SLO Botanical Garden

Succulent Heart Wreath-making
2025-01-25 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Just in time for Valentine’s Day – here’s an opportunity to make a beautiful hand-made heart-shaped wreath for yourself or a loved one.
Led by artist, Jayne Devencenzi, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to make a unique living wreath that can last for years. The wreath frame, moss, wire & succulent cuttings will be provided. If you have any succulents growing in your yard, please feel free to bring cuttings for yourself and/or to share. Anyone aged 13 and up is welcome to participate!
Members can enjoy $10 off. Please use the following code at check-out: memberten
Jayne’s classes always fill up quickly, so please register early if you’d like to attend. We’ve listed it here as three hours – and some will finish the project in less time than that.
Note: The cost to purchase materials has increased, so please plan to pay a $25 materials fee to the instructor the day of the class. Thanks!

About your instructor: Jayne is a treasure to us here at the Garden. She’s guided the Children’s Garden into becoming a beautiful and thriving place for children of all ages to enjoy! Jayne grew up in the great outdoors – hiking, fishing, swimming and exploring. Inspired by her parents and grandparents and further developed through a lifetime of classes, Jayne has always been creative and artistic. She sells her pearl and beaded jewelry at the SLO Botanical Garden and other galleries in the region. For more information, please see:
Jayne Cairns Designs – Uniquely designed jewelry treasures bridging generations, cultures & continents

Jumpstart your Health & Wellness in 2025
2025-01-11 10:00 - 11:30
This class is for you if you want to make healthy changes in 2025.
Most New Year’s Resolutions don’t work. Learn the strategies that DO work for making long-lasting change for your health. Feel better in your body, have more energy, do the things you love to do, and live longer. Come away with a healthy goal and a plan to make it happen.
You can: Get moving and more active, make better food choices, reduce your stress, sleep better, feel good in your body, be stronger and more confident, and take control of your life. How would it feel if you could get your issues behind you and move forward, once and for all? Let’s do it!
Registration for this class is FREE, with a suggested donation of $10 to $30 (give what you can) the day of the class. I believe that health coaching should be available to everyone, and your donations will go to a scholarship fund for clients. Thanks!

This class is taught by Jen Prodzinski, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Education Coordinator at the Botanical Garden. Jen supports and empowers her clients to be healthy and active so they can live life to the fullest. She provides support, accountability, care, and resources – and helps you find your motivation to change your life. For more information, see www.beewellhealthcoaching.com

Holiday Succulent Wreaths - SOLD OUT
2024-12-08 10:00 - 12:00
Celebrate the holidays with a beautiful hand-made succulent wreath, to decorate your table or home for the holidays, or to give as a gift!
Led by artist, Jayne Devencenzi, this hands-on workshop will teach you how to make a unique living wreath that can last for years. Succulent cuttings will be provided for everyone, but if you have any succulents growing in your yard, feel free to bring cuttings to share. Anyone aged 13 and up is welcome to participate!
Members can enjoy $10 off. Please use the following code at check-out: Member10off
Jayne’s classes always fill up quickly, so please register early if you’d like to attend.
Note: The cost to purchase materials has increased, so please plan to pay a $15 materials fee to the instructor the day of the class. Thanks!

Nature Sunday: Manzanita Mysteries - Evolution in Action
2024-11-24 10:00 - 12:00
Manzanita Mysteries: Evolution in Action on California’s Central Coast
This experience will start with a talk about manzanitas and then we’ll walk the Garden to examine the specimens that we have at the Garden. Dress appropriately for the weather and for an informative day!

The floral diversity of California is known around the world as one of a few “hot spots”. There are several plant families here that are in the midst of an evolutionary process, hybridizing and creating new versions of themselves in real time.
The genus Arctostaphylos – manzanita, has over 60 species, of which all occur within the state of California. The center of diversity for manzanita is thought to be California’s central coast between the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Barbara County.
The range of variation within manzanitas will be discussed – the reason there are so many, why they appear to colonize unique locations, how to differentiate one from another and what the future may have in store.

