The South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation offers a variety of classes to enrich your mind, body, and soul. You may register by mail or in the Foundation Office, or call (310) 544-1948. Registration is also allowed at the first class - subject to space availability. Please make class fee checks payable to South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation (SCBGF). Material fees (where applicable) are payable directly to the instructor.
Powerwalk the Garden
Get fit in a Beautiful Setting!
$120 members/$130 non-members
9:45 am - 10:45 am
Mondays: April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, 9, 16, 23
Instructor: Anne Thorne, Certified Personal Trainer, AFAA, NANWA, BFA, CPR
Get fit while exercising in a beautiful setting! The course is approximately one mile and consists of some light inclines. Workout includes warm-up and cool-down phases. Class fee breaks down to $15 per session. A very affordable workout with a Certified Personal Trainer! Encourage your friends to join and walk with you. Have fun while working out.
Exercise for People who Love to Garden - CANCELED
$120 members/$130 non-members
9:30 am - 10:20 am
Mondays: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2
Instructor: Rafael Caprio of Truth Health and Fitness
Is your time in the garden interrupted by fatigue, aches, and pains? So your knees hurt after kneeling on the ground? Do you have a hard time bending an lifting? We have help you! In this class you will go through exercises and stretches to condition your body and avoid injury. Workouts are safe and progressive for all levels. Please bring your own exercise mat.
Tending Words Writing Workshop - Spring: The Season of Renewal
$30 members/$35 non-members
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Monday: March 21
Instructor: Regina O'Melveny
In this workshop we'll explore the paths of the Garden, immersing ourselves in the spirit of the place and the season. Then we will cultivate the words and drawings that grow from our encounters. Please wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a journal as well as drawing materials if you wish. Very focused three hour workshop.
Ikebana
$45 members/$50 non-members (Beginning and Intermediate)
$50 members/$55 non-members (Advanced)
Beginning and Intermediate: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Advanced: 9:30 am to noon
Tuesdays: March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26
Instructor: Reiko Kawamura
Elegance, grace and style are the characteristics of Ikebana. learn the mechanics of manipulation and the observation of materials for their best usage in gaining the oriental view of flower arranging. Elementary, Moribana, Free Style, Traditional, Hanamai, Rimpa and Bunjin will be taught.
Successful Gardens
$50 members/$55 non-members
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tuesdays: March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3, 10
Instructor: Sharon Ratterree
Create your own successful garden as you learn about soil, climate, plant selection and basic elements of design. Sustain your yard as a natural habitat. $5 material fee payable to instructor for handouts.
Children’s Art Workshop - Art To Grow On Children’s
Art Center, Inc.
Van Gogh in the Garden!
Tuesday, March 15
Two workshops: 9:30 am – 10:30 am OR 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Garden entrance is free for Garden Free Day
Workshop cost: $18 per child, $12 each additional sibling
35 children per workshop maximum, pre-registration is required
Join us at the Garden, along with Art to Grow On Children’s Art Center, as we kick off spring! This workshop will expose all budding artists to the spring flowers in bloom. Take a walk, learn about flowers, feed the ducks, and then end up in our outdoor studio. All supplies provided. All ages welcome!
Children’s Art Workshop - Art To Grow On Children’s
Art Center, Inc.
Spring Impressions!
Tuesday, April 19
Two workshops: 9:30 am – 10:30 am OR 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Garden entrance is free for Garden Free Day
Workshop cost: $18 per child, $12 each additional sibling
35 children per workshop maximum, pre-registration is required
Join us at the Garden, along with Art to Grow On Children’s Art Center, as we kick off spring! This workshop will expose all budding artists to the spring flowers in bloom. Take a walk, learn about flowers, feed the ducks, and then end up in our outdoor studio. All supplies provided. All ages welcome!
Children’s Art Workshop - Art To Grow On Children’s
Art Center, Inc.
Attention all Peewee Picasso's!
Tuesday, May 18
Two workshops: 9:30 am – 10:30 am OR 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Garden entrance is free for Garden Free Day
Workshop cost: $18 per child, $12 each additional sibling
35 children per workshop maximum, pre-registration is required
Join us at the Garden, along with Art to Grow On Children’s Art Center, as we kick off spring! This workshop will expose all budding artists to the spring flowers in bloom. Take a walk, learn about flowers, feed the ducks, and then end up in our outdoor studio. All supplies provided. All ages welcome!
Photo Walks in the Garden
Free Intro!
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Tuesday: March 8 & March 15
Instructor: Catherine Balcom
Join us for this lecture introducing the new, upcoming fine art photography and camera courses. Ms. Balcom will give a presentation highlighting concepts and provide a brief overview of good photo opportunities in the Garden. Participants can bring one .jpg image on a flash drive (optional) for improvement suggestions by instructor. Limited to 40 participants. Must RSVP to attend. Please call (310) 544-1948 to reserve your spot.
Camera Basics & Artistic Choices
From Snapshot to Fine Art!
$45 members/$65 non-members
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Tuesdays: May 3, 10, 17
Instructor: Catherine Balcom
Learn camera operation to properly expose images and strengthen composition. Review equipment, formats, and features. Students gain knowledge of simple icon settings, metering systems, apertures and shutter speeds, film speeds (ISO), and light temperatures (white balance). PowerPoint presentations are given along with simple take-home learning assignments. All skill levels, any camera (digital or film, automatic or adjustable). Bring camera and manual to first class.
Spring Photo Walk & Critique in the Garden
Learn to Capture the Moment!
$50 members/$75 non-members
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Tuesdays: March 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19
Instructor: Catherine Balcom
Capture the beauty of the Garden. Relaxed walks with photo coaching and easy assignments are followed by classroom evaluation and PowerPoint instruction. Class critiques include brief reminders on composition and lighting. All skill levels, any camera (digital or film, automatic or adjustable). Bring camera and manual to first class.
