First of a four-session course

Creating a Designed Landscape

Tuesdays, February 9, 16 and 23, March 2

9 a.m. to Noon each session

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This is the third of a 7 session series.

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This is the second of a series of four classes. 

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25
1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

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Horticulturist Alison Arnold hosts this introduction to the basic principles and techniques for pruning shrubs, vines and trees during the winter and early spring. 

Topics include timing, tool selection and specific plant requirements. Dress warmly as the lecture will be followed by a garden walk to explore living examples.

Saturday, February 13, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

$15 Member/$19 Public

Third in an eight-part series.

Botany Basics

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 16 and 23

9:30 a.m. to Noon each session

First in a four-part series

A Survey of Art

Wednesdays, February 17 and 24, March 3 and 10 

1 to 3:30 p.m. each session

Third in a four-part series

Concepts in Ecology: Enhancing Earth Literacy

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18 and 25

10:30 to 11:30 a.m. each session

Join Nurseryman Jamie Oxley for a true hands-on workshop on growing all types of native trees, shrubs and perennials from seeds and divisions.  Late winter is a great time to get seeds started for summer transplant!

We will discuss how and when to collect and store seeds, as well as sowing techniques.  During the class, a flat of Flame Azalea seed will be sown for each participant to take home to "grow-on."  Oxley will also discuss division techniques for summer blooming perennials, and says "come for lots of knowledge, dirty fingers and great plant beginnings to take home."

Owner of Kathleen's Tea Room and featured speaker the the 2007 Tea Expo, Tami Halliman spends much of her time educating others on the use and history of tea. 

Participants will experience teas from five locations around the world and will travel through four centuries to learn the amazing history of this beverage. From tea bricks to tea bags and lots more in between, you are sure to receive an education that will help you to enjoy this wonderful drink.

Fourth in an eight-part series.

Botany Basics

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 16 and 23

9:30 a.m. to Noon each session

Second in a four-part series.

Nature's Notebook II

Tuesdays, February 16 and 23, March 2 and 9

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each session

This is the fifth of a 7 session series.

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This is the fourth of a series of four classes. 

Thursdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25
1:30 to 4:00 p.m.

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William Valavanis first learned his Forest Planting technique from bonsai legend Yuji Yoshimura, who was considered a master of the art. Mr. Valavanis has gone on to create untold hundreds of miniature forests over the span of the past 46 years, and in this class he will share the knowledge he has gathered along the way. Students will be provided with everything they need – 9 European Beech seedlings of various sizes, an imported Japanese ceramic bonsai container, potting soil and expert instruction – to create their own bonsai Forest Planting to take home and grow. One of the advantages of the Forest Planting form of bonsai is that great effect can be attained with young plant material in a relatively short span of time.

This rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business is limited to 10 people, to maximize one-on-one time with the instructor. Students are expected to have some prior bonsai training and will be required to provide their own tools for use in this class.

Class fee includes admittance to Mr. Valavanis’ Friday night lecture and demonstration program on this subject, which students are strongly encouraged to attend.

Saturday, February 27, 9 a.m. to Noon

$120 Member/$145 Public

Learn to better understand the methods and goals of proper pruning techniques in this intermediate class.  Participants will be able to analyze the structure of individual trees species characteristics. Learn how to enhance that structure for future growth by making decisions and following through with a pruning plan. 

Arborist Michael Davie, the region’s only International Society of Arborists Board Certified Master Arborist, will lead the indoor presentation then move the group outside for a walk through the Arboretum.

Fifth in an eight-part series.

Botany Basics

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 16 and 23

9:30 a.m. to Noon each session

Hike 1:  Meets at the Arboretum March 2 from 1-3 p.m.  Short hike after classroom discussion of walking basics.

Third in a four-part series

A Survey of Art

Wednesdays, February 17 and 24, March 3 and 10 

1 to 3:30 p.m. each session

First part of a four-part series

Introduction to the Meteorology of the Blue Ridge 

Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25

1:30 to 4 p.m. each session

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Marsha Crites, Owner and Designer at Harvest Moon Gardens has more than 16 years experience, and will lead participants through a design workshop specific to shady areas.  Knowing these spaces can have unique challenges, Crites will work with real-world examples! 

Each participant is asked to bring pictures of the shady spots in their own gardens, as well as graph paper, pencil and any favorite shady garden books. This program will be a hands-on planning and design charette. 

Saturday, March 6, 1 to 4 p.m.

