Outdoor Gardens,
Lobby + Gift Shop
April - September
10 am – 6 pm daily
October - March
10 am – 4 pm daily
Bolz Conservatory
10 am – 4 pm daily
Schumacher Library
10 am – 4 pm, Mon - Fri
10 am - 1 pm, Sat
Plants are great, but it's the people that make our garden special.
Little Sprouts programs are nature and literature-based early childhood programs designed to meet the multidimensional learning and developmental needs of children ages 2-5 years. Each class is designed for children to work side-by-side with their adult caregiver as they engage in hands-on, fun, age-appropriate experiences that support the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards.
Bring your young nature enthusiast to learn all about herbs for this new family class! We will learn about how to use herbs, sustainable harvesting techniques, and even fill a sachet of fresh herbs from the garden to bring home! We will meet indoors but dress for the weather. Ages 5-11 with an adult.
In this workshop you’ll use techniques for using air to create vibrant, abstract sunflowers. Select your colors and learn step-by-step as you create three paintings. Your finished work will be matted to 8x10 and ready for framing. All supplies are provided. No experience necessary.
This informal tour of what’s happening in the Herb Garden is sure to delight both experienced and aspiring herbies! Horticulturist Erin Presley recaps the summer and the techniques that contribute to the garden’s bountiful, beautiful displays. This fall class is a sequel to the early summer session in June and will touch on how we adapted to the season’s weather, fall harvest and overwintering tips, and highlights of the Hmong Garden.
Nourish your body and come alive with spring! 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.
All plants have their own unique energy and healing wisdoms. Learn how to tune into a plant using one or more of your five clair senses (clairvoyance, clairaudience, etc.) to personally receive plants' healing messages. We will use guided drumming meditation to tune into the plants in the garden, and will discuss some of the local medicinal species and the medicines they offer. Meditations will be lead outside, so dress appropriately for the weather.
Whether you are planting, digging, or weeding, your body needs to stay strong and mobile to prevent injuries. Join this 4-week series that will prepare your body for gardening season and make you feel your best! This no-impact practice will help your flexibility, range of motion, and improve posture by gently strengthening and stretching all your muscles and joints. This series is suitable for all levels. No class on Thursday, Sept. 28.
Bringing together the time honored gardening traditions of seed saving with hands-on practice, this workshop offers a unique learning experience in how to identify, harvest, and store seeds from Olbrich Gardens. Wander the garden, learn about each plant and its particular seed, and help harvest seeds for future use in the gardens. Gardeners of any skill level will enjoy using seed saving and seed sharing as a way to connect with others and to pass on generations of history and traditions.
This is an introductory two-day watercolor workshop designed for absolute beginners and for those who have some experience painting with watercolor but seek a refresher to start painting again. Learn or re-learn basics of watercolor including experimental wet-into-wet techniques that give you enough understanding of the medium to enjoy painting watercolors on your own. This workshop does not require drawing skills.
Learn simple techniques for using alcohol inks to create vibrant floral bouquets. Your finished 8x10” painting will be matted to 11x14", ready for framing. All supplies are provided and no experience is necessary. This workshop is great for beginners, but those experienced with alcohol inks will be sure to pick up new tips and techniques.