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Lauritzen Gardens - Omaha's Botanical Center
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Programs for Adults
Botanical Book Club: The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
FOUR SESSIONS- The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova Bailey. Meets January 8 and 22 and February 5 and 19. $45, $35 for garden members.

Sunday, January 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Pressed and Framed Flora with Holly Lukasiewicz
This pressed flower workshop will introduce participants to the art and science of preserving botanical elements through flattening and drying techniques. Attendees will learn different pressing methods, explore composition strategies, and leave with a nature-inspired keepsake, framed and mounted on handmade paper. Pre-registration is required. $65, $55 for garden members.

Thursday, January 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Sound Bathing with Shrader Healing
Join Ellie and Matthew Shrader for an evening of sound bathing, a meditative experience where attendees are "bathed" in sound waves. These waves are produced by a variety of means, including healing instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, percussion, chimes, , shruti boxes, and more. Participants report feeling more relaxed, with improved sleep and overall sense of wellbeing. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Thursday, January 23 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.		   
Basics of Watercolor Painting
Explore the world of watercolor with Sydney Sehi, and learn basic techniques to create beautiful and colorful works of art. This course will focus on the fundamentals of watercolor painting, including techniques, materials, tools, color, value, and rendering in watercolor. No experience is necessary! All supplies are provided. $55, $45 for garden members. Preregistration is required.

Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m. to noon		   
Phone Photography 2 Workshop
In this class, we will go beyond simply how to take photos and take a deep dive into editing and ways to take your phone photos to the next level! You will learn the tips and tricks of how to create artistic images both before and AFTER you take a photo. You will leave this class with an understanding of how to use the editing tools on your phone for truly stunning images, how to keep your photos organized, and more. Pre-requisite: Phone Photography 1. $30, $25 for garden members.

Saturday, January 25 from noon to 4 p.m.		   
Needle Felting: Daisy Heart
Join Rhonda Berman of Zipply Art to create an art piece adding a new twist to needle felting. In each class, students will learn also how to prepare a zipper, apply a pattern, embellishment tips and finishing options. $40, $30 for garden members.

Saturday, January 25 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Phone Photography Workshop
They say the best camera is the one in your hand– your phone! In this class you will learn how to take beautiful pictures with your smartphone. Led by Michele Zephier, you will learn how to focus, compose, and expose images correctly. You will learn about the different adjustment options, how to use filters, and how to take fun, creative images with fresh perspectives. $30, $25 for garden members.

Saturday, January 25 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.		   
Intro to DSLR Camera Photography
In this class, you will learn the basic things you need to know to be able to use your digital camera correctly. You will learn about the various photographic modes, how to select manual and autofocus modes, how to format your memory card, how to select various image qualities, and practice creating your first beautiful images with your camera. Pre-registration is required. $30, $25 for garden members.

Wednesday, January 29 and Thursday, January 30 from 6 to 8 p.m.		   
Botanical Illustration: Botanical Color Wheel
TWO SESSIONS. Meets January 29 and 30. Have fun mixing botanical colors with colored pencils. Learn to blend and layer colors to achieve vibrant and realistic colors. This class will focus on mixing skills and making color wheels. All materials will be provided during the class. Students may bring additional, preferred items to class.

Wednesday, January 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Reflective Potting with Guided Meditation
As we experience the winter season, we invite you to explore a different approach to potting, making it a reflective practice using simple mindfulness techniques. This practice will create the opportunity for meaningful insights as you pot a new plant to take home. Each class will offer a different species of plant. Guided by Kathy Reiken-Gutshall. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Friday, January 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Charcuterie
Welcome to Boarding School! Join Sandy Vacanti of Artisan Boards of Omaha for a charcuterie class, where you'll learn how to create and design your own board to take home (one board per 2 registered people). A custom board will be provided to sample from during the event. $100, $85 for garden members (2 people per registration).

Saturday, February 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.		   
Basket Weaving: Shamrock/Irish Blessing
Basket weaving is an ancient art form that uses botanical materials to create functional pieces that you can enjoy for years to come. This month, join Jeannie Sisson to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and create your own woven basket (9” long x 5” wide and 5” tall, not including the handle) adorned with a metal sharmrock! A great basket for beginners. $55, $45 for garden members.

