In the DeBerry Gallery

THROUGH FEBRUARY 25, 2024

Patterns of Radiance
Botanically-inspired work by Laurie Basham, Vidabeth Bensen, Cathy Boytos, and Dain Kim

Exhibit Reception: Sunday, February 25; 2-4 p.m.

A cure for the winter blues: Cheerful pastel still lifes, patterned prints of leaves and flowers, colored pencil illustrations, and bright acrylics come together in this exhibit of work by four North Carolina artists. Most artwork in this show is for sale!
 

MARCH-APRIL 2024

The Longleaf Pine Savanna – An Artistic Exploration of an Ecosystem
An exhibition by the members of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators Carolinas Chapter and North Carolina Botanical Artists Circle

The longleaf pine ecosystem is one of the most diverse habitats in North America and includes many federal endangered species as well as species of concern. This exhibit includes a selection of flora and fauna that still exist in the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) environment.

Exhibit Reception: Sunday, March 3, 2-4 p.m.

Learn more about the DeBerry Gallery >

Darwin Day Lecture: Using science-fiction depictions to learn real-world evolution concepts

Monday, February 12; 7 - 8 p.m.
with Dr. Mohamed Noor, Professor of Biology, Interim Vice Provost, Duke University, and a scientific consultant for the Star Trek Universe
While some people choose to learn about evolution through coursework, a large number of people could be interested if evolution was presented in another subject of interest. In this talk, Professor Noor introduces evolutionary concepts, thinking, and approaches framed with depictions from the Star Trek television franchise. More information >

In the Garden Shop

Back in stock! Our 2024 Botanical Art & Illustration calendar features work by current students and graduates from our certificate program. You can pick up a wall calendar in-person in our Garden Shop or online! Order yours today! 

Please note: The Daily Plant Sale is closed and will re-open in March. 

Welcome, Ali!

Hybrid Therapeutic Horticulture

The Hybrid Certificate in Therapeutic Horticulture (HCTH) is a nine-month program combining comprehensive online and in-person instruction to professionals and students in allied health, education, and design fields who wish to incorporate therapeutic horticulture into their practice.

The program allows maximum flexibility for those who need convenient, self-paced, evening, and weekend learning opportunities. Students will build foundational knowledge and explore how Therapeutic Horticulture supports human health & wellness, including physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, vocational, and social needs. Instructors in the program include AHTA registered horticultural therapists, accomplished therapeutic horticulture professionals, allied health professionals, and other accomplished experts in their respective fields.

Learn more about the Hybrid Therapeutic Horticulture program > 

Scholarships are available. Applications are due February 29. Apply here >

The African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium

Hayti Heritage Center
804 Old Fayetteville Street, Durham NC 27701
March 30, 2024, 10 a.m.
Free and Open to the Public

The African American Legacy in Gardening and Horticulture Symposium will explore the unsung historical legacy of African American plantsmen, horticulturalists, residential gardeners, and gardening clubs. These personal narratives and generational gardening practices have all too often been ignored, overlooked, or not fully appreciated within the framework of American landscape history, global ethno-botanical viewpoints, and contemporary environmental writing.

This symposium brings together a cadre of horticulturalists, historians, beautification advocates, and plantsmen to celebrate the contributions made by these gardening pioneers and modern-day practitioners, while further educating and enlightening the public and future generations of plant lovers. The Garden is collaborating with many regional organizations to offer this symposium. More information and registration >

Sponsor our Savannas

Saving Our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine is a 6-month series of programs and events that honor the natural, cultural, and historic significance of longleaf pine communities. The series aims to increase visibility and awareness about the conservation significance of longleaf pine natural areas, foster deeper knowledge of these natural areas, and inspire action to support conservation of longleaf pine. Find out more about this exhibition below.

