Chicago Botanic Garden Classes, Chicago

In this ongoing tapestry weaving class, students at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels come together to explore ways of using surface, image, and text within a woven form to create independent projects. Students will be exposed to both contemporary and historical tapestries through weekly visual presentations and will participate in skill-building...

Terrariums are back! Learn how to create a glass jar terrarium from start to finish. A glass jar, an assortment of small indoor plants for a variety of light conditions, and all other materials will be provided for you to create your own miniature oasis to enjoy this winter and all year long!   Please bring gloves, an apron if desired, and...

Experience an authentic North Indian vegetarian meal in this cooking class. Learn to prepare slow-cooked lentils using herbs and spices. Traditional Indian recipes include: dal makhani cumin-flavored long grain basmati rice and cool cucumber mint yogurt dip Class will end with a shared meal and students will also take home portions.

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 about a variety of techniques, and developing the ability to determine best practices.  Topics range from general grounds maintenance, winterization, plantings, and other...

Join horticulturist Lisa Hilgenberg to learn the basic techniques and tools required to grow your own vegetables. Site selection, bed and soil preparation, seed sowing, transplanting, and harvesting techniques are just part of what will be covered. This introductory vegetable-growing class is best suited for those with little or no vegetable-growing...

Learn how to process wet and dry seeded crops as well as requirements for seed storage from Seed Savers Exchange’s Seed House field manager, Rochelle Wiedenhoeft and field crew leader, Korbin Paul. The workshop will cover techniques for both small- and medium-scale seed productions, and will demonstrate cleaning methods on a variety of crop types...

Join horticulturist Lisa Hilgenberg to learn the fundamentals of seed saving and how to plan your garden to ensure a bountiful harvest of healthy, true-to-type seeds

Seed starting is a highly rewarding and fun activity as you plant your seeds then watch them come to life. Learn how to set up a simple indoor system for producing high-quality seedlings year-round. This class will cover all the basics including the easiest plants to begin with, seed selection, seedling containers, growing media, light stands, watering...

With 27 gardens, nine islands, six miles of shoreline, and four nature areas spread across 385 acres, the Chicago Botanic Garden is both a dream environment and a challenge for photographers. How can I take a photo worthy of what I am seeing? We will first discuss places and techniques for creating captivating images, review easy-to-apply compositional...

Master a variety of egg-cooking techniques in this cooking class. Learn how to separate, temper, braise, and poach eggs in all-new recipes including shakshuka, soufflé pancake with miso mushrooms, pastry cream, and garlic and chicken soup. Sample the recipes as part of a light brunch at the end of the class.

Explore Greek flavors and ingredients in this fun cooking class. Prepare and enjoy vegetarian moussaka, country salad, lamb meatballs with tzatziki, and swordfish skewers with ouzo bbq sauce. Learn to work with phyllo dough and make an apple baklava. Alcohol will be served in this class; participants must be 21 years of age or older.

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...

Inspired by the little treasures you save and love, we will cleverly combine old and new elements to create spectacular jewelry. Bring your special and sentimental keepsakes, single earrings, buttons, charms, chains, family photos, and found objects and let Bonnie Arkin inspire your creativity.  You will learn to solder, wire wrap, and string....

If you are new to gardening or new to the Midwest, join us for a discussion on how our climate and the change of seasons can affect your garden. We'll examine how each season presents gardeners with ongoing challenges (temperature and moisture extremes, soil problems, and wind). Then we'll consider some ways to meet those challenges and have a successful...

Learn all there is to know about houseplants. In this class, we will discuss how to select the right plant for a particular space, determine the right lighting levels, learn the principles of watering, and when to repot and prune your houseplants. We’ll also talk about Phalaenopsis orchids, bonsai, and recent trends in houseplants, such as terrariums...