Instructor and Tai Chi Chuan teacher, will lead you during each session in a structured rhythm of tai chi/chi kung-based movement, seated meditation, and creative "studio time" to write or draw, depending upon personal preference. The goal is not to create a finished work during the session, but to nourish ideas and possibilities. Bring a journal and/or sketchbook and your preferred writing and/or drawing tools. Register for one or both classes as a series. Each class is 8 weeks.

The Waking Garden

Mondays, April 2 - May 21, 6-7:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  March 26

Cost:  $80 per person | Course Number:  20-11

Yoga Flow
Yoga Flow is for everybody. This 14-week class is full of a dynamic flowing sequence of yoga postures. Let the Gardens' beauty and yoga help refresh, restore, and rejuvenate your mind and body. Certified Yoga Teacher Kaila Pooler will help lead you to feeling great. Bring your own yoga mat, waterbottle, and wear comfortable clothing. This class is held outdoors; indoors, if inclement weather. Meet in the Lobby. For adults and youth ages 10 and up.

Wednesdays, February 15-May 30, 5:30-6:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  February 8

Cost:  $168 per person | Course Number:  20-13

Spring tonic Herbs

Join Community Pharmacy Herbalists Liz Bruno and Jackie Nikolaus for an exploration of the herbs that can revitalize by stimulating the liver, kidneys, and digestive organs. Learn how to identify a few common, local, spring tonic herbs. Make and taste some fresh herbal recipes. Registration fee includes supplies, a light meal, and a handout.

Wednesday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  May 2

Cost:  $25/$20 member | Course Number:  10-11

Establishing a Woodland Garden

Many people are interested in using native plants in their landscape, but are not sure where to start. Frank Hassler from Oakwood Ecological Services will discuss Wisconsin native plants that are "winners" in various conditions, so you can find some that will work well and look great in your home garden.

Wednesday, April 11, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 4

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  10-49

Wisconsin Roses 201

Growing Florist-Type Roses

CLASS CANCELLED

Have you dreamed of being able to grow those big, beautiful florist-type roses? Join Karen Mezera of the Madison Rose Society and learn how to successfully grow more than shrub, species, and Old Garden Roses. She will discuss and recommend the best hybrid tea, floribundas, mini-flora, and miniature roses for our area. All aspects of rose plant selection, planting, care, diseases and pests, and maintenance are included in this presentation.

Wednesday, April 18, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  10-54

Beautiful Now-mow Yards

Tired of mowing? Let award-winning author Evelyn Hadden help you rethink your yard. See an array of inspiring designs by everyday gardeners plus easy ideas from landscape professionals that you can adapt to your own yard, from lively prairies to elegant edibles to lawnless stroll gardens to low-care living carpets. Learn some first steps you can take to reduce your maintenance and expenses while making your landscape more eco-friendly. Savor the comfort, functionality, and beauty of a no-mow yard! Author book signing of her recently published book, Beautiful No-Mow Yards, follows the presentation. Olbrich's Meadow Garden and Prairie Dropseed Meadow are featured in this book. Books available for purchase in Olbrich's Growing Gifts Shop.

Thursday, April 19, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 12

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  10-37

Pruning Demonstration and Pointers

Pruning is essential to the optimal health of trees and shrubs, but it is feared even by experienced gardeners. Join Olbrich's Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping and Horticulturist Samara Eisner as they dispel the fear by teaching when, where, and what to cut. They will discuss pruning techniques and then demonstrate on live trees and shrubs in the outdoor gardens. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Sunday, April 22, 9 am-12 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 12

Cost:  $45/$36 member | Course Number:  20-09

Vintage Wisconsin Gardens

As Wisconsin's population moved from farmstead into villages, towns, and cities, the state saw a growing interest in gardening as a leisure activity and source of civic pride. Author Lee Somerville will introduce you to the region’s ornamental gardens of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, showcasing the "vernacular" gardens created by landscaping enthusiasts for their own use and pleasure. See an array of inspiring gardens from our recent past that you can make in your own landscape. Author book signing of her recently published book, Vintage Wisconsin Gardens: A History of Home Gardening, follows the presentation. Books are available for purchase in Olbrich's Growing Gifts Shop.

Tuesday, April 24, 6:30-8 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 17

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  10-41

Beyond Parsley and Chives: 

Starting a Kitchen Herb Garden

Ready to start expanding your herb garden beyond parsley and chives, but can't decide which herbs to grow and need tips on how to cook with them? Learn the herbal basics with Herbalist Lauri Lee of the Madison Herb Society. You will get to see, touch, smell, and taste the top 12 culinary herbs, and then learn how to grow, harvest, and cook with the herbs that great cooks use the most. Each participant receives herb recipe samplings to taste in class and a Beyond Chives and Parsley herb book and recipes to take home.

