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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 30, 2008

CONTACT

Leeann Lavin: 718-623-7289, leeannlavin@bbg.org
Kate Blumm: 718-623-7241, kateblumm@bbg.org

Brooklyn Botanic Garden Calendar of Events: July 2008 to September 2008

  1. Public Programs and Continuing Education Programs
  2. Children's Garden Programs
  3. Discovery Garden Programs for Families

I. PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Reflections in Collage: Works by Diane Miller

June 22–September 7

Artist's reception: Saturday, July 12, 2008 | 2:30–4:30 p.m.

In conjunction with the summer thematic trail "Reflections: Water in the Garden," the Steinhardt Conservatory Gallery presents an exhibit of striking collage work that echoes the movement and textures of BBG's water features. Diane Miller's unique collages are inspired by the rocks, trees, mists, clouds, and rain of the North Temperate Zone, and by Sung Dynasty ink paintings and Japanese landscape screens. The artist's original collage technique, which involves etching, monotype, collagraph, and silicone intaglio, integrated on her own handmade paper, offers a vision of unpolluted nature full of dramatic movement and the textures of the earth.

Make Compost With a Touch of Spanish

Wednesday, June 25 | 6–8 p.m.

This class addresses two audiences—English and Spanish speakers—and is translated in both languages simultaneously throughout the session. Learn about the basics of composting in a complete, practical, and interactive way. Participants receive handouts and literature to review at home. No charge, but registration is required; register with Karla Osorio-Pérez at 718-623-7368.

Brewing Compost Tea

Wednesday, July 9 | 6–7:30 p.m.

Compost tea not only inoculates plants against certain diseases, by introducing an abundance and diversity of microorganisms, but contains nutrients vital to plant health. Come learn more about how to make and apply this amazing brew, which can be used along with other organic gardening techniques, to your garden. No charge, but registration is required; call 718-623-7220.

Summer Thematic Trail: Reflections: Water in the Garden

Saturday, July 12–Sunday, September 7

What do we have in common with plants? We both need water to survive! We also enjoy water in the garden as a source of inspiration and tranquility. Come to the Garden and feel the cooling effects of all our water features: ponds, the brook, waterfalls, bogs, fountains, pools, and even a water table! While you explore the brookside, discover interesting plants along the way. Watch for more information at bbg.org. Free with Garden admission.

The Urban Backyard Vintner: Winemaking in Brooklyn

Saturday, July 12 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

It's not necessary to live in the Mediterranean to make good wine! This course will introduce students to the art of winemaking—using grapes easily procured or grown locally—and also provide a brief overview of wine culture in history. Specific topics include pertinent definitions and concepts for the budding oenophile and varietal characteristics of popular wines. Wines from both the classic wine grape, Vitis vinifera, and hybrid grape species will be reviewed. Then delve into the process of both white and red wine, pointing out expected challenges and common wine faults so that you can produce a vintage worthy of a connoisseur. The class culminates with a tasting of homemade wine to complement what we've learned! Fee and registration required; call 718-623-7220.

Intermediate Flower Arranging—Special Evening Section

5 Wednesdays: August 6 to September 3 | 6–9 p.m.

Students can learn more advanced arrangement styles and complicated design mechanics with a wide variety of fresh flowers. This class allows you to be more expressive in developing designs: Master techniques for parallel designs, vase arrangements, and working without floral foam, among other topics. Fee and registration required; call 718-623-7220.

Feasting for Free in Brooklyn!

Saturday, August 23 | 2–5 p.m.

No need to travel far or seek out so-called "exotic" cultures; there's a long and rich tradition of gathering wild plants for food right here in Brooklyn! Students will learn the history of wild food gathering in the eastern U.S. and how to find edible wild plants in Prospect Park! From fresh dandelion greens to savory wild garlic to juicy blackberries, there's plenty to eat right within arm's reach. Fee and registration required; call 718-623-7220.

Constructing Cold Frames for Winter Harvest

Tuesday, September 9 | 6–8 p.m.

Learn the basic carpentry skills needed to construct a cold frame out of low-cost materials! In addition to a hands-on building demonstration, this workshop will cover other season-extension techniques like row covers and cloches. Fall crops such as lettuces and greens will be discussed as well as the crops harvested throughout the winter such as spinach and mâché. This class will spend time outdoors, so dress appropriately. No charge, but registration is required.

Gallery Exhibit: Portraits of a Garden IV

Saturday, September 13–Sunday, November 9

Gallery talks with curator Patricia Jonas and artists: September 27 & October 18

The fourth biennial exhibition of all new work by Florilegium Society artists features more than 40 paintings and drawings of Brooklyn Botanic Garden's living collections. From signature spring blooming magnolias, Kanzan cherries, and tree peonies to the cola tree, camellias, and green ixia that bloom in the conservatories in winter, Florilegium Society artists have captured the essence of these plants and many more through the seasons in the Garden. Free with Garden admission.

Chile Pepper Fiesta

Saturday, September 27 | Noon–6 p.m.

Join in New York's hottest fall tradition where the grooves are smokin', the chile peppers are scorchin', and the dancers are calling for water! Grab your dancing shoes for a full afternoon of musical and dance performances from chile-loving regions around the world. The Sauce Boss brings his National Steel Guitar to center stage and dishes out some of his world-renowned spicy Florida blues. It's a soul-shouting picnic of rock & roll brotherhood and at the end of the show, Bill's famous gumbo is served. Throughout the afternoon Masters of Ceremony Ringold & Ellis fire up audiences with fire eating, fire juggling, and other daring deeds of flame. Plus, explore Indian chutney-making and other spicy cooking demonstrations and tastings, Mexican chile workshops, chile pepper tattoos, spicy kids' activities, and a visit with The Chile Goddess. You can also pick up organically grown plants and chile inspired gifts and tingle your taste buds with spicy food and cold beer. Free with Garden admission.