$18 Member/$22 Public

Juliet Blankespoor, owner of Chestnut Herb Nursery, leads this presentation where you learn how to incorporate beautiful and useful culinary and medicinal herbs into your landscape.  She leads discussion on the history of herbalism and covers some of the easy to grow cooking and healing herbs.  Topics include cultivation and harvesting techniques, as well as ways to incorporate herbs into the kitchen and medicine chest. 

Fourth in a four-part series.

Nature's Notebook II

Tuesdays, February 16 and 23, March 2 and 9

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. each session

This is the last of a 7 session series.

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Second part of a four-part series

Introduction to the Meteorology of the Blue Ridge 

Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25

1:30 to 4 p.m. each session

This program is a continuation of the “Liking Lichens” program, and while participants are not required to take the earlier class, confidence with lichen basic information is required. 

Instructor Jennifer Love leads students in several activities, including using dissecting microscopes to identify growth forms and reproductive structures, using chemical testing, and practice using a detailed key to identify lichens to species. 

If available, students should bring a 10x lens and a copy of Lichens of North America, but neither are required for class participation. 

Saturday, March 13, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

$26 Member/$31 Public

Seventh in an eight-part series.

Botany Basics

Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 9, 16 and 23

9:30 a.m. to Noon each session

Doug Dearth of Dry Ridge Stone in Weaverville, NC, leads this seven-hour course which includes classroom discussion of basic principles for working with stone, followed by a detailed practical application in building a dry stack stone wall on the Arboretum's campus. 

Dearth is currently chair of the Weaverville Planning and Zoning Board, a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat Steward and a Muddy Water Watch volunteer for RiverLink.  Participants should bring gloves and wear sturdy shoes; all materials and tools for class use are provided.

Wednesday, March 17, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

$105 Member/$129 Public

First session of a two-session course.

Flash Photography -- Adventures in Lighting

Saturday and Sunday, March 20 and 21

2 to 6 p.m. each session

Instructor Juliet Blankespoor leads this walk and classroom session on common edible wild spring greens.  Class will begin in the Plant Professional Landscape Garden with field work in identification.  The class then moves indoors for a demonstration about harvesting and preparation – Blankespoor will be cooking greens for the class to sample! 

Monday, March 22, 1 to 4 p.m.

$16 Members/$20 Public

First in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

Fourth part of a four-part series

Introduction to the Meteorology of the Blue Ridge 

Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25

1:30 to 4 p.m. each session

Hundreds of orchids fill the Education Center in this annual judged show that also features orchid plant and supply vendors.  Educational classes offered throughout the weekend, and Orchid Society members are available to answer questions and provide orchid-growing advice. This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Second in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

First part of a six-part series

Spring Wildflower Stroll along Bent Creek

Wednesdays, March 30 to May 5

Each walk begins at 2 p.m. 

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Third in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

First day of a two-day workshop.

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Second day of a two-day workshop.

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Stonemason Marc Archambault leads this course on building sturdy and beautiful paths and patios using natural stone.  The morning begins with a brief classroom presentation on safety, design and structural issues.  The class then moves outside for an in-depth, hands-on experience working with stone. 

Archambault is a member of the Stone Foundation and active within Handmade in America. You can explore his portfolio at www.hammerheadstoneworks.com. All materials are provided but participants should bring gloves and wear sturdy shoes.

Friday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hike 2:  Panthertown Hike, April 13 at 10:15 a.m.  Full day hike from Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead.

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Fourth of a 10 part series.

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 25

3:45 to 5 p.m. each session

Third part of a six-part series

Spring Wildflower Stroll along Bent Creek

Wednesdays, March 30 to May 5

Each walk begins at 2 p.m. 

"Shibori" is a generic term for preparing a fabric to resist dye by mechanical mans, such as any combination of folding, clamping, tying, stitching or gathering.  Participants will learn some simple techniques to make circles and squares, as well as three stitches to make stripes, wood grains and designs of any shape.  

Dyer Eileen Halliman leads this hands-on workshop in which students will complete a set of four cotton napkins.

Most materials supplied; participants should bring a small sewing kit, plastic bag and gloves.

$32 Member/ $37 Public

Stonemason Marc Archambault leads this course on building sturdy and beautiful paths and patios using natural stone.  The morning begins with a brief classroom presentation on safety, design and structural issues.  The class then moves outside for an in-depth, hands-on experience working with stone. 

Archambault is a member of the Stone Foundation and active within Handmade in America. You can explore his portfolio at www.hammerheadstoneworks.com. All materials are provided but participants should bring gloves and wear sturdy shoes.