Exploring the Magic of Color - Oil Painting in the Garden
$50* members/$70* non-members (per 5 week session)
9:30 am to 11:00 am
Session 1: Tuesdays: March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Session 2: Tuesdays: April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3
Instructor: Bernard Fallon, B.A.
Learn to paint in clean color like the Impressionists! This class is for acrylic, colored pencil, oils, pastel, and watercolor and will enhance the quality of your painting, improving perception and use of color. We will be working outside, so bring a hat and painting umbrellas. Students should have their own paints, palettes and painting supplies. Our first meeting will cover all equipment requirements. All skill levels and ages are welcome.
Square Foot Gardening
$30 members/$35 non-members
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Wednesdays: March 16, 23, 30, April 6,
Instructor: Jennifer van der Fluit, Certified Square Foot Gardener
Learn to maximize your gardening space by planting n above-ground grids. This condensed, natural, organic method of gardening will have you reaping the bounty of your garden. Perfect for raised-bed gardening. Method can be applied to veggie gardening as well as annuals and perennials.
Basic Drawing
$40 members/$45 non-members
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Wednesdays: March 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11
Instructor: Nida Amin
Learn to draw with basic techniques using several mediums including pencil, colored pencil, pen, ink, charcoal, and pastel. You will learn extensive lessons in art theory and practice. Please bring a No. 2 pencil and paper to the first class. You will be provided with a material list at the first class.
Pine Needle Woven Art Basket - Workshop
Weave a Beautiful Pine Needle Basket!
$60 members/$70 non-members
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Wednesday, May 18
Instructor: Rose Hamner, Award Winning Artist
Pine needle basketry uses the ancient yet universal weaving technique of 'coiling' that stitches a continuous core around and onto a foundation of rows. Receive personal, hands-on instruction to create your own woven pine-needle basket to take home. All day class - bring a sack lunch. Limited to 15 entries.
Bird Lectures
$40 members/$55 non-members
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Wednesdays: April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25
Instructor: Eric & Ann Brooks
Have fun studying and identifying many of the species of birds seen in California. Classes will use slides, videos, printed material as well as discuss bird books, binoculars, and periodicals.
One Stroke Painting
$30 - each 4 sessions/members
$35 - each 4 sessions/non-members
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Thursdays: March 31, April 7, 14, 21, (2 week break) May 12, 19, 26, June 2
Instructor: Theresa Blanchard, Donna Dewberry Certified Instructor
Learn the One Stroke Painting technique by Donna Dewberry. A fast, easy-to-learn technique that is FUN! Learn shading, highlighting, and blending with one stroke of the brush. Bring Value Pack brushes and a water basin. Instructor will provide various surfaces to paint at a cost of $5 or less, or you can bring your own. If you need to purchase brushes or other supplies they will be for sale during class at a reduced price.
Landscape Design Study Program
Thursday, March 17 & Friday, March 18
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Receive Landscape Design certificate. Third in a series of 4 two-day classes. Registration fees apply. Contact Kathy Snider (310) 832-6686 or Alexis Slafer (323) 292-6657 to register.
Pine Needle Woven Art Basket - Workshop
Weave a Beautiful Pine Needle Basket!
$60 members/$70 non-members
9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Thursday, March 31
Instructor: Rose Hamner, Award Winning Artist
Pine needle basketry uses the ancient yet universal weaving technique of 'coiling' that stitches a continuous core around and onto a foundation of rows. Receive personal, hands-on instruction to create your own woven pine-needle basket to take home. All day class - bring a sack lunch. Limited to 15 entries.
Watercolor
$50 members/$55 non-members
9:00 am to noon
Fridays: March 18, 25, April 1, 8, (skip 15), 22, 29, May 6, 13
Instructor: Hisako Asano
Learn to create paintings of nature that capture the softly colored art form that is expressed in the teachings and techniques of instructor, Hisako Asano. You will also learn to mix and blend colors and manipulate your brush to create a 3-D value with a single stroke. Supply list in Foundation Office.
Master Gardener Program – Sustainable Landscaping
Saturday, March 26
9:30 am – 1:00 pm
$25 members/$35 non-members
Instructor: Elizabeth Sala – Master Gardener
Have you wondered what to do in your backyard and garden to maintain/improve the quality of our water, to lower the carbon-footprint of your household and to improve the health of planet Earth? You can learn some easy and practical ways to make your landscape sustainable from Master Gardener Experts who are trained to help you create a healthier garden and yard.
The University of California’s goal, through the Master Gardener Volunteers, is to encourage backyard gardeners to move toward improving urban water quality and conservation, using safe pest management practices, improving fertilizer efficiency, increasing recycling and composting, reducing energy and encouraging wildlife in urban areas.
Flavored Vinegar Workshop
Kick off Califonia Native Plant Week by making flavored vinegars with California native plants!
Sunday, April 17
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
$30 members/$35 non-members
Instructor: Connie Vadheim, Adj.Professor of Biology, CSUDH
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn about the use of leaves, flowers and berries of popular southern California native plants to enhance the flavor of cooking vinegars and make one-of-a-kind ingredients for the gourmet kitchen.
The workshop will include a presentation on specific southern California native plants, a focused garden walk, tasting of different flavored vinegars and actual demonstration of basic recipes. Each participant will prepare one botoole of flavored vinegar to take home.
Class fee includes materials to make a flavored vinegar.
The University of California’s goal, through the Master Gardener Volunteers, is to encourage backyard gardeners to move toward improving urban water quality and conservation, using safe pest management practices, improving fertilizer efficiency, increasing recycling and composting, reducing energy and encouraging wildlife in urban areas.