Bloom with Brookside Gardens! - Spring & Summer 2021 - Friends of Brookside Gardens
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Spring &
Summer
2021
Bloom with
Brookside Gardens!
MontgomeryParks.org
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL
PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
The Shops
Brookside Gardens
1800 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
brooksidegardens.org
at Brookside Gardens
Hours
Phased Re-opening dependent on state
and local Covid-19 guidelines.
Gardens: Sunrise–Sunset
Conservatories: Check website
Visitor Center: Check website
Master Gardeners —
Plant Clinics at Brookside Gardens
For answers to your gardening questions, visit
Extension.UMD.edu/HGIC
The Shops at Brookside Gardens
Visitor Center and Conservatory
Phased Re-opening dependent on state
and local Covid-19 guidelines.
Check website
McCrillis Gardens Botanical and nature-inspired gifts Check website for hours
6910 Greentree Road, Bethesda, MD 20817 301-962-1448
Friends of Brookside Gardens
(Small) Events
1800 Glenallan Avenue
Wheaton, Maryland 20902
FriendsofBrooksideGardens.org
at Brookside Gardens
Forget-me-not Package
30-minute ceremony
1 ½ hour reception
Editor: Ellen Bennett 301-962-1402
General Information 301-962-1400
Adult Education 301-962-1470
Children’s Education 301-962-1408
School of Botanical Art 301-962-1470
& Illustration
Volunteer Office 301-962-1429
Gift Shop 301-962-1448
or 1479
Facility Rental 301-962-1404
McCrillis Gardens 301-962-1455 Contact us to discuss current capacities and information about other special rates/
Media Relations 301-650-2866 packages for small groups: 301-962-1404 | Event.Manager@MontgomeryParks.org
Sponsorships/donations 301-962-1402
Letter from the Director: INSIDE
GARDEN NEWS
J ust two years ago, Brookside Gardens celebrated its 50th
anniversary with the theme of community connections,
celebrating the years of growing relationships based on a common Volunteer Update.................................... 4
love for plants and gardens. What we’ve learned in the past nine Gardens & Mental Health.......................5
months is that Brookside Gardens also holds an important place
in the community as a social connector: facilitating a sense of Bouncing Back........................................ 6
belonging just by being able to see and interact with neighbors on
Thank you, Donors!................................ 8
a regular and on-going basis. As a response to COVID-19 and the
closure of our traditional indoor gathering spaces, many county residents turned toward Special Exhibition................................... 9
the outdoors as a respite from stress and uncertainty. Beautiful landscapes with trees
and grass, walking paths and ponds, flowers and butterflies, provide mental, physical
and emotional relief. The need to seek out green spaces and the need to feel a sense PROGRAM GUIDE
of belonging in our community come together in places like Brookside Gardens. How
many of the staff do you know by name? Or who know your name? The last time you Events
visited, how many people smiled and nodded as they passed (well they did, you just
couldn’t see their smile behind the mask!). How many of you meet at the Gardens with
Montgomery County GreenFest,
a family member, a friend, your play group, a church group or walking buddies? Even DC Environmental Film Fest, Art
though we need to continue to observe social distancing, getting together at Brookside Exhibits, Plant Shows, Conservatory
Gardens benefits us all. Displays........................................................... 10
Happy Gardening!
Adult Programs
—Stephanie Oberle, Director
Horticulture Classes...................................11
Garden Tours, Hands-on Workshops,
Speaker Series...............................................13
Health and Wellness...................................14
School of Botanical Art &
Illustration.......................................................15
Children & Families
Children’s Programs...................................16
Programs by Date....................................... 18
Registration................................................... 19
GARDEN NEWS
Volunteer Update
These pasts couple of months have not
been easy for anyone. We have all learned
to readjust our daily routines, to be socially
distant from one another, and to be aware of
each other’s health. It hasn’t been easy, but one
thing has remained a constant: the gardens
continue to provide solace to everyone who
visits them.
The atmosphere we have cultivated is largely
attributed to our dedicated volunteers who
have invested thousands of hours over the
last fifty years, but because of the pandemic, Though we can connect with some of
that too has been paused. While our signature our active volunteers in person, we have
volunteer programs have been postponed, developed a new volunteer newsletter to
some of our opportunities for our existing share garden updates and provide unique
volunteers have restarted. A new playbook ethnobotanical stories of some recognizable
of regulations had to be developed which plants! While there is no substitute for
factored in health department guidelines, connecting with each of you in person, we
personal protective equipment, social hope that these communications offer our
distancing, and thorough cleaning of work volunteers with a safe alternative to visiting the
sites. These guidelines helped us vet our gardens and engaging virtually with staff.
opportunities to determine to which volunteer
jobs we could safely have our active volunteers The people who volunteer here are what make
return. While these guidelines are strenuous, the Gardens a special place. We miss you, and
we appreciate your patience as we work we are looking forward to seeing you all in the
through this together. Gardens soon!
Some examples of volunteer opportunities that Lastly, we continue to appreciate the
have integrated the new guidelines are: overwhelming amount of interest from
n Friends of Brookside Gardens, whose annual individuals who wish to volunteer with
plant sale went completely virtual and us at the Gardens. Unfortunately, we are
offered contactless pickup for orders. not accepting new volunteers during the
n Gardener Assistants maintain social distance pandemic; however, once everything is safe
while working outdoors. again, we will welcome you to apply to our
n Cleanup Volunteers utilize tools to pick up opportunities. Until then, please keep a
litter around the gardens. look out for updates on our website and
n Information Desk Volunteers work behind Facebook group!
plexiglass shields while interacting with
visitors. —Albert Arevalo
Volunteer & Community
Engagement Coordinator
4 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org
Gardens and Mental Health in a Pandemic As the COVID crisis drags on, people of all ages are experiencing surroundings (like the texture of a tree’s bark or the sound of the wind increased anxiety, depression and other mental health symptoms – rustling dried leaves) and in our own minds and bodies (like a harmful and many of them are finding relief in time spent outdoors. Brookside thought pattern we may need to interrogate or a shoulder ache that tells Gardens’ visitor count has increased 56 percent, which suggests for our us we’ve been tensing our muscles). The simple process of becoming community what research has shown time and again: that exposure to aware can inspire joy at the beauty of the world around us, even in the natural world provides enormous psychological benefits. Medical times of suffering, and offer us new self-perspective in terms of the institutions, academic scholars, and scientists have all found that time way we think and engage with that world. In a season when many of us spent in nature improves mental well-being by elevating mood and are experiencing pain and struggling to cope, its value is incalculable. decreasing feelings of anxiety, fear, and sadness. It is no coincidence that Knowing this, Brookside Gardens continues to welcome you this mindfulness, which we practice naturally when we spend time enjoying winter, inviting you to care for your mental health by finding presence, the outdoors, is linked with the same outcomes. Mindfulness essentially attunement, joy, and perspective in the natural world as we take on this means tuning into the present moment. Because we experience nature pandemic one day at a time. with each of our senses, we are uniquely focused on the here-and- now in its presence. In this state we become aware of and are able to —Jessica Laigle appreciate and examine what we might not otherwise notice, both in our Advancement Programs Assistant BrooksideGardens.org 5
GARDEN NEWS
Bouncing back, then Springing Forward
To say 2020 was a challenge is an broadened our understanding of the potential
understatement. But the hallmark of a resilient for reaching a larger audience through online
organization is not just being able to bounce learning. For those staying safely at home, we
back, but spring forward with renewed increased our presence on Facebook, filming
energy and expanded knowledge of future virtual tours of the gardens with staff to give
possibilities. visitors at home a glimpse of the gardens and
publishing a ‘plant of the week’ with in-depth
The outdoor Gardens have been open information and great images.
