Wisconsin's Summer Birds

Join Audubon Society member Mark Smith to learn about birds you may find in your Wisconsin backyard. We will learn how to identify common backyard birds found in the summer and discuss habitat, including feeders and feed to attract specific birds. The use of binoculars will be discussed and practiced, and then we will try our new birdwatching skills in the Gardens during a birdwatching walk. Guidebooks and binoculars are provided to use during the class. Grades 6-12 and adults. Each person attending this class pays the registration fee.

Sunday, July 18, 1-3 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 12
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 11-12

Foolproof Plants for the Weekend Warrior

Not everyone wants to spend a great deal of time "fussing" in the garden. Learn about low maintenance gardening from Allen Centennial Gardens Director, Ed Lyon. He will introduce you to plants that are 'tough as nails' as well as those you might want to avoid. He will cover everything from trees and shrubs to perennials. This presentation is for the busy homeowner who wants more than the standard spirea and yew landscape, yet who has limited time.

Wednesday, July 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 21
Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 11-11

Butterfly Gardening

Learn how to attract magnificent butterflies to your backyard using native plants with butterfly enthusiast and Photographer Ann Thering. Good nectar sources for butterflies and food plants for their caterpillars will be covered. Learn to identify common backyard butterflies and some of their caterpillars, as well as the basics of rearing caterpillars. The class fee includes a milkweed plant (plug size) for your garden provided by Agrecol Corporation of Madison, grower of midwest native plants and seeds.

Tuesday, August 3, 6-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 27
Cost: $15/$12 member | Course Number: 21-38

   Flying Tiger photo by Ann Thering

Summer Arts for All!

Allow the beauty of the Gardens to inspire the artist inside! Tour the Gardens and have fun with various art materials to create garden-inspired art. These adaptive art classes are open to all abilities and are taught by VSA Teaching Artists. Register for one or both classes. Participants must bring an assistant (no charge) if support is needed for ambulation or fine motor activities.

REGISTER THROUGH VSA ARTS OF WISCONSIN. Contact Program Director Dana Slowiak at (608) 241-7583 or dana@vsawis.org. Space is limited. Register early! Ages 16 and up.

Drawing and Painting

Tuesdays, June 15, 22 & 29

5:30-7 p.m.

Registration Deadline:  May 25

Cost:  $45 per person

Mosaics

Tuesdays and a Thursday, July 20 & 27, August 3, 10 & 17 AND Thursday, August 19

5:30-7 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 6

Cost:  $90 per person, plus $15 supply fee

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 lightening. All walks being in the Visitor Center Lobby. Advanced registration required.

Shade Gardens  CLASS FILLED

A shade garden can be a wonderful, cool, restful oasis in the heat of summer. Join Horticulturist Christina Akinlosotu and learn about the selection and care of various shade plants available to home gardeners, including annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs. She will give suggestions on shade garden design and how to add color to unexpected places.

Thursday, July 22, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 15
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 31-05

Hydrangeas and Summer Flowering Shrubs 

CLASS FILLED

Hydrangeas are among the most showy flowering shrubs in northern climates and are a mainstay of the late summer garden. Join Horticulturist Christian Harper as he discusses and shows you Olbrich's extensive collection of hydrangeas and other later blooming shrubs. This walk will give you ideas on how to extend your ornamental garden season with shrubs.

Thursday, July 29, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 22
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 31-03

Sustainable Alternative Gardens

Join Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping for a walk through the Gardens to look at and learn about sustainable gardening alternatives. He will discuss and show you some sustainable gardens and gardening methods that Olbrich has implemented and that can be incorporated into your home gardens. The walk will take a close look at ideas that are not only easier on the environment, but easier on the gardener's back and budget.

Wednesday, August 4, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 28
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 31-02

Aquatic Gardens

Olbrich's many water features are home to a wide variety of aquatic plants, including waterlilies and carnivorous plants. Horticulturist Phillip Stutz will discuss gardening with aquatic plants and the various freshwater aquatic plants suitable for the midwest garden.

Thursday, August 19, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: August 12
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 31-06

Container Gardening

Enjoy a stroll through the gardens featuring creative and innovative planted containers. Horticulturist Samara Eisner will discuss the endless possibilities of designing containers to enhance your landscape. Learn Olbrich's tricks for designing hanging baskets, sun and shade containers, and troughs, and how to incorporate herbs, tropicals, and much more.

Wednesday, August 25, 6:30-8 p.m.

