New England Botanic Garden March/April 2024 Bulletin

MARCH / APRIL 2024

Events & Programs

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.

Wednesdays, 10:15–11:45am (no class april 17) PER CLASS: $20M; $30NM

Relaxing Yoga Flow EMMA BARTOLINI

Start your Friday morning with a mindful yoga flow.

Explore postures to build strength, balance, and stability, and find peace within your morning.

Fridays, 9:30–10:30am (no class april 19) $15M; $22NM

Friday Chair Yoga EMMA BARTOLINI

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 or at 508.869.6111x174.

Weekday Wellness Programs 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.

Tuesdays, 11:30am–12:30pm (no class april 16) PER CLASS: $15M; $22NM

Yoga in the Garden MANDI GARRISON

Enjoy gentle-to-moderate flow yoga in a class for all levels.

Tuesdays, 6–7:15pm (no class april 16) Thursdays, 10:30–11:45am (no class april 18) PER CLASS: $15M; $22NM

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Join us for Friday chair yoga! This fully supported practice is a wonderful way to explore the benefits of yoga in a different way.

Fridays, 11am–12pm (no class april 19) $15M; $22NM

Energy Healing Sound Bath BRANDY LEFSYK

A sound bath reduces stress and anxiety by inducing a state of relaxation. Join us for a one-hour program in one of our conservatories that will leave you feeling at peace.

Wednesday, March 27, 9–10am Wednesday, April 24, 9–10am $30M; $40NM

Gentle Yoga with Aromatherapy GEORGIA JOHNSON

Soft candlelight and aromatherapy create a warm ambiance for this calming evening yoga class. Reconnect with yourself in a safe space of serenity and self-care.

Thursday, April 11, 6–7pm $15M; $22NM

Astroyoga BRANDY LEFSYK

In this special workshop, explore a mindful movement and meditation practice that follows the seasons and moon cycles and is supported by the cosmic energy of each day.

Wednesday, April 24, 10:30–11:30am $30M; $40NM

Weekend Wellness Programs Release, Refresh, and Relax Yoga EMMA BARTOLINI

Come release, refresh, and relax your body, mind, and spirit with a blended flow and restorative practice.

Saturday, March 2, 9–10:15am $15M; $22NM

Yoga for Inner Radiance

LINDA SNAY

Uncover the energy and spirit of your inner radiance through this strong slow flow class. Inspire body, mind, and spirit with this revitalizing yoga mini-retreat.

Sunday, March 3, 9–11am $30M; $45NM

Spring Equinox Mini-Retreat MANDI GARRISON

Begin the journey into spring with yoga, meditation, and your wishes and intentions for the warmer seasons.

Saturday, March 16, 9:30am–12:30pm

Yin Yoga and Meditation

LISA MOORE

Reduce physical tension, alleviate stress, build emotional awareness, and restore energy levels in this slow-paced style of yoga. Classes will end with a meditation session.

Sunday, March 17, 9:30–10:45am Sunday, April 28, 9:30–10:45am $15M; $22NM

Gentle Yoga and Yoga Nidra LINDA SNAY

Release tension, let go of worries, move gently, and discover the pure joy of Yoga Nidra.

Saturday, March 30, 9–11am $30M; $45NM

Spring Renewal Yoga EMMA BARTOLINI

Come enjoy an energizing morning yoga practice inspired by spring’s returning light.

Saturday, April 6, 9–10:15am $15M; $22NM

$40M; $55NM

Forest Bathing in the Conservatory NADINE MAZZOLA

Relax and refresh in the Orangerie through mindfulness practices, sensory awareness, and nature.

Saturday, March 23, 8:30–10am $30M; $40NM PAGE 3 OF 18

Reiki MICHELLE GOODWINE

Reiki is a healing technique that activates the natural healing processes of the body. Learn more about this practice and experience its effects both as a practitioner and a participant.

Saturday, April 6, 9am–12pm (level 1) Sunday, April 7, 9am–12pm (level 2) $135M; $150NM

Ink and Watercolor Trees VICTORIA CHAPMAN

Let’s get together and create some tree art! Use pen and ink plus watercolors to create beautifully contrasted tree compositions.

Saturday, March 16, 1–3pm $55M; $70NM

Chinese Brush Painting SAU-MEI LEUNG

Through demonstration and hands-on practice, explore and develop an understanding of the different brush stokes to create an expressive floral painting inspired by the plants on view.