continuously to the public since March 16,
when Montgomery Parks closed public We also ventured into online plant sales and
facilities and offices as a result of the Covid gift shop sales. With GreenFest cancelled in
crisis. Approximately 40 percent of our staff April, greenhouse growers and gift shops staff
were able to telework, but the horticulture were left with a big crop of beautiful plants,
staff continued to report to work on a daily ready to go to new homes. Using the current
basis, using flex and staggered schedules to point-of-sale system, gift shop manager
maintain physical distance. County residents Kathy Caisse organized two online sales with
were searching for someplace to go, and they contactless, curbside pick-up. The Friends of
found what they were looking for at Brookside Brookside Gardens also adopted that method
Gardens. In fact, so many visitors came to for their annual fall plant sale in September. It’s
Brookside Gardens, that compared to the same a lot of work to organize behind the scenes,
time last year, overall visitation increased by but for our customers it was a safe and quick
56 percent. And, they wanted to socialize! way to shop. In November, our gift shop
Horticulture staff reported that the amount of also participated in Strathmore Hall’s annual
time spent interacting with visitors soared, as museum holiday sale, which was online. The
they answered questions about the gardens, sale went great, but we learned that packing
plants in bloom, and more. and shipping merchandise is time-consuming
and costly!
Closure of the Visitor Center and Conservatory
meant cancelling or postponing many When the state’s stay-at-home order was
scheduled programs. After getting in touch enacted in the spring, many of our wedding
with numerous registrants and processing rental clients found themselves in the heart-
hundreds of refunds, staff turned to adapting breaking position of having to cancel or
programs to online formats. Working with the postpone their plans. Some chose to downsize
Parks’ IT division, adult education program their events, others chose to postpone them to
manager Jason Gedeik learned to use the fall. In response to the regulations limiting
Microsoft Teams for both synchronous and the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings,
asynchronous online programs, some with rental program manager Jennifer Bland
chats, some recorded for future viewing. developed new wedding packages, with
When summer camps closed, children’s smaller capacity and proportionately reduced
education program manager Lynn Richard fees. To date, 51 couples have gotten married
repackaged curriculum content and supplies at Brookside Gardens in 2020. It’s an honor to
to offer families summer camp kits to use be a part of so many happy memories in this
at home. And we worked with Montgomery unusual year.
County Public Schools to offer a week-long
summer enrichment science program for The continued closure of the Conservatory
elementary school students. The abrupt need meant the plants for the annual
to use technology has enriched our skills and Chrysanthemum exhibit were repurposed as an
6 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org
outdoor display on the Overlook by the Visitor I like the fact that before the pandemic, and it turned out to be a
Center. Conservatory manager Kathy Stevens, that the supervisors moving example of the ability of horticulture
with staff Cheryl Beagle and Lisa Sutherby, and other coworkers to surprise and uplift our spirits.
massed colorful chrysanthemums, salvias, communicate to us —Kathy Stevens, Conservatory Manager
marigolds and ornamental grasses into a about the different
stunning display, complete with selfie-stations changes during this Events are always
that became quite the popular destination with time. Being able to ever changing. To
our visitors. telework and work from home also helps. make events more
—Tate Green, Park Maintenance Leader COVID friendly we
As we move forward, we will continue to adapt have enhanced
our practices to new technologies and be Like many other cleaning measures
open to new ideas. What we learned in 2020 is public institutions, of all equipment and
that people are hungry for more: more plants, the pandemic has buildings and have limited capacity sizes. We
more flowers, more opportunities for learning, greatly altered the also came up with unique ways to “set the
more experiences based in the Garden. Isn’t way we work in the scene,” as in finding new layouts for tables and
that an exciting position to be in? Our job is to gardens. Temporarily chairs to make sure physical distancing is met.
make it happen. closing garden spaces, Wedding couples are also getting creative-
—Stephanie Oberle, Director staggering staff hours, improving signage, and using boxed meals instead of buffets to cut
cancelling large group projects has helped down on possible exposure and limit people
increase both staff and guest safety. It’s on site who don’t have to be there. They are
How have Brookside Gardens staff been particularly important to balance new also giving cute favors, such as personalized
members adjusted to the Covid crisis? methods for social distancing while still being masks and mini hand sanitizers. People are still
approachable to our guests, especially with the wanting to start their Happy Ever After, and we
During the COVID crisis peaked interest in home gardening. at Brookside are honored to help them achieve
I have adapted my work —Kelley Heim, Horticulturist 1 that dream — even if it is a little different than
routine by wearing a what they originally envisioned.
mask all the time and The conservatory —Jennifer Bland, Rentals Manager
keeping a safe distance unit did a great deal
from my co-workers. of creative problem The Volunteer Office
I also make sure that solving and branching has adjusted to the
I am sanitizing anything that I have used and out beyond the walls climate by connecting
washing my hands for safety. of the greenhouses this with all of our
—Servando Lopez, Lead Custodian year. With hope for the volunteers on a more
future that all gardeners have, the production regular basis. We have
This summer the gift growers started and cared for the autumn piloted a new newsletter
shop at Brookside chrysanthemum display crops all spring and that provides garden updates and ethnobotany
Gardens received a summer long. When it became evident that the stories about plants in the Gardens.
facelift. Our layout was conservatories would not re-open to visitors, I —Albert Arevalo, Volunteer &
redesigned to have a scouted the gardens for alternate sites for the Community Engagement Coordinator
single direction traffic display. The Aquatic Overlook at the Visitor
flow while promoting Center turned out to be the best possible
social distancing. At the register we only location, as it is big enough to hold all the
accept credit cards and installed plexiglass plants grown for both conservatories and it is a
conversation screens in order to limit sunny, flat, highly visible location. The display
contact. In-store shopping is limited to two drew visitors to it as the bees and pollinators
visitor groups at a time. This provides a more were drawn to the many marigold, salvia and
individual shopping experience. chrysanthemum flowers. It was a change made
—Kathy Caisse, Gift Shops Manager necessary to salvage the plans made long
BrooksideGardens.org 7
GARDEN NEWS
Thank You Donors!