Sunday, February 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. 		  
Build Your Own Moss Terrarium Workshop
Bring a little nature into your life and tap into your creativity by making a moss terrarium with Moss Hunters. They hand pick all of our own moss, shells, and rocks for our terrariums, and instruct you how to make them too! They provide all the materials needed, just bring yourself and any friends that are ready to learn and have a good time while doing it! $55, $45 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Thursday, February 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.		   
Botanical Birch Painting with Ariel Shearer
In this wintry workshop, participants will be using various painting techniques like tape resistant painting, salt painting, and other techniques to create a beautiful winter birch tree scene. All levels of painters are welcome and all supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required. $35, $25 for garden members.

Sunday, February 9 from 9 to 11 a.m.		   
Candle Making Workshop with Telle & Resa Candle Co.
Join us for a fun and easy candle-making workshop to make and customize your own 10 oz. soy candle. Includes all natural ingredients and the materials needed to create a candle perfect for any space. Pre-registration is required. $50, $40 for garden member.

Sunday, February 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Dried Flower Design: Locally-grown Flowers
As Valentine's Day approaches, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the creation of a dried bouquet of locally-grown flowers to gift to yourself or someone you love. All supplies are sustainably gathered and support the growing efforts of local farmers. Pre-registration is required. $65, $55 for garden members.

February 13, 2025 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 		  
Couple's Terrarium Workshop with Nodest Plants
It's a different kind of date night! Come and enjoy the art of terrarium building with a partner and take home a beautiful terrarium. Each registration is for two people to build one terrarium. Pre-registration is required. $60, $50 for garden members.

Thursday, February 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Sound Bathing with Shrader Healing
Join Ellie and Matthew Shrader for an evening of sound bathing, a meditative experience where attendees are "bathed" in sound waves. These waves are produced by a variety of means, including healing instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, percussion, chimes, , shruti boxes, and more. Participants report feeling more relaxed, with improved sleep and overall sense of wellbeing. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Friday, February 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Charcuterie
Welcome to Boarding School! Join Sandy Vacanti of Artisan Boards of Omaha for a charcuterie class, where you'll learn how to create and design your own board to take home (one board per 2 registered people). A custom board will be provided to sample from during the event. $100, $85 for garden members (2 people per registration).

Saturday, February 22 from 10 a.m. to noon		   
Phone Photography Workshop
They say the best camera is the one in your hand– your phone! In this class you will learn how to take beautiful pictures with your smartphone. Led by Michele Zephier, you will learn how to focus, compose, and expose images correctly. You will learn about the different adjustment options, how to use filters, and how to take fun, creative images with fresh perspectives. $30, $25 for garden members.

Saturday, February 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Phone Photography 2 Workshop
In this class, we will go beyond simply how to take photos and take a deep dive into editing and ways to take your phone photos to the next level! You will learn the tips and tricks of how to create artistic images both before and AFTER you take a photo. You will leave this class with an understanding of how to use the editing tools on your phone for truly stunning images, how to keep your photos organized, and more. Pre-requisite: Phone Photography 1. $30, $25 for garden members.
Beginner Photo Editing Workshop
In this class you will learn the basics of editing photographic images using Adobe Lightroom. This class is for DSLR/Mirrorless/Phone camera images using JPEG files. Learn the process from uploading to printing and explore various editing tools. Pre-registration is required. $30, $25 for garden members.

Wednesday, February 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Reflective Potting with Guided Meditation
As we experience the winter season, we invite you to explore a different approach to potting, making it a reflective practice using simple mindfulness techniques. This practice will create the opportunity for meaningful insights as you pot a new plant to take home. Each class will offer a different species of plant. Guided by Kathy Reiken-Gutshall. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Sunday, March 2 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Build Your Own Moss Terrarium Workshop
Bring a little nature into your life and tap into your creativity by making a moss terrarium with Moss Hunters. They hand pick all of our own moss, shells, and rocks for our terrariums, and instruct you how to make them too! They provide all the materials needed, just bring yourself and any friends that are ready to learn and have a good time while doing it! $55, $45 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Thursday, March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.		   
Botanical Birch Painting with Ariel Shearer
In this workshop, participants will be using various painting techniques like tape resistant painting, salt painting, and other techniques to create a beautiful winter birch tree scene. All levels of painters are welcome and all supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required. $35, $25 for garden members.

Sunday, March 9 from 9 to 11 a.m.		   
Candle Making Workshop with Telle & Resa Candle Co.
Candle Making Workshop with Telle & Resa Candle Co. Join us for a fun and easy candle-making workshop to make and customize your own 10 oz. soy candle. Includes all natural ingredients and the materials needed to create a candle perfect for any space. Pre-registration is required. $50, $40 for garden member.

