April 2005

• Tickets on Sale for Rhapsody in Bloom Benefit  April 1   Saturday
  Purchase your tickets to enjoy hors d’oeuvres among the flowers and an elegant dinner under white tents followed by an after-dinner stroll the gardens at Olbrich’s Rhapsody in Bloom. This is the first opportunity to see Olbrich's New Rose Garden with night lighting. You’ll also have the chance to bid on exotic plants and dance under the stars. Olbrich Botanical Gardens will be closed to the public all day to prepare for Rhapsody in Bloom.  Tickets for Rhapsody in Bloom are $90 per person or $720 for a table of eight. Tickets go on sale to Olbrich Botanical Society members on March 1 and to the general public on April 1. For ticket information and reservations call 608-246-5616.

• Workshop: Pruning Pointers  April 2  Saturday  9 – 11:30 a.m.
  Registration deadline: March 24
  Take the terror out of taming your trees by attending the Pruning Pointers class. The workshop dispels the fears of pruning your trees, and teaches when, where, and what to cut. Pruning trees and shrubs can  increase their health and beauty. In this one-day, hands-on workshop, Olbrich experts will simplify the pruning process. The registration deadline is March 24. The cost is $18 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $22 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Lecture: Water Gardens Made Easy  April 3  Sunday  10 a.m. – Noon
  Registration deadline: March 28
  Many of us aspire to a water garden in our landscape, but are intimidated by the installation and maintenance process. Daniel Dix, owner of Minnesota’s WoodSpirit Gardens, will explain proper installation so that even the most novice gardener can enjoy a water garden with a minimum of care and worry. Dix will share tips on how to make your yard a haven for wildlife and your water garden an intrinsic part of your landscape. The registration deadline is March 28. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Lecture:  Gardens as Sanctuaries - Refuge in a Chaotic World  April 3  Sunday  1 – 3 p.m.
  Registration deadline: March 28
  Both people and animals need a place of peace and tranquility. A place where flowing water, graceful fish, stone, and flora soothe the mind and refresh the spirit. Daniel Dix, owner of Minnesota’s WoodSpirit Gardens, will discuss concepts such as reconciliation with nature and complementary arrangement of landscape features. He will show how these concepts, applied in nearly any garden setting, help to establish a sense of sanctuary. The registration deadline is March 28. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Lecture:  Natural Landscaping - Healing the Earth and Ourselves  April 4  Monday  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: March 28
  Daniel Dix, owner of Minnesota’s WoodSpirit Gardens, is a landscape designer/installer who customizes every project to the individual setting and in harmony with the environment. In this program he will demonstrate many common mistakes in landscaping, construction, and gardening, and the consequent damage to water, soil, air, and ourselves. He will illustrate positive steps we can take to reverse the injury. Whether you are planning a new construction and wish to maintain the integrity of your site, or are dealing with landscape issues from past mistakes, Dix can help.  The registration deadline is March 28. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Lecture: Armchair Gardening - Thailand Travelogue  April 6  Wednesday  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: March 30
  Since 2001, Olbrich has been home to the only authentic Thai Pavilion in the continental US. To further Olbrich’s connection to Thailand, garden staff and guests are embarking on a 12-day trip to Thailand this February. Afterward, Jeff Epping, Olbrich’s Director of Horticulture, will present a travelogue of the expedition. Epping will discuss fundamentals of Thai garden design and show stunning photographs of trip destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Doi Angkhang. The registration deadline is March 30. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Bolz Conservatory: Light Gaps  April 9 – June 10
  The trees are trimmed, the bushes pruned, and it’s time to see the light in the forest.  Learn about light and how plants develop and change in the forest as light fluctuates.   Admission to the Conservatory is $1.  Children 5 and under are free.  Admission is free on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.  Admission is free to Olbrich Botanical Society members.  For more information, call 608-246-4550.