The Montgomery Parks Foundation and the Friends of Brookside Gardens would like to thank TRIBUTE GIFTS Elizabeth Dize
all the generous donors to Brookside Gardens from June 1, 2020 to December 15, 2020. Your Eileen Doran-Smith
gifts have been invaluable in providing resources, programming and additional support to the In Memory of Tricia Crilley Elaine Dorsey
Gardens. To learn more about making a donation to support Brookside Gardens, please visit Wigmore Michael Dorsey
MontgomeryParksFoundation.org/donate-now/ or FriendsOfBrooksideGardens.org Canyon Kids Debbie Dosh
Standard Graphics Therese Draddy
Susan & Bruce Abbott Paul Eaton
GENERAL DONATIONS Roger & Ruth Lammert- C. Simon & D. Wolters Julia Aikman Cifuentes Anne Collins Findley
American Public Gardens Reeves Marcia Sloger Kelsey Anderson Hayden Fulmer
Association Robert & Frances Lawrence Kathleen Smith Tim Atkinson Kathy Fulmer
Ray & Jill Roark Angelo Foundation Joe Ann Stenstrom Mary Bailey Nanci Funfgeld
Pauline Apling Kai Lei Charles & Judith Sturtz Joanne Baker Megan Gaiser
Alexander Atzert Ethel Levine Steven Tretter Brian Baker John Gallagher
Brenda Baker Mary Levy Anne Turkos Liz Baldini Maureen Gannon
Josephine Bennett Bette Lewis Neil Urwitz Bridget Bauman Ted Geier
Karen Berry Wayne Little Barbara Waite-Jaques Ellen Benzine Francesca Gerrard
Robert Bertera Kira K. Lueders Mary Jane Weber Sarah Bernier Brendan Gilday
Bethesda Community Sherry Marshall Robert Weinstock Margaret Bilodeau Elizabeth Gilmore
Garden Club Stefanie Mathew Annelie Wilde & K.S. Nancy Borger Patrick Gittings
Heather Bierer Sharon McCombe Narayanan Anne Boyden Regina Gratton
Mark Bortz Susan McDermott Bertram C. Willis Catherine Browning Rosaleen Gray
Miriam Cameron Irene McDonald John Withers Chantal Buchanan Michael Greaney
Suzanne Carbone Alison Mchugh Julie Wright Chrissy Burke Eileen Griffiths
Carol Chaney Flynn McLean Ellen Young John Byer Tommy & Roseanna Haley
Gerald Cichy Daniel McNamara Rose Mary Zagami Holley & Ted Calvo Mary Hartley
Donald J. & Anita P. Cowan Timothy McNellis Michele Zemsky Kevin Carey JoAnne Haskett
Patricia Crane Philip Melzer Thomas D. Casey Colleen Hatcher
Jacqui Crocetta Douglass R. Miller HARRY T. DEWEY Andy & Sue Cassidy Jim Heneghan
Danelia O. Dashiell Lea Ann Moricle MEMORIAL GARDEN Mara Cassidy Christopher Higgins
Phoebe deReynier Cynthia Mumford Tom Comstock Piya Chandramani Cyndi Hoppler
Janice Derr Natalie Murray Brendan Collins Eileen Ugast Hudson
Cynthia Donaldson Bob and Sally Newcomb IN-KIND GIFTS Carin Collins Connor Hughes
Louise Dumars Phil Normandy American Camellia Society Susan & J.J. Coneys Ursula Iannone
Elaine Dynes Elizabeth Nuss Kevin & Sheila Conley Nathan Incognito
Lawrence Eldridge Joseph OConnell PROGRAM SUPPORT Dennis Conley Ann & Andy Irwin
Carol Farrar James Osteen Clare Conley Jeffrey Jobe
Lila Fendrick Landscape Louis Paley Children’s Day Anne & Tim Connolly Amanda Johnson
Architecture Terry Panarese Friends of Brookside Bruce Cotting Karen Kallmyer
Martha G. Franklin Steven Parker Gardens Jeanne Cowhey Alexandra Kane
Charles Goldman Thelma Pearson Margaret Crilley Thomas Kane
Aileen Goldman Helen & Robert Pechacek Lecture Series Michael Crilley Kevin W Keating
Sandra Graham Rita Posner Friends of Brookside Patrick Crilley Mary Sheila Keegan
Marea Grant Martin Postman Gardens Jim Crilley John Kehoe
Sandra Greer Nithya Raghavan & Peter Mary Crilley The Kelley-Portillo/Howard
Marsha Guenzler-Stevens Fitzgerald Garden of Lights Ed Crilley Family
Roma Gumbs Katherine Reichelt Silver Spring Garden Club Mary Ellen Crilley Joli & Paul Kemp
John Gunn Jeffrey Reiter Ellen Crilley Carey Kilcoyne-Keany
Nancy Hall Lisa Richter GreenScapes Symposium Kathleen Crilley Zach Klein
Richard & Freddi Richard Robbins Friends of Brookside Anne Cristaldi Sheila Kling
Hammerschlag Carol Romanowski Gardens Chris Cullen Jim Koczela
Donald Hill Margaret Ross Silver Spring Garden Club Patty Daniels Arthur Lafionatis
Guy House Arthur Roth Takoma Horticultural Club Varsha Datta Anthony Launi
Michael & Jennifer Janezic Jan Rothman David and Lynn Vismara Ann Davis Eileen Leboff
Una Jarboi Susan Schappert Craley Davis Katie Lewis
Naayanan Kesh Tanya Schmieler Seasonal Garden Staff Timothy Dec Joseph Lively
George Kroner Roger & Barbara Schwarz Friends of Brookside Peter Del Bianco Mimi López
Mary Lalley Tania Scinto Gardens Kathryn DeLoose Michael Lozupone
Eileen Lamb Lenore Shapiro Dennis Dempsey Paige Maberry
Gloria Sherman Gil DiGioia Ana Matan
continued on page 9
8 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org
Special Exhibition:
Middle Eastern American Artists in the Garden and Beyond
March 29 – April 25
Brookside Gardens is pleased to partner with the Middle Eastern American (MEA) Advisory Group
of the Office of Community Partnerships to co-sponsor the exhibition Middle Eastern American
Artists in the Garden and Beyond. Bridging MEA and other ethnic cultures in Montgomery County,
the exhibit will feature natural scenes, earthen colors, commemorate Earth Day and other related
themes. A virtual preview of the Exhibit Gallery will be available beginning Monday, March 1.
Viewers will meet six local artists and hear the stories behind the works they have chosen to exhibit.
A reception is planned for Sunday, April 11 to celebrate Earth Day and the unifying themes of art
and the natural environment, with opportunities to meet the artists and view their work in person.
Visit BrooksideGardens.org/art-in-the-garden/ for more information. See page 10 for listing under
Art Exhibits.
Sughra Hussainy
Thank You Donors!, continued from page 8
Maria Matan Tyler Phelps Timmy & Ashley Veith Corporation In Memory of Robert L.