Saturday, March 16, 9:30–11:30am (orchids) Saturday, April 27, 9:30–11:30am (violets)

Finding Your Path BETH ADOETTE

Create an individual nature mandala to discover or remember the path that brings you joy with the opportunity to consider how current life choices line up with that direction.

Sunday, April 14, 1–3:30pm

$55M; $70NM

$50M; $65NM

Photography Walks STEVE MCGRATH

Forest Bathing NADINE MAZZOLA

Follow your passion with our monthly photography walks! Each month we will explore a different area of the Garden and learn about camera techniques and composition.

Saturday, March 16, 10am–12:30pm Saturday, April 20, 10am–12:30pm

Relax and refresh through mindfulness practices and sensory awareness while experiencing the beauty of nature in the gardens.

Saturday, April 13, 12:30–3:30pm $40M; $55NM

$40M; $55NM

Visual Arts

Floral Resin Pendants LINDA SNAY

Learn the basics of using UV resin to make beautiful, trendy, one-of-a-kind pendants with dried flowers and other elements.

Friday, March 22, 10:30am–1pm

Botanical Orchid Slate MIRANDA GREENHALGH

Create a decorative botanical orchid slate inspired by this year’s orchid exhibition, Patterns in Bloom, to display on your front door using easy-to-use acrylics.

Saturday, March 2, 1–3pm

$60M; $75NM

$55M; $70NM

Ukrainian Easter Eggs LISA MAGNUSON

Join us for a workshop to create traditional Pysanky, beautiful and elaborate Easter eggs found in Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian traditions.

Sunday, March 3, 1–5pm $120M; $135NM

Raffia Weaving LINDA SNAY

Learn how to paint trees with artist Victoria Chapman on Saturday, March 16

Learn to weave raffia into beautiful household items. In this class you will learn the basics of how to coil and wrap weave raffia, how to create shape, how to change colors, and more. coasters or tray

Friday, March 8, 10:30am–1pm shallow basket or bowl

Friday, April 5, 10:30am–1pm

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$50M; $65NM

Botanical Mixology: Patterns in Bloom MEREDITH POWELL

Sunday, March 17, 1–2pm Enhance the fun of Patterns in Bloom with a hands-on cocktail making workshop with a botanical twist. $60M; $75NM MUST BE 21+

Creative Meditation through Drawing

Garden Photography STEVE MCGRATH

Explore a meditative drawing technique that taps into the subconscious and relaxes the mind. Discover a contemplative way to create something unique and beautiful.

Saturday, March 23, 1–3pm

$70M; $85NM

NIKKI HOWLAND

Take your garden photography from good to great while capturing the Garden at its most beautiful!

Sharpen your awareness of light on the landscape and hone your skills with a camera.

Sunday, March 3, 1–4pm

$40M; $55NM

Landscape Photography STEVE MCGRATH

Want to use your camera to take better landscape photographs? In this class you will learn how to use natural light and find the best composition, plus other strategies and techniques.

Saturday, March 30, 10am–2pm $60M; $75NM

Watercolors in the Conservatory VICTORIA CHAPMAN

Walk together through the conservatories and sit with a watercolor journal, water brushes, and watercolor paints to create your own depiction of the amazing flora on view.

Saturday, March 30, 1–3pm

Photoshop Elements and Photo Editing Software STEVE MCGRATH

Learn Photoshop techniques and skills and apply them immediately to your personal photography with step-by-step instruction you can practice at home.

Sunday, April 7, 10am–1pm $60M; $75NM

Macrophotography STEVE MCGRATH

Use your existing camera gear to make spectacular macro photographs and discover a close-up world that is full of pattern, color, and abstract imagery.

Saturday, April 27, 1–4pm $60M; $75NM

$55M; $70NM PAGE 5 OF 18

Gardening, Plants, & Horticulture Orchid Walk and Talk CONSERVATORY GARDEN STAFF

Work in the Spring Garden REED PUGH

$15M; $25NM

$40M; $55NM

Beginner Houseplants 101: Picking, Potting, and Particulars MOLLY WILLIAMS

Refreshing Your Indoor Plants for Spring

Explore Patterns in Bloom, An Orchid Exhibition before the Garden opens to the public and learn more about the 2,000 orchids on display.

Wednesday, March 6 and March 13, 9–10am

Get your hands dirty and learn houseplant basics!

During this workshop you will learn how to choose healthy plants, how to pot them, and how to take care of them at home.

Saturday, March 9, 1–2:30pm $70M; $85M

This workshop will educate home gardeners on proper practices and timing for early season work in the garden.

