LEARN
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
MARCH – MAY 2025
LIFELONG LEARNING STARTS
GARDENING & LANDSCAPE
Ready to get your hands dirty? Whether you’re a budding gardener or ready to grow, master gardening with Garden staff and local experts who have a heart for plants and the Sonoran Desert.
GARDEN ESSENTIAL CLASSES
Backyard Makeover | Marie White
March 4, 5:30-8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Discover all the potential of your own backyard by learning about landscape design trends, tips and desert-adapted plants to make your backyard a favorite destination for friends and family. Local case studies are highlighted to demonstrate simple ideas to complete makeovers. Bring a photo or sketch of your yard for some quick ideas.
Right Plant Right Place | Liza Blank
March 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Before selecting plants at the Spring Plant Sale, learn how to select the right plants for your home. Assess your site and choose plants to achieve a beautiful landscape with maximum blooming potential and minimal maintenance requirements.
The Heat-Proof Desert Garden | Noelle Johnson
March 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
With hotter summers, it’s more important than ever to create heatresistant gardens. Learn easy to implement management strategies to reduce summer temperatures around the outside of your home in addition to plants that can handle the heat.
Basics of Seed Saving | Melissa Kruse-Peeples
March 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Discover the awesome world of seeds. During this workshop get hands-on as we break down terms like heirloom, hybrid and open pollinated and learn what are best choices for your garden. Participants will learn basic methods for seed saving and join in cleaning and sorting different types of seeds. Leave class with seeds to grow at home.
Southwest Landscape Design | Marie White
April 3, 5:30–8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn how to create a naturalistic style Southwestern landscape using succulents, desert and desertadapted plants and trees, along with natural hardscape elements such as boulders, decorative rock mulch and rusty metal. Bring a photo or sketch of your yard for some quick ideas.
It’s a Family Thing: Vegetable Plant Families and Why it Matters | Emily Heller
May 15, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn how the vegetable plant community is organized and how applying that information can help gardeners avoid soil borne diseases and improve success. Improve the chances for successful vegetable gardening by digging a little deeper and learning the botany of vegetable plants.
Summer Gardening in the Phoenix Area | Melissa Kruse-Peeples
May 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Gardening during the summer in Phoenix can be a challenge. Prepare your garden for the upcoming heat and what to expect for the monsoon season. The class will cover what vegetable, herb and flower varieties are appropriate for planting and how to care for them. Participants will take home some vegetables and flower seeds appropriate for summer planting.
Hotter and Drier: Exploring a New Mindset for Gardening in the Low Desert | Emily Heller
May 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Soaring temperatures and unreliable rainfall are creating bigger problems for gardeners. Class will explore modifying the planting calendar, adopting practices seen in drier deserts in Arizona and globally, growing new varieties that are heat and drought-tolerant and using effective shade systems and irrigation techniques and strategies.
GARDEN SIGNATURE CLASSES
Ready to take your skills to the next level, enroll in these Garden staff led-classes:
Milkweed Propagation |
Natalie Melkonoff
March 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m..
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Join us to learn the nuances of milkweed propagation in the low desert. Learn about the Garden’s efforts to support butterfly and pollinator populations and how to propagate plants to support these insects. Take a behind-thescenes tour of our onsite pollinator research and propagation areas, and participants will plant and take home a native milkweed.
Botany for Beginners: Desert Plant Adaptations | Crista Abel
April 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
Members: $24.95 | General Public: $34.95
Learn about the amazing adaptations of desert plants. Take a close look at leaves, stems and roots in the classroom to investigate plant adaptations. On a guided walk in the Garden we will identify plants that have adapted to our desert climate and work well in home landscapes.
Summer Survival | Angelica Elliott
May 6, 6–8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Desert plants are no strangers the scorching heat and dry spells, but even they can struggle when a prolonged heatwave or drought strikes. Identify how to keep plants healthy during those sizzling summers. We’ll also show you how to select the most resilient desert plants that can take on summer heat with minimal pampering.
Your Ultimate Desert Gardening & Landscape Opportunity
JOIN DESERT LANDSCAPE SCHOOL!