You are invited to sponsor this important lecture series to help cover the overall cost of speakers, workshops, community engagement activities, exhibit creation, and program facilitation. All sponsorships are fully tax-deductible and contributors will be recognized in program literature. Learn more and donate >

To discuss additional ways to sponsor Saving Our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine, contact Stephen Keith at 919-962-9458 or via email Stephen.Keith@unc.edu

A bounty of botany on Florida’s Lake Wales Ridge

Florida scrub, a dry, sandy upland plant habitat, is home to many rare species that grow nowhere else in the world. Unfortunately, orange groves and residential development have destroyed much of the original scrub habitat in Florida and left those plants on the verge of extinction. Learn more about this unique ecosystem and the hopes for and threats to its conservation in this report by NCBG research botanist Scott Ward >

Saving Our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine

Join us for Saving Our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine, a six-month series of programs and events honoring the natural, cultural, and historical significance of longleaf pine communities. Each month focuses on a different theme, from fire adaptation to Indigenous connections to longleaf pines of the future. Events are open to all and include lectures, art classes, tours, and more! Learn more about the exhibition >
 

SAVING OUR SAVANNAS KICKOFF LECTURE (HYBRID):
FIRE AND LIFE: LONGLEAF PINE NATURAL AREAS AND THEIR CONSERVATION

POLLINATORS IN LONGLEAF COMMUNITIES

CRAFTING SAVANNA SPECIES WITH PAPER: PITCHER PLANTS

VIRTUAL WEBINAR - HOOHEH (LONGLEAF PINE) REFORESTATION AND CULTURAL BURN PROGRAM

ANNUAL EVELYN MCNEILL SIMS NATIVE PLANT LECTURE: FINDING OUR FUTURE IN LONGLEAF DIVERSITY

This is just a short sampling of events, but you can view the full lineup of events (with even more to come!) by visiting ncbg.unc.edu/longleaf.

Conservation Gardening 101: Landscaping with Native Plants

Fridays, March 8, 22, April 5, 12, 19 and 26; 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. • $225 ($202 Members)
This six-class series led by NCBG horticulture staff will meet at the North Carolina Botanical Garden and Coker Arboretum. Registration opens Friday, January 12, at 12 p.m. ET. Learn more >

Join us for these Lunchbox Talks and Special Presentations:

HYBRID LUNCHBOX TALK: A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP OF LONGLEAF PINE COMMUNITIES OF THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES (SOS) 

Thursday, January 18; 12-1 p.m. •  Free, preregistration required  More information >
 

HYBRID LUNCHBOX TALK: THE RED-COCKADED WOODPECKER: A FIRE SPECIALIST IN PERIL (SOS)

Thursday, February 8; 12-1 p.m. •  Free, preregistration required  More information >
 

HYBRID LUNCHBOX TALK: BOARDWALKS AND BURNS: STORIES OF THE NCBG HABITAT GARDENS (SOS)

Wednesday, February 21; 12-1 p.m. •  Free, preregistration required  More information >
 

HYBRID LUNCHBOX TALK: FIRE SUPPRESSION AND REINTRODUCTION IN LONGLEAF PINE-WIREGRASS ECOSYSTEMS IN GEORGIA (SOS)

Thursday, February 22; 12-1 p.m. •  Free, preregistration required  More information >

(SOS) = part of the Saving our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine exhibition

See a list of all education program offerings >

Workshops

HYBRID WORKSHOP: THE ART OF PAINTING A LANDSCAPE IN OIL AND PASTEL 

January 26-28; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:15 - 4:30 p.m. •  $225 ($202 Members)  More information >
 

UNDERSTANDING AND DRAWING CONIFER TREES

Thursday, February 8; 1:30-4:30 p.m. •  $39 ($35 Members)  More information >
 

INTRO TO NATURAL INDIGO DYEING & SHIBORI WORKSHOP

Saturday, February 17; 12-4:30 p.m. •  $78 ($70 Members), includes supplies  More information >
 

See a list of all education program offerings >

Camp Flytrap 2024

NEW! We've added 3 sessions - one for each age group! Join us this summer for a week of hands-on outdoor discovery and natural science learning at the Garden! Camps feature small group sizes, experienced environmental educators and naturalists, and loads of fun. More information >