Bio: Bill Waycott is co-owner/operator (along with his wife, Diana) of Nipomo Native Seeds, where they produce vegetable seeds, along with CA native plants and seeds. Bill has a PhD in plant genetics from UC Santa Cruz/Davis and has worked throughout his career in agriculture. Bill’s involvement with native plants dates back to his childhood, and over the years has promoted their use both through years of service with the California Native Plants Society and by donating native plants to non-profit organizations across California. Learn more at: Nipomo Native Seed

Opening Night of Nature Nights Celebration
2024-11-22 17:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States

Glass Ornaments Class with Janine!
2024-11-17 10:00 - 12:00
Join our Executive Director, Janine Stillman in a fun adventure! Create festive fused glass ornaments or sun-catchers to enjoy or give as holiday gifts.

This class is for everyone, including those with no experience. You'll create beautiful pieces to decorate a holiday tree or to hang in a window year-round. Each person will be able to make several pieces during this enjoyable class. Techniques for cutting glass will be presented as well as lots of inspiration for interesting and festive designs.

Please note: there will be a $20 materials fee, paid in cash directly to Janine on the day of the class.

In addition to being the Executive Director of the SLO Botanical Garden, she owns and operates Designs by Ja9 Glass Studio and is an local expert and treasure. She offers glass fusing classes for all levels of expertise. For more information about "Designs by Ja9", please see: Designs by Ja9 - Fused Glass, Jewelry and Gifts

Family Free Day - Birds of a Feather!
2024-11-10 10:00 - 14:00
We have experts from the Morro Bay Bird Festival and the Morro Coast Audubon Society here to teach you all about birds of the Central Coast! This is an exciting Free Day at the Garden for people of all ages!
How do they fly? How do they build a nest? What do their bones and feathers look like up close? See for yourself and get your questions answered at this ‘all about birds’ free day!

Go on a short family-friendly bird walk in the garden with binoculars
Paint a paper bird using watercolors
Learn to see and listen and put your observations on paper with some Nature Journaling
Walk around the Garden and see what you can see from the Display Garden and Discovery Trail
Explore and discover other surprises as well

This event will also get you curious and excited about the Morro Bay Bird Festival which runs from January 16th to the 20th, 2025: Morro Bay Bird Festival – Where world-class birding meets small-town hospitality
No ticket needed for Free Day. Donations are welcomed and appreciated to keep our garden growing. Thanks!

Tasty Appetizers and Wines for your Holiday Table - SOLD OUT
2024-11-08 17:30 - 19:30
This class is filled – but if you’re interested in this type of event, we’d love to have it be a regular offering. Please email Jen at jen@slobg.org and she’ll let you know the next time it’s on the calendar. Thank you!
Your taste buds and senses will be delighted in this immersive appetizer and wine pairing class!
In class we will discuss how to create four fun, easy and budget-friendly appetizers that are delicious. You’ll learn the science behind each pairing with traditional Thanksgiving wines. You’ll leave with recipes in hand so you can WOW your friends and family this holiday season!
The appetizers will be pre-made so you’ll savor rather than cook in class. There will be enough tastes to provide for a meal to go with the wine samples of the evening.
Our scrumptious menu:

Granny smith apples, chives, and gorgonzola cheese in an apple cider vinaigrette paired with Prosecco
Shrimp fritters paired with Chardonnay
Caprese paired with Rosé
Smoked salmon crostini with a dill cream cheese spread paired with Pinot Noir

This class is sure to fill up quickly so please register asap. This is a rare opportunity here at the Garden.
Your registration includes admission to the Garden so feel free to come early and explore before class.

