LEARN
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
DEC. 2024 – FEB. 2025
DEC. 2024 – FEB. 2025
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.
Grow Native Plants for Pollinators | Emily Heller
Jan. 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Create a sanctuary of native desert plants at home. Filling a garden with locally-grown native desert plants does a world of good. Learn about the water-wise plants that also provide habitat and food for pollinators.
Jan. 15, 22 & 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $89.95 | General Public: $119.95
This three-part interactive series walks participants through each phase of designing the ideal landscape to complement the Sonoran Desert, assigning relevant exercises along the way. Use your own gardens for some of these exercises, whether creating a new landscape or renovating an existing one.
Jan. 21, 5:30–8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn how to add intriguing and inviting landscape design elements to create a unique entry experience for all visitors. This class covers desert and desert-adapted plants/trees, hardscape materials and creative design ideas, using local examples for inspiration. Bring a front yard photo or sketch for personalized advice.
Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
With shrinking water resources, it’s more important than ever to ensure that the landscape areas around our homes are using water efficiently. In this class, learn strategies to help create a more water-resilient outdoor space with beautiful low-water plants, water harvesting strategies and more.
Feb. 12, 5:30–8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn how to make a big impact in a small space with innovative landscape design ideas for courtyards, entryways, side yards and atriums. This class covers creative design strategies, the right-size plants and local case study examples. Bring a project photo or sketch for personalized advice.
Feb. 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Discover how to grow vegetables successfully in Arizona’s desert climate. This class will teach you practical tips to overcome challenges and make the most of your garden. Learn the essentials to start growing your own food in the desert.
Ready to take your skills to the next level, enroll in these Garden staff led-classes:
Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn how to grow vegetables in the desert. This class covers choosing a location, container and bed options, soil, fertilizers, watering best practices, the Phoenix planting calendar, transplanting, common mistakes to avoid and more.
Feb. 1, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Transform kitchen scraps and yard waste into gardening gold. In this hands-on, two-hour crash course, dive into the world of composting and biofertilizers, specially tailored for desert dwellers. Take home a jar of homemade biofertilizer to kickstart your composting journey.
Feb. 4, 4–6 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn proper tree planting techniques for long-term health and establishment as well as why this approach promotes healthy trees in the urban forest. The class also covers what to look for in terms of tree branch structure and overall health when first selecting a tree for planting, as well as ensuring that the tree selected matches the limitations and dimensions of the intended planting space.
Feb. 26, 5–6:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Container gardening is the perfect way to grow happy and healthy plants year-round in Arizona. In this handson workshop, build a self-watering container and start the container with a new planting. Take home the container and new plant with a planting calendar and learn about ideal plants to grow each season in Arizona.
Your Ultimate Desert Gardening & Landscape Opportunity
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
Jan. 8 – March 12, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Members: $240 l General Public: $300
This hands-on program covers plant biology and desert ecology fundamentals, including flowering, succulent photosynthesis and plant hormones. Learn how these concepts apply to gardening and the impact of pruning. All materials provided.
Jan. 9 – March 13, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Members: $240 l General Public: $300
Adapt your desert landscape to climate change with sustainable methods. Learn about drip irrigation, efficient watering, soil care and garden design to create a climate-resilient garden. All materials provided.
Jan. 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Price $55
Explore the top aloes resilient to high temperatures and learn how to care for those less suited to desert heat. Discover ideal placements, care tips and common pest issues. Perfect for Desert Landscape School alumni and current learners. All materials provided. Class for current Desert Landscape School students and alumni only.
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.
Dec. 3, 5–7 p.m. or Dec. 7, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $129.95 | General Public: $159.95
Learn the art of crafting a sustainable holiday wreath showcasing native succulents. Get hands-on support and all the necessary tools for wreath making. Take home a lush 16” holiday wreath made of fresh winter greens, festive adornments and succulents that can live on after you take down the wreath.
Dec. 4, 10 a.m. –3 p.m.
Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95
Join mosaic artist David Jarvinen for a fun, interactive mosaic class inspired by cactus gardens. Work from provided cactus images, placing them in 5x7 frames. Learn how to use wire to define space and movement and fill it in with colorful pourable acrylic paint, a brand-new technique that requires no grouting.