Sunday, March 9 from 2 to 4 p.m.		   
Indigo Fabric Dyeing with Ashton Page
In this class we will look at the history of blue dyes in human culture as well as the methods of creating an indigo vat through a fermentation process - think sourdough, kefir, or kombucha. We will also look at the Japanese mark making process called shibori to create our own pieces of unique cloth artwork. $60, $50 for garden members.

Wednesday, March 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Reflective Potting with Guided Meditation
As we enter the spring season, we invite you to explore a different approach to potting, making it a reflective practice using simple mindfulness techniques. This practice will create the opportunity for meaningful insights as you pot a new plant to take home. Each class will offer a different species of plant. Guided by Kathy Reiken-Gutshall. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Friday, March 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Charcuterie
Welcome to Boarding School! Join Sandy Vacanti of Artisan Boards of Omaha for a charcuterie class, where you'll learn how to create and design your own board to take home (one board per 2 registered people). A custom board will be provided to sample from during the event. $100, $85 for garden members (2 people per registration).

Saturday, March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.		   
Basket Weaving: Spring Market
Basket weaving is an ancient art form that uses botanical materials to create functional pieces that you can enjoy for years to come. This month, join Jeannie Sisson to create your own woven basket using purple and light green reed with natural reed sprinkled in (8” long x 5” tall, not including the handle. The circumference will be about 31"). $55, $45 for garden members.

Saturday, March 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Intro to Poetry Workshop: How Form Affects Our Poetry
This class will explain form and free verse poetry, explore ways of structuring poetry to affect the voice in your poetry, and show ways of playing with free verse to emphasize and change how a poem is read. Everyone is welcome, whether you are new to poetry or have been writing for years. $20, $15 for garden members.

Sunday, March 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
DIY Flower Press: Create and Design with Holly Lukasiewicz
This hands-on class will guide you through the process of building your own flower press. You will then personalize the top surface of your press with a decoupage pressed flower design. Pre-registration is required. $75, $65 for garden members.
Botanical Design: Pot of Gold
Join instructor Karen Vice for a botanical design workshop and learn basic floral design skills that can be used to create all types of arrangements. This month's class gives participants the chance to create their very own “end-of-the-rainbow” masterpiece! Design a stunning floral arrangement with a color palette that radiates golden treasures. Pre-registration is required one week before the workshop. $65, $55 for garden members.

Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19, 2025		   
Sandhill Crane Migration Tour
Journey along the Platte River Valley and experience hundreds of thousands of beautiful Sandhill cranes in their majestic migration. This is a must-see tour where you will enjoy one of nature’s treasures, and is also a great chance for unique birding and photography opportunities.

Thursday, March 20 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Sound Bathing with Shrader Healing
Join Ellie and Matthew Shrader for an evening of sound bathing, a meditative experience where attendees are "bathed" in sound waves. These waves are produced by a variety of means, including healing instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, percussion, chimes, , shruti boxes, and more. Participants report feeling more relaxed, with improved sleep and overall sense of wellbeing. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Saturday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon		   
Phone Photography Workshop
They say the best camera is the one in your hand– your phone! In this class you will learn how to take beautiful pictures with your smartphone. Led by Michele Zephier, you will learn how to focus, compose, and expose images correctly. You will learn about the different adjustment options, how to use filters, and how to take fun, creative images with fresh perspectives. $30, $25 for garden members.

Saturday, March 29 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Phone Photography 2 Workshop
In this class, we will go beyond simply how to take photos and take a deep dive into editing and ways to take your phone photos to the next level! You will learn the tips and tricks of how to create artistic images both before and AFTER you take a photo. You will leave this class with an understanding of how to use the editing tools on your phone for truly stunning images, how to keep your photos organized, and more. Pre-requisite: Phone Photography 1. $30, $25 for garden members.
Street and Candid Photography Workshop
Street or candid photography is a photographic practice of shooting people in everyday life in everyday environments. Learn how to frame, time the shot, and create beautiful photos in public, in your home, in the garden, and while on the go! Pre-registration is required. $30, $25 for garden members.