Registration Dates:

• Early registration and 10% discount for Household Level + above Members*: January 30; 12 noon
• General Public: February 1; 12 noon

 
*Not a Member? You must be an active Household, Sustainer, or Director’s Circle Level Member by January 26 in order to take advantage of early registration and 10% discount. Become a member or renew your membership today! To confirm your membership status or verify the email we have on file for you to ensure that you receive the early registration access code, contact the Membership Coordinator at NCBGMembership@unc.edu or 919-962-0642.

Camp Scholarships:
The Garden offers a limited number of partial camp scholarships. Scholarships are open to all campers and awarded based on need and availability. Applications due by 5 p.m. on March 1. Camp Scholarship Application >
 

NEW! School's Out Camps

School's out for a teacher workday? Get your child outdoors and into nature at the Garden! 
Designed for young nature enthusiasts and led by experienced environmental educators, our school's out camps offer a perfect blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife discovery, and creative indoor activities. 

SCHOOL'S OUT CAMP: WINTER WONDERS
Friday, February 9; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., ages 6-8, $75 ($68 Household & Above Members) More information >
 
SCHOOL'S OUT CAMP: AWESOME AMPHIBIANS 
Tuesday, March 5; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., ages 6-8, $75 ($68 Household & Above Members) More information >
 
SCHOOL'S OUT CAMP: PLANT SUPERPOWERS! 
Friday, Apr 19; 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., ages 6-8, $75 ($68 Household & Above Members) More information >
 

NEW! Spring Break Camp

April 1-5; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., ages 6-8
Send your nature lover to a week full of hands-on outdoor discovery celebrating the change of season. Campers will explore different habitats for signs of animals and plants that come to life in spring, enjoy games and stories, and express creativity through themed arts/crafts.! $360 ($324 Household Level + above Members). More information >

For Preschoolers

BLUETS: PRESCHOOLERS EXPLORING NATURE 
For ages 4-5
Learning comes naturally during this fun-filled, drop-off series that fosters a sense of wonder for nature and science. Preschoolers will discover plant and animal life in the Garden and explore seasonal changes through hands-on activities, nature walks, stories, crafts, and group play. $144 ($130 Household Level + above Members)

Winter Series: Wednesdays, January 31 - March 6 (6 sessions); 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. More information >
Spring Series: Wednesdays, April 10 - May 15 (6 sessions); 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. More information >

 
LITTLE SPROUTS: SALAMANDER, WAKE UP! 
Friday, February 23; 10 - 11 a.m.
For ages 3-5 with parent/caregiver
Salamanders are stirring! Discover the mysterious lives of the spotted and marbled salamanders that live at the Garden through animal encounters, stories, craft, and a visit to a real vernal pool to search for salamander eggs. $10 per child ($9 Household Level + above Members) More information >

For Families

BUILD-A-BIRDHOUSE FAMILY WORKSHOP 
Sunday, February 25; 2-3 p.m.
For ages 6 & up with participating adult
Join New Hope Audubon Society to learn all about eastern bluebirds and build a birdhouse for this cavity-nesting songbird. You'll also learn how to monitor and take care of your nest box. All supplies included. $15 per child ($13.50 Household Level & above Members); no fee for participating adult More information >
 
VERNAL POOLS FAMILY WORKSHOP 
Saturday, March 2; 1:30-3:30 p.m.
For ages 6 & up with participating adult
Chorus frogs, dragonfly larvae, and spotted salamanders … oh my! Nature is waking up in the garden’s vernal pools. These spring nurseries are swimming with life in early spring. Peek into the ponds with dip nets, meet live critters, and learn all about the wonders of vernal pools. Fee: $12 per child ($10.80 Household Level & above Members); no fee for participating adult More information >

Donations and memberships are more important now than ever. Please consider giving to the Garden or becoming a Member today.
 

Thank you, Corporate Partners