Dec. 5, Jan. 16 or Feb. 28, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Explore relief printmaking inspired by the Sonoran Desert. For participants of all levels from concept to finished print.
Dec. 5 and Feb. 28: Experiment with carving tools and inks and leave with a finished print and a printed pencil pouch.
Jan. 16: Experiment with carving tools and inks and leave with a finished print and a printed sketchbook.
Dec. 9, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
A meditative medium, this art form involves knotting rope with your hands –no tools required–to create a plant hanger for your home or as a holiday gift.
Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Learn how to create a unique pair of earrings from the lightweight, lacy skeletons of cholla. Students sand and stain the beautifully aged woody parts of the cholla plant, then decorate them with beads. These earrings make a great gift for yourself or someone special.
Dec. 13, Feb. 7 or 14, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
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.
Dec. 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
The desert is full of inspiration Draw on the unique beauty around us and use basic techniques to create illustrations of desert cactus. Open to all skill levels.
Jan. 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95
Create a wonderful botanical themed outdoor thermometer. Design 2x2 porcelain tiles around a circular thermometer. Grout kit provided to apply once adhesive has cured.
Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Members: $154.95 | General Public: $194.95
Paint the Garden’s beautifully composed trails and sweeping blue skies. In this three-part series 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 move outdoors (weather permitting), working several times on the same painting in the same location in order to focus on glazing and completing a painting.
Jan. 16, 5–7 p.m.
Members: $64.95 | General Public: $79.95
Explore eco-printing with botanicals: the process of capturing the ephemeral shapes and pigments of flowers and leaves on fabric for long lasting, wearable art. Discover the secret world of color hiding in plants around the desert landscape, home gardens, flower shops and more. Plus learn the process to print them on fabric. Taking inspiration from the colors and shapes of nature, create a one-of-a-kind silk bandana.
Jan. 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
The Southwest is full of gorgeous flowers that need pollinators like hummingbirds. Using simple techniques, learn to break a subject down into simple shapes and draw more accurately. We will use multiple layers of color with colored pencil to add vibrancy and sparkle to our drawings.
Feb. 2 or 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $24.95 | General Public: $34.95 (Ticket cost covers one individual class)
Take a sketchbook into the Garden to do some deep observation, learning 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).
Feb. 12, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Create a wall hanging using found objects from nature and our own environment. Use a treasure trove of interesting items in the construction of a unique work of Sonoran Desert art. Natural materials include cholla skeleton pieces, twigs, seed pods, acorn caps and stones and found materials include jewelry fragments, chain, wire, beads and found metal.
Feb. 18, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
February in the desert is a time of color and beauty. Participants will spend time in the Garden gaining inspiration from the natural world and use basic techniques to draw desert plants and blossoms. Open to all skill levels.
Feb. 25, 9:30–11:30 a.m.
Members: $94.95 | General Public: $119.95
Celebrating with botanicals should not be limited to the holiday season. In this workshop, explore how designing botanicals is a form of everyday wellness. Learn how to design a crescent style bouquet using early spring species.
Gertrude’s Chef Series: Demo and Tasting | Jason Lessing
Jan. 7 or Feb. 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Ticket cost covers one individual class)
Learn how to make a Gertrude’s Restaurant meal at home with Gertrude’s chef Jason Lessing. This class is held on the courtyard next to Gertrude’s and beverages are available for purchase.
Chef
Jan. 13, 27; Feb. 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Ticket covers one individual class)
Jan. 13: Learn how to make Classic Vanilla Creme Brulee with Fresh Berries and Orange Cardamom Tuile Cookie. Chef Rebekah Flores demonstrates making the custard and the tuile cookies (with different flavor variations), then participants can brulee their dessert.
Jan. 27: Learn how to make Fresh Fruit Tarts with Pistachio Pastry Cream, Prickly Pear Curd, Raspberries and Citrus. Chef Rebekah Flores demonstrates making the pastry cream, prickly pear curd and how to plate the dessert.