Michael Mateljan Susan Phillips Fitzpatrick Patrick Waring Joyce S. Fischer Ingram
Stephanie May Theresa Potts Sarah White Royce Sherlock Lynda Eckard
Paul Mayhew Kathy Preston Katherine Wiggins
Colleen McCreanor Theresa Quine Gerald Wigmore In Memory of Jerry Seigel In Memory of Can
Tom McGloon Will Railey Kenny Wigmore Susan Canada Kerametli
Pat McGloon Sarah Rasmussen Sarah Wigmore Bikem Ozturk
Beth & Bill McGloon Michael Reap Robert Wigmore COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS
Benjamin McGrath Mary Lynn Reed Robert Wilker In Memory of Poppy Dylan
Debbie McKinney Sam & Eamonn Reilly Jill Wilker In Honor of Mary and Nakka
Zoe McLean Sara Reilly Ellen Witts Robert Aceituno Samantha Samuel-Nakka
Allen Meringolo Erin Reilly Helen & Gary Wolfe Anonymous
Joseph Meringolo Thomas Roginski Eileen Zimmerman In Memory of Jeanne E.
Susan Mikschl Nancy Ryan O’Connor Mouzetta Zumwalt In Memory of Patricia S. Reilly
Carlos Molina Charlotte Savarino Allen Andrea Reilly
Jane Moloney Dennis Scarff In Memory of Gretchen Myra Devese
Christy Mooney Caroline Shook Hays Angela Martin In Memory of Daniel
Lynn Muldoon Chuck & Sue Simpson Nicholas Hays Schneider
Delaney Muldoon Theresa Spencer In Honor of Nick Clements Veronica Ramaty
Michael Murphy Jan Stewart In Memory of Barbara Marx Megan DiNicola
John Murray Dennis Sullivan Michael Marx In Memory of Charlotte
Peggy & Roberto Nash Iraola Kathleen Sullivan In Memory of Lucille K. Luisa Webb
Lucy Neher Tao Tao In Memory of Edith & Foster Charwyn & Ileana Webb
Patrick O’Connor Juliana Taymans Samuel Meyers Lynne, Jill, & Lauren Foster Prospanica DC
Patrick O’Boyle Corrie, Raymond & Alice Howard & Pamela Gorin
Maureen O’Boyle Thompson In Memory of Dana Renée TRIBUTE BENCHES
John OConnor Robin & Steve Toomey In Memory of Aaslaug Goodin
Margaret Odonnell Aimee Trott “Aleen” Phillips Mary Goodin In Memory of Margie Bovier
Mary Oleary Ellen & David Ulf Katherine Rompf Anonymous
Billy OReilly Dana Vagnoni In Memory of Marilyn Ruth
Patricia Oreilly BJ Valencia In Memory/Honor of Julia Hinman
Katharine Page Barbara Vance Schecker Kathleen Hinman
Melissa Pflieger Tim & Teresa Veith Federal Deposit Insurance
BrooksideGardens.org 9
EVENTS
In accordance with safety protocols, Art Exhibits Plant Society Shows & Sales
registration limits are in place for on-site
Students of Glenallan Elementary School Washington Gardener Magazine
classes for safe physical distancing. CDC
Maryland Ecosystems Seed Exchange
approved face coverings will be required for
Virtual Exhibit: Saturday | April 3 | 12:30 – 4:00 pm
all indoor and outdoor program participants.
BrooksideGardens.org/art-in-the-garden
Many classes are available online, as noted
January 15 – March 1 Silver Spring Garden Club
in the listing. After registering, a link will
Garden Mart
be emailed to you 24 hours prior to the
Howard Clark | Photography Saturday | May 8 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
live webinar. Please ensure your Active
Fischer, Greigg & Shand | Watercolors
Montgomery account is updated with your
Rebecca Jackson | Oils National Capital Daylily Society
correct email address.
March 1 – March 28 Exhibit and Sale
All events are subject to change due to
Sunday | June 27
external factors.
Middle Eastern American Artists in the Show: 1:30 – 5:00 pm
Garden and Beyond Sale: 11:00 am – until supplies run out
Celebrate Earth Day with Montgomery Presented by The Middle Eastern American
County GreenFest Advisory Group of the Office of Community National Cactus & Succulent Society
Sponsored by Friends of Brookside Gardens Partnerships and Brookside Gardens Show and Sale
Saturday | April 24 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm March 29 – April 25 Saturday | August 7 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Free
Brookside Gardens is proud to combine
its annual Earth Day with GreenFest: one
Artists of the Atellier | Oil Paintings Spring & Summer
April 26 – May 23
of the premiere environmental festivals Conservatory Displays
in Montgomery County, Maryland. Join Nina Muys | Monoprint, Collagraphs, Pastels
Spring & Summer Conservatory Displays
Brookside Gardens to celebrate our planet Conservatory opening will follow Montgomery
The Pate’ Painters, Too | Mixed Media,
and learn ways to keep it healthy. This year, County and State Covid guidelines. We look
Watercolor, Acrylic
GreenFest will be held as a series of free forward to welcoming visitors back to the
May 24 – June 27
online events and is a chance for residents, Conservatory when it is safe to do so.
businesses, nonprofits and neighbors, to Please visit BrooksideGardens.org for updates
Botanica 2021: The Art & Science of
come together, share ideas and get involved. on opening.
Plants | Botanical Drawings & Paintings
GreenFest will showcase a series of free Presented by Brookside Gardens’ School
lectures by industry experts, an online non- of Botanical Art and Illustration and the
profit resource exchange and initiatives to Botanical Art Society of the National
reduce your carbon footprint. We’ll also Capital Region
feature children’s garden exploration activities June 28 – July 25
and games that can be safely enjoyed at home.
Glenn Kessler | Oils
DC Environmental Film Festival Lesley Riley | Monoprints
Brookside Gardens and the Montgomery Lou Ann Collins| Oil On Canvas
County GreenFest partners are proud to July 26 – August 22
join the DC Environmental Film Festival
to present a series of free documentary
screenings in April. These environmentally
themed films are offered as part of Earth
Day educational activities and lead up to
GreenFest, which is Montgomery County’s
largest environmental festival. Film selections
will be announced by March, and registrants
GLORIA TSENG FISCHER
will receive links to the films. Virtual panel
discussions will follow each film. For
more information about the documentary
screenings and GreenFest, please visit https://
montgomerycountygreenfest.org/
10 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.orgADULT PROGRAMS
surrounding them. RainScape projects can
Look for special FOBG program pricing on many adult classes for members of include rain gardens, conservation landscapes,
the Friends of Brookside Gardens, a nonprofit organization established to support the green roofs, and permeable pavements.
mission of the Gardens. For information about joining the Friends of Brookside Gardens, visit
www.FriendsofBrooksideGardens.org or call 301-962-1400 to request a brochure. The Montgomery County Department of
Environmental Protection offers a rebate
program for approved RainScape projects for
Look for the following symbols highlighting specific tracks designed to offer more in-depth
homeowners. This series will teach you how
educational opportunities:
to make your yard more sustainable so that
you can help improve the water quality of the
n Sustainable Horticulture – a focus on making our homes and gardens “greener.”