Monday, March 31 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Botanical Design: Succulent Dish Garden
Join instructor Karen Vice for a botanical design workshop and learn basic floral design skills that can be used to create all types of arrangements. This month's class gives participants the chance to create a stunning succulent garden with expert guidance and premium supplies. Each designer-selected container is thoughtfully curated to showcase dimension, color, and texture—guaranteed to impress! Pre-registration is required one week before the workshop. $65, $55 for garden members.

Tuesday, April 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Botanical Design: Indoor Plant Dish Garden
Enhance your indoor plant collection with a beautifully designed dish garden featuring a variety of lush green plants. Each plant is carefully chosen by Karen Vice for its unique beauty and character, creating a vibrant and captivating display. Pre-registration is required. $65, $55 for garden members.

Saturday, April 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.		   
Basket Weaving: Berry Basket
Basket weaving is an ancient art form that uses botanical materials to create functional pieces that you can enjoy for years to come. This month, join Jeannie Sisson to create your own berry basket, a medium-sized basket woven in a natural reed. The wire handle will be your choice of blueberry, raspberry, or natural reed. The bottom of this basket is woven with round reed and measures 7” wide. The top of the basket before the handle is approximately 6.5” and the circumference is 32”. $55, $45 for garden members.

Saturday, April 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Poetry Writing Workshop: The Golden Shovel
In this class, we will explore the form poem The Golden Shovel. We will also open with a fun ice-breaker, and close with a surprise poetry prompt. Pre-registration is required. $20, $15 for garden members.

Saturday, April 5 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.		   
Night Skies with the Omaha Astronomical Society
Join the Omaha Astronomical Society in viewing the night skies at Lauritzen Gardens. This program includes a tram ride out to the rose garden and a viewing of the gorgeous night sky using the Omaha Astronomical Society’s telescopes. Participants can observe faint deep-sky objects, planets, and the moon in the darkness of the garden. Pre-registration is required. $30, $20 for garden members.

Sunday, April 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Build Your Own Moss Terrarium Workshop
Bring a little nature into your life and tap into your creativity by making a moss terrarium with Moss Hunters. They hand pick all of our own moss, shells, and rocks for our terrariums, and instruct you how to make them too! They provide all the materials needed, just bring yourself and any friends that are ready to learn and have a good time while doing it! $55, $45 for garden members. Pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, April 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Reflective Potting with Guided Meditation
As we enter the spring season, we invite you to explore a different approach to potting, making it a reflective practice using simple mindfulness techniques. This practice will create the opportunity for meaningful insights as you pot a new plant to take home. Each class will offer a different species of plant. Guided by Kathy Reiken-Gutshall. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Thursday, April 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.		   
Spring Ephemerals Guided Garden Tour
Join plant records curator, Trent Erickson, for a guided tour of the garden, as early spring emerges in the form of ephemerals like bloodroots, shooting stars, and bluebells. These short-live beauties pop up to add color to the landscape before trees overhead block the light. The tram will drive through the garden, and we will make many walking stops along the way. Pre-registration is required. $20, $10 for garden members.

Thursday, April 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Sound Bathing with Shrader Healing
Join Ellie and Matthew Shrader for an evening of sound bathing, a meditative experience where attendees are "bathed" in sound waves. These waves are produced by a variety of means, including healing instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, percussion, chimes, , shruti boxes, and more. Participants report feeling more relaxed, with improved sleep and overall sense of wellbeing. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Sunday, April 13 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Pressed and Framed Flora with Holly Lukasiewicz
This pressed flower workshop will introduce participants to the art and science of preserving botanical elements through flattening and drying techniques. Attendees will learn different pressing methods, explore composition strategies, and leave with a nature-inspired keepsake, framed and mounted on handmade paper. Pre-registration is required. $60, $50 for garden members.

Monday, April 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Botanical Design: Flower Focus - Uncovering Value in Every Stem
While designing a vase arrangement, we’ll debunk common misconceptions and explore the blooms that add real value to everyday bouquets, holidays, and special events. $65, $55 for garden members.

Saturday, April 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.		   
Warbler Walk
Lauritzen Gardens hosts a surprising diversity of bird life. The list of 161 species sighted at the garden includes 23 different warblers, beautiful little birds that migrate up the Missouri River in spring. In celebration of Nebraska Migratory Bird Month, founding director of conservation Jim Locklear will lead a walking tour of Lauritzen Gardens that will highlight the natural history of these captivating travelers. $20, $10 for garden members. Preregistration is required.