Feb. 10: Learn how to make a special Valentine’s Day dessert. Chef Rebekah Flores demonstrates all steps in making a festive pastry creation.
Birding 102: The B’s, C’s and D’s of Basic Birding | Kathe Anderson
Dec. 12, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
For new and experienced birders, this class gives additional identification tips and perspectives for watching birds. This program is interactive and includes field time to practice looking and listening for different clues for bird identification. B stands for Beaks and Behavior ... Want to know what C and D stand for? Join this class to find out.
Foraging the Desert in Winter | Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen)
Dec. 15, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn about the edible trees, weeds and cactus that can be harvested and eaten during the winter months. 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.
Jan. 9, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Volcanic eruptions and volcanic rocks have been part of the geologic history of Arizona for billions of years, especially in the last 30 million years. The most recent eruption in Arizona occurred fewer than 1,000 years ago and future eruptions are still possible. Learn the history of Arizona’s volcanic activity, dramatic volcanic landscapes and potential hazards of future eruptions.
Creekmore
Jan. 11, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn how to identify edible weeds that can be harvested and eaten during the winter months. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes.
Jan. 15, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Snakes serve an important ecological niche and have their own intrinsic value. Join us and learn the truth about the different species, their behaviors, diet, and just how dangerous, if at all, Arizona’s snakes actually are.
Jan. 31, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Whether just starting to bring birds to our backyard or hoping to enhance our backyard experience with different birds, this class guides participants in creating a habitat that attracts a variety of birds and keeps them safe. In addition, we’ll identify several common local backyard species to attract.
Feb. 1, 1:30–3:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn about the 15 native cactus, trees and shrubs that produce fruit throughout the year. We will cover when to harvest and how to process and eat these fruits. Enjoy samples of edible plants foraged from the desert and take home recipes.
Feb. 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
One of the longest-lived groups of critters on the planet, scorpions have largely remained unchanged for millions of years. What we see in our backyards is very similar to their ancestors from the Paleozoic era. Join us in exploring these incredible crawling critters; we will look at their natural history and the important role they play in the ecosystems in which they live.
Feb. 18, 5–6:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Learn how to use the community science iNaturalist app and participate in The Leaf Connection project with Mary Meyer. Mary discusses The Leaf Connection exhibit which showcases iNaturalist observations from the Phoenix metro area, represented by beautiful ceramic leaves. Gain handson experience with the iNaturalist app during a Garden walk, where you can contribute your own observations.
Feb. 27, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Featuring a 30-minute video created in Southeast Arizona, which is known as the U.S. Hummingbird Capital, this class reviews the different kinds of hummingbirds found in Arizona and their behaviors. In addition, see a hummingbird, a hummingbird nest and a hummingbird feather up close and learn about their unique anatomy and lifestyle.
Feb. 27, 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.
Dec. 4, 5, 6–8 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Photograph LIGHT BLOOM, a limited-time exhibit where nature and light converge and learn how to photograph holiday lights.
Dec. 4: DSLR Photography: Learn how to create long exposures of unique light sources using a DSLR camera on manual mode, and capture the unique beauty of the LIGHT BLOOM. Experiment with different shutter speeds, ISO settings, apertures, lenses and light painting to capture the landscape.
Dec. 5: Smartphone Photography: Learn how to create long exposures of unique light sources using a smartphone. Experiment with different phone settings and light painting to capture the landscape and the geometric sculptures of LIGHT BLOOM.
Jan. 18, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn all about the historical Cyanotype process, creating a handful of Southwest flora and fauna impressions on pre-coated paper. This camera-less technique involves laying objects on paper coated with a solution of iron salts before exposing it to UV light, and washing with water to create stunning white and Prussian blue images of Southwest specimens, just as the botanist Anna Atkins did 175 years ago.
Jan. 28, 6–8 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Photographing the night sky can challenge the most accomplished photographer. Still when properly done, the rewards are worth all the effort. Join us as we discuss the various techniques needed to create stunning images of the night sky including the Milky Way, star trails and other nighttime phenomena.