County waterways. To be eligible for rebate,
n Gardener’s Focus – for experienced gardeners who want to increase their knowledge through
participants must apply and be approved for
advanced cultivation and management techniques.
installation based on a submitted plan before
n Landscape Design – for those wishing to develop skills to compose beautiful and functional
projects are installed. These three sessions will
garden spaces through the artful juxtaposition of plants and hardscape elements.
lead you through the site assessment process,
selection of appropriate projects for your
property, and the physical and planting designs
Horticulture Classes and cohesiveness, in addition to formal
needed for planted projects. You will learn
and informal landscapes. The class will use
Registration required about the region’s native plants and how they
Brookside Gardens as a living field lab and
Note: All horticulture classes will be can be used in designs to help slow the flow of
review sustainable gardening practices with an
held online. After registering, a link will stormwater and improve your environment at
eye towards native plants.
be emailed to you 24 hours prior to the home.
Saturday | March 27 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
live webinar. Please ensure your Active
$12 | FOBG $10 | #107030
Montgomery account is updated with your n Session I: Rethinking your Yard:
correct email address. What type of RainScape makes sense
n How to Get Your Orchid to Rebloom
Saturday | April 3 | 10:00 – 11:30 am for you?
n Landscape Design I & II Saturday | March 6 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
$12 | FOBG $10 | #107031
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your $12 | FOBG $10 | # 107033
Jason Gedeik, Brookside Gardens Staff
existing garden or develop an entirely Montgomery County Department of
Have you been given an orchid and don’t know
new area, you’ll learn the fundamentals Environmental Protection
what to do with it? Proud that you haven’t
of landscape design to create functional, The first step to planning a RainScape project
killed it yet, but it hasn’t rebloomed in years?
enjoyable, and beautiful outdoor spaces. is to evaluate your site and determine what
This interactive workshop covers the specific
Jason Gedeik & Kelley Heim, Brookside project(s) are both possible and desirable. Do
“tricks” of getting your orchid to rebloom,
Gardens Staff you want to plant a new landscape, replace
including the proper light, water, temperature,
fertilizer, and potting media. Basics of pests & your driveway or harvest water? You’ll learn
Session I: This class will focus on practical all about the different types of RainScape
diseases will also be covered.
steps to approach the design process, projects and the benefits they can provide
including site analysis, creating a concept for your home and the environment. This
design, and determining the functional goals session will also outline the type of incentives
for your space. Learn the importance of Montgomery County offers for RainScapes
designing with the right plant for the right projects. This class is a recommended
place while leveraging layering, texture, and prerequisite to Sessions II and III.
color as important design tools.
Saturday | March 13 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm n Session II: Planning the Parameters of
$12 | FOBG $10 | #107029 Your RainScapes Project
Saturday | April 17 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Session II: Learn how to put theory from the n RainScape Your Yard: Sessions I, II, III $12 | FOBG $10 | # 107034
first session into practical application with A RainScape is a landscape or design technique Recommended prerequisite: Session I
plant combinations and lists that address that helps reduce stormwater runoff from Montgomery County Department of
site-specific challenges like sun vs. shade and individual properties. These watershed-friendly Environmental Protection
dry vs. wet conditions. We’ll review planting sites help reduce rainfall runoff and pollutants This session will focus on the steps needed
designs that exemplify balance, repetition, from entering our streams and the habitats to develop and submit a plan for your project
BrooksideGardens.org 11ADULT PROGRAMS
to the RainScapes Rewards rebate program, n Designing with Native Plants mowing, fertilizing, weeding, watering, re-
starting with siting and sizing your planted Saturday | May 8 | 10:00 – 11:30 am seeding, edging, and aerating not only eat
project. Learn how to look for places to soak $12 | FOBG $10 | #107038 up your resources but can be harsh on the
up water on your site, what projects fit where, James Dillon, horticulturalist and owner of environment. Lawns do not absorb water
and how big they need to be to manage the Native Havens run-off as well as planting beds, and many
water volume affecting your yard. Common Interested in learning how to incorporate chemicals used for lawn maintenance are toxic
challenges experienced with RainScape native plants into your garden designs? Curious to the nearby streambeds and the Chesapeake
projects will be outlined, including existing about the range of benefits your garden can Bay. Find out more about beautiful, hard-
trees, property boundaries and foundation provide to pollinators and wildlife? Join James working ground covers and the best kinds to
issues. as he offers practical strategies to create use for the mid-Atlantic region.
functioning ecosystems in your backyard by
n Session III: Plants & Landscape Design distilling the wisdom of industry leaders like n Testing the Limits: Adventures in
for RainScape Gardens Doug Tallamy and Piet Oudulf. Learn how Zone-Pushing
Saturday | May 22 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm to create a resilient garden with a layered Saturday | June 5 | 10:00 – 11:30 am
$12 | FOBG $10 | #107036 approach using plants selected for practical $12 | FOBG $10 | #107032
Recommended prerequisites: Session I & II and aesthetic traits. James will organize John Boggan, Smithsonian Botanist and author
Montgomery County Department of nearly 100 plants into functional categories of the DC Tropics blog
Environmental Protection helping you understand how to most You don’t have to live in the tropics to garden
This session is for participants who have effectively use native plants in your garden. with bold, exotic, and unusual plants. Many of
decided the type of planted RainScape project Comprehensive plant lists provided. the garden plants you might expect to see in
they want to install and are seeking help with southern zones love our long, hot, and humid
plant selection and design. You’ll learn the n Growing & Designing with Tropical mid-Atlantic summers, and some of them are
fundamentals of landscape design with native Plants to Energize Your Garden hardier than you think! This workshop will help
plants to create beautiful and effective outdoor Saturday | May 15 | 10:00 – 11:30 am you liven up your garden by incorporating new
spaces that support the environment while $12 | FOBG $10 | #107039 and rare plants in addition to staples like palms,
addressing stormwater runoff. Marianne Wilburn, garden columnist and bananas and elephant ears that are reliably
author of Tropical Plants and How to Love hardy for our region.
