April Adult Classes at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

2-D Design Fundamentals
April 5 & 7, 12 & 14, and 19 & 21 Mondays & Wednesdays 6 – 9 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 29
$136 Olbrich members/$170 public

Good design is the foundation for everything from exceptional gardens to outstanding paintings, from striking photographs to award-winning quilts. Join professional artist Kay Brathol-Hostvet for this “semester’s worth” of two-dimensional design instruction, including in-class and homework projects, lectures, and many handouts. You can later apply what you learned to both 2D and 3D design. A supply list will be sent to you. The cost of the class is $136 for Olbrich members and $170 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by March 29. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Growing Gourds in Wisconsin
April 6 Tuesday 6 – 9 p.m.
Registration Deadline: March 30
$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Join the founder of the Wisconsin Gourd Society, Terri Schmit, to learn all about gourds. Many aspects of growing gourds will be discussed including purchasing seeds, soil preparation, hardening off, planting, weeding, trellising, harvesting, drying,
and cleaning. Get great tips and get on the right track to a plentiful gourd garden and
successful gourd harvest. The cost of the class is $12 for Olbrich members and $15 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by March 30. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Fruit, Bark, Stems, and Twigs Walk
April 8 Thursday 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 1
$11 Olbrich members/$13 public

Join Horticulture Director Jeff Epping for a garden stroll highlighting fruit, bark, stems, and twigs, all of which add interest to the early spring landscape. Epping will explain how to select and maintain plants that make for a stunning winter garden. The cost of the class is $11 for Olbrich members and $13 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 1. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Getting the Garden Ready for Spring
April 13 Tuesday 6 – 9 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 6
$35 Olbrich members/$44 public

Even if your garden makes you happy just as it is, there are things you can do in early spring to make the whole season easier and the garden more lush. Shrubs, trees, and groundcover beds benefit from your attention in the spring and repay you with reduced needs in the summer. It’s also a wonderful time to rearrange or expand a perennial garden. This class, with professional gardener and author Janet Macunovich, is a chance to start off on the right foot toward a great season! Macunovich is the author of nine books, including Caring for Perennials: What to Do and When to Do It and Designing Your Gardens and Landscapes: 12 Simple Steps for Successful Planning. The cost of the class is $35 for Olbrich members and $44 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 6. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Advanced Pruning Techniques: Espalier and Beyond
April 13 Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 6
$48 Olbrich members/$60 public

If you have mastered the pruning techniques covered in our “Pruning Pointers” workshop and still want more, join Olbrich Horticulture Director Jeff Epping and Horticulturist Samara Eisner to advance your skills. You will prune and take home an espalier apple tree (Malus ‘Zestar’) that will bear tasty fruit for years to come. This class will also include the most common questions and techniques for pruning wisteria, clematis, hydrangea, roses, and ornamental trees. Dress for the weather. The cost of the class is $48 for Olbrich members and $60 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 6. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Gourd Jewelry
April 17 Saturday 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 8
$30 Olbrich members/$38 public

Join the founder of the Wisconsin Gourd Society, Terri Schmit, and learn how to use gourds to create your own unique jewelry. Start with cleaned gourd pieces and embellish them with wire, beads, and fibers to make one-of-a-kind pins or pendants. Each participant will make up to two pieces. All materials are included. Wear old clothes as color products may stain. The cost of the class is $30 for Olbrich members and $38 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 8. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Designing an Herb Garden
April 18 Sunday 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 8
$36 Olbrich members/$45 public

This workshop provides the tools, techniques, and hands-on experience you need to design the herb garden you have always wanted. Guided by herbalists Lauri Lee and Susan Churchill of the Madison Herb Society, you will learn how to transform a random collection of herb plants into a well-designed garden. Examples of herb gardens will be shown, and information on herb habit, growing needs, and ideas for theme gardens will be provided. Using handouts and templates provided, you will draft your own custom herb garden design. Bring a pencil, eraser, and measurements of your anticipated herb garden space. The cost of the class is $36 for Olbrich members and $45 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 8. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Backyard Composting
April 20 Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 13
$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Are you wondering if your compost pile will smell or attract animals? Are you curious about why you keep putting materials in your compost bin and never get anything out? Are you setting up a compost bin for the first time? Joan Laurion, owner of Compostbasics, will teach you how to set up a compost pile and the four things you need to make lots of quality compost for your gardens. If you have composting experience, you will get answers to your lingering questions and learn some of the fine points for producing compost. The cost of the class is $12 for Olbrich members and $15 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 13. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