Kathryn Arceneaux is a Sommelier & Chef and Wine & Spirit Education Trade (WSET) Level 3. For the past five years, she has continued to increase her knowledge of wines and in 2022, passed her Spanish Wine Scholar Exam with Honors. Both certifications compliment her current catering and cooking classes business, Kathryn’s Kuisine. She takes great pride and joy in her achievements, and most of all, enjoys sharing her knowledge of wine and food from around the world with others.
For more information, please see: Kathryn’s Kuisine brings wholesome food and loved ones back home, (kathrynskuisine.com)

Nature Sunday - All about Seeds!
2024-10-27 10:00 - 12:00
Look around you at the trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses – most of them started their life as a seed! Fall is a great time to look for seeds in the Garden and in nature. Come and learn about this unique and important part of plants.
A seed contains a miniature plant, called an embryo, that can develop into a fully grown plant. The outer shell, or seed coat, protects the embryo. Inside the seed a nutritious material provides food for the embryo. Briefly, “A seed is a plant baby, in a box, with it’s lunch” – Thor Hanson. And… they’ve adapted to travel far and wide to spread young plants throughout nature.
Educators Barb Renshaw, Jeff Reifel, and Faylla Chapman will be your guides to learn about how seeds travel through space and time. Then, you’ll tour through the Display Garden looking for seeds in their own “boxes” or “space vehicles”. Barb, Jeff and Faylla are all amateur botanists with a great interest in plants, and many other things too!

Fall Plant Sale
2024-10-18 10:00 - 2024-10-25 16:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
CANCELED!
DUE TO THE PREDICTED STORM CONDITIONS WE HAVE MADE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO CANCEL ALL EVENTS RELATED TO THE PLANT SALE THIS WEEKEND.
However, we will be extending our plant sale discount on all plants, all week in the Nursery (3/30- 4/6).10% Non-Members/ 20% MembersPlease bring you membership card to receive the discount.

Nature Photography at the Garden!
2024-09-29 09:00 - 12:00
This workshop is designed for beginning and intermediate photographers in a fun and beautiful garden setting.
You’ll learn to take more skillful outdoor photos, for everyday use, special occasions, and while traveling.
Through a blend of indoor and outdoor instruction, participants will learn about the elements of photography, get tips and tricks for improved photo composition, demystify camera settings, and explore photo presentation options, including social media.
Get real-time instructor feedback and easy-to-navigate class materials. The class will be about two hours long and then feel free to explore and practice. Lori will be here to give support and guidance.
Bring your mobile phone or single-lens digital camera… and leave with a printed feature image that you made! Recommended for adults 18+, kids welcome with accompanying adult.
Please note: Class registration includes admission to the Garden for the day, so plan to come early and/or stay late
And – El Chorro Park charges $3 per car on weekends during the summer. Invite a friend and carpool!

Lori Stone is a San Luis Obispo County designer, marketer, and professional photographic artist. She has been teaching photography students for the past 20+ years with the El Dorado County Office of Education and workshopped photographic classes and private instruction all along the west coast. her photographic resume spans the globe in both traditional photography media and digital storytelling, all with a kind, approachable, and supportive teaching style. Learn more about Lori here: http://www.joyguild.com/

Nature Sunday: The Sun, Seasons & Autumnal Equinox
2024-09-22 10:00 - 12:00
Celebrate Fall and the Autumnal Equinox – which occurs on 9/22 at 5:43am PST!
David Gibbs will present a brief introduction to the sun and explain how its position in the sky determines the season (equinox and solstice). He’ll review several ways to safely observe the sun and everyone will get an opportunity to observe the sun through his solar telescope.

About our instructor: David Ellis is a retired part-time lecturer in the materials and manufacturing engineering departments at Cal Poly. An avid amateur solar observer, Davide is a member of the Central Coast Astronomical Society (CCAS). He has multiple telescopes and travels to every eclipse that he can! Children under 14 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Thanks to generous donors, Nature Sundays are free and includes admission to the Garden.

The Magic of Plants - Family Free Day
2024-09-08 10:00 - 14:00
Event Overview:
Dive into the delightful world of plants at our enchanting Family Day! Experience the captivating