Feb. 1, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Photographer and artist Ryan Parra has spent more than 10 years extensively researching and photographing medicinal flora growing throughout the Southwest and beyond as a means for ethnobotanical documentation and artistic expression. Learn to identify and photograph edible and medicinal plants on the Garden trails.
Feb. 13, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Utilize the power of iPhone camera settings to capture perfectly exposed images of brightly colored wildflowers and the pollinators they attract like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Instruction includes closeup, action and selective focus techniques followed by photography practice in the Garden’s most beautiful season.
Feb. 15, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn how to capture the tremendous speed, precise aerial maneuvering and iridescent glimmer of hummingbirds. Students should bring a camera that can function in manual mode, a tripod and lens in the 300mm or greater range.
Feb. 26, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn optimal camera settings, best lenses and suggestions for more powerful compositions. Practice new ways of seeing during a guided photo session on the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail in the Garden.
Dec. 1, 8, 15; Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 16, 10–11 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 your mat. Please see dbg.org for indoors or outdoors locations.
Dec. 8, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $39.95 | General Public: $51.95
The Sonoran Desert is abundant with plants that are fragrant, edible and filled with medicinal properties. Learn how herbs can help de-stress and promote self-care. Unwind in this hands-on class and explore how to create an eye serum, sugar scrub, lip balm, steam facial and salve.
Dec. 4, 11; Jan. 8, 22; Feb. 12, 19, 6–7 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. Please see dbg.org for indoors or outdoors locations.
Dec. 5, 12; Jan. 9, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 27, 5–6 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 alllevels class. Please see dbg.org for indoors or outdoors locations.
Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 27, 9–10 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 health-boosting Chinese martial art that fuses Yin and Yang. The movements improve breathing, reduce stress and stimulate the mind, promoting longevity and good health. Classes are held indoors.
Feb. 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $39.95 | General Public: $51.95
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.
Sulphur Springs Valley Weekend: Cranes, Wine & Archaeology | Lynn Hassler and Carlos Oldham
Feb. 7-9, Arrive Friday at 2 p.m., Depart Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
Visit dbg.org for price and more information
Each winter, sandhill cranes gather in the Sulphur Springs Valley of Southeast Arizona. Watch these majestic birds fly to their midday resting area—one of nature’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Explore the Rex Allen Museum and Amerind Museum and sample wines at a local vineyard to round out the weekend. Prominent author and naturalist Lynn Hassler and Carlos Oldham, Garden docent and former president of the Audubon Society of Portland, Oregon, lead this weekend trip. Limit 8.
Read Between the Spines Author Series: “Sonoran Desert’s Got Magic!”
Jan. 29, 10 a.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Martha Hunter Henderson and Pam Hait co-authored “Sonoran Desert’s Got Magic!,” a new children’s book in celebration of the Garden’s 85th anniversary. Pam and Martha share their adventures of working together at Strategies—a strategic communications firm they have owned for more than 30 years—which led to their co-authoring this book. They provide insights about the process of writing children’s books for those who have their own stories to tell.
Jan. 8, 15, 22 & 29, 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Members: $15 per class or $50 for all four sessions | General Public: $25 per class or $80 for all four sessions
Children 3-5 and caretakers experience the wonder of nature through hands-on lessons that teach kids and adults how to splash, dig, climb and explore together through nature play concepts.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents Creepy, Crawly, Wild and Wooly
Feb.17 | 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.
Boppart Courtyard
Reservations at dbg.org, complimentary with Garden admission or membership.
This award-winning show features stories about Arizona’s endangered species including the Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake, the California Condor, Sanborn’s Long-nosed Bat and a desert tortoise. This show is recommended for guests 5+.
Thursdays – Sundays, Now – May 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.
Dec. 6, 20, Jan. 17, 19, 24, 26, Feb. 7, 9, 14, 16, 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.
Mondays – Wednesdays, Nov. - Feb. 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.
Don’t
forget, every class purchase includes admission to the Garden before or after your classes.
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 480.423.7017.
Note: Due to booking costs, Travel & Adventure class refunds in Adult Education are limited to 70% of the total price.
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.