Events & Programs
AUGUST
JULY /
2023
Program Registration
For the most up-to-date information about our programs, or to register, please visit the calendar section of our website.
For questions about our adult programs or youth and family programs, please contact our Registrar at registrar@nebg.org.
Adult Programs
Wellness
Yoga in the Garden MANDI GARRISON
Enjoy gentle-to-moderate flow yoga in a class for all levels. Classes are held outdoors (weather permitting).
Tuesdays, 6–7:15pm (no class july 4)
Thursdays, 10:30–11:45am
PER CLASS: $15M; $22NM
Chair Yoga REBECCA REBER
Using a chair as a prop, have fun while enjoying the benefits of movement in this gentle yoga class. Classes are held indoors.
3 WEEK SESSION (no class july 4)
Tuesdays, July 11–25, 11:30am–12:30pm
$40M; $50NM
4 WEEK SESSION (no class august 15)
Tuesdays, August 1–29, 11:30am–12:30pm
$50M; $65NM
Qigong & Tai Chi Movement ROSE HORWITZ
Breathe deeply and practice gentle fluid movements to mindfully reduce stress and improve strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, range of motion, and stamina
4 WEEK SESSION
Wednesdays, July 5–26, 10:15–11:45am
$80M; $95NM
Relaxing Yoga Flow EMMA BARTOLINI
Start your Friday morning with a mindful yoga flow. Our practice will incorporate synchronization of breath and movement, while we explore postures to build strength, balance, and stability, and find peace within our morning. Classes are held outdoors (weather permitting).
Fridays, 9:30–10:30am (no class july 14 & august 25 )
$13M; $20NM
Forest Bathing NADINE MAZZOLA
Relax and refresh through mindfulness practices and sensory awareness exercises. Experience the beauty of nature in the gardens.
Sunday, July 16, 1–4pm
Saturday, August 5, 9am –12pm
$30M; $40NM
Nature Mandalas: Water is a Verb BETH ADOETTE
In this workshop, participants contemplate the water element in its all its different forms and discover which most closely relates to our own, individual lives. We consider calmness, energy, depth, patience, focus, joy, strength, and other gifts as we look at water from the earth and from within. Participants create individual nature circles to better understand and celebrate how we live our best lives like water.
Sunday, July 23, 1–3:30pm
$50M; $65NM
A Sweet Summer Flow LINDA SNAY
In the warmth and humidity of long summer days, this cooling yoga flow is perfect for balancing the body and mind. Whether you are brand new to yoga or a seasoned student, this mini retreat will cultivate energy, calm the mind, and leave you deeply relaxed and ready for summer days ahead.
Sunday, July 30, 9–11am
Saturday, August 12, 9–11am
$30M; $45NM
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Visual Arts
Photoshop Elements and Photo Editing Software
STEVE MCGRATH
This workshop will help participants learn Photoshop techniques and skills and apply them immediately to their personal photography. Through a classroom lecture and interactive student participation, the course will cover workflow, file types, optimizing images, layers, tools, panoramics, color balance, black and white, and archiving.
Sunday, July 9, 10am –1pm
$60M; $75NM
Chinese Brush Painting SAU-MEI LEUNG
Learn the Chinese brush methods of painting from nature, as well as compositional development. Take this class to slow down, relax, create, and meditate, and experience how Chinese brush painting can even improve your mood and cognition.
Daylilies: Saturday, July 15, 9:30–11:30am
Rocks & Pines: Saturday, August 5, 9:30-11:30am
$55M; $70NM
Eco Printing TONYA LEMOS
Eco printing (botanical contact printing) is a contemporary application of the traditions of natural dyeing. During this workshop, participants will explore the alchemy of water, plant materials, heat, and metal, and take home beautiful prints on watercolor paper.
Sunday, July 16, 1–3pm
Sunday, August 13, 1–3pm
$50M; $65NM
Landscape Photography STEVE MCGRATH
Want to use your smart phone or digital camera to take better landscape photographs? In this class you will learn how to use natural light and find the best composition. You will also build an understanding of the ways different focal length lenses behave and explore using depth of field and filters.
Sunday, July 23, 1–4pm
$60M; $75NM
Macro Photography STEVE MCGRATH
Spring, summer, winter, or fall, macro photography opens the door to a wonderful new world of photo opportunities. The close-up world is a magical place full of pattern, color, and abstract imagery. Flowers become abstract works of art, stones appear as polished gems, and butterflies transform into sci-fi monsters! This course will show you ways to use your existing camera gear to create spectacular macro photographs.
