Free Sketch Friday 

Join us at the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum for Free Sketch Friday! This free activity allows artists of all ages and skills to spend time in the museum, studying and drawing from our wonderful, varied collections. All materials will be provided by the museum.

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Groundcover Restoration - Canceled

Heather Brasell, environmental educator This cl­­­ass will visit a variety of sites to compare and contrast different groundcover restoration projects and management practices. With an emphasis on management decisions rather than on identifying specific plants, this cou......More

Heather Brasell, environmental educator This cl­­­ass will visit a variety of sites to compare and contrast different groundcover restoration projects and management practices. With an emphasis on management decisions rather than on identifying specific plants, this course will discuss common challenges, successes and landscape restoration strategies while managing invasive plant species. The types of restoration sites and projects surveyed in this class will include: minimum understory management (thin and burn), economy understory restoration (thin and burn with limited use of supplemental seeds), high-quality seed mix for pollinator gardens, conversion from turf grass to meadow and wetland rehabilitation. Please note that this class is located outside of the Athens area.

Gaskins Forest Education Center, 3359 Moore Sawmill Rd, Alapaha, 31622

Tuesday Tour

Join us at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by the curator or docents. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjo......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

November Friends First Friday Floral Designs for the Holidays

$12 general admission | $10 for members Register OnlinePlease join Carol Dyer McKeen as we explore the beauty of seasonal flowers and nature elements to design a simple floral arrangement for fall and winter holidays. Carol will provide foraged flowers, greenery, and ot......More

$12 general admission | $10 for members Register OnlinePlease join Carol Dyer McKeen as we explore the beauty of seasonal flowers and nature elements to design a simple floral arrangement for fall and winter holidays. Carol will provide foraged flowers, greenery, and other natural add-ons to guide you through the basic process of building a floral design. You will leave with your own floral design and hopefully the confidence to design your own arrangements at home! Carol is the curator for the Tropical Conservatory and the Herb and Physic gardens. She has done floral designs for over 20 years. She learned floral design from the late C.L. Morehead of Flowers Inc. Retail and did floral design with retired Herb Garden curator, Pam Butts, at her nursery, Charmar. The registration deadline is noon on Oct. 31.

Gardenside Room, 2450 South Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605

Basic Botany: Fundamentals of Plant Biology

Sabrina Sewell, botanist Register OnlineExplore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native p......More

Sabrina Sewell, botanist Register OnlineExplore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native plant certificate program will build, particularly Plant Taxonomy. With an emphasis on relating form to function, it surveys the origins of plants along with their basic forms and life processes. Students will become acquainted with plant tissues and structures, as well as their roles in the life of plants. Course Learning Objectives & Outline (topics covered will include): Origins of plants and their basic groupsBrief history and fundamentals of the science of botanyPlant structures (internal and external) – their forms, functions and developmentPlant life cycles and reproductionIntroduction to basic plant geneticsEvolutionary adaptations of plantsCourse Structure: This class consists of three elements: a series of pre-recorded introductory videos, in-person or at-home lab exercises exploring plant anatomy and a wrap-up discussion session through Zoom. Part 1 – Introductory Video Lectures – content released Oct. 15Part 2 – Exploratory Lab Exercises – self-paced at home OR in-person session Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.Part 3 – Online Discussion Session – through Zoom Nov. 12, 6 – 7 p.m.Participants who sign up for the online lab session will be provided instructions for conducting their own activities at home. This class is a core class for the Certificate in Native Plants.

Virtual Lecture – Zoom

Basic Botany: Fundamentals of Plant Biology

Sabrina Sewell, botanist Register OnlineExplore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native p......More

Sabrina Sewell, botanist Register OnlineExplore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native plant certificate program will build, particularly Plant Taxonomy. With an emphasis on relating form to function, it surveys the origins of plants along with their basic forms and life processes. Students will become acquainted with plant tissues and structures, as well as their roles in the life of plants. Course Learning Objectives & Outline (topics covered will include): Origins of plants and their basic groupsBrief history and fundamentals of the science of botanyPlant structures (internal and external) – their forms, functions and developmentPlant life cycles and reproductionIntroduction to basic plant geneticsEvolutionary adaptations of plantsCourse Structure: This class consists of three elements: a series of pre-recorded introductory videos, in-person or at-home lab exercises exploring plant anatomy and a wrap-up discussion session through Zoom. Part 1 – Introductory Video Lectures – content released Oct. 15Part 2 – Exploratory Lab Exercises – self-paced at home OR in-person session Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.Part 3 – Online Discussion Session – through Zoom Nov. 12, 6 – 7 p.m.Participants who sign up for the online lab session will be provided instructions for conducting their own activities at home. This class is a core class for the Certificate in Native Plants.