Dig in and become and expert! From season pros to new enthusiast, we have something for everyone. Learn in-person or at your own pace online. Our expertly crafted curriculum is a blend of innovative techniques and practical knowledge.
To sign up for gardening and landscaping classes or to see online options, visit dbg.org/learn/gardening-and-landscape
In-Person
Master Class: Cactus | Noemi Hernandez
April 19, 9–11 a.m.
Price $55
Discover how to choose cactus that thrive in high temperatures and produce seasonal blooms along with captivating shapes. Learn about optimal placements, essential care tips, and common pest challenges. This is ideal for alumni and current students of Desert Landscape School. All materials provided.
Planting and Maintenance | Tracy Rhodes, Ray Leimkuehler and Tina Wilson
April 8 – June 10, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Members: $240 l General Public: $300
This hands-on program covers the best practices in planting, pruning and landscape care. Learn how these practices can be applied immediately into your own garden to have the landscape of your dreams. All materials provided.
Online Classes
Begin your learning journey with a Desert Landscape School online course. Gain practical solutions for desert care, including pruning, watering, pest management and selecting plants for desert gardens. Visit dbg.org for more information.
Presenting Sponsors
ORCHID FEVER | MARCH 15 – MAY 11
To celebrate the opening of The RAF Exhibit Gallery, the Garden presents its first-ever orchid exhibit, showcasing colorful blooms, delightful scents and wild textures that engage all the senses. Stroll through the gallery to explore rare and elegant plants artfully paired with cactus and succulents in a bold display completely unique to the Sonoran Desert. Be enthralled by striking swathes of orchids in brilliant pinks, oranges, yellows and purples set in a lush desert oasis. Visitors of all ages will learn about Arizona’s endangered and rare orchids and the efforts Garden researchers are taking to preserve them. This lush collection is sure to leave visitors inspired and renewed. Experience spring blooms at the Garden in a whole new way with these Orchid Fever inspired classes.
Barton Faber & Elizabeth Byrnes
The RAF Exhibit Gallery Inaugural Exhibition
ORCHID CLASSES
Orchid Fever Exhibit Walk and Q&A | Desert Valley Orchid Society
March 28; April 18; May 2, 8–9:30 a.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)
Take a trip with experienced orchid growers through the the Orchid Fever exhibit to admire the vibrant colors and intricate shapes and learn more about these fascinating plants. A question and answer period will follow; bring any orchid-related questions you have for experts from Desert Valley Orchid Society.
Orchid Driftwood Centerpiece | Jennifer Balcom
March 22, April 19, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $159.95 | General Public: $199.95 (Per class)
Create a stunning, long-lasting driftwood centerpiece with mini orchids and other small plants, living moss and natural dried elements. Get hands-on support and all necessary tools to create a longlasting orchid display perfect for a table, mantle or kitchen island.
Orchid 101: Potting and Intro to Orchid Care | Desert Valley Orchid Society
April 11, 25; May 9, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)
Join us for an orchid potting class for beginners and plant enthusiasts alike. Learn the essentials of selecting the right medium, fertilizer and techniques for growing orchids in the desert. Learn how to repot a Phalaenopsis orchid and receive tips for repotting orchids and caring for them at home.
Read Between the Spines
Author Series: “Orchid Muse: A History of Obsession in Fifteen Flowers”
April 12, 10-11:30 a.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Join us during our inaugural orchid exhibit for a talk by Erica Hannickel, author of the award-winning book “Orchid Muse”. Inspired by Charles Darwin’s work with orchids, Hannickel interweaves stories of the past to highlight and celebrate the role of this fascinating plant in promoting an end to slavery in America and around the world. Following the talk, books will be available for purchase and signing.
Nature Journaling: Learning to Look and Wonder
Dakota Drake
April 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; May 4, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $24.95 | General Public: $34.95 (Per class)
Take a sketchbook out onto the Garden trails to do some deep observation, learn to look at nature in a new way and ask questions about the world around us. This will be a mix of nature sketching, personal journaling and scientific observations as used by field biologists (no science background required–just a love for nature!).