Saturday, July 29, 1–4pm
$60M; $75NM
Neurographic Sketching in the Gardens
NIKKI HOWLAND
Neurographic sketching is a meditative drawing technique that taps into the subconscious and relaxes the mind. In this outdoor class, we will be focusing on the basic techniques and the meditative qualities of the practice. You will leave the session with a contemplative way to create something unique and beautiful that leaves you feeling calm and thoughtful.
Saturday, July 29, 9:30–11:30am
Saturday, August 12, 9:30–11:30am
$40M; $50NM
P icnic Delights
LAURA ZIMAN
Tuesday, July 18, 6:30–8pm (ONLINE WORKSHOP)
In this online workshop, discover beautiful, delectable, and stress-free foods to create for outdoor eating. We will be preparing a mix of vegetarian, fish, and dairy dishes, including mozzarella salad, tofu and tuna roll-ups, cole slaw –and even a new twist on deviled eggs. All the dishes we will prepare during this 90-minute workshop are heavy on vegetables, fruits, and herbs that enhance flavors and help us to eat healthier. An ingredients list and recipes will be provided beforehand so you can cook along with the rest of the class!
$20M; $30NM
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Night Photography
JÜRGEN LOBERT
Tuesday, August 15, 7–10pm
(RAIN DATE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 22)
Join us for a special after-hours opportunity to explore the garden and learn the basics of night photography. After a presentation that explores the uniqueness of taking photos at night, as well as equipment, exposure, white balance, highlights, shadows, and composition, you will go out into the gardens with Jürgen for a hands-on photoshoot.
$100M; $115NM
Reflections in Photography
STEVE MCGRATH
Reflections are all around us—in lakes, puddles, windows, and more. They allow photographers to take very creative images that can intrigue and confuse the viewer. In this workshop you will capture reflections around the gardens and learn about creative ways to use composition, filters, and shutter speeds to enhance your photos.
Sunday, August 6 , 1–4pm
$60M; $75NM
Gardening & Horticulture
Mosses for Beginners
SUSAN WILLIAMS
This full-day class is a systematic approach to identifying mosses in the field. Through activities both indoors and out, you will learn how and what to observe in the field, filtering what might be possible, making informed guesses, and confirming those guesses.
Saturday, July 8, 10am –4pm
$80M; $95NM
Seasonal Pruning Workshop: Summer
REED PUGH
Throughout the year it is important to prune plants and there are critical windows of time to execute this work. This hands-on workshop will focus on late spring and summer flowering plants, including holly, hydrangea, mountain laurel, magnolia, and Japanese maple.
Sunday, July 9, 10:30am –12pm or 1–2:30 pm
$35M; $50NM
Medicinal (and Edible) Plant Walk
ALEX KLEIN
Join us for a walk around the gardens to discover the bounty of medicinal plants in both the garden and the forest. You will learn basic identification techniques so you can become familiar with some common and useful medicinal plants. The program will also cover the historic and modern uses of these herbs, the spectrum between poison, medicine, and food, how to harvest ethically and safely, and how to process and use some of these plants for home healing.
Sunday, July 30, 11am –1pm
$30M; $40NM
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Youth Programs
Kids Workshops
Backyard Birds | AGES 6–12
Join us for a birding adventure and decorate a birdhouse to welcome backyard birds.
Sunday, July 9, 11am –12:30pm
M: $25 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $34 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Metamorphosis Magic | AGES 4–8
Learn about butterflies and moths, study specimens up close, and mold your own salt dough sculptures.
Saturday, July 15, 1:30–3pm
M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $24 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Beach Sand Terrariums | AGES 6–12
Create your own colorful layered sand terrarium complete with air plants and seashells.
Sunday, July 23, 11am –12:30pm
M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $36 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Forest Fairy Lanterns | AGES 7–12
Make your own fairy themed night light that captures the magic of the garden.
Thursday, July 27, 6:30–8pm
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $25 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Prehistoric Plants | AGES 4–8
Meet some plants that lived at the time of dinosaurs and create your own prehistoric terrarium.
Saturday, August 5, 1:30–3pm
Thursday, August 24, 6:30–8pm
M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $36 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Family Fun
Garden Buds | AGES 3–5
Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure.
Thursdays in July & August, 10:30–11:30am
M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $15 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14
Explore the gardens and trails by moonlight and search for our favorite nocturnal insect.
Thursday, July 6 & 13, 8–9pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Insect Safari | AGES 3–10
Come bug out and learn about insects of all shapes and sizes.
Thursday, July 20, 6:30–7:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Little Seedlings | AGES 1–3
Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.