Saturday, March 23, 10:30am–12pm

DEBORAH KRAUSE

Get your indoor plants ready for spring! Bring your houseplants to class and learn how to prune, deadhead, and transplant them so they can thrive after the cold of winter.

Sunday, March 24, 12–2pm $85M; $100NM

Aromatherapy Wreath HALEY CORMIER

Tropical Dish Gardens DEBORAH KRAUSE

Join us for a spring wreath workshop with a focus on scented greenery and florals. Together we will create an aromatherapy wreath to refresh your home and spring us forward!

Saturday, April 6, 1–3:30pm

$85M; $100M

$110M; $125NM; $135 PAIR

Create a dish garden in a decorative container that features beautiful tropical plants with various colors, textures, fragrances, and sizes.

Sunday, March 10, 1–3pm

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Aesthetic Pruning: The Craftmanship and Biology for Arborists, Gardeners, and Designers RALPH PADILLA & CHRIS RODDICK

New England Dahlia Society Tuber Sale Saturday, April 21 11am–3:30pm

For thousands of years, people have used the ancient practice of pruning to manipulate and enhance trees and shrubs, yet the science and the art behind pruning is still among the most misunderstood practices in the field of horticulture. This day-long workshop will take a deep dive into the craftmanship and art of aesthetic pruning, while looking closely at the science, biology, and responses of trees.

From giant dahlias over 10” in diameter to miniatures less than 2” in diameter, a wonderful selection of dahlia tubers representing a wide array of forms will be available at The New England Dahlia Society’s annual tuber sale. Learn dahlia growing tips from the experts, including how to divide your own dahlia roots.

$100M; $125NM

INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Square Foot Gardening DEBORAH KRAUSE

Bay State African Violet Society Show & Sale

Saturday, March 2, 9am–3:30pm

Explore this unique way to garden that helps you grow more in less space, costs less than traditional row planting, and makes gardening more accessible in many ways.

Saturday, April 20, 10:30am–12:30pm $85M; $100NM

Easy Rose Care TERESA MOSHER

This session will teach you everything you need to know about rose care, including uncovering winter protected roses, pruning, planting, fertilizing, and choosing hardy varieties.

Saturday, April 20, 1–2:30pm $35M; $50NM

Seasonal Pruning: Early Spring REED PUGH

The second workshop in the pruning series will focus on early spring shrubs that flower on the previous season’s growth (old wood), renovative pruning, and cleaning up winter damage.

Sunday, April 28, 10:30am–12:30pm or 1–2:30pm

From fuzzy leaves to friendly flowers, a stunning array of African violets grown by BAVS members and showcased in horticultural and design exhibits awaits at this annual event. Learn general care and tips for growing African violets while viewing a wide variety of beautiful blooms on display and for sale.

INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Saturday, April 27 Show & Sale: 10am–4pm Demonstration: 1–2pm “How to Grow African Violets” Learn about basic care of African violets, common pests and diseases, and tips and tricks for re-potting and propagating.

$40M; $55NM PAGE 7 OF 18

FEBRUARY 10 THROUGH

MARCH 17, 2024 At the Garden’s annual orchid exhibition, immerse yourself in bright colors, bold designs, and vibrant patterns that celebrate the artistry of orchids. Patterns in Bloom showcases thousands of living orchids displayed alongside the imaginative sculptural work of artist Molly Gambardella. Experience the creative wonder of this breathtaking orchid exhibition.

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YOUTH PROGRAMS

Kids Workshops

Family Fun

Mini Mermaid Gardens

Garden Buds

| AGES 6 –10

Create your own under the sea inspired garden complete with a mermaid friend and a succulent.

Sunday, March 3, 10:30am–12pm

M: $28 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $36 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Paper Birch Forest

| AGES 3 –5

Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure.

Wednesdays in March and April, 10:30–11:30am M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Little Seedlings

| AGES 1 –3

Create a torn paper collage inspired by the Garden’s beautiful birch trees.

Saturday, March 16, 2–3:30pm

Come explore the wonderful world of plants and practice sorting, counting, observing, and more.

Tuesday, March 26, 10:30–11:30am Tuesday, April 30, 10:30–11:30am

M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $26 CHILD, $19 ADULT

M: $6 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $10 CHILD, $20 ADULT

May Day Flower Baskets

Springtime Family Hike

| AGES 8 –12

| AGES 5 –10

Welcome spring as we decorate a basket and design a mini flower arrangement to take home.

Sunday, April 28, 10:30am–12pm M: $20 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $30 CHILD, $20 ADULT

| AGES 4 –8

Welcome spring and join us for a guided hike of New England Botanic Garden’s mile-long loop trail.

