Chicago Botanic Garden Classes, Chicago

Watercolor is a delightfully fun medium. In this class, you’ll learn a variety of watercolor techniques, including washes and how to make a range of textures on paper, plus some color theory to get you started.  No prior experience is necessary.

Have you been thinking about buying a digital camera but find it too confusing? Remove the mystery by exploring features, sizes, and price points of many levels and brands of cameras. Whether you haven’t taken a picture since film days or are completely new to the hobby, all are welcome and no camera is required.

This course will help beginners and enthusiasts grasp the techniques and principles of photography. Participants will explore the basics of photography, including image composition rules, how the camera works, proper exposure, and the functions of lens aperture and shutter speed. Some minimal photo processing will also be covered.  Note: Course...

Make a beautiful wet felted flower pin, perfect to cheer up any spring day. Use layers of hand-dyed wool, silk, bamboo, and sparkles, along with beads, to add the finishing touches. Learn a new technique and enjoy an exquisite flower to adorn your bag, coat, or hat.

This class introduces movements based on tai chi principles to increase your range of motion, improve balance, and increase energy.  Both the Yang- and Sun-style postures will be practiced along with some basic qigong exercises. This class may be practiced seated.

This intermediate class will be spent applying photographic techniques to create a portfolio of abstract fine art photographs. Using design concepts, students will craft creative images with a mood and message. A review of technical SLR tools, in addition to developing your creative eye, will help you capture abstracts of your very own. Class will...

For students who have completed Beginning Watercolor, we will continue to learn various techniques and color theory while exploring different ways to combine light, composition, color, and textures in watercolor painting. A supply list will be sent.

There are many variables to consider in developing a garden, including low maintenance, drought tolerance, four-season interest, and methods to recycle organic debris and increase sustainability. Discover ideas to address these variables including Mandala gardens and stumperies, recycled materials to build garden structures, composting on-site, and...

Students will be introduced to professional gardening through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. They will focus on acquiring solid gardening skills, learning a variety of techniques, and developing the ability to determine best practices.  Prerequisite: Botany 1.  A supply list will be sent with your confirmation. Please...

Experience a full season of a Chicago vegetable garden with the focus on what to do, why, and when. During the session, you will follow a successful home vegetable gardener from plant selection all the way through harvest (and everything in between). Join us for a great opportunity to sharpen existing gardening skills and, perhaps, learn some new ...

Express the beauty of nature in watercolor. Each week focuses on a specific technique, such as ways to mix greens or show natural textures, with a goal of a more satisfying painting experience.  In the last two weeks, you will focus on landscape techniques such as composition, color, and focus to create the impression of a beautiful natural place....

The well-designed border wears a combination of perennials, annuals, and shrubs that provide three seasons of color and winter interest. This class will discuss how to artfully combine plants with an emphasis on the use of color, texture, and form. Whether you are a new gardener or have an established border that could use updating, this class is for...

Gardening on roofs and balconies is increasingly popular. Some plants struggle and others thrive. Plants can be exposed to a hot, dry, and windy environment. Come and learn which plants do best under these difficult conditions. Dress for the weather, as a Garden walk is included. The School’s CEUs=2 hours OPC elective

A garden shaded by trees or buildings is often a challenge for the gardener who is faced with low light levels, tree roots, and soil that is often dry. This class provides solutions and ideas for artful plantings that can help you create effective combinations that consider color, texture, and form.

Did you receive a camera as a gift recently? Is your camera still sitting in the box? This workshop will help you set up your camera and cover its basic operations. With hands-on instruction, you’ll learn the basics of camera operation. To get the most out of the class, you should own a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, mirrorless camera,...