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April 13: Drawing Light and Color: Learn how to capture the sunlight and shadows of the Garden.
May 4: Drawing Trees: This class will focus on desert trees like palo verde, boojum and willow for inspiration.
Mosaic Birdbath Saucer | David Jarvinen
March 5, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95
Join mosaic artist David Jarvinen in this interactive workshop using broken dishes, referred to as Pique Assiette in the mosaic world. Dishes are prebroken, allowing for manipulation much like tiles. Choose patterns and colors to complement each other as you work to nip and fit your new garden art piece. We work with thinset to adhere, and a grout kit provided to apply once the adhesive cures.
Create a Gardener’s Utility Apron | Shari Keith
March 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Create a unique upcycled utility apron to hold your tools and essentials for gardening or crafting. All materials are provided: clothing, buttons, lace, trim and appliques. We will use fabric glue, but there may be some hand sewing required.
Desert Inspired Printmaking | Kenna Connelly
March 7, April 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; May 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95 (Per class)
Explore printmaking inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Teaching artist Kenna Connelly guides participants of all levels from concept to finished print.
March 7: Gelli Plate Nature Printing: Explore the art of monoprinting and create one-of-a-kind nature prints using gelli plate printing methods and leaves from the Sonoran Desert.
April 18 and May 29: Desert Inspired Relief Prints: Experiment with carving tools and inks and leave with a finished print and a printed journal/sketchbook.
Watercolor in the Garden | Christin Quissell
March 8, April 5, May 3, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)
Discover the art of watercolor painting amidst the serene mesquites, saguaros and endless blue skies of the Garden. Learn how to create beautiful landscapes and desert-inspired stilllife compositions. Weather permitting, paint plein air landscapes on the Garden’s shaded patios and trails.
Botanical Illustration: Drawing Pollinators and Spring Blooms | Devon Meyer
March 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
The desert is full of inspiration. We will draw on the unique spring beauty around us and use basic techniques to create illustrations of pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds and the beautiful spring flowers that they pollinate. Open to all skill levels.
Watercolor in the Garden (All-Levels Series) | Christin Quissell
March 28; April 4, 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $154.95 | General Public: $194.95 (Price includes all three sessions)
Paint the Garden’s beautifully composed trails and sweeping blue skies. In this particular series we will focus on color mixing and atmospheric washes. We will start in the classroom, practicing watercolor painting techniques and painting a desert inspired still-life. The next two sessions we move outdoors, working several times on the same painting in the same location in order to focus on glazing and bringing a painting to completion.
Mosaic Backyard Birds | David Jarvinen
April 1, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95
In this hands-on workshop learn about tone and value, using mosaic glass tiles while applying to an up-close bird portrait. Choose from a variety of patterns, 5x7 frames, glass tiles and adhesives to complete your project.
Desert Terrariums Workshop | One Million Entrepreneurs
April 3, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Create a stunning, sculptural desert terrarium to enjoy for years. In this hands-on workshop, design a unique succulent display using a variety of plants and materials provided. Class cost includes a container, up to four plants, soil, horticultural charcoal or moss (if needed) and decorative soil cover.
Mosaic Aloe Panel | David Jarvinen
May 7, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95
In this hands-on workshop learn about using porcelain and glass tiles to create depth and interest and tell your story in the landscape. We will be making a narrow, vertical close-up aloe garden scene. Grout kit provided to apply after adhesive cures.
Botanical Illustration: Drawing Cactus | Devon Meyer
May 27, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
The desert is full of inspiration. We will draw on the unique beauty around us and use basic techniques to create illustrations of desert cactus. Open to all skill levels.
COOKING
Gertrude’s Chef Series: Demo and Tasting | Jason Lessing
March 4; April 15; May 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Price includes one individual class)
Learn how to make a Gertrude’s Restaurant meal at home with Gertrude’s chef Jason Lessing. In this cooking demo and tasting experience, learn how to cook a special dish from the seasonal menu. This class is held on the courtyard next to Gertrude’s and servers are available to purchase a cocktail or other beverages before class.