Sunday, March 30, 2–3pm M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT

Family Paint Party

| AGES 7 +

Come create together as you each paint a meadow landscape guided by step-by-step instruction.

Sunday, April 7, 3:30–5pm M: $20 CHILD, $20 ADULT; NM: $30 CHILD, $40 ADULT

REGISTRATION OPEN Limited spots available.

Reserve your spot today!

A FULL-DAY DROP-OFF PROGRAM JUST FOR KIDS! Unleash your sense of adventure, uncover the amazing science of plants, and explore nature’s hidden stories all around us.

Limited spots available. Reserve your spot today!

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Homeschool Programs Homeschool: Winter Trees

| AGES 6 –12

Teen Programs Teens: Herb Garden Hydroponics

| AGES 1 3 –16

Explore our trails to learn tree-rific facts and how to identify trees even without leaves.

Monday, March 4, 1–2:30pm

Learn the basics of hydroponics and set up your own herb garden mason jar system.

Sunday, March 24, 3–4:30pm

M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $19 ADULT

M: $30 TEEN; NM: $40 TEEN, $19 ADULT

Homeschool: Adventures in Birding

Teens: Silkscreen Totes

| AGES 6 –12

Discover the birds found at the Garden and learn how to identify species by colors, calls, and nests.

Thursday, March 28, 10–11:30am M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $19 ADULT

Homeschool: Planet Protectors

| AGES 1 3 –16

Screen print a tote bag using a simple DIY reusable silkscreen method.

Sunday, April 21, 3–4:30pm M: $28 TEEN; NM: $38 TEEN, $20 ADULT

| AGES 6 –12

Celebrate Earth Day by learning about how to protect our planet and creating an upcycled craft.

Tuesday, April 22, 1–2:30pm

HEY KIDS!

Spend your summer days outside in the Garden in SUMMER DISCOVERIES!

M: $9 CHILD, $0 ADULT; NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT

JULY

AUGUST

Myths & Magic | AGES 5–10

Superhero Academy | 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, July 8 to 12, 9am–3pm

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s the Superhero Academy! Discover your inner hero this week as we become planet protectors, practice our superpowers, and save the world.

Monday to Friday, August 5 to 9, 9am–3pm

M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD

Dinosaur Safari | AGES 5–10 Roar and explore during this week of prehistoric discovery. Become a paleontologist as we have fun with fossils, play dino games, learn about prehistoric plants, and conduct science experiments.

Monday to Friday, July 15 to 19, 9am–3pm

M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD

Dinosaur Safari | AGES 5–10 Roar and explore during this week of prehistoric discovery.

Become a paleontologist as we have fun with fossils, play dino games, learn about prehistoric plants, and conduct science experiments.

Monday to Friday, August 12 to 16, 9am–3pm M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD

M: $375 CHILD; NM: $425 CHILD PAGE 11 OF 18

WINTER PLAY DAYS March 4 – April 12 location: Visitors Center Nature Storytime | AGES 3–8 Tuesdays, 11am–12pm Join us for Nature Play Days at the Garden.

Drop-in for free fun family activities this season.

Use your imagination to create magical worlds and explore the great outdoors as we play games, read stories, craft, and make new friends. Visit our website for more details.

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Join us for an interactive hour in our conservatory featuring exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.

Conservatory Crafts | AGES 4–12 Fridays, 1–3pm Create a nature-themed craft and borrow a scavenger hunt to discover the hidden wonders in our conservatories.

SPRING PLAY DAYS Starting April 22 location: The Ramble & Climate Garden Nature’s Studio | AGES 3–8 Mondays, 12–2pm Embrace your inner artist while you make music, play with paint, and get creative in the Garden.

Nature Storytime | AGES 3–8 Tuesdays, 11am–12pm Join us for an interactive hour of exciting stories about plants, animals, nature, and more.

Imagination Station | AGES 3–8 Wednesdays, 12–2pm Stop by for imaginative play as we dress up and create magical worlds together.

Farm to Market | AGES 3–10 Thursdays, 11am–12pm Stop by our Climate Garden, see what’s growing, lend a hand, and play at our farm stand.

Exploration Station | AGES 3–10 Fridays, 12–2pm Drop by our themed Exploration Stations to play, read, learn, and investigate.

Available every day, 10am–5pm AGES 3–12

Check out our Discovery Backpacks filled with exciting activities and tools for exploring together. Visit the front desk to borrow a backpack during your next visit.

