The San Diego Botanic Garden has recently released an exciting calendar of events for the month of May, featuring various workshops such as the Natural Tie Dye Workshop, Worm Composting Workshop, and Houseplant Kokedama Making Workshop. Along with these events, the garden offers a special promotion from May 6-15 for those who purchase a gift membership, including two extra guest passes to enjoy the Garden.
In celebration of Mother’s Day on May 14, the garden will be giving away a free succulent plant to all current, new, or renewing Member mothers between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., while supplies last, upon presentation of their digital or physical Member card. Additionally, new and renewing Moms will have the opportunity to spin the SDBG’s prize wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes such as garden seeds and guest passes.
Conservatory Yoga sessions every Wednesday on May 3, 10, 17, and 31 from 5:30-6:30pm.
The Dickinson Family Education Conservatory invites interested individuals to join them for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience surrounded by lush greenery. With the tranquil ambiance of a rainforest and a gentle yoga flow, participants can easily unwind and let go of their daily stresses. Those who are interested should bring their own yoga mats. Additionally, SDBG adheres to local safety and health protocols and supports visitors and staff who prefer to wear masks.
The class is priced at $10 for members and $24 for non-members. It will be conducted in-person and indoors. Individuals are requested to register before 5 pm the day prior to each class, although walk-ins are welcome if space permits. Payment by credit card only is accepted.
Open Air Yoga classes every Saturday on May 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 9-10am.
Individuals are invited to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the beauty of nature while surrounded by lush gardens. The class will allow participants to engage their senses and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after gently moving their bodies. Due to the limited shade outside, those who wish to attend the class should bring their own mats, a towel, padding, and sunscreen.
The class will cost $10 for members and $24 for non-members, with Garden admission included in the fees. The class will be held in person and outdoors. Individuals are encouraged to register before 5 pm the day prior to each class, and walk-ins are welcome if space permits. Payment by credit card only will be accepted.
What Is That Bug and What Do I Do About It? (Saturday May 6, 10-12:00pm)
Discover the world of bugs in your garden and learn how to approach them in a beneficial way by attending an informative program led by Linda, a Master Gardener since 2010. During the program, participants will learn about insects, arachnids, mollusks, and fungi, and discover which ones can be safely washed off with water and when to use a pest product. Linda’s extensive experience in teaching and volunteering at the San Diego Botanic Garden since 2008 will provide valuable insights into how to protect the garden, plants, and environment.
The program will be held in-person and indoors, with a cost of $12 for members and $18 for non-members, including Garden admission. Registration for the program is required by May 3. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the beneficial bugs in your garden and how to keep them thriving!
Botanical Resin Jewelry Making (Saturday May 6, 2-4:00pm)
Participants in this in-person, indoor class will have the opportunity to create their own personalized botanical jewelry pieces, either earrings or a necklace, with the guidance of expert crafter Lora Calcara. With over 6 years of experience working with resin and plants, Lora will provide valuable insight and instruction on using the resin medium to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. Participants are encouraged to bring their own nature objects, such as small sea shells, sea glass, or dried flowers, to incorporate into their designs.
The class fee of $50 for members and $54 for non-members includes dried floral materials and Garden admission. Participants are asked to bring small scissors and tweezers. There will be a variety of bezels to choose from, allowing participants to truly customize their pieces and create something special. The finished product will include sterling silver or gold filled ear wires for earrings, or a nickel-free silver plated/gold plated chain for necklaces. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert crafter and create a personalized piece of botanical jewelry. Registration for the class is required by May 2.
Nourish, Uplift, and Energize Wellness Workshop (Saturday May 6, 2:30- 4pm)
Yasmine, founder of Uplift Meditation, and Jenna, a yoga teacher and nutritionist, are leading a 90-minute session to help participants learn how to support their overall well-being. During the session, attendees will practice yoga, meditation, and deep relaxation, while also gaining greater insight into the tools they can use to care for their best selves.
Participants are advised to bring their own yoga mats and wear comfortable, warm clothing. It is also recommended to bring a small blanket for relaxation and yoga blocks for added support.