Virtual Lecture – Zoom

Tuesday Tour

Join us at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by the curator or docents. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Basic Botany: Fundamentals of Plant Biology

Sabrina Sewell, botanist Register OnlineExplore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native p......More

Sabrina Sewell, botanist Register OnlineExplore the biology of plants in this introduction to general plant anatomy, morphology, physiology, evolution and development. This course presents the fundamental information about plants upon which other courses in the native plant certificate program will build, particularly Plant Taxonomy. With an emphasis on relating form to function, it surveys the origins of plants along with their basic forms and life processes. Students will become acquainted with plant tissues and structures, as well as their roles in the life of plants. Course Learning Objectives & Outline (topics covered will include): Origins of plants and their basic groupsBrief history and fundamentals of the science of botanyPlant structures (internal and external) – their forms, functions and developmentPlant life cycles and reproductionIntroduction to basic plant geneticsEvolutionary adaptations of plantsCourse Structure: This class consists of three elements: a series of pre-recorded introductory videos, in-person or at-home lab exercises exploring plant anatomy and a wrap-up discussion session through Zoom. Part 1 – Introductory Video Lectures – content released Oct. 15Part 2 – Exploratory Lab Exercises – self-paced at home OR in-person session Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 1 – 3 p.m.Part 3 – Online Discussion Session – through Zoom Nov. 12, 6 – 7 p.m.Participants who sign up for the online lab session will be provided instructions for conducting their own activities at home. This class is a core class for the Certificate in Native Plants.

Virtual Lecture – Zoom

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjo......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States

Invasive Plant Control Strategies, Techniques, Tips, Tricks and Tools!  

Gary Crider, naturalist and invasive plant control specialist Register OnlineThis class will detail safe, practical and effective control methods for three critical species: Japanese Stiltgrass, English Ivy and Chinese Privet. With the right strategies, tools and techni......More

Gary Crider, naturalist and invasive plant control specialist Register OnlineThis class will detail safe, practical and effective control methods for three critical species: Japanese Stiltgrass, English Ivy and Chinese Privet. With the right strategies, tools and techniques, these invasive plants can be brought under control, reducing their impacts and improving the ecological function of affected sites. Other problematic species will also be discussed, including Japanese Knotweed, Callery Pear, Kudzu and Japanese Chaff Flower.

Virtual Lecture – Zoom

Tuesday Tour

Join us at 2 p.m. every Tuesday for an in-depth, one-hour tour of the State Botanical Garden’s Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum. These tours are led by the curator or docents. Tours are $5 per person, payable at the Garden Gift Shop upon arrival. 

Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum – Classroom, 2450 S. Milledge Ave., Athens, Georgia, 30605, United States

Nature Ramblers

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjo......More

Free Leaders rotate among a group of local naturalists and biologists featuring guest guides. Meet at children’s garden arbor. Join the Nature Ramblers to learn more about the natural areas, flora and fauna of the State Botanical Garden while making new friends and enjoying the fresh air. Rambles start with an inspirational reading by a nature writer such as Annie Dillard, John Muir or Janisse Ray. Ramblers are encouraged to bring their own nature writings or favorite poems and essays to share with the group. This is a ramble, not a hike stopping to view interesting plants, insects, butterflies and mushrooms, etc., along the way is part of the experience each week. You can join for just one or all sessions. These informal rambles are free, but donations are accepted in the garden’s donation box in the lobby of the visitor’s center. To get a feel for what these rambles are like, visit http://naturerambling.blogspot.com.

Shade Garden Arbor, 2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA, 30605, United States