• Workshop: Pruning Pointers  April 9  Saturday  9 – 11:30 a.m.
  Registration deadline: March 31
  Take the terror out of taming your trees by attending the Pruning Pointers class. The workshop dispels the fears of pruning your trees, and teaches when, where, and what to cut. Pruning trees and shrubs can  increase their health and beauty. In this one-day, hands-on workshop, Olbrich experts will simplify the pruning process. The registration deadline is March 31. The cost is $18 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $22 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Olbrich on TV  April 10  Sunday   2 p.m.
  This spring, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is featured in three episodes of  the program Wisconsin Gardener, with host Shelley Ryan, on Wisconsin Public Television. The program features Olbrich Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping in the Thai Garden,  talking about “Creating a Tropical Garden for Wisconsin.” Segments also will be aired on Sunday, April 17 at 2 p.m. about invasive perennials where Jeff describes physical controls that can be  used with these perennials. Then on  Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m., Jeff will give advice on  staking perennials, using examples from Olbrich’s outdoor gardens.

• Lecture:  Creating a Rain Garden  April 12  Tuesday  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: April 5
  Rain gardens are an easy, low-tech way to harness rainwater and save time and money while preventing runoff from contaminating local lakes. They also provide wildlife habitat, save tapwater, and can be created by any gardener. Sue Ellingson and Cheryl Bauer-Armstrong, both of Friends of Lake Wingra, will illustrate the basics of rain gardening. Learn how to position your roof’s downspout, create a rain-holding soil depression, and select appropriate plants for a beautiful and environmentally-friendly garden. The registration deadline is April 5. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society member and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Lecture:  Landscape Techniques Every Gardener Should Know  April 14  Thursday  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: April 13
  Many already-successful gardeners have gaps in their knowledge of fundamental landscape techniques. Whether you are a new gardener, or an experienced one wanting a brush-up, Jane Kuzma, registered landscape architect and owner of Bur Oak Designs, Inc., will provide a concise primer on basics like mulching, soil priming, pruning, deadheading, weed control, and lawn care. Enhance enjoyment of your garden with a solid grounding in essential techniques! The registration deadline is April 7. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Olbrich’s Leaf Mulch Sale  April 15, 16 and 17 and May 20, 21, and 22    Fridays 2 – 6 p.m.; Saturdays 9 – 4 p.m.; and Sundays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  Now you can have the same top quality mulch used in Olbrich’s gardens.  The shredded, composted leaves enrich soil and provide nourishment and protection for your gardens, shrubs, and trees. The leaf mulch also keeps the weeds down, holds in water, and looks great. Enjoy the convenience of drive-through service. Bags of leaf mulch are $5 and contain approximately 45 pounds of top quality leaf mulch. Bulk quantities will also be available. For more information call 608-246-4550.

• Children’s Workshop: Windowsill Garden  April 16  Saturday  1 – 2:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: April 14
  Can you imagine having a garden inside your house? A little soil, a plant, add some water and light and you have a garden. Everyone will make their own windowsill garden to take home with them. All supplies included. Ages 6 and up. The registration deadline is April 7. The cost is $6 for children of Olbrich Botanical Society members and $7 for the general public. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults attend free. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Workshop: Pruning Pointers  April 16  Saturday  9 – 11:30 a.m.
  Registration deadline: April 7
  Take the terror out of taming your trees by attending the Pruning Pointers class. The workshop dispels the fears of pruning your trees, and teaches when, where, and what to cut. Pruning trees and shrubs can  increase their health and beauty. In this one-day, hands-on workshop, Olbrich experts will simplify the pruning process. The registration deadline is April 7. The cost is $18 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $22 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Olbrich on TV  April 17  Sunday   2 p.m.
  This spring, Olbrich Botanical Gardens is featured in three episodes of  the program Wisconsin Gardener, with host Shelley Ryan, on Wisconsin Public Television. The program features Olbrich Director of Horticulture Jeff Epping talking about invasive perennials where he describes physical controls that can be  used with these perennials. On  Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m., Jeff will give advice on  staking perennials, using examples from Olbrich’s outdoor gardens.