The class will take place in-person, outdoors, and costs $30 for members and $36 for non-members. Class fees include Garden admission. Those interested in attending should register by May 5.
Orchid Kokedama (Thursday May 11, 11-12:30pm)
In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about and create their own Kokedama, a traditional Japanese Living Art form that uses moss as a container for plants. The workshop will be hands-on and all materials will be provided, although participants are asked to bring their own apron and gloves. There is an additional materials fee of $38, which is paid directly to the instructor at the class.
Exploring the Amazing World of Pollinators through Scientific Discovery (Friday May 12, 12:30-2:00pm)
In celebration of San Diego Pollinator week, the San Diego Botanic Garden is hosting informative lectures by UC San Diego scientists who specialize in researching different types of pollinators. Michael Perry, Assistant Professor, will present his talk entitled, “Creating a record of insect diversity and understanding how diverse insects see the world, from genes to eyes,” while James Nieh, Associate Dean for the School of Biological Sciences, will discuss “Healing the bees: what we can do to improve the health of honey bees and native bees.” Visitors are encouraged to explore the Garden and discover the various ways they can connect with pollinators. The event is free with Garden admission and follows local safety and health guidelines. Visitors who choose to wear masks are supported. Walk-ins are welcome, space permitting, but registration is encouraged by May 11. The San Diego Pollinator Alliance and the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County are also coordinating other events throughout San Diego.
Dried Flower Wreath (Saturday, May 13, 2-4 pm)
Lora Calcara, a flower preservationist and artist, will be leading a class where attendees can create a stunning dried flower wreath for their home decor. The wreath will feature a modern bohemian style and will be made using a variety of colors and shades of dried flowers. All materials required for the class will be provided.
The class will be held in-person, indoors and the cost for members is $65, while non-members will be charged $77. Interested individuals are required to register by May 12 to participate in the class.
https://sdbgarden.doubleknot.com/event/dried-flower-wreath-may-13/2975451
Succulent Wreath Class (Thursday, May 18, 10 am-12:30 pm)
The SDBG Succulent Wreath Team is offering a workshop where participants can create their own unique decorations using a variety of succulent cuttings from the Garden. All materials will be provided. The workshop will be held outdoors, and the class fee of Members $48, for non-members $56 including materials and Garden admission. Interested individuals are required to register by May 11.
Bee Identification in the Garden (Friday May 19, 10:00am – 12:30pm)
In this introductory workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the diversity of native bees in Southern California, beyond the well-known honey bee. The class will be led by Leah Taylor, UC Master Gardener Program Coordinator of San Diego County, and Lea Corkidi, Staff Research Associate at University of California Cooperative Extension. The instructors will teach attendees how to identify local bees and the characteristics of plants that attract them. In addition, Leah will demonstrate how to properly pin an insect and participants will have the chance to take home one bee that they can pin themselves.
The class will take place both indoors and outdoors. The cost of the workshop is $45 for members and $54 for non-members, which includes Garden admission. Participants are required to register by May 10.
https://sdbgarden.doubleknot.com/event/bee-identification-in-the-garden-may-19/2975511
Succulent Wreath Class (Thursday May 18, 10am-12:30pm)
Participants can join the SDBG Succulent Wreath Team to craft their own unique decorations using various succulent cuttings sourced from the Garden. The team will provide all necessary materials. The class will be held outdoors in person.
The cost for the class is $48 for members and $56 for non-members, which includes materials and admission to the Garden. Interested individuals are asked to register by May 11.
https://sdbgarden.doubleknot.com/event/succulent-wreath-class-may-18/2975452
Water Wisdom Workshop 1: Choosing Your Plants and Basic Design Ideas (Saturday May 20, 10-12:00pm)
Debby Dunn (Figoni) will be leading the first part of a three-part series on creating or improving a water-wise garden. Attendees will learn about choosing water-wise plants that are both beautiful and inviting to wildlife, as well as designing a garden for maximum enjoyment. Debby is a Water Resources Specialist for the San Diego County Water Authority and has taught water-wise landscaping workshops to thousands of residents and business owners. She is a Master Gardener and has created award-winning landscapes that benefit both people and wildlife.