FORAGING
Cactus Branches in the Kitchen | Mark Lewis
March 26, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Learn about common Arizona cactus groups and how their biochemical and morphological differences manifest in how a chef works with the cactus to make delicious food. Class will include a talk, a cooking demo and a walk to see some of these cactus out in the Garden.
Foraging the Desert in Spring | Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen)
March 29, 8:30–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn which edible desert plants to harvest in spring. Many of these “hidden” treasures can be found growing around your own neighborhood. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes.
Desert Edible Plant Pre-Harvest Workshop | Diane Vaszily and Brenda Olive
April 29, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
This workshop is designed to provide insight into what, where, when and why we harvest desert edible plants along with a hands-on workshop to help you to learn how it is done. This seminar is just in time to begin harvest which usually kicks off in April.
Foraging Bean Trees in the Summer | Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen)
May 17, 8:30–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn about the abundance of food that grows on trees throughout the desert. Take a walk through the Garden and learn about the bean trees that can be harvested like mesquite, ironwood, palo verde and carob. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes.
NATURE & ECOLOGY
Birding: Amazing Migration | Kathe Anderson
March 12, 8–10 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
In this interactive class, explore the basics of bird migration, as well as some extraordinary aspects and cutting-edge discoveries about these remarkable journeys. Why do birds migrate? How do they find their way? What kind of preparation do birds need before migrating? What are the hazards? Is migration innate or learned? Participate and laugh a bit while learning some migration vocabulary, remarkable statistics and how we can help avian populations.
Natural History of Arizona | Ken Sweat
March 18, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
From the empty promise of a mirage to giants that hold their breath whenever the sun is out to polyandrous raptors, the Sonoran Desert holds many wonders of an extreme environment and the life that lives in it. This Arizona Natural History course will introduce students to the geology, flora, fauna and human history of Arizona. We will explore the adaptations of desert animals, plants and other life forms, the landscape that set the stage for their evolution and the human cultures that have called this desert home.
Walking Toward the Future | Ann Morton, Jamey Wetmore and Timothy Long
March 20, 5:30–7 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Minute by minute, step by step, we make small decisions that can have a significant impact on our lives and the world around us. Join us as we consider our conscious and unconscious actions and take a journey to envision a positive climate future. We will end in contemplation together as we walk the labyrinth created by artist Ann Morton for the Garden exhibit, Toward 2050. Jamey Wetmore, Associate Professor at the ASU School for the Future of Innovation, and Dr. Timothy Long, Leader of Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing at ASU, will serve as co-facilitators. One cocktail or mocktail and light snacks included with ticket purchase.
Climate Change: The Science, the Spin and What it Means for Desert Plants | Ken Sweat
April 15, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
For over a century the scientific community has known that human activities can alter the earth’s climate. Recent droughts, fires and storms are thought to have been far more severe due to this altering of the content of the earth’s atmosphere. We will examine the science of the greenhouse effect, the effects a changing climate has on local flora and the politicization of the issue in recent times.
Birding by Ear |
Kathe Anderson
April 16, 8–10 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Bird song is a delight to the ear, but songs are just a portion of a bird’s repertoire for audible communication. This class will discuss a bit of bird sound anatomy, the variety of noises and melodies we hear locally, some tips about how to start listening to enhance your outdoor experience and resources for helping appreciate this natural treasure.
Birding: Eggs and Nests |
Kathe Anderson
May 7, 8–10 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Birds’ eggs are complex and remarkable, from the shape, color and formation to what’s inside. Nests, too, have many varieties and unusual aspects. Dabble in the wonder of birds’ nests and eggs in this interactive class that showcases both familiar and exotic species with the hope of inspiring your curiosity to learn more.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Butterfly Photography | Joanne West
March 12, 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Get pro tips to turn butterfly snapshots into captivating photographs. Learn ways to use camera settings and various lens perspectives to accentuate color, utilize different lighting conditions, freeze motion and achieve sharpness. Following the classroom presentation, enjoy private hands-on practice in the butterfly pavilion. All camera users and skill levels are welcome.