• Roses Luncheon Series: Gorgeous Roses for Mixed Borders April 18  Monday  11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Registration deadline: April 14
  Olbrich’s innovative new rose garden opens on June 19th. To celebrate this grand opening, join Olbrich January through May for a monthly luncheon series featuring roses. Fee includes buffet lunch provided by Chez Vous caterers. Jeff Epping, Director of Horticulture at Olbrich will highlight the most maintenace-friendly roses on the market today. Learn how to incorporate these beauties into mixed borders for maximum visual impact. The registration deadline is April 11. Other luncheons in the series include: Olbrich Over the Years, January 31; Nationally Acclaimed Roses, February 21; Gorgeous Roses for Mixed Borders, March 21; and Roses Through the Ages, May 23.  The cost for the entire series is $95 for Olbrich Botanical Society members or $120 for the general public. The cost per lecture is $21 for members or $26 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Lecture: Flowering Trees and Shrubs  April 19  Tuesday  6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: April 12
  Who can resist the beauty and fragrance of flowering trees and shrubs? Stephen Lesch, owner of Landscape Designs, Inc., will discuss selection, use, and care of flowering trees, shrubs, and bushes. Learn what’s suitable for your site conditions and how these flowering ornamentals can enhance your overall landscape. The registration deadline is April 12. The cost is $11 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $13 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Workshop: Pruning Pointers  April 23  Saturday  9 – 11:30 a.m.
  Registration deadline: April 14
  Take the terror out of taming your trees by attending the Pruning Pointers class. The workshop dispels the fears of pruning your trees, and teaches when, where, and what to cut. Pruning trees and shrubs can  increase their health and beauty. In this one-day, hands-on workshop, Olbrich experts will simplify the pruning process. The registration deadline is April 14. The cost is $18 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $22 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Workshop: Plant a Trough  April 26  Tuesday  6:30 – 8:30 p.m. - Class Full
  Registration deadline: April 19
  Rock garden enthusiast and Olbrich Horticulturist Christian Harper will help you build a miniature alpine landscape that neatly fits into a small trough. If you have a trough from the trough building class in February, bring it along and participate at a reduced rate. Plants and trough are provided so you’ll take home a finished alpine trough! The registration deadline is April 19. The cost if you bring a trough is $24 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $30 for the general public. If the trough is provided, the cost is $56 for members and $70 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.

• Workshop: Tool Time - Easier Gardening with the Right Tools  April 28  Thursday  5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  Registration deadline: April 21
  Maximize your enjoyment and effectiveness in the garden by choosing the right tools and caring for them properly. In this workshop Dan Lipscomb and Lori Yin of Fiskars Garden Tools will guide gardeners through the essentials of tool selection, sharpening, storage, and use. Lipscomb and Yin are tool designers, so they’ll provide interesting insights on how tools such as shovels, axes, and pruners are designed to be efficient and ergonomic. Participants will also learn safe body positions for tool use and take home a Fiskars power lever bypass pruner! Tool included in cost of workshop. The  registration deadline is April 21. The cost is $36 for Olbrich Botanical Society members and $45 for the general public. For more information or to register, call 608-246-4550.
  

• Plant Sale: African Violets  April 30  Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  The Madison area African Violet clubs will hold the annual African Violet sale at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. The sale includes blooming African Violets, Streptocarpus, and other gesneriads. The sale also offers leaves, starter pots, soil pots, and handouts for growing tips. A portion of the proceeds benefits Olbrich Botanical Gardens. For more information, call 608-833-5552.
  

• Art Exhibit:  Sue Gilgen Fiber Arts  Ongoing: March 13 – June 5   Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Evjue Commons
  Sue Gilgen, a local fiber artist, will display her creations, inspired by Wisconsin flora and fauna, in the art exhibit “Luminations.” Instead of paints and brushes, she uses fabric and thread to sew her art together in a quilt-like fashion. Free. Gallery Sundays are made possible by a gift from William and Joyce Wartmann. 

• Education Program:  Yoga in the Gardens  On-going, Mondays, 5 – 6:15 p.m. OR Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.
  This is a participative experiential class for gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and yoga students. Held in the Conservatory or outdoor gardens when possible. Comfortable, loose fitting clothing and a portable mat are recommended; feel free to bring a water bottle. Rick Comello, Monday instructor, is a bodyworker and Reiki Master with over 20 years of experience. Jonathan A. Garber RMT, Thursday instructor, is a certified Kripalu Yoga and Yoga for the Special Child Teacher. The cost is $10 per class - pay at the door.  Check with instructors concerning holiday weeks.  For more information call 608-246-4550.
  

• Bolz Conservatory Closed For Annual Maintenance  March 28  Monday - April 8 Friday
  The outdoor gardens, gift shop, and library are open during this time.