Small Trees (and Large Shrubs) for Urban Them
and Small Gardens If you’re searching for plants that will add n Common Garden Pests & Diseases
Saturday | April 10 | 10:00 – 11:30 am exciting accents to a hot and tired summer Saturday | June 19 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
$12 | FOBG $10 | #107037 garden, last right up through the first hard $12 | FOBG $10 | #107041
Kathy Jentz, Editor, Washington Gardener freeze, and make you look like a horticultural Carol Allen, Faculty Member, Plant Sciences
Magazine rock star, look no further than tropicals. Department, University of Maryland
Join Kathy as she explores the diverse range of Using five memorable categories and a host Pests and diseases can be a significant concern
small trees and large shrubs that perform well of landscape design tips, Marianne will focus for the home gardener who has worked hard
and look great in small urban and suburban on some spectacular examples that are easy at creating a beautiful landscape. Join Carol
lots. Tailored to the D.C. region and what to grow and much easier than you think to Allen as she examines common garden pest,
grows best here, the choices will cover natives, overwinter. disease and environmental issues. Learn
edibles, and ornamentals — from full sun to how to recognize the symptoms of plant
full shade conditions. These small trees and n Ground Covers: Great Alternatives to disease, the conditions that cause it, and when
large shrubs were chosen for their beauty, Turf Grass and how to apply remediation measures,
hardiness in the mid-Atlantic region, and Saturday | May 29 | 10:00 – 11:30 am including proper gardening practices, resistant
eventual size. This class will provide you with $12 | FOBG $10 | #107040 cultivars in addition to chemical and organic
a great selection of plants that can be used Kathy Jentz, Editor, Washington Gardener methods. Understand how to distinguish
as interesting focal points in your garden. Magazine between harmful and beneficial insects while
Whether you have a postage-stamp sized Ground covers are low-growing plants exploring pest life cycles, plus applications of
rowhouse lot or a yard with a bit of room for that serve many different purposes in the natural, biological and chemical controls as
new plants, these specimens will make a great landscape, from limiting weed growth to elements of an integrated pest management
addition to your garden. For every situation, stabilizing slopes to adding texture to your program.
there is a tree or shrub that is a perfect fit. Even garden. Maintaining a lawn of turf grass
if you only have a few pots to plant in, a tree or is one of the most expensive and time-
shrub can add value to your garden. consuming uses for your land. Constant
12 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.orgGarden Tours 100 different types of roses with our resident Speaker Series
rosarian, Roger Haynes, as he leads this
Registration required for all tours. Participants Sponsored by Friends of Brookside Gardens
popular tour. Thinking about adding roses to
are required to wear CDC approved face Programs free, but registration required
your own garden? Roger will offer advice on
coverings during all workshops. Each year Brookside Gardens welcomes
the best types that grow well in a variety of
nationally and internationally known
garden settings including proper planting
Behind-the-Scenes Greenhouse Tour horticulturists, designers, botanists, and
and care.
Wednesday | April 28 | 10:00 – 11:15 am authors to explore a wide range of topics. Note
$10 | FOBG $8 | #107025 that all lectures will be offered as live online
or Hands-on Workshops webinars with audience Q&A throughout the
Saturday | May 1 | 2:00 – 3:15 pm Registration required. Participants are presentations.
$10 | FOBG $8 | #107026 required to wear CDC approved face
Address and parking logistics will be sent coverings during all workshops. America’s Diverse Garden Climates…
after registration. from Seattle to St. Augustine and Mt.
Nate Roehrich, Greenhouse Manager Introduction to Plant Propagation: Desert Island to the Mojave Desert
This offering provides the public with a Houseplants & Summer Annuals Saturday | March 20 | 10:00 – 11:30 am
behind-the-scenes tour of Brookside Gardens’ Saturday | May 1 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm FREE | #107022
greenhouse facility. Opened in 2018, the $35 | FOBG $31 | #107042 Karl Gercens, Conservatory Manager,
greenhouse consists of four growing areas Brookside Gardens Production Greenhouse Longwood Gardens
totaling 10,000 square feet under glass. Learn Greenhouse address will be emailed 24 Crisscrossing our continent like the
about the state-of-the-art technology and hours prior to the workshop. multicolored fabric of the population that we
how it enables the greenhouse staff to grow a Nate Roehrich, Greenhouse Manager are, Karl Gercens has explored the gardens of
variety of beautiful plants year-round. Explore Learn the various forms of plant propagation familiar eastern climes all the way to the dry
the thousands of plants being grown for the in our new state-of-the-art greenhouse landscapes of the far-West with a little bit of
garden displays including the summer annuals. facilities. You’ll discover how to produce your everything in between! We won’t be able to
own plants inexpensively and easily from touch on all 50 States as Karl has, but an eye-
Azalea & Rhododendron Tour start to finish with this hands-on workshop. popping sampling of the extremes will help
Tuesday | May 4 | 10:00 – 11:30 am We’ll review the best techniques and plants to us understand what challenges our neighbors
$10 | FOBG $8 | #107027 propagate from cuttings to get a head start on overcome as well as give us inspiration for
Or your summer gardening. The class will focus our local landscapes. Color, texture, contrast
Tuesday | May 4 | 1:00 – 2:30 pm on propagating a variety of houseplants and and whimsy are design elements that connect
$10 | FOBG $8 | #107028 summer annuals. Participants will take a few us together like the gardening passion we all
Meet outside the Visitor Center Entrance potted cuttings from the greenhouse to grow share. You’ll see plants with purpose, design
Brookside Gardens Staff at home. that deals with challenges and art that amazes
Join us for a walking tour of Brookside in this visual feast of a presentation.
Gardens’ late spring blooming shrubs and
deciduous plants. Explore our colorful
collection of azaleas and rhododendrons while
learning how to incorporate them into your
own home garden.
Rose Garden Tour
Thursday | June 3 | 10:00 – 11:00 am
$10 | FOBG $8 |#107800
or
Thursday | June 3 | 1:30 – 2:30pm
$10 | FOBG $8 |#107801
Meet by the fountain in the Rose Garden
Roger Haynes, Brookside Gardens Staff
Brookside Gardens is known for its summer
rose garden that provides a radiant profusion
of color and fragrance. Explore more than
BrooksideGardens.org 13ADULT PROGRAMS
How Climate Change is Affecting Our our society when we advocate for the equality
Temperate Eastern Forests and freedom of a silent majority? Through
Saturday | June 12 | 10:00 – 11:30 am ecology, psychology, landscape design,
FREE | #107023 horticulture, philosophy, social science, and
Angelica Patterson, Master Science Educator, more than 100 inspiring images, we’ll explore
Black Rock Forest the rich complexity of rethinking pretty and
As we face global historical declines in what a garden means in the Anthropocene.
large-scale agriculture, timber harvesting
and wildfires, the northeastern US forests About Benjamin Vogt
are becoming one of the fastest growing Benjamin Vogt owns Monarch Gardens, a
sources for removing carbon dioxide from our prairie-inspired design firm, and is the author
atmosphere. However, increasing temperatures of A New Garden Ethic: Cultivating Defiant
are leading to tree migration and altering Compassion for an Uncertain Future. His
the makeup of our forests. In this lecture, writing and photography have appeared in
you’ll learn how global warming is creating such publications as The American Gardener,
a disadvantage for our native trees and Garden Design, and Orion. Over the course
negatively affecting the ability of northeastern of five years he wrote an award-winning
forests to store carbon and ultimately protect column on the website Houzz with more than
us from climate change. 3 million readers. Benjamin has a PhD from the
University of Nebraska and lives in Lincoln with
About Angelica Patterson his wife and son.