Photography: Seeing with New Eyes | Joanne West
March 18, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn techniques for powerful composition with attention to lighting and practice making photos with fresh perspective in the spring infused gardens. All camera users and skill levels are welcome.
Photo by Joanne West
Wildflower
Photography: Smartphone | Ryan Parra
March 27, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
This smartphone wildflower photography class covers everything needed to create the best shots this spring, from recommended phone settings and composition tips to lighting tricks for capturing the most colorful flowers. Class consists of a brief lecture then guided fieldwork through the Wildflower Trail with professional plant photographer Ryan Parra.
Intro to Digital Nature
Photography | Robert McBride (Two-Part Series)
April 2, 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $69.95 | General Public: $84.95 (Price includes both sessions)
In their attempt to make the picture-taking process automated, digital cameras have left many photographers more confused than ever before. In this two-part series open to all photographers, we will:
Session 1: Focus on how our digital cameras work and how to use our cameras various settings to take photographs from simple snapshots to works of art.
Session 2: Focus on how to produce more dynamic images. We cover the various strategies that can be used to concentrate the viewer’s eye, create a sense of balance and tap into the emotions you intend.
Cactus Flower Photography | Ryan
Parra
April 3, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn all about how to photograph the amazing cactus flowers in the Garden, starting with basic camera capture settings, different lens options, lighting, composition and general tips for capturing the best shot in the field. Class includes a brief lecture, followed by guided photo fieldwork through the cactus gardens, experimenting with natural lighting with reflectors and diffusers.
Artistic iPhone Photography | Joanne West
April 4, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn to locate and use specific camera settings on your iPhone to capture the beauty of the garden with artistic style. Learn new ways to achieve sharper focus and perfect exposure in different lighting conditions. Use the iPhone camera’s macro and telephoto for unique closeups photos. Discover ways to capture fast moving subjects, utilize the live photo features like blurring water, create beautiful portraits and great selfies. This class is for iPhone users.
Photo by Ryan Parra
Full Moon Photography in the Garden | Joanne West
April 11, 5–7:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Photograph the 95 percent April full moon rising over the Garden. Learn the best settings for moon photography and ways to include the moon in your landscape photos. This class if for DSLR and Mirrorless camera users. Telephoto lens and tripod required.
Intro to Close-up and Macro Photography | Joanne West
April 23, 8–10 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn how to use your camera and lenses for close-up and macro photography. Practice taking closeup shots of spring blooms and other plants and wildlife in the Garden. This class is for DSLR and Mirrorless camera users. Telephoto lens and tripod required.
Photographing Cactus | Joanne West
May 8, 8–10 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Capture the Garden’s magical saguaro blooms and other cactus. This class focuses on making artistic photos; learn techniques for using your camera settings to blur the background and pop the colors and make more interesting compositions. Perfect for all camera users and skill levels.
Photo by Joanne West
Photo by Joanne West
WELLNESS
Morning Sound Meditation
March 2, 9, 23, 30; April 6, 13; May 4, 10-11 a.m.; May 18, 25, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)
Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation. Participants can be seated or lie down for the entirety of the class. Don’t forget to bring a mat.
Sunset Yoga
March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, 30; May 7, 14 5:15–6:15 p.m.
Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)
Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga. Together, in a Sonoran Desert oasis, breathe, stretch and embrace the beauty of the setting sun whilst enjoying the Garden views. This is an all-levels class.
Sundown Sound Meditation
March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16, 30; May 7, 14, 7–8 p.m.
Members: $19.95 | General Public: $29.95 (Per class)
Experience sound meditation at the Garden in a peaceful sundown setting under twinkling lights. Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation.
Tai Chi | Yuri Gretsev
March 6, 20, 27; April 3, 10, 17; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 8–9 a.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $24.95 (Per class)
The Garden is the traditional setting for the ancient flowing movements of Tai Chi Chuan, the healthboosting Chinese martial art that fuses Yin and Yang. The movements improve breathing, reduce stress and stimulate the mind, promoting longevity and good health.
