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Class Catalog
Providing educational opportunities that connect people with plants
is an important part of the Berry Botanic Garden's Mission.
Follow the links below to view our on-line catalog listing the courses
that have been offered in recent years by our Education Program.
You can find the upcoming courses listed by month on our calendar.
If you are interested in a course which is not currently scheduled,
please email us. We are happy to adjust our schedule to meet demand, and
we can let you know when the course will next be offered.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
FOR THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST GARDENER
FOR THE NATIVE PLANTS GARDENER
FOR THE CREATIVE GARDENER
FOR THE BOTANIST - JOURNALING, HIKES, OUTINGS
FOR THE CREATIVE GARDENER
The Art of Kusamono
Kusamono is a jewel of composition in the spirit of bonsai, using grasses and perennials in a harmonizing container. The colors may be muted or bold, the form wild or mild. We will begin by discussing color and form and the practicalities of media and care. You may then create a desert or bog scene or let your imagination roam free. Bring your own special container or purchase a tray. Plants will be available for purchase.
Alan Taft
Sunday, 4/11/10, 1:00-4:00pm
$25 ($20 Members) Limit 10
REGISTRATION
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The Beauty of Bark Basketry
Two-day basketry workshop! Bark lends itself to a variety of techniques.
Willow and other small fast growing trees have wonderful bark, often with
mottled cloud patterns and adhering lichens and mosses. Join celebrated ethnobotanist and fiber
artist, Margaret Mathewson, to learn about harvesting and preparing willow and other barks.
Peel your own materials and weave strips of bark into several styles of plaited and coiled baskets.
Other materials we will have on hand include cherry and cedar barks, cattails and rushesd.
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Beginning
Cedar Bark Basketry
Weaving a basket is a beautiful way to calm the soul and to honor
the plant community. In this class, you will learn the basic basketry
techniques of plaiting (or plain weave) and twining, while you weave
a small basket using locally gathered western red cedar bark accented
with waxed linen. Basket artist Therese will discuss both the ethics
and techniques of gathering as well as material storage and preparation.
Your finished basket will measure approximately 2.5" wide x
2.5" deep x 3.5" high.
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Bonsai
for the Beginner
Described as "soundless poetry," bonsai literally means
a "tree in a dish" but it is an ancient artistic expression
of the harmony between heaven and earth, man and nature. In this
class, you'll learn the basics from noted bonsai artist Alan Taft.
Bring your own plant to start with if you wish; appropriate plants
will be available for purchase. We will supply pots and potting
mix for you to create your own living sculpture. Also bring your
favorite bonsai pruners if you have them, and bring bonsai from
home that you have questions about or need help with pruning and
training.
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Botanical Illustration
Two-day workshop! Using plant specimens as subjects, professional
scientific illustrator Lynn Kitagawa will encourage participants
to exercise observational skills in the understanding of botanical
forms. The creation of an accurate pencil drawing will lead to a
finished pen-and-ink illustration. We will use a flexible-nib pen,
emphasizing line quality to create a descriptive and aesthetic illustration.
Class format will be lecture, demonstrations and supervised drawing
sessions. If time permits, we will discuss other techniques (color
pencil, plastic pencil, watercolor) and issues of reproduction.
Beginning drawing skills are recommended; no prior knowledge of
botany is needed.
Lynn Kitagawa
Sat-Sun, 5/15-5/16/10, 8:30am-4:00pm
$125 ($100 Members) Limit 15
REGISTRATION
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Botanical
Illustration: Pen and Ink, Watercolor
Learn the basics of drawing plants from seasoned botanist, illustrator
and teacher, Dr. Linda Ann Vorobik, who through demonstrations and
lectures introduces participants to drawing skills, parts of the
plant, what botanical illustration is when defined precisely, and
watercolor techniques as used for painting plants.
The first morning of the workshop begins with a lecture and demonstration
followed by supervised drawing to create pencil drafts and pen &
ink and watercolor demonstrations; the afternoon consists of lecture/demonstrations
of watercolor supplies and techniques followed by painting time.
The second morning will begin with more demonstrations followed
by supervised painting and or ink drawing. The workshop closes on
Sunday by finishing illustrations, followed by a friendly critique
of paintings produced. All skill levels are welcome: accomplished
artists can learn added botany skills and skilled botanists will
learn painting techniques, although a beginning botanical art course
is recommended.
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Continuing
Bonsai
Bonsai is an art to be practiced in all seasons. Noted artist and
instructor Alan Taft will address the styling and horticultural
needs of your trees in the fall and help to guide your further explorations.
Learn how to care for your specimen in the winter. Bring up to three
bonsai in any stage of development. If you would like to begin a
new project, trees and pots will be available for purchase. We will
not be repotting.