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SECRET LIFE OF BUGS APRIL VACATION WEEK Saturday, April 13 through Friday, April 19 Welcome to the un-BEE-lievable world of bugs! Join us for a week filled with miniature wonders and exciting adventures as we explore the fascinating lives of insects.

Come bug out with us as we investigate the crawly critters that inhabit our gardens through drop-in crafts, family workshops, and more!

Free Drop-in Activities | ALL AGES Learn about your favorite bugs, study specimens up close, try a craft, play, and more in our drop-in insect activity room.

Saturday to Friday, April 13 to 19, 10am–4pm INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION

Daffodil Days | AGES 4 –8 Join us for a guided garden adventure and learn about our favorite spring blooms.

Saturday, April 13, 1–2pm M: $9 CHILD, $6 ADULT NM: $18 CHILD, $26 ADULT

Spectacular Spiders | AGES 7–12 Learn about our eight-legged friends and weave your own spider web complete with a spider toy.

Sunday, April 14, 2–3:30pm M: $15 CHILD, $0 ADULT NM: $25 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Pollinator Party | AGES 6–10 Plant your own pollinator garden in a hand-painted pot and start a growing journal.

Monday, April 15, 1:30–3pm M: $24 CHILD, $0 ADULT NM: $34 CHILD, $20 ADULT

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FULL-DAY DROP-OFF PROGRAMS

SPRING DISCOVERIES Monday – Friday April 15 to 19, 9am–3pm AGES 7–10

Join us for fun-filled days of play, exploration, and creation in nature.

Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

PER DAY M: $75 CHILD; NM: $85 CHILD

Winged Wonders Clay Studio | AGES 8 –12 Learn to sculpt with clay and create an insect to feature inside your own habitat display jar.

Tuesday, April 16, 1:30–3pm M: $24 CHILD, $0 ADULT NM: $34 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Garden Buds | AGES 3 –5 Join us for circle time, a story, a take-home craft packet, and a guided garden adventure.

Wednesday, April 17, 10:30–11:30am M: $8 CHILD, $0 ADULT NM: $18 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Buzzing Beeswax Candles | AGES 6 –12 Explore the world of honeybees and create your own rolled beeswax candles.

Thursday, April 18, 10:30am–12pm M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT NM: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT

Insect Lab | AGES 4 –8 Join us for an insect safari and create your own bug hotel to welcome pollinators to your yard.

Friday, April 19, 1:30–3pm M: $18 CHILD, $0 ADULT NM: $28 CHILD, $20 ADULT

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Welcome spring with a visit to the Garden.

Celebrate the passing of winter’s chill with tens of thousands of spring blooms, including daffodils, tulips, magnolias, lilacs, azaleas, and more. Find inspiration with a spring-themed class or workshop and tiptoe through our flourishing gardens, including our field of more than 25,000 daffodils — a spectacular scene unlike any other in the region!

Spring Blooms Garden Tours Fridays, April 12 & 26, May 10 & 24 11am Drop-in for a guided garden tour and explore our favorite springtime spaces and blooms.

Art in the Garden Totes April 1 – May 31 Borrow a tote and explore the Garden through wellness or art activities. Channel your creative side with guided meditation, poetry prompts, and more.

Mailbox Activity Stations April 1 – May 31 You’ve got mail! Explore the Gardens and search for all five mailbox stations. Each mailbox holds a different set of spring-themed nature challenges and activities to try on your own or as a family. Share your favorite Garden memories, try your hand at botanic illustration, enjoy a day of cloud watching, and more.

Kids & Families!

NATURE PLAY DAYS begin in the Ramble on

APRIL 22 SEE PAGES 12–13 FOR DETAILS

Enjoy FREE garden activities this April & May.

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March 1–30

Women’s History Month

nettrice gaskins

Join us during Women’s History Month and view a special selection from our Horticultural Heroes exhibit.

Learn about women who have helped shape our understanding of plants, pushed the boundaries of societal norms, and paved the way for women in the world of horticulture.

ART EXHIBIT

Celebrate Women Horticultural Heroes

WONDER BLOOMS IN SPRING Visit nebg.org for the bloom calendar.

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coming this summer to the garden!

FLORA IN FLIGHT

Aerial Art by Poetic Kinetics June 22 – October 31 Experience a collaboration between art and nature. Get ready to explore a lively trilogy of kinetic art that's sure to move you.

INFO@NEBG.ORG

508.869.6111

NEBG.ORG

11 FRENCH DRIVE

P.O. BOX 598, BOYLSTON, MA 01505