Tuesday, April 24, 6-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 17

Cost:  $40/$32 member | Course Number:  20-31

Lower-maintenance Alternatives to your home landscape

Join Olbrich's Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping as he discusses lower-maintenance garden alternatives for both sun and shade. He will highlight successful plantings that you can incorporate into your home garden - from small- and large-scale serene groundcover plantings to brilliantly-colored, drought-tolerant perennial combinations as displayed in Olbrich's new gravel gardens. In this time of high energy costs and reduced leisure time, sustainable lower-maintenance gardening makes good sense, so come see all of the great choices available for you to work less in your garden and enjoy it more!

Thursday, April 26, 6:30-8 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number: 10-42

Shady Characters

Join Richard Eyre from Rich's Foxwillow Pines Nursery, Inc. for an in-depth look at conifers and woody plants for the shade. He will discuss the shade and cultural considerations of plants that do best in shade and share images of beautiful, inspiring shade gardens. He will include great gardening information from his experience as a life-long gardener and nurseryman that will help you develop your own garden of 'shady characters.'

Thursday, April 26, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number: 10-62

Art of Seeing - Garden photography

This two-day intensive workshop is a great way to take your photography to the next level. Taught by Professional Photographer John Gregor, you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor during field-shoots in Olbrich's gardens and Bolz Conservatory. Each day includes practice of the principles covered during the lectures, discussions, and photograph feedback in a supportive atmosphere. We will review the basic camera functions of a digital SLR-type camera and discuss the fundamentals of the photographic medium. Most importantly, we will discuss how to SEE photographs, and put all these principles to practice while taking photographs. Bring a digital SLR-type camera with manual controls for focus and exposure settings (or auto with manual overrides), tripod, cable release, and a bag lunch. Dress appropriately for the weather. All experience levels welcome. For adults and youth ages 16 and older; each attendee pays the registration fee.

Saturday, April 28, 8 am-4:30 pm

Sunday, April 29, 8 am-4 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $199 per person | Course Number:  20-39

Silver Leaf Jewelry

Recreate a perfect replica of nature as jewelry. Learn a fun new way to create a pure silver leaf, using a fresh leaf and Precious Metal Clay (PMC), from Artist Sherry Viktora. PMC is a mixture of tiny particles of silver in an organic clay and water base, allowing you to mold or paste shapes using real plant materials. After shaping or pasting and drying, your piece is fired and finished. You will take home a beautiful .999 pure silver jewelry leaf. All tools and supplies are provided. Extra tools and materials are available for purchase, if you wish to continue creating fine silver jewelry at home. Bring a small leaf or select from small leaves provided. Your leaf should not be large, very shiny (e.g. Holly) or extremely fuzzy (e.g. Lamb's Ear), and it should have either pronounced veining or an interesting shape for best results. Bring a bag lunch.

Sunday, April 29, 9 am-4 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $69/$55 member | Course Number:  20-23

Wings and Petals: 

How to Attract Butterflies to your Yard

Learn how to lure swallowtails and other magnificent butterflies to your yard with butterfly enthusiast and Photographer Ann Thering. Good nectar sources for butterflies and food plants for their caterpillars will be covered, emphasizing native plants. Some horticultural varieties will also be discussed. You will learn key butterfly gardening design features, and how to identify common backyard butterflies and their caterpillars.

Tuesday, May 8, 7-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  May 1

Cost:  $15/$12 member | Course Number:  10-30

Ornamental Container Gardens

Loved by small and large space gardeners alike, containers are a fabulous way to dress up your patio, deck, or balcony. In this workshop, Olbrich's Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping and Horticulturist Mark Shimasaki will guide you on how to plant containers with overflowing beauty. You will go home with one finished ornamental container with plants appropriate for the lighting conditions you indicate. Upon registration, please indicate whether you prefer sun or shade plants. All materials supplied.

Wednesday, May 16, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  May 9

Cost:  $80/$64 member | Course Number:  20-26

Flowering Hanging Basket

CLASS CANCELLED

Moss baskets, European gardens, or hanging gardens... whatever you call them, they are gorgeous! Learn how to use moss to make hanging containers, as well as which plants you should use, and how to keep them looking beautiful all summer long. Olbrich's Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping and Horticulturist Samara Eisner will give you all the information, guidance, and plant material you need to make one massive display of hanging beauty! You will go home with one finished basket. Upon registration, please indicate whether you prefer sun or shade plants. All materials supplied.

