Nature's Expressions Classes & Workshops
Nature's Expressions is a series of lectures, classes, and workshops to explore and deepen your appreciation of the natural world. Pre-registration is required and each class has a limited number of spots.
|
Historic African American Gardening and Foodways in the Northern Shenandoah Valley $15, register here Master Gardener Rebecca Anderson will present a lecture using the ethnobotanical archeological research done on the Belle Grove enslaved quarter site as a jumping off point. She will trace the importance of subsistence farming, African horticultural practices and botanical knowledge, and the influence of Native American, African, German, and English gardening ideas on 18th century American gardens. Rebecca will discuss gardening plant knowledge, practices, and foraging, as well as how food crops and cooking cemented cultural fusion in early America.
|
Easter Spring Flower Arrangement
Wednesday, April 16, 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Lynn Hoffmann
Upper Level of Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center
$40 Register at here by April 9
Attendees will create a spring floral centerpiece with spring boughs, flowers, and moss. Accents like small rabbits, plants, eggs, or rocks can be added for a more rustic look.
Beginning Watercolor
Thursday, April 17, 1–3 p.m.
Instructor: Kristen Colebank, Waites Run Studios
Upper Level of Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center
Attendees will learn basic techniques of watercolor painting. Kristen will use an iconic Belle Grove scene and allow students to create their own painting to take home with them. All supplies included.
Creating an Herb Garden- for the Porch, in Ground, and All in Between!
Sunday, May 4, 1-3 p.m.
Instructor Helen Lake
Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center
Bring your creative juices to this session exploring the many types of herb gardens available for you to create in your “special spot.” Whether it is within reach of your kitchen window or out in a garden, there are lots of styles and designs to consider and explore. Along with the designs, a bit of the history of how herb gardens have been used over time will be discussed as well as suggested herbs to grow in our area. Included in our discussion will be examples of culinary and medicinal herbs and how they may be enjoyed and cared for. Graph paper will be provided to capture your ideas along with an herb plant to get you started!
|
Hypertufa Plant Containers Learn how to make and take home a lightweight cement base pot. Peat moss, perlite and concrete mix will allow attendees to create their own unique plant trough. These creations can be used for alpine type plants, succulents, or summer plants to enhance the outdoor garden. Bring a medium/small cardboard box to form your trough or a plastic bowl in the shape you would like to create. Bring plastic or garden type gloves and a trowel for the class. |
Kokedama – the Japanese Art of Growing Plants
Sunday, July 13, 1-3 p.m.
Instructors: Susan Groom and Helen Lake
Upper Level of Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center
Attendees will learn how to make the Japanese style plant container made of moss and soil. A fun, messy and creative way to make your very own moss-covered planter that holds small plants that may be hung with twine or fishing line or placed on a tabletop to show off your exotic side of gardening. Consider bringing a friend or family member as it is an activity that encourages two sets of hands. All materials will be provided along with a choice of plants that will thrive in your moss ball container.
Lavendar Sachets
Sunday, September 21, 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Rose Fairman
Beverley B. Shoemaker Welcome Center
$25 Register here by September 14
Create some lavender sachets to bring home. You will learn the different types of lavender plants that grow well in the area and how to take care of the plants. You will learn when to cut the flowers and gather the buds. You will also see how to root stems and make additional plants for your garden.
Fall Home Decoration with Corn Husk Dolls & Primitive Brooms
Sunday, October 5, 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Carole Belkin and Lynn Hoffmann
Lower Level of Manor House
$20 Register here by September 30
You will make a corn husk doll and a small natural corn broom to take home. These items can be incorporated in a wreath or a table arrangement for your fall decorations. Bring sharp scissors and clippers to class if you have one.
Making a Colonial Style Miniature Christmas House
Sunday, November 16, 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Robin Young
Lower Level of Manor House
$35 Register here by November 6
Come learn about Christmas houses, a German Tradition. Called “Putz” houses, these are made of cardboard and come precut in different colonial styles. Crafters will receive one miniature house form (approximately 3 inches high) to glue together. Glue, paint and brushes will be provided, and a limited selection of extra accessories will be available. Feel free to bring your own. Start a new holiday tradition and honor America's and the Valley's cultural Heritage!
Winter Floral Arrangements
Thursday, December 18, 1-3 p.m.
Instructor: Lynn Hoffman
Lower Level of Manor House
$50 Register here by December 12
Use fresh flowers and greens to welcome your guests during the Christmas season. Learn how to arrange flowers for your Christmas holiday. Fresh flowers and greens will be used to create the centerpiece. You can bring a low container of your own, or use one supplied in class. We will provide the oasis for the container and all plant materials. Bring a clipper to the class.