The Natural Step
April 20 Tuesday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 13
$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Learn about the basics of The Natural Step (TNS) framework and how you can apply it in your everyday life. The presentation, taught by Karl van Lith, Organizational Development & Training Officer for the City of Madison, will showcase the many ways the framework has been applied to help City of Madison functions become more efficient and how it is being used to help the entire Capital City Region become more sustainable. The cost of the class is $12 for Olbrich members and $15 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 13. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Spring Tonic Herbs
April 21 Wednesday 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 14
$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Join Community Pharmacy herbalists Jackie Nikolaus and Laura Schlough for an exploration of the herbs that can revitalize your body after a long winter’s “hibernation.” Tonic herbs gathered in the spring can provide rejuvenation by stimulating the liver, kidneys, and digestive organs. Learn how to identify a few common local spring tonic herbs. Make and taste some fresh herbal recipes. Registration fee includes cost of supplies, sampling, and a booklet. The cost of the class is $12 for Olbrich members and $15 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 14. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

The Nature of Haiku
April 22 & 29 Thursdays 6 – 8 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 15
$40 Olbrich members/$50 public

Join Miriam Hall, nationally recognized Zen Arts Instructor and Miksang Photography Teacher, for this creative class on haiku. Learn and engage in a simple form of writing that allows for making direct and profound contact with the natural world. You’ll explore your relationship with nature through observations made in the Gardens, and then write them down to create haiku. No previous writing experience required. Dress for indoor and outdoor activities. The cost of the class is $40 for Olbrich members and $50 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 15. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Make Your Own Garden Fountain
April 22 Thursday 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 15
$78 Olbrich members/$98 public

It’s easier than you think to make your own outdoor garden fountain. Join Olbrich Horticulturist Samantha Peckham and Garden Facilitator Aaron Wilkie as they guide you through the steps of assembling your own fountain using a reservoir, container, pump, and decorative stones. You’ll leave with all the parts necessary to make a unique garden fountain, and the knowledge to finish assembling it at home. They will also address design and function of garden fountains. For placement in your home garden, an electrical source to power the water pump and space for a three-foot diameter reservoir are needed. The cost of the class is $78 for Olbrich members and $98 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 15. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Eat Your Landscape
April 24 Saturday 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 15
$12 Olbrich members/$15 public

Jim Long will share information and recipes so you can literally eat your landscape! For example, roses, bee balm, catnip, beach rose, goldenrod, juniper, mahonia, red bud, bamboo, cannas, cane, elephant ears, hibiscus, hollyhocks, and many more have a place on the dinner table. Learn which plants are edible and how they can be used. This program is co-sponsored with the Madison Herb Society. Author book signing to follow the presentation; books available for purchase. Long also has regular columns in The Herb Quarterly, The Heirloom Gardener, and The Ozarks Mountaineer magazines. He’s also the author of more than two dozen "Great Little Herb Books" on herbs, gardening and cooking. The cost of the class is $12 for Olbrich members and $15 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 15. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Pruning Pointers

April 25 Sunday 1 – 4 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 15
$28 Olbrich members/$35 public

Pruning is essential to the optimal health of trees and shrubs, but it is feared even by experienced gardeners. Olbrich Horticulture Director Jeff Epping and Horticulturist Samara Eisner will teach when, where, and what to cut, and help take the fear out of pruning. They will demonstrate on live trees and shrubs in the Gardens. Dress appropriately for the weather. The cost of the class is $28 for Olbrich members and $35 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 15. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Spring Bulb Garden Walk
April 29 Thursday 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Registration Deadline: April 22
$11 Olbrich members/$13 public

Be inspired by bulbs in drifts of spring color. Come visit Olbrich and take an informative stroll to see the 30,000 bulbs Olbrich plants each year. Horticulturist Christian Harper will lead the tour and share his wisdom about how you can create equally stunning displays at home. The cost of the class is $11 for Olbrich members and $13 for the general public. Early registration is advised since space is limited. Registration is required by April 15. For more information or to register call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.

Olbrich Botanical Gardens is located in Madison, Wisconsin on the shore of Lake Monona at 3330 Atwood Avenue. For membership information call 608-246-4724. For more information call 608-246-4550 or visit www.olbrich.org.