Angelica Patterson is the Master Science
Educator at Black Rock Forest. She received Health and Wellness
her B.S. degree in Natural Resources from
Registration required. Participants are
Cornell University and her M.A. and M.Phil.
required to wear CDC approved face
degrees from Columbia University, where she
coverings during all programs.
is currently completing her doctoral degree
in plant ecophysiology. Patterson is a strong
There is something infinitely healing in the
advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion
repeated refrains of nature—the assurance
in the environmental sciences and has served
that dawn comes after night, and spring after
on various committees and working groups.
winter. —Rachel Carson
She has served as a speaker at several US
universities, environmental organizations,
Shinrin-yoku: The Art of Forest Bathing
and K-12 institutions, and has recently been
Wednesday | April 21 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
profiled in The Guardian, The Forestry Source,
$30 | FOBG $27 | #107043
and by the National Environmental Education
OR
Foundation.
Saturday | April 24 | 9:30 – 11:30 am
$30 | FOBG $27 | #107044
A New Garden Ethic OR
Saturday | July 10 | 10:00 – 11:30 am
Saturday | June 12 | 9:30 – 11:30 am
FREE | #107024
$30 | FOBG $27 | #107045
Benjamin Vogt, Author & Owner,
OR
Monarch Gardens
Saturday | June 19 | 9:30 – 11:30 am
In a time of mass extinction and climate
$30 | FOBG $27 | #107046
change, how and for whom we garden
Meet at the Visitor Center Entrance
matters more than ever. Our built landscapes
Ana Ka’ahanui, certified Forest Therapy Guide
reflect social ethics and values that guide our
During the April sessions you’ll be led on a
response to reviving wildness in and outside
forest bathing walk through the springtime
the urban environment. How can we recognize
blossoms and leafing trees at Brookside
and develop compassion for other species?
Gardens. Experience the incomparable beauty
What role do native plants play in opening us
of the springtime ephemerals as you stroll the
to the perspective of others? What happens to
14 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.orggrounds at a slow pace, stopping to smell the Saturday | July 31 | #107076 Spring Ephemerals with
flowers, hear the birds, and ponder the many Saturday | August 7 | #107077 Colored Pencil & Watercolor
small miracles of spring unfolding. Participants Saturday | August 14 | #107078 Saturdays | March 20, 27 & April 3
in the June sessions will be stimulated by the 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
vivid colors and rich fragrances of summer Tai Chi at Brookside Gardens $195| FOBG $176 | #107020
annuals and perennials including lush blooms $12 | FOBG $10 | 9:00 – 10:15 am Prerequisite: Intermediate courses in
in the Rose Garden. Japanese Tea House botanical art & illustration
Charles Votaw Level: Intermediate to advanced
Full Moon Walk Note: No walk-ins accepted. Class size limited Wendy Hollender
Monday | April 26 | 8:00 – 9:30 pm to 12 people. The dramatic interplay of light and dark
$22 | FOBG $20 | #107047 Tai Chi is an ancient, Chinese form of exercise on spring ephemerals is quite enchanting
OR perfect for adults seeking stress reduction yet can often be challenging to draw. Join
Wednesday | May 26 | 8:30 – 10:00 pm while strengthening muscles, improving Wendy to learn the techniques outlined in
$22 | FOBG $20 | #107048 balance, and increasing flexibility. The her new book The Joy of Botanical Drawing,
Meet at Visitor Center entrance repetitive patterns (Forms) emphasize slow, including how to use a grisaille method
Brookside Gardens Staff flowing motions and controlled movements. for creating undertones in a neutral color
Explore Brookside Gardens in a whole new This series of introductory classes will help allowing for three-dimensional accurate
way - by moon light! We’ll walk as a group beginners learn the Forms while allowing drawing and clear structure of plants. Students
along moonlit gardens, streams, and woods regular practitioners to practice them under will explore layering techniques that utilize
discovering seasonal garden highlights and the cover of Brookside Gardens’ pondside watercolor pencil washes in combination
friendly nighttime wildlife. Please wear sturdy Japanese Tea House. with dry colored pencils creating a painting
shoes and comfortable clothes, as we will Wednesday | May 5 | #107079 that has realistic vibrant color and rich depth.
cover some hilly and uneven terrain – not your Wednesday | May 12 | #107080 Colored pencils allow for more control in
typical garden tour! Wednesday | May 19 | #107081 adding details. Embossing tools will be used
Wednesday | May 26 | #107082 to add fine lines, pattern details and subtle
Yoga at Brookside Gardens Wednesday | June 2 | #107083 veining. This method delivers quicker results
$12 | FOBG $10 | 9:30 – 10:30am Wednesday | June 9 | #107084 than traditional watercolor or color pencil
Brookside Gardens Visitor Center Lawn Wednesday | June 16 | #107085 techniques, and since the materials used are
Tanory Ateek Wednesday | June 23 | #107086 quite portable, it allows the artist to work in the
Note: No walk-ins will be accepted. Class size Wednesday | June 30 | #107087 field or in a variety of settings.
limited to 25 people. Wednesday | July 7 | #107088
In-person yoga at Brookside Gardens is back! Wednesday | July 14 | #107089 Advanced Techniques with
Come enjoy one or all 16 sessions of yoga Wednesday | July 21 | #107090 New Graphite Media
held in a peaceful setting in an open field at Wednesday | July 28 | #107091 Saturdays | June 5, 12, 19| 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
the edge of a forest behind the Visitor Center. $210| FOBG $189 | #107021
Designed to increase flexibility and physical School of Botanical Art & Prerequisite: Intermediate courses in
strength and to cultivate mental focus, these botanical art & illustration
classes are a beautiful and relaxing way to
Illustration Level: Intermediate to advanced
Note: All botanical art courses will be taught
begin your weekend. Mats are not included. Deborah Shaw
online using Zoom, a free online application.
Saturday | May 1 | #107063 Note: Fee includes specialized art supplies
Students will need access to a computer that
Saturday | May 8 | #107064 that will be mailed to you prior to class.
has a built-in camera or a smart phone.
Saturday | May 15 | #107065
Saturday | May 22 | #107066 Delight in the fruits, leaves and flowers of
The instructors will use a combination of live
Saturday | May 29 | #107067 summer while expanding your repertoire
demonstrations and short pre-recorded videos
Saturday | June 5 | #107068 of graphite techniques! This workshop will
during the online workshops to demonstrate
Saturday | June 12 | #107069 explore application with traditional pencils,
techniques and review concepts. Students will
Saturday | June 19 | #107070 as well as new graphite media, including
be able to work on their assignment during
Saturday | June 26 | #107071 water-soluble graphite, graphite dust, and
the week between each session. During each
Saturday | July 3 | #107072 more. Create deep ranges of tonal values;
three-hour session students will have the
Saturday | July 10 | #107073 white or light veins and details on dark petals
opportunity to ask questions and submit their
Saturday | July 17 | #107074 and leaves; large, smooth, even tones; and
artwork via email or share it live during the
Saturday | July 24 | #107075 detailed textures.
class for review by the instructor.