Registration Deadline: August 18
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 31-04

Magnificent Monarch Butterflies

Learn about the amazing Monarch butterfly and other butterfly species you may see in your own backyard or at Olbrich. Karl Legler, vice-president of the Southern Wisconsin Butterfly Association, will give an indoor presentation on Monarch butterflies, including their lives in Mexico and the United States and their migration. Legler will continue his talk about Monarchs and other butterflies during an outdoor walk as we find and observe these magnificent insects in the Gardens. Bring close-focusing binoculars, if you have them.

Sunday, August 29, 1-2:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: August 23
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 31-01

Tiny Trees Yoga in the Gardens

A fun, warm, and creative environment for children to explore and learn the foundations of yoga through movement, ecology, music, art, stories, and dance! Expect to bark like a doggie in downward dog and meow and moo in cat and cow poses! Tiny Trees Yoga is designed to make learning fun and to enable children to take their lessons off the mat and into their school and home life. Instructor Angela Larkins is a certified YogaKids Facilitator and licensed elementary teacher. Ages 4-10 (grades PK-5).

Wednesdays, June 9-July 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Registration Deadline: June 2
Cost: $80 per child | Course Number: 61-01

Little Sprouts Gardening

Discover the wonderful world of gardening with your preschooler. Join us as we explore the Children's Vegetable Garden and learn the basics of plants and gardening. Classes include a story and hands-on activities. Each week covers a different aspect of gardening and plant life. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Dress to get messy! Ages 2-4.

Starting with Seeds   CLASS FILLED

Wednesday, June 30, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  June 23

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-06

Wiggly Worms   CLASS FILLED

Wednesday, July 7, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  June 30

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-07

Get Growing   CLASS FILLED

Wednesday, July 14, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 7

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-08

From Root to Flower   CLASS FILLED

Wednesday, July 21, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 14

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-09

A Garden Makes a Rainbow  CLASS FILLED

Wednesday, July 28, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 21

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-10

Eating the Alphabet   CLASS FILLED

Wednesday, August 4, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 28

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-11

Dig, Plant, Grow!

Learn the basics of vegetable gardening in this hands-on gardening series. Learn where food comes from, how plants grow, and the importance of gardening. Each class covers a different garden-related theme. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Dress to get messy! Grades K-2 (ages 5-8).

What's Underground?  CLASS CANCELLED

Saturday, July 3, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  June 24

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  61-08

Get Growing    CLASS CANCELLED

Saturday, July 17, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 8

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  61-09

Vegetables Grow All Around   CLASS CANCELLED

Saturday, July 31, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 22

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  61-10

Toddler Story & Stroll:  Bugs in the Gardens

Play and learn with your youngster in this fun, hands-on series that focuses on plants and insects. Classes include a story, tour through the outdoor Gardens, and theme-related activity designed for you and your preschooler to spend quality time together. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Ages 2-4.

Butterflies    CLASS FILLED

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

Registration Deadline:  July 13

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-02

Ladybugs

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

Registration Deadline:  July 20

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-03

Bees

Tuesday, August 3, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 27

Cost:  $8/$6 member | Course Number:  51-04

Breakfast for the Butterflies

Come to this special behind-the-scenes class and help Conservatory staff get ready for a busy day of Olbrich's Blooming Butterflies event. Work side-by-side with staff as you feed the butterflies, birds, and fish in the Bolz Conservatory and learn about where the butterflies come from and how the chrysalis cases are set up and cared for. Grades 1-5 (Ages 6-11).

Wednesday, July 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m.   CLASS FILLED

Registration Deadline:  July 14

Cost:  $11/$9 member | Course Number:  70-40

Wednesday, July 28, 8:30-9:30 a.m.   CLASS FILLED

Registration Deadline:  July 21

Cost:  $11/$9 member | Course Number:  70-41

Wednesday, August 4, 8:30-9:30 a.m.   CLASS FILLED

Registration Deadline:  July 28

Cost:  $11/$9 member | Course Number:  70-42

Butterflies and Blooms

Discover the beneficial butterflies and bugs that live in the Gardens and the beautiful plants and flowers they are attracted to. Classes include fun hands-on activities and a guided stroll through the outdoor gardens. Each class covers a different insect-related theme. Sign up for one or more of the classes. Grades K-2 (ages 5-8).

Thursday, July 22, 10-11 a.m.   CLASS CANCELLED

Registration Deadline:  July 15

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  70-01

Thursday, July 29, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 22

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  70-02

Thursday, August 5, 10-11 a.m.