Tuesday, July 25, 10:30–11:30am
M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $10 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Ponding Adventures | AGES 6–12
Explore our wildlife pond and learn about life in this aquatic habitat.
Sunday, August 13, 10:30am –12pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Fantastic Frogs | AGES 4–8
Join us for a fantastic frog adventure and learn about our resident species.
Thursday, August 17, 6:30–7:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Buzzing Bees | AGES 3–10
Celebrate National Honeybee Day, meet our newest residents, and learn about life as a honeybee.
Saturday, August 19, 10:30am –12pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Children's Birthday Parties
Make your child’s birthday one to remember by hosting their special day with us! Now booking for summer and fall. Visit nebg.org for details.
Nature Play Days in The Ramble
Join us for Nature Play Days in The Ramble. Drop-in for free fun family activities this season. Use your imagination to create magical worlds and explore the great outdoors as we dress up, craft, make music, play, and make new friends. Visit our website for more details.
Music Makers | AGES 2–8
Dance to your own beat and make music with us.
Mondays, 12–2pm
Nature Storytime | AGES 3–8
Join us for an interactive hour of exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.
Tuesdays, 11am –12pm
Imagination Station | AGES 3–8
JUST FOR KIDS!
HALF-DAY PROGRAM
Nature Discoveries | AGES 4–5
Join us to sing, play, learn, and explore in nature.
Wednesdays in July and August, 9am –12pm
M: $50 CHILD; NM: $60 CHILD
FULL-DAY PROGRAMS
Summer Discoveries
Animal Adventures | AGES 5–10
Beaks, claws, and wings, oh my! Learn about the amazing animals that live among us as we explore, play, and investigate in nature.
Monday to Friday, July 31 to August 4, 9am –3pm
M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD
Myths and Magic | AGES 5–10
Join us for a week of play, exploration, and investigation as we search for signs of magic in enchanted gardens, cast spells, and make nature potions.
Monday to Friday, August 7 to 11, 9am –3pm
M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD
Stop by for imaginative play as we dress up and create magical worlds together.
Wednesdays, 12–2pm
Adventures in Yoga | AGES 4–8
Stretch, move, and play as we learn yoga basics and try nature inspired poses.
Thursday, July 27 & August 17, 1–2pm
Exploration Station | AGES 3–10
Drop by our discovery stations to play, read, learn, and investigate.
Fridays, 12–2pm
Discovery Backpacks | AGES 3–12
Check out our Discovery Backpacks filled with exciting activities and tools for exploring together.
Everyday, 10am –5pm
Weekly Schedule
EVERY DAY / 10am –5pm
MONDAYS / 12–2pm
TUESDAYS / 11am –12pm
WEDNESDAYS / 12–2pm
SELECT THURSDAYS / 1–2pm
FRIDAYS / 12–2pm
Discovery Backpacks
Music Makers
Nature Storytime
Imagination Station
Adventures in Yoga
Exploration Station
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PLANT SHOWS
Experience the magic of a room filled with flowers! Enjoy dazzling displays, browse sales of rare and unusual plants, and learn tips from expert growers for coaxing your own beautiful blooms. Discover more at nebg.org/shows. included with general admission
New England Lily Society Show & Sale
Saturday, July 15, 10:30am –3:30pm
Sunday, July 16, 10am –4pm
New England Daylily Society Show & Sale
Saturday, July 22, 11am –3:30pm
LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration
Thursday, September 7, 5–9pm
Save the date for our annual Pride Celebration! Join us as we celebrate the two weeks of Pride Worcester and our LGBTQ+ community through a lively evening of festivities, including a DJ dance party, drag shows, local LGBTQ+ vendors, community organizations, and more! Visit nebg.org for more details.
EXHIBIT Grow, Forage, Eat
July 1 – October 1, 2023
Come learn about the wide variety of wild and cultivated plants we eat in an illustrated exhibit featuring stunning artwork created by the New England Society of Botanic Artists. Grow, Forage, Eat will adorn the Fern Gallery starting July 1. Visit nebg.org for more details.
INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION
Jessica Daigle Ripening Blackberries
THURSDAY SUMMER EVENINGS
at New England Botanic Garden
Open 5–9pm on Thursdays in June and July
5–8pm on Thursdays in August (RAIN OR SHINE)
Included with the cost of General Admission
This summer, unplug, recharge, and escape to our garden oasis. Experience live music by talented local musicians, a beer garden, lawn games, light bites, and more as you explore the Garden after-hours with friends and family. Hike our mile-long loop trail, wander the gardens to enjoy the blooms, and catch the sunset over the Wachusett Reservoir. Plus, don’t miss our wide variety of scheduled workshops and classes for children and adults!