BrooksideGardens.org 15CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Children & Families St. Patrick’s Day…WEEK! Green and
In accordance with safety protocols, Growing Scavenger Hunt
registration limits are in place for on-site Monday – Friday | March 15 – 19 | 10:00 am
classes and walk-ins will not be accepted in – 2:00 pm
order to maintain safe physical distancing. $10 | Ages 2-6 | #105348
CDC approved face coverings will be You don’t have to be Irish to like the color
required for all indoor and outdoor program green! Celebrate this week with a self-guided
participants. All events are subject to change scavenger hunt looking for shamrocks and
due to external factors. clues that the Leprechaun has left for you!
Registrants pick up a map at the Visitor Center
Children’s Garden Monday- Friday, March 15 – 19, any time
Explore Maryland! between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Follow the
Experience a unique mini-Maryland in our suggested walking trail, discovering shamrock
children’s garden, Explore Maryland! From the signs and clues along the way. Clues will lead
mountains to the ocean, Explore Maryland! you on a nice walk, prompting kids to use their
is an opportunity for children to explore a senses and eyes to find something special in
beautiful garden, pretend among mountain the garden. Complete the tasks and trail map,
boulders, play in an old farm house, cook finishing near the Visitor Center to find a pot of
in a play kitchen, boat in the sea, and gain Gold and a treasure!
knowledge about Maryland’s natural history,
flora and fauna. Search for and learn about the
state’s iconic symbols and what they stand for!
Flower Buds Preschool Classes
$7 per child (adult free) | Ages 3 – 5
All classes held from 10:30 – 11:30 am
Meet at the Outdoor Classroom (in the Outdoor Learning
Children’s Garden area) Opportunities
Flower Buds is returning to the gardens after
being virtual last season! Meeting the second
Monday of every month, this series will feature While visiting take advantage of these
gardening activities, stories, crafts and garden learning opportunities throughout
walks. We will meet in the Outdoor Classroom, the seasons. Download an Outdoor
weather permitting. Maintaining safe social Learning Opportunity garden guide from
distance, enjoy an interactive story time BrooksideGardens.org
followed by a craft and garden exploration.
March & April — Spring Flowers,
Adults must accompany children. Cancelled in
Modified Stems and other Plant
the event of inclement weather.
Adaptations —
Spring is in The Air
Can you find them in the Gardens?
Monday | March 8 | #105220
May & June — Flowers & Pollinator
Earth Day is Everyday
Plant Friends — Share with your friends
Monday | April 12 | #105221
the importance of pollinators — see how
Seeds and Flowers many you can find in the Gardens.
Monday | May 10 | #105222
July & August — Fruits, Vegetables,
Beautiful Butterflies Herbs and Spices — Is a green bean
Monday | June 14 | #105231 a fruit or vegetable? Come see the
differences between these plant
Where’s the Beach
categories and discover some unusual
Monday | July 12 | #105236
plants and fun facts!
Summer Sunflowers
Monday | August 9 | #105237
16 Register at ActiveMONTGOMERY.orgIt’s National Pollinator Week! June 21- 25 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
This will be the fourteenth consecutive year of bringing awareness to the critically important
Spring Yoga Sprouts! issue of pollinator conservation since the federal Pollinator Partnership (P2) was founded
$7 per person | Ages 3 and up in 2007. Stop by our Plant Exploration Station to learn more about pollinators and their
All classes held from 10:30 – 11:10 am importance. You can vote for your favorite pollinator, plant a seed, and enrich your garden visit
Meet in South Terrace with a fun pollinator scavenger hunt. Look for the Plant Exploration Station behind the Visitor
William Drew Center. Cancelled in the event of inclement weather.
Embrace the beautiful setting of Brookside
Gardens with your young toddler, child and Extended Care Farms, Food, Fun and Sun
family members. This series of fun, garden- June 21 – 25 | 3:30 – 5:30 pm July 19 – 23| 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
related yoga movements, physical exercises $80 | #105340 $315 | Ages 6-11 | #105345
and mindfulness will awaken your senses, Give your child a taste of the simpler,
boost your energy, and fill you with good Garden Architects and Inventors more natural (and delicious) time with this
garden vibes to start your day! Classes are June 28 – July 2 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm camp. We’ll visit working farms, a farmer’s
planned to be held outdoors and socially $300| Ages 6-11 | #105341 market, take a cooking class, and plant our
distanced. Cancelled in the event of inclement Plan, build and invent structures or homes own container herb garden to take home.
weather. Bring your own mat or borrow one of for garden wildlife and critters. Use natural Bonus: We’ll tour the Herr’s snack factory in
ours! Register all participants. materials, garden items, and wood kits to Nottingham, Pennsylvania to see how potatoes
Saturday | April 10 | #105246 create fun and imaginative habitat homes, become chips!
Saturday | April 17 | #105251 including a toad abode, wildlife hotel, Extended Care
Saturday | April 24 | #105287 birdhouse or fairy house that you can take July 19 – 23| 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Saturday | May 1 | #105288 home! Every day we will explore Brookside $80 | #105346
Saturday | May 8 | #105289 Gardens’ many beautiful habitats, discover
Saturday | May 15 | #105290 plants and animals, plus play fun games. Bring Botanical Art Camp
Saturday | May 22 | #105291 your excitement and enthusiasm! July 26 – 30| 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
Extended Care $185 | Ages 6-11 | #105347
Summer Camps June 28 – July 2 | 3:30 – 5:30 pm Join artist Rita Pazelli for this week of super
Magical Plants and Mythical Creatures $80 | #105342 fun young artist creativity. Experience nature
June 21 – 25 | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm and the Gardens in your own creative way.
$300 | Ages 6-11 | #105339 Garden Eco Explorers Camp Campers will learn different techniques of
Be amazed and mesmerized! Use your July 12 – 16 | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm observation and fieldwork. Collect and make
imagination and creativity designing a garden $315 | Ages 6-11 | #105343 pressed plant specimens, then sketch, draw
for your favorite mythical creature – possibly Join ecologist Stacy Small-Lorenz in a fun- and paint what you’ve found. Sketchbook,
a gnome, fairy, unicorn, dragon or troll! Learn filled camp exploring ecology throughout the media choices, and matting for one piece
about fascinating bug-eating plants and take Gardens. Through stories, songs, walks, and of artwork included.
home your own carnivorous plant terrarium. nature discovery, learn about garden science, Extended Care
We will also visit the United States Botanic ecology, plants and critters! Explore different July 26 – 30 | 12:30 – 3:30 pm
Garden to explore interesting plant habitats. habitats, conduct science experiments, and $115 | #108548
Meet new friends and play fun garden games! gain an appreciation for Citizen Science. This extra long care will include lots of fun
Extended Care activities, including games, free time, garden
July 12 – 16 | 3:30 – 5:30 pm crafts and garden exploration.
$80 | #105344
Youth Groups and Families
Spring Seasonal Story Walk
March 26 – June 1
Spring fever is here! While you are enjoying
the beauty of the new season, check out our
story book walk! The ½ mile, self-guided
walk will lead you around the Gude Garden.
At each stop find a story book page and
a prompt to find a seasonal item. Along
the way see how literature can boost your
outdoor experience. An adult must walk
with each child and assist in the activities.
BrooksideGardens.org 17You can also read