Registration Deadline:  July 29

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  70-03

Nighttime in the Gardens

What happens in a garden after the sun sets? Do flowers sleep? What animals come out when the moon is shining? Take a walk through Olbrich's outdoor gardens and discover blooming plants, fireflies, bats, and other creatures of the night. Each class covers a different nighttime topic. Sign up for one class or the entire series. Dress for the weather. Please bring a flashlight! Grades K-2 (ages 5-8).

Pollinators

Thursday, August 12, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline:  August 5

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  61-05

Fireflies   CLASS FILLED

Thursday, August 19, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline:  August 12

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  61-06

Full Moon

Thursday, August 26, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline:  August 19

Cost:  $10/$8 member | Course Number:  61-07

Insect Explorations

Join us as we discover and learn about the dragonflies and bees that make their homes in the Gardens. Each class includes theme-related activities and a guided walk through the outdoor gardens. Select one or both classes! Grades 3-5 (ages 8-11).

Dragonflies

Friday, July 30, 10-11:30 a.m.

Registration Deadline: July 22
Cost: $11/$9 member | Course Number: 61-20

Bees

Friday, August 6, 10-11:30 a.m.

Registration Deadline: July 29
Cost: $11/$9 member | Course Number: 61-21

Wisconsin's Summer Birds

Join Audubon Society member Mark Smith to learn about birds you may find in your Wisconsin backyard. We will learn how to identify common backyard birds found in the summer and discuss habitat, including feeders and feed to attract specific birds. The use of binoculars will be discussed and practiced, and then we will try our new birdwatching skills in the Gardens during a birdwatching walk. Guidebooks and binoculars are provided to use during the class. Grades 6-12 and adults. Each person attending this class pays the registration fee. Adult caregivers of youth not required to attend with their child.

Sunday, July 18, 1-3 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 12
Cost: $13/$11 member | Course Number: 11-12

Moving Meditation
Come to the peace and beauty of the Gardens and enjoy moving with and being moved by Tai Chi and heart-centered seated meditation practice. Led by Jody Curley, MA, Certified Heart Rhythm Meditation Instructor and Tai Chi Chuan teacher. This 12-week class is held outdoors and indoors, depending on weather. Meet in the Lobby.

Mondays, June 7-August 23, 6-7:30 pm

Registration Deadline:  June 2

Cost:  $120 per person | Course Number: 21-34

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

Guided Garden Strolls                                          back to top

Guided Garden Strolls
Get an insider's view of Olbrich's outdoor gardens during free guided garden strolls every Sunday, June 6 through September 26. All ages are welcome for this drop-in, casual overview of the Gardens by our expert volunteer guides.

Guided garden strolls are about 45 to 60 minutes in length and will vary somewhat according to the season and ever-changing beauty to reflect the garden areas that are at peak interest.

Strolls begin at 1:30 pm and 3 pm and start and end in the lobby near the Garden entrance. No registration is required. Strolls are held rain or shine and will be cancelled only in the event of dangerous lightning.

Sundays, June 6-September 26, 1:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.

Registration Deadline:  Walk-In

Cost:  Free!

Tours & Trips                                                            back to top

gardens galore bus tour

Gardens galore is right! This fabulous summer adventure begins with a guided tour of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's most popular gardens and plant collections, including the Japanese and Home Demonstration Gardens. After working up an appetite, lunch is served in re-usable, recyclable flowerpots that tour patrons can take home! Next, enjoy a relaxing afternoon riding along on the Arboretum's Trumpet Creeper Tram while getting the inside scoop on more than 1,000 acres of trees, shrubs, and theme gardens. Saturday, delight in a guided tour at the historic Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and outdoor gardens in Como Park.             

Then travel to the Walker Art Center to marvel at the sights of the outdoor sculpture garden, one of Minnesota's crown jewels. The garden's centerpiece, the Spoonbridge and Cherry, has become a Minnesota icon! The tour will conclude on Sunday with a fantastic, five-course brunch - named the "Best Brunch" by several national publications - at the Nicollet Island Inn.
And last, but certainly not least, Olbrich has arranged for an exclusive home garden tour where a couple, known as the local garden experts, have been cultivating their gorgeous garden for more than 40 years!

The Gardens Galore tour includes: transportation; three nights at the Hotel Minneapolis, where you'll be greeted with warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in; select meals; and tour fees. Call for information about the single room supplement. Please send separate checks for bus trip registration and other Olbrich class registration.

Thursday-Sunday, August 26-29
Registration Deadline: August 1
Cost:  $750/$700 members, if registering by June 24
Cost:  $800/$750 members, if registering after June 24