Thursday, May 24, 6:30-8:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  May 17

Cost:  $78/$62 member | Course Number:  20-15

Toddler Story & Stroll:  Down by the Pond

Play and learn with your youngster in this fun, hands-on series that focuses on the wet and wild world around Olbrich's pond. Classes include a story, a walk to Olbrich's pond, and theme-related activities designed for you and your preschooler to spend quality time together. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Ages 2-4 with an adult.

Down by the Pond

CLASS FILLED

Friday, April 27, 10-11 am

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $9/$7 member | Course Number:  50-07

Terrific Turtles

CLASS FILLED

Friday, May 4, 10-11 am

Registration Deadline:  April 26

Cost:  $9/$7 member | Course Number:  50-08

Fantastic Frogs

CLASS FILLED

Friday, May 11, 10-11 am

Registration Deadline:  May 3

Cost:  $9/$7 member | Course Number:  50-09

Flower Fairies

CLASS FILLED

Join us for flower fairy fun! Learn the myth and lore of flower fairies, look for fairy flowers in the outdoor gardens, and plant an enchanted flower fairy garden complete with your own fairy to take home! All materials included. Grades K-2 with an adult and grades 3-5.

Sunday, April 29, 1-2 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  60-21

Art of Seeing - Garden photography

This two-day intensive workshop is a great way to take your photography to the next level. Taught by Professional Photographer John Gregor, you will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor during field-shoots in Olbrich's gardens and Bolz Conservatory. Each day includes practice of the principles covered during the lectures, discussions, and photograph feedback in a supportive atmosphere. We will review the basic camera functions of a digital SLR-type camera and discuss the fundamentals of the photographic medium. Most importantly, we will discuss how to SEE photographs, and put all these principles to practice while taking photographs. Bring a digital SLR-type camera with manual controls for focus and exposure settings (or auto with manual overrides), tripod, cable release, and a bag lunch. Dress appropriately for the weather. All experience levels welcome. For adults and youth ages 16 and older; each attendee pays the registration fee.

Saturday, April 28, 8 am-4:30 pm

Sunday, April 29, 8 am-4 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 19

Cost:  $199 per person | Course Number:  20-39

Gourd Carving - Level 1

Gourd Artist Gary Kvalheim will help you learn the basics of gourd cleaning and carving using a rotary carving tool and your imagination. You will leave this class with lots of new skills, knowledge about which bits to use for desired effects, and information to continue working at home. You bring one medium-sized gooseneck or birdhouse-type gourd (6"-8"), work gloves, rotary carving tool (Dremel), 20-piece diamond bit set by Tool Shop (No. 242-3193), dust mask, and safety goggles. Dress for the activity. Beginner skill level welcome.

Saturday, April 14, 9 am-12 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $75/$60 member | Course Number:  20-51

Easy to clean gourd birdhouse

Learn the basics of gourds and gourd art from Wes and Jill Nelson. You will learn how to grow, dry, and clean gourds, and then create a unique birdhouse to take home that is easy to clean out at the end of a nesting season. Gourds, tools, dyes, and string for hanging the birdhouse provided. Bring a dust mask, gourd saw (if you have one), and a Dremel. Dress for the activity. Beginner to advanced skill levels welcome.

Saturday, April 14, 9 am-12 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $56/$45 member | Course Number:  20-52

Beaded swirl on a gourd

Starting with a cleaned and prepared gourd, Gourd Artist Regina Riley will take you step-by-step through creating a beautiful swirl bead design as you coil pine needles on the gourd’s outside surface. Pine needles, thread, beads, and sewing needle provided. Bring a cleaned 6"-8" gourd. All skill levels welcome.

Saturday, April 14, 9 am-1 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $63/$50 member | Course Number:  20-53

Coiling with Agates

Artist terri schmit will help you learn how to add palm inflorescence as a coiling material to a prepared gourd, and then how to coil and add an agate to your gourd as a focal point. All supplies provided, including gourd and agate. All skill levels welcome.

Saturday, April 14, 1-4 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $69/$55 member | Course Number:  20-54

Wire Wrapped Gourd Luminary

Discover how to wire wrap sea glass to create a functional and decorative gourd luminary. Gourd Artist Cathy Frosch-Hellenbrand will demonstrate various techniques and help you create your own luminary to take home. Most supplies provided, including prepared gourd and sea glass. Bring a wire cutter, lead pencil, and a cutting tool of your choice (Dremel with carving bur, X-Acto knife with saw blade, etc.). Dress for the activity. Beginner to advanced levels welcome.

Saturday, April 14, 1-4 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $69/$55 member | Course Number:  20-55

mAKING gOURD rATTLES

Ages 5-12 with an adult.

Saturday, April 14, 1-2 pm & 2:30-3:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  April 11

Cost:  $5