Chicago Botanic Garden Classes, Chicago

Watercolor is a delightfully fun medium. You will learn a variety of watercolor techniques, including washes and how to make a range of textures on paper, plus some color theory to get you started. No prior experience is necessary.  A supply list will be sent. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online...

Watercolor is a fresh, beautiful way to express the beauty of a sunset or the reflection of trees and clouds on a pond. You will learn to make expressive marks, mix colors, and apply water mindfully to achieve the sparkling, sensitive effects watercolor offers. Prerequisite: Beginning Watercolor or similar experience. A supply list will be sent. This...

Are you interested in learning more about how to work with youth in an urban agriculture or school garden setting? Would you like to know more about structuring a youth development program centered on sustainable agriculture and food systems during the summer or school year?  Please join the Windy City Harvest Youth Farm staff for a day of focused...

There are many different types and styles of bonsai design. Learn about your tree’s “attitude”, if it has tension or balance, the ins and outs of negative space, and traditional vs. natural styles.

Homemade crackers taste as good as store-bought (or even better!) and are endlessly customizable. In this cooking class, you will prepare two types of crackers: Yeast-dough based grissini Miniature cheese crackers as well as discover a variety of topping ideas.  You will need:  Hand-held or stand mixer Rolling pin You will also...

Did you buy a new camera recently? This workshop will help you set up your camera and learn basic operations.  Please have your digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, mirrorless camera, or advanced point-and-shoot camera on hand. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your...

Want more out of your garden but don’t have the time? Discover the history of permaculture and its eight principles that explain these sustainable and self-sufficient systems of gardening. Take away techniques and methods that can be applied to your own home or community garden. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must...

Discover the very individual painter waiting inside you, whether your interest lies in realism or expressionism, fauvism or impressionism, and everything in between. Even if you have no prior art experience, in just four mornings of painting and with one-on-one time with the instructor, you will learn a wide variety of watercolor techniques and basic...

Do you have hydrangeas at home but don’t know how to care for them? Learn about the most commonly planted hydrangeas in northern Illinois, pruning and care techniques, and how to adjust pH for color in this introductory class. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts....

Want to compost, but not sure where to start? Learn tips and techniques on how to compost right in your own backyard. You’ll gain sound composting practices to ensure successful home composting. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts.

Using flash can lighten and brighten the subject, but using it incorrectly can distort the image or cause unwanted reflections. Learn where, when, and how to use flash indoors and outdoors by varying the intensity of the light through the use of bounce cards, diffusers, and camera settings. Bring your camera and an external flash if you have one....

Working with exploratory studies in watercolor, you will break down a landscape into its most basic shapes. Large relationships of color, value, and composition will be emphasized rather than details. You will paint the essence and the abstract quality of the scene.  This approach can be applied to all paintings. Your personal observations,...

Discover how to see and convey your creative vision of the world in photographs. In this introduction to fine art photography for beginning and intermediate photographers, you will learn to use the features of your camera and the principles of design to make stunning, creative images.  A digital SLR or mirrorless camera with manual controls for...

Sheet pan dinners are a life saver when you don’t want to face a sink full of dishes. This Mediterranean-inspired sheet pan dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Make a complete dinner of chicken and cauliflower shawarma on one sheet pan and while the chicken is cooking, whip up a quick tahini sauce and Israeli salad.  A full ingredient list,...

With the increasing interest in growing your own food in the home garden, don’t neglect the value and potential of containers for growing a wide range of our favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs on our decks, patios, and balconies. The basics of container gardening, selection, preparation, and care will be covered. This class will be taught online...