Alan Taft
Sunday, 6/13/10, 1:00-4:00pm
$25 ($20 Members) Limit 10
REGISTRATION
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Cordage,
Netting, and Natural Dyes
Before there was Singer Sewing Company there were dogbane, milkweed,
cedar and stinging nettle. What’s the connection? Thread! On
day one, you’ll first discover the plants that can be used
to make cords and learn the techniques for how to do so from a knowledgeable
ethnobotanist. Next, we will learn 2 styles of netting for making
useful bags and look at a collection of net bags from around the
world. On day 2, you’ll learn about plants, lichens and fungi
that produce colorful dyes on wool and plant fibers. We will have
some dye pots going to make samplers and learn about many more ways
to produce a whole spectrum of colorful threads.
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Creating
Waterbowls
Placing a waterbowl in the garden can be both an exciting and confusing
proposition (so many plants! such pretty bowls!) Annie Beadle of
Hughes Water Gardens will share her enthusiasm, artistic eye, and
years of experience with aquatic plants to this class. She will
demonstrate construction of natural water bowls, with a focus on
interesting, durable hardy perennials and native plants. You'll
be able to purchase everything you'll need to create your very own
water bowl.
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Discerning
Eye in Planting Design
Having an overall planting design for your garden is critical to
its success. And designer Carol Robillard believes that “success”
is measured by more than orderliness and structure. You’ll
learn how to take a mindful look at your surroundings, gaining a
better understanding of color, the green tapestry and focal points.
Slides of favorite plants and gardens will illustrate ideas. Take
home suggestions for plant choices, including a healthy dose of
our favorite native plants. To make the class more personal, bring
photos, sketches or questions from your own garden.
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Gatherable
and Growable Dyes from Local Sources
Two-day workshop! Have you ever looked at a bright flower and wondered
if it might make a good dye plant? The first step is curiosity-the
final step is the creation of richly colored fabric. In between
is this fun workshop led by internationally known Master Dyer Cheryl
Kolander of Aurora Silk. Cheryl will focus on basic principles of
natural dyeing for home use-by the end you will know how to extract
potential dyes, create and use mordants where needed, dye fabric,
yarn and garments and test for durability. A world of color is waiting
for you!
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Homemade
Wine and Mead
Native and cultivated fruits make unique and delicious beverages.
In this workshop, by naturalist and wildcrafter Julia Pinnix, learn
to transform local fruits in an ancient process of food preservation.
Learn how to create wines and meads at home, from harvest to primary
fermentation to bottling. Take home your own beverage to enjoy later!
We offer this workshop, held at BBG, in partnership with Trackers
NW. To register, go to www.trackersnw.com. Call BBG with questions
- space is limited! Ages 21 and up.
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Introduction
to Botanical Art and Illustration
Two-day workshop! Raised in Paris, Catherine Watters now lives and
teaches in San Francisco, where she documents plants at the Filoli
estate garden and serves on the Board of the American Society of
Botanical Artists. In this workshop she draws from her extensive
artistic education and experience, beginning with a brief history
of Botanical Art and moving into an introduction to the time-honored
methods of plant illustration.
After close observation, students will begin with a detailed pencil
drawing, carefully mix colors and apply several layers, highlight
and shadow to create a 3-dimensional painting, finally applying
the finishing touches to “lift” the subject off the page. Discover
the most amazing details about plants - a magical peek into the
wonders of nature.
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Jumpstarting
Your Writing
Have you ever wondered where writers get their ideas or what they
do with them once they get them? Have you always wanted to write
but don't know where to start? Maybe you've done some writing but
would like to do more. Nancy is editor of dig: The Magazine for
Northwest Gardeners and a published essayist. In this class she'll
help you prime your creative pump. Each session will include writing
prompts and exercises followed by an opportunity to read your work
and receive positive, helpful feedback. Discover possible writing
topics from your own life. Uncover potential in rough drafts. Take
home lots of writing ideas. Learn how to turn life experiences into
essays, articles or fiction.
All experience levels welcome. Enjoy the company of other writers
in a setting that is conducive to self-expression.
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Making
the Cut: Gardening for Flower Arrangements
Are you a whiz at flower arranging, but shocked by the price of
cut flowers? Floriculturist and author Lane Greer has studied in
depth the science and art of growing beautiful plant materials for
long-lasting arrangements. In this presentation, she will discuss
the best plants to grow for flowers, fruit and foliage, as well
as how to extend their vase life. Bring the season's bounty into
your home!
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Monumental Sculpture of the American West
Enjoy a presentation by award-winning Sculptor DJ Garrity, as the artist delves into the creation of the Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorials. Garrity, who served three tours of duty as Sculptor-In-Residence of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, offers his unique insights in an interesting and behind the scenes narration of the creation of America’s, “Shrine of Democracy.” Get to know the artist who will be conducting a six-part course on garden sculpture in January and February.
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"Organic" or "Classic" Trough Construction
You can make a trough planter in so many
shapes and sizes! "Organic" (free-form) trough construction
produces a planter in a flowing, rounded form with a rugged organic
finish. The trough is shaped by packing a planting medium to the
desired conformation and filling this mold with the trough mix.