Sunday, April 27 from 9 to 11 a.m.		   
Candle Making Workshop with Telle & Resa Candle Co.
Join us for a fun and easy candle-making workshop to make and customize your own 10 oz. soy candle. Includes all natural ingredients and the materials needed to create a candle perfect for any space. Pre-registration is required. $50, $40 for garden member.

Wednesday, April 30 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Botanical Design: May Day
Join instructor Karen Vice for a botanical design workshop and learn basic floral design skills that can be used to create all types of arrangements. This class will get participants prepared for May Day, as they create 3 petite, fresh arrangements to hang on doors on May 1. Pre-registration is required one week before the workshop. $65, $55 for garden members. Picture is representative of, but not identical to the project.

Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.		   
Basket Weaving: Bumble Bee Basket
Basket weaving is an ancient art form that uses botanical materials to create functional pieces that you can enjoy for years to come. This month, join Jeannie Sisson to create your own bumble bee basket, a cute basket with a traditional woven base, black leather handles, and a metal bumble bee embellishment. Measures 5” wide x 10” long. $55, $45 for garden members.

Saturday, May 3 from 9 to 11 p.m.		   
Night Skies with the Omaha Astronomical Society
Join the Omaha Astronomical Society in viewing the night skies at Lauritzen Gardens. This program includes a tram ride out to the rose garden and a viewing of the gorgeous night sky using the Omaha Astronomical Society’s telescopes. Participants can observe faint deep-sky objects, planets, and the moon in the darkness of the garden. Pre-registration is required. $30, $20 for garden members.

Sunday, May 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.		   
Indigo Fabric Dyeing with Ashton Page
In this class we will look at the history of blue dyes in human culture as well as the methods of creating an indigo vat through a fermentation process - think sourdough, kefir, or kombucha. We will also look at the Japanese mark making process called shibori to create our own pieces of unique cloth artwork. $60, $50 for garden members.
Botanical Design: Fiesta Flowers
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with bold, vibrant floral designs that capture the spirit of the holiday. Forecast: A festive mix of flowers and fun! Pre-registration is required. $65, $55 for garden members.

Wednesday, May 7 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Reflective Potting with Guided Meditation
As we experience the spring season, we invite you to explore a different approach to potting, making it a reflective practice using simple mindfulness techniques. This practice will create the opportunity for meaningful insights as you pot a new plant to take home. Each class will offer a different species of plant. Guided by Kathy Reiken-Gutshall. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.

Thursday, May 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Spring Arboretum Tour with Steve Rodie
Enjoy a detailed dive into the diversity of the tree collection in the garden's Arboretum and Oberman Bird Sanctuary. This educational tour features a tram drive into Lauritzen Gardens and a guided walk with Steve Rodie to talk about the wonders of trees in the the spring-including blossoms, catkins, and leaves. Preregistration is required. $20, $10 for garden members.

Sunday, May 11 from 1 to 3 p.m.		   
Pressed and Framed Flora with Holly Lukaziewicz
This pressed flower workshop will introduce participants to the art and science of preserving botanical elements through flattening and drying techniques. Attendees will learn different pressing methods, explore composition strategies, and leave with a nature-inspired keepsake, framed and mounted on handmade paper. Pre-registration is required. $60, $50 for garden members.

Thursday, May 15 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.		   
Sound Bathing with Shrader Healing
Join Ellie and Matthew Shrader for an evening of sound bathing, a meditative experience where attendees are "bathed" in sound waves. These waves are produced by a variety of means, including healing instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, percussion, chimes, , shruti boxes, and more. Participants report feeling more relaxed, with improved sleep and overall sense of wellbeing. Pre-registration is required. $45, $35 for garden members.
Botanical Design: Memorial Day Designs with Fresh Flowers
In this class, design two patriotic tributes with fresh flowers. Includes supplies for cemetery placement. Pre-registration is required. $65, $55 for garden members.
Botanical Design: Memorial Day Designs with Fresh Flowers
In this class, design two patriotic tributes with fresh flowers. Includes supplies for cemetery placement. Pre-registration is required. $65, $55 for garden members.

Sunday, May 25 from 9 to 11 a.m.		   
Candle Making Workshop with Telle & Resa Candle Co.
Join us for a fun and easy candle-making workshop to make and customize your own 10 oz. soy candle. Includes all natural ingredients and the materials needed to create a candle perfect for any space. Pre-registration is required. $50, $40 for garden member.
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