Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
Closed March 11 - June 14 for Planned Maintenance
Schumacher Library
Permanently Closed
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Closed March 11 - June 14 for Planned Maintenance
Permanently Closed
Plants are great, but it's the people that make our garden special.
Experiment with different contemporary watercolor techniques to paint abstract, realistic, and landscape paintings. You will learn how to float the watercolors on western watercolor paper, create texture in a landscape, find abstract shapes in a landscape, monoprint with colors, paint with pure colors, use colored paper, use a single shape, use narrow paper, emphasize verticals, use wet washes, and focus on horizontals to create a tapestry of color. Bring your own supplies, or reserve and purchase a $25 supply kit from the instructor on the day of the class.
Nourish your body and come alive with spring! In this series, your instructor will kindly guide you through gentle, opening postures using the breath and a focused mind. Some postures will be restorative in nature and others will flow with the breath to break up stress and tension from everyday life. Through meditation we will bridge the mind and heart allowing your energy to feel lighter and brighter, improving your overall experience in your day to day living.
Cut irises in a variety of colors will be on display and members of the Madison Area Iris Society will be available to answer questions.
Interested in taking your bird photography to the next level? Explore exposure, camera modes, focusing options, and the best starting settings for your bird photography in this hands-on workshop suitable for all levels of photographers. Some technical info will be more appropriate for the DSLR and Mirrorless photographers while cell phone photographers will benefit from composition and other tips to help them capture stronger images. There will be time to eat while getting cameras ready for the active photography portion of the class so packed a lunch along with your camera. Ages 16 and over.
“Move like a great river; be still like a mountain” instructs the age-old description of the meditative exercise and movement art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. This class offers standing movements and seated practices rooted within the Chinese tradition of Tai Chi and Chi Kung for the enrichment of body, mind and spirit. All physical abilities welcome, including those in need of chair-based practice.
Enjoy a fun and creative day using western and Asian watercolor techniques to paint morning glories with butterflies, roses with bees, orchids, peonies, iris with small birds, plum blossoms with dragon flies, and lotus with kingfisher. You can bring your own supplies, or a supply kit ($25) can be purchased from the instructor and reserved at the time of registration.
“Move like a great river; be still like a mountain” instructs the age-old description of the meditative exercise and movement art of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. This class offers standing movements and seated practices rooted within the Chinese tradition of Tai Chi and Chi Kung for the enrichment of body, mind and spirit. All physical abilities welcome, including those in need of chair-based practice.
Have you ever wondered what life is like inside a honeybee hive? Or perhaps what it might be like to keep bees? Using Olbrich's honeybee hives as a live demonstration, Kurt Runzheimer of Country Bee Apiaries and beekeeper of Olbrich's hives will explore first hand the life cycle of the bees, their daily activities, and routine summer care of the hives.
This informal tour by Herb Garden horticulturist Erin Presley is sure to delight both experienced and aspiring herbies! Join us for a preview of the summer’s plans and the techniques that contribute to the garden’s bountiful, beautiful displays. This session is a prequel to a later fall session in September and will touch on selection, design and planting techniques, harvesting early season herbs, and plans for the Hmong Garden.
Draw inspiration for your own home, no matter what age or style, as we explore garden design evolution in the Midwest from the time of settlement. Learn about design trends, the rise of the suburban lawn, foundation plantings, cottage gardens, moon gardens, heirloom plants, Victory Gardens and much more.