Chicago Botanic Garden Classes, Chicago

Learn all the basics needed to start keeping bees. This includes what to expect, how to put together equipment, how to get bees in your hive, finding the queen, feeding, what to look for after the bees are installed, and seasonal chores.

Photographers often find themselves in a situation where flash photography is not allowed, or where artificial light disturbs the honesty of a photo. Learn techniques that use natural light from available sources to capture realistic and untouched images. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day create two one-of-a-kind collage heart pendants. You will learn to work with Apoxie Sculpt and incorporate little beads, jewels, and charms to design two beautiful, original, heart pendants. It is amazing and fun to work with this product!  All materials, with a value of $45, are included.

Explore the creation of photographic images beyond color, looking into the shadows and textures that lay beneath nature’s color spectrum. Tonality and dynamic range, the potential of depth of field, and the zone system of shooting in black and white will be discussed.  Digital SLR cameras are mandatory.

Whether you are looking for something for a busy weeknight or weekend, these three easy, flavorful dinners will bring the family together.  Each recipe requires simple preparation but is still loaded with nutrition and flavor. You will learn how to make broccoli and beef stir fry, a hot noodle salad with every color in the rainbow, and chicken...

Chilly temperatures call for comfort food, and a hearty soup is a healthy answer. This class will feature a chunky butternut squash, kale, and white bean soup, packed with colors, flavors, and texture, and topped with a garnish of crunchy homemade croutons.  During recipe preparation, you will gain knife and sauté skills, as well as learn how...

Find a comfortable seat or lie down, close your eyes, and allow the frequencies of the singing bowls to support you in finding relaxation, rejuvenation, and release.  No special skills, abilities, or beliefs are required. Bring a yoga mat if you want to lie down. 

Enjoy a morning walk to explore the trees at the Garden. Each month, we will visit a different section of the Garden and learn about the trees unique to that area.

Pique assiette, or “broken plates,” incorporates a blending of color, form, and texture. This folk art can be found in many cultures and is popular today as a way to recycle a favorite piece of china or broken heirloom. Complete a unique mosaic from shards of china, ceramic, or glass.  A supply list is given at the first class, but...

 Find a comfortable seat or lie down and gaze upon the beautiful orchid blooms that surround you. When you are ready, close your eyes and allow the frequencies of the singing bowls, woodwinds, and percussion to support you in finding release, relaxation, and rejuvenation.  Note: No special skills, abilities, or beliefs are required to...

Layered with vegetables and butter, breads are the star of an Indian meal. In this cooking class, make fresh, stuffed, north Indian flatbreads, known as paratha, such as aloo (potato), gobi (cauliflower), paneer (cottage cheese), palak (spinach), and lachha (layered) paratha.  You will learn dough preparation, how to cook the bread, and suggestions...

Escape from the rigors of winter by exploring the world of tropical plants. Expand your mastery of colored pencil while working from unique tropical plant specimens. You will experience the joy of vibrant color offered by orchids, proteas, ginger, birds of paradise, or anthuriums. Composition and colored pencil technique will be evaluated each week...

Join Project Runway alumnus Justin LeBlanc as he shows examples of basic embroidery designs and tells us about his experiences at Project Runway and the couture fashion house, Alexander McQueen.  In this beginner's workshop, he will teach you techniques and tricks as you learn the basic art of embroidery for your next project!  All materials,...

Breathe deeply while moving and stretching to release tension and balance the body in a space lit by candles.  Then, settle into a restorative posture and practice yoga sleep, also known as yoga nidra, a deeply restful meditation where you are verbally led through deeper stages of consciousness that systematically integrate body, energy, and...

Discover the possibilities of cooking gluten-free with chickpeas—high in both fiber and protein.  You will learn how to incorporate the vibrant flavors of India in a variety of different gluten-free dishes including chickpea avocado salad and chickpea masala curry served with basmati rice.