Friday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$95 Member/$115 Public

First session of four-session course 

Introduction to Photography.

Saturday, April 17 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Lecture followed by fieldwork in the Arboretum Gardens. 

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Fifth in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

Tree Identification through the Seasons:   Spring Tree ID  

Retired forester and Arboretum guide Jim Webb leads these seasonal workshops on tree identification.  The course begins in the classroom, learning tools and techniques, and then moves outdoors for some hands-on study. 

The outdoor fieldwork involves identification of major tree genus and species of the region, with a special emphasis on that season’s most apparent and predictable characteristics. 

Wednesday, April 22, 1 to 4 p.m.

$11 Member/$14 Public 

Celebrate Earth Day with Naturalist Scott Dean, who will be hosting this walk around the Arboretum.  He will lead the discussion of the annual re-awakening of the native wildflowers and the return of many neo-tropical songbirds. 

Dean is a popular Arboretum instructor, and has served for years as a walk leader for the UNC-Asheville annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. 

Thursday, April 22, 1 to 3 p.m.             

$11 Member/ $14 Public

A "tunnel greenhouse" is a simple structure that is used to grow cold-hardy crops through the winter; in the spring, it can be used to get an early start on summer crops.  Every gardener should have one! 

Instructor Ron Arps has adapted the principles of extended season gardening proposed by author Eliot Coleman.  Participants will actually construct a high tunnel greenhouse, following the instructions of the presenter and using PVC pipe, wood and construction grade plastic.  Here’s an inexpensive way to have fresh greens through the cold months and tomatoes on the vine earlier than ever before. 

Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m. to Noon              

$11 Member/ $14 Public

Sixth in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

Fifth part of a six-part series

Spring Wildflower Stroll along Bent Creek

Wednesdays, March 30 to May 5

Each walk begins at 2 p.m. 

This SE Chapter, American Rhododendron Society event features hundreds of blooms.  Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas are favorites of the weekend. This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Seventh in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

Sixth part of a six-part series

Spring Wildflower Stroll along Bent Creek

Wednesdays, March 30 to May 5

Each walk begins at 2 p.m. 

The distinctive songs of warblers are a sure sign of spring.  This lecture will discuss topics such as migration, identification characteristics, life cycle, and viewing techniques.  Warbler field guides will be available for purchase.

Simon Thompson is a highly regarded international birding expert who happens to call our region home.   As director and originator of Ventures Nature Travel program in Tryon, North Carolina, Thompson has led many birding trips all over the world, though when at home, you will find him in his role as co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Nature Shop. 

A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties are available.  Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms.  Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season. Saturday May 8 and Tuesday May 11, 2010. This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Eighth in an eight-part series

Field Botany:  The Arboretum's Native Herbaceous and Woody Plants

Tuesdays, March 23 through May 11

1 to 4 p.m. each session

A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties are available.  Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms.  Varieties include traditional favorites plus the latest cultivars to start the growing season. Saturday May 8 and Tuesday May 11, 2010. This event is free and open to the public. No registration required.

A mainstay of any great garden, perennials can be easily grown in our region. 

Thursday, May 13, 1 to 4 p.m.                        

$15 Member/ $19 Public

First session of a two-session course

Saturdays, May 15 and 22
9:00 a.m. to Noon each session

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George Ellison leads this workshop in which students explore different types of equipment available to birders and view a brief slide presentation of the most common birds of our region.  The rest of the day is spent outside practicing identification skills. 

Participants should wear clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring water, lunch and binoculars.  For reference, Ellison recommends Peterson’s A Field Guide to the Birds East of the Rockies, available at the Arboretum’s Garden Trellis Shop.

Saturday, May 15, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

$34 Members/$40 Public

Masashi Oshita is the only classically trained Japanese gardener in North Carolina, and his work has appeared in numerous public and private gardens throughout the Southeast.  He was a significant contributor to the Arboretum’s Bonsai Exhibition Garden.

In this class, Oshita will discuss the use of water features in the Japanese garden, and demonstrate how to make a shishi odoshi (deer scare) and a kakehi (bamboo spout for stone basin).

Saturday, May 15, 1 to 3 p.m.

$22 Member/$27 Public

Late spring and early summer are wonderful times to fill containers with colorful blooms and striking foliage. 

Spring is turning into summer – how many ways do we see this transition in nature? 

Second session of a two-session course

Saturdays, May 15 and 22
9:00 a.m. to Noon each session