Street Tree Bed Gardening

Thursday, September 25 | 6–8 p.m.

Street trees do so much to improve the environment, but they often receive little care. In this class, learn the benefits of street trees, how to improve the health of a street tree by caring for the bed, get tips on tree-bed gardening and more in-depth information on street-tree care. Bring your street-tree care questions and find out more about the city's efforts to increase and protect the urban forest canopy. No charge, but registration is required; call 718-623-7220.

II. CHILDREN'S GARDEN

Join BBG for a fun-filled 94th summer in Miss Shaw's garden! Your kids don't like vegetables? Maybe they should grow their own! In addition to gardening, children investigate science, explore nature, create crafts, and cook food harvested from the garden. All Children's Garden classes are designed with a low child-to-teacher ratio to help ensure quality programming. Register now to save a space in our popular Spring programs. The Independence Community Foundation Scholarship Fund for the Children's Garden provides limited scholarships for all age groups based on need. For information, call the Registration Office at 718-623-7220.

Summer Science Adventures: Environmental Explorations

11 days: July 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25 | 1–3 p.m.

If you were a plant, where in the world would you most like to live? In a dry desert, a tropical rainforest, underwater, or right there in Brooklyn? Through observations, experiments, and other creative projects, we'll explore what it takes to survive in these environments, and learn about the amazing ways that plants are able to live in so many different places. We'll also discover Earth's natural cycles that connect all living organisms to the environment. These inquiries will not only open our eyes to understanding today's environmental issues, but will help us understand how we can become advocates for our environment right here in our own communities.Section A: entering 2nd–4th grade, Section B: entering 5th–7th grade. Fee and registration, call 718-623-7220

KinderGarden: Trees and Saplings

For three- and four-year-olds with caregiver

Caregivers and children learn about BBG while developing a love of plants, gardens, and the outdoors. Children listen to gardening stories, participate in fun planting activities, and, weather permitting, go on sensory tours of different parts of the Garden! Wednesday mornings and afternoons in July and August; fee and registration, call 718-623-7220.

KinderGarden: Buds

For four-, five-, and six-year-olds

The afternoon Buds begin their lesson indoors with a fun planting activity, then go down to the Children's Garden to harvest. This format provides young children with a fun-filled and cool summer afternoon in the Garden. Fee and registration, call 718-623-7220. SESSION 1: July 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24 | 1–2:30 p.m. SESSION 2: July 29, 31; AUGUST 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 | 1–2:30 p.m.

City Farmers

For students entering second through seventh grades

The City Farmers program is an opportunity for kids to grow food and flowers from seed for their family table while meeting new friends, acquiring new skills, and having a good time in the garden. Summer gardeners dig, plant, weed, cultivate, and harvest a variety of crops. City Farmers work in pairs within small age-based groups led by an instructor. Nature activities, science projects, storytelling, and crafts are often part of the day's program. Children get to see—growing right out of the ground—radishes, carrots, lettuce, scallions, squash, eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and much more. It's a great place to learn about gardening and nature! Fee and registration, call 718-623-7220. SESSION 1:: July 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. SESSION 2: July 29, 31; August 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

III. DISCOVERY GARDEN

BBG's outdoor adventure garden is designed especially for young children to explore plant life from a kid's perspective. Children may visit sense-ational plants and colorful flowers, follow butterflies and birds in a wildlife meadow, pump water down a bamboo waterfall to a stream, hide under a tree, hike a nature trail, and meet a giant green spider. The Discovery Garden includes safe areas designed for toddlers to experience plant life firsthand and have fun, and free drop-in workshops for families to enjoy. Visit us often!

Wonderful Water Plants!

Sunday, July 13 and Sunday, August 10 | Drop-in time: 2–4 p.m.

Drop by the Discovery Garden to explore the many types of floating water plants that live in our water table! Look up close with magnifiers and use your senses to learn how these plants grow—indoors and out! Kids may pour their own water garden to take home. Discovery Garden; inclement weather: Steinhardt Conservatory, lower level.

Storytelling Saturdays!

Saturdays in June, July, and August | Drop-in time: 2–4 p.m.

Lend an ear on Saturday afternoons in the Discovery Garden to read and listen to garden stories out loud! Hear tales of garden adventures, animal journeys, and nature explorations throughout the seasons. Have a story to share about a garden? Bring it along for show and tell! Stories will be repeated throughout the workshop, and props and activities will supplement seasonal story themes. Discovery Garden Toddler Lawn; canceled in case of inclement weather.

Discovery Tuesdays!

Tuesdays in May, June, July, August and September| Drop-in time: 2–4 p.m.

Tuesday is Discovery Day for young children interested in exploring plants up close! These 15-minute, drop-in plant workshops allow children and families to be plant detectives and discover new parts of the Discovery Garden. Hands-on activities are educational and creative; they include nature explorations, plantings, and garden arts for kids to take home. Discovery Garden; canceled in case of inclement weather.

Worms on Weekends

Saturdays beginning September 6th | Drop in between 2–4 p.m.

Kids examine garden creatures big and small in the garden's worm bin! Plus, they can learn about how worms live underground and why they are so important in the garden. Discovery Garden; canceled in case of inclement weather.

Sense-ational Seeds

Sunday, September 24 | Drop in between 2–4 p.m.

Roll up your sleeves and join the fun while we sort seeds, plant seeds, and create seed arts and crafts to take home. Discovery Garden; inclement weather: Steinhardt Conservatory.