The class will last for 1.5 hours indoors, followed by a half-hour garden tour. The cost for members is $12, and for non-members, it is $18. Please note that each class in the series has its own fees and registration requirements. The class will be held in-person both indoors and outdoors. SDBG adheres to local safety and health guidelines and supports those who choose to wear masks. Please register by May 18. Garden admission is included in the class fee.
Houseplant Kokedama Making Workshop (Saturday May 20, 2-4:00pm)
In the Kokedama workshop, attendees will learn the traditional Japanese Living Art form of using moss as a container for a plant. The workshop includes all necessary supplies, including moss, soils, and other materials. Participants are asked to bring their own apron and gloves. In addition to creating a unique Kokedama to take home, attendees will have the opportunity to ask an expert questions about this art form.
The cost of the workshop is $20 for SDBG members and $24 for non-members, which includes Garden admission. There is an additional $35 materials fee paid to the instructor at the class. The class will take place in-person, indoors. Interested individuals should register by May 13.
Using Apps to Enhance Your Photography (Wednesday May 24, 10am-1:00pm)
Sandy Zelasko, the owner of Sandra Lee Photography, is offering a new class to enhance smartphone photography skills using various apps from the app store. The class will provide an opportunity to experiment with new techniques while taking photos in the Garden. Additionally, attendees will learn how to edit their photos beyond the use of SnapSeed and camera editing tools. The class will be a combination of indoor and outdoor sessions, and a list of recommended applications will be provided prior to the class for those interested in downloading them beforehand.
The cost of the class is $40 for members and $48 for non-members, with the fees covering Garden admission. Registration is required by May 22.
https://sdbgarden.doubleknot.com/event/using-apps-to-enhance-your-photography/2975516
All About Worms (Wednesday May 24 5:30-7:30pm)
At this interactive workshop, attendees can learn about Vermicomposting, an environmentally-friendly way to turn food waste into nutrient-rich castings for gardens. Solana Center for Environmental Innovation is offering this free workshop to teach attendees about the benefits of worm composting and how to care for worms. The workshop will focus on red wiggler worms, which are composting superstars that can help divert kitchen scraps from landfills, compost in small spaces, or create natural fertilizers for plants. The workshop, which will be held at SDBG, will teach attendees how to get started with vermicomposting and maintain a happy home for red wiggler worms. Interested individuals can register at bit.ly/3kTsE9g.
The event is free for all, but Garden admission is not included for this after-hours event. Registration will remain open until May 24 or until program capacity is full. Walk-ups are welcome if space is available.
Natural Dye Workshop (Saturday May 27, 10-1:00pm)
In this workshop, participants can learn the art of natural dyeing with Violet, a natural dyer and artisan. The process of dyeing natural fibers with plants, flowers, and food waste will be taught, allowing participants to feel connected to the natural world. Each student will be provided with all the materials and plants needed to dye and take home a silk bandana and a small silk square/handkerchief.
The workshop will take place indoors and the cost is $85 for members and $95 for non-members. This includes Garden admission. Interested individuals are required to register by May 20.
https://sdbgarden.doubleknot.com/event/natural-dye-workshop-may-27/2977053
Orchid Kokedama (Wednesday May 31, 11-12:30pm)
In the Kokedama workshop, participants will learn about the traditional Japanese Living Art form where moss is used as a container for a plant. The class will be hands-on and all materials will be provided. Attendees are required to bring their own apron and gloves. The workshop will take place indoors and the cost is $20 for members and $24 for non-members, which includes Garden admission. There will be an additional materials fee of $38 paid to the instructor during the class. Registration for the workshop must be completed by May 24.
https://sdbgarden.doubleknot.com/event/orchid-kokedama-may-31/2975517
San Diego Botanic Garden Website: https://sdbg.org/