The "classic" trough is formed inside a rigid container.
Take your pick and enjoy the cement-mixing camaraderie of a creative
group.
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Pine Needle Basketry
Kim Black is back by popular demand! A teacher of basketry for over 15 years, Kim will guide us through a modern exploration of a traditional Native American craft. Gather with like-minded souls in our visitor center and enjoy a May day in the garden. Take home your own handmade pine needle bowl. Kim will have for purchase extra supplies, and a booklet and video that feature additional techniques and ideas. A wonderful treasure and a fun way to spend the day.
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Plant
Portraits
Would you like to move your camera out of "auto" mode
and into "artistic" mode? Jessica Sall is going to share
with us her slides, knowledge, and skill at photographing plants.
This class is suitable for all types of cameras, focusing (pun intended!)
as it does on aspects of photography such as composition, lighting
issues and awareness of details. In the first session, we'll have
fun shooting up a roll of garden photos. Your work will then be
assembled into a show, which we'll view in a relaxed evening session,
for your entertainment and instruction. A truly unique opportunity!.
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Pots with Panache
More than just patio decoration! Versatile and beautiful, containers are a way for a gardener to express her creativity, producing anything from a functional, portable feature to a glorious display. A container can be large or small, last for one season or four and can serve a multitude of purposes in the landscape. Designer and writer Lucy Hardiman, of Perennial Partners, has over 50 containers in her garden and delights in creating the right pot for the right place. She will demonstrate with a variety of plants, creating pots which will be for sale at the end of class. Bring your own empty pot of between 12’ and 16’ diameter and receive three plants, with additional available for purchase. We provide the potting soil.
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The
Pressed Plant
Here at BBG, we delight in activities where the artistic eye can
play a role in scientific botanical pursuits. Herbarium specimens
document plants: their shape, texture, identifying characters and
habitat. But saving this information can be done with an eye for
beauty. Sign up for this class whether your interest is in documenting
the plants in your garden or in creating a work of art for your
living room, or both..
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The Rhythms of Stone
Graceful garden art contributes immeasurably to the beauty of the landscape. In this short course, Award-winning sculptor, DJ Garrity leads a fascinating exploration of the creative energies awakened through the ageless process of stone sculpture. The six-session workshop will guide students through the process of creating a unique garden sculpture with a hands-on approach using the human face as a template. The finished work is appropriate for home or garden, and the course is designed for the novice or students with previous experience. Garrity served three tours of duty as the Sculptor-In-Residence of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The course is accredited by Augustana College of South Dakota.
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Troughs with a Twist!
Do you admire the beauty of fossilized foliage? Turn your alpine
troughs into fossil art! These troughs with a twist incorporate
molded shapes of leaves collected on the spot, from a foray into
our spring garden. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.
Bring a rigid, water repellant container of any shape. Limit the
volume to no more than that of a plastic washtub, please. Be prepared
to take home your leaf molds separately from the trough, and attach
them with materials we provide when the trough is fully dry.
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Wicker
Willow Hedgerow Basket
In this two-day workshop, use up those garden prunings in a colorful
wicker basket. We will use willows in green, gold and black, red-twig
dogwood, split western redbud, and other garden prunings to create
a woven container in techniques of twining, waling and French and
English randing with a wrapped handle. Split willow weavers will
be provided for a white color and the native method of splitting
willow into weaving strands or 'skeins' will be taught. More advanced
students may also do an oval base, a pedestal foot and/or more complex
weaves with crossing wefts.
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Willow
Backpack
Ethnobotanist and expert basketry artist Margaret Mathewson is back
by popular demand. In this 2-day fall workshop, we will learn the
craft of European wicker basketry while making a sturdy willow backpack.
We will use colorful winter branches of seasoned willow and dogwood
to produce this basket in the techniques of twining and French and
English randing. Straps and lids may be added later.
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Willow Bark Basketry: Plaiting, Coiling and Wicker
New two-day basketry workshop! Willow bark lends itself to a variety
of techniques. Willow and other small fast growing trees have wonderful
bark, often with mottled cloud patterns and adhering lichens and
mosses. Join celebrated ethnobotanist and fiber artist, Margaret
Mathewson, to learn about harvesting and preparing willow and other
barks. Weave a diagonal plaited basket, a wicker willow-bark and
willow-shoot basket and if time permits, start a small coil.
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Willow
Clam Basket or Salmon Tray
In this two-day workshop, ethnobotanist Margaret Mathewson will
share her knowledge of Native American basketry and teach us a style
of twined weaving used by native peoples from Northern California
to Central Oregon. Choose either a clam basket or salmon tray -
both are of willow, have a braided rim, and use plain and cross
warps to create texture. You don't have to choose now. Clam Basket:
a round basket with double-braided handle, used for gathering wet
sea foods or as a chopping basket. Salmon Tray: a flat disc-shaped
tray used for serving salmon and drying seaweed. Explore the connection
between plants, people, and their environment while creating a functional
work of art.
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