DIY Herbal Teas | Denise Lee with One Million Entrepreneurs
March 30, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Discover the art of creating herbal teas to support better wellness. In this hands-on workshop, the instructor guides the process of blending teas using herbs tailored to your needs. Explore the best herbs for seasonal health, including remedies for spring allergies and tips for overall wellness. Leave with practical knowledge, delicious recipes and take home herbal blends to enhance your daily routine.
Eucalyptus Shower Bundle Workshop | CiCi Colbert
April 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Join us for a hands-on workshop to create eucalyptus-infused shower bundle bars, perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating daily routine. Learn the benefits of eucalyptus, craft personalized bars and take home a natural wellness-enhancing product for an at-home spa experience.
CHILDREN & FAMILY OFFERINGS
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Cactus Clubhouse
Thursdays – Sundays, Now – May 11
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Included with admission or Garden membership
Cactus Clubhouse is a fun and immersive nature play space for kids 12 and younger. Families can dig, splash, climb, play, create, build and more! Join us on weekends for fun hands-on activities and crafts too.
Storytime
March 7, 9, 28, 30; April 4, 6, 25, 27; May 2, 4, 16, 18, 9:30 a.m.
Weisz Learning Center
Included with Garden admission or membership. First come, first served.
Introduce your child five and younger to the beauty and wonder of nature through books, songs, activities and play. Designed for children and caretakers, each session leads children through an immersive experience of nature learning in the Garden.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents Old MacDonald’s Ranch
May 11, 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.
Puppet Making 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Dorrance Hall
Included with admission or Garden membership
Join us for a special Mother’s Day event. Old MacDonald has moved off of the farm and onto a ranch right here in the Sonoran desert! Come along and meet all the native Arizona animals for this silly sing-along show. After each performance, stay to make your own puppet!
EDUCATORS
Teacher-Led Field Trips
Mondays – Wednesdays
9 a.m. - 3:30 pm.
$12 per student. Chaperone and teachers complimentary
Discover the beauty of the desert with a teacher-led field trip to Desert Botanical Garden. Teachers and their students will embark on a self-guided visit while connecting with nature and outdoor exploration. Visit dbg.org to book a field trip.
DESERT DISCOVERY
CAMPs
DESERT DISCOVERY CAMP
Join us for Desert Discovery Camps, where campers explore nature and learn about the beauty of the desert. This year’s camps feature outdoor skills, natureinspired art, sustainability and science. All summer camps include five days of hands-on activities, guest speakers and exploration of the Garden trails.
Ages 6-8 and 9-12 | 8 a.m. - 3 p.m | $295 Members | $345 General Admission
Get Outdoors | June 2-6
Embark on an adventure about outdoor exploration and desert survival. Join us for wilderness activities like building shelters and campfire construction while participating in immersive journeys of the Garden.
Nature Art | June 9-13
Embrace your creativity to make art using natural materials and with nature as inspiration. From nature journals and storytelling, to painting and illustration, campers explore the beauty of the desert and create unique art projects.
Planet Protectors | June 16-20
Conserve and care for the environment with eco-activities like composting and creating designs inspired by nature. Learn about sustainability innovation from experiments on water conservation to exploring insects for food and go green one adventure at a time.
Desert Laboratory | June 23-27
Discover the science of nature with hands-on experiments and exploration. Investigations blend desert adventures and fun scientific discovery with engineering challenges, microscope investigations and labs on desert plants and animals.
Don’t forget, every class purchase includes admission to the Garden before or after your classes.
REFUND & CANCELATION POLICY
Refunds
Refunds can be issued for classes or cancelations with more than five business days’ notice. Please send your request to registrar@dbg.org or call 480.941.1225.
Note: Due to booking costs, Travel & Adventure class refunds in Adult Education are limited to 70% of the total price.
Cancelations
Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to cancel programs at its discretion. Programs will run as scheduled, regardless of weather, unless participants are contacted directly by Garden staff either by phone or email. We reserve the right to substitute any instructors in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