Visit nebg.org for details.
BEER GARDEN
Featuring a rotating selection of seasonal and local draft beer plus light bites to enjoy on the grounds.
Every Thursday, July, 5–8:30pm & August, 5–7:30pm
LIVE MUSIC
Spend an evening listening to live music performed by talented local artists.
Every Thursday, July, 6–8pm & August, 5:30–7:30pm
FOR ADULTS
Botanical Mixology MEREDITH POWELL
Learn how to make unique cocktails with a botanical twist.
Select Thursdays, 6–7pm
$50M; $65NM
Summer Thursdays Yoga
JUSTINE PULASKI
Relax and refresh in this all-levels yoga class in the gardens.
Every Thursday, 6–7:15pm (no class july 27)
$15M; $22NM
FOR KIDS
Family Firefly Walk | AGES 3–14
Explore the gardens and trails by moonlight and search for our favorite nocturnal insect.
Thursday, July 6 & 13, 8–9pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Insect Safari | AGES 3–10
Come bug out and learn about insects of all shapes and sizes.
Thursday, July 20, 6:30–7:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT
NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
PAGE
8 OF 12
Forest Fairy Lanterns | AGES 7–12
Make your own fairy themed night light that captures the magic of the garden.
Thursday, July 27, 6:30–8pm
M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT
NM: $25 CHILD, $19 ADULT
Fantastic Frogs | AGES 4–8
Join us for a fantastic frog adventure and learn about our resident species.
Thursday, August 17, 6:30–7:30pm
M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT
NM: $17 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Prehistoric Plants | AGES 4–8
Meet some plants that lived at the time of dinosaurs and create your own prehistoric terrarium.
Thursday, August 24, 6:30–8pm
M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT;
NM: $36 CHILD, $19 ADULT
MORE SUMMER FUN
Family Fun Nights
Tuesday, July 11, 6–8pm
Tuesday, August 8, 6–8pm
Music in Bloom
Sunday, June 11, 6–8:30pm
Sunday, June 25, 6–8:30pm
Come play, imagine, and create with us in a space made just for the young and young at heart! Spend your summer nights exploring The Ramble and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities. Sing along to some of your favorite tunes with Big Jon Short, meet a magical fairy or princess, and dress up, read, or learn at our pop-up activity stations. Enjoy face painting, crafts, scavenger hunts, and more. These events are rain or shine. Visit nebg.org for more details.
M: $7 CHILD, $11 ADULT; NM: $12 CHILD, $23 ADULT
Salsa Night – Dance Concert on the Lawn
Join New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill and Juventas New Music Ensemble for two magical evenings of music al fresco. Take a stroll through our gardens at golden hour and discover a series of musical performances in different garden spaces along the way. This special event showcases luminous music by emerging composers performed by some of Boston’s foremost chamber musicians. Visit nebg.org for more details about artists, cost, and ticketing.
Wednesday, July 19, 6–9pm
Get your groove on this summer with a high-energy evening of salsa dancing and live music by Sabor Picante outdoors on the Lawn. Learn basic salsa steps taught by Latin dance instructors from Tumbao Latin Dance and dance the night away or sit and enjoy the music with a picnic and a pint. Visit nebg.org for more details.
M: $8 CHILD, $15 ADULT; NM: $12 CHILD, $25 ADULT
Swing Night – Dance Concert on the Lawn
Wednesday, August 9, 6–9pm
Enjoy a high-energy dance concert of timeless big band swing with the 18-piece Beantown Swing Orchestra. Learn basic Shim Sham line dance steps that originated in the 1920s and swing the night away or sit and enjoy the music with a picnic and a pint on the Lawn. Visit nebg.org for more details.
M: $8 CHILD, $15 ADULT; NM: $12 CHILD, $25 ADULT
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PAGE 9
imaginative, colorful sculptures works displayed across England Botanic Garden. the surprising creative between growing plants making art in a show inspired wonders of the plant world.
Experience CHIAOZZA, an exhibit of imaginative, colorful sculptures and wall works displayed across New England Botanic Garden. Discover the surprising creative parallels between growing plants and making art in a show inspired by the wonders of the plant world.
a sculpture exhibition
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june through october 15, 2023
included with general admission
INFO@NEBG.ORG 508.869.6111 NEBG.ORG 11 FRENCH DRIVE P.O. BOX 598, BOYLSTON, MA 01505 Visit nebg.org for more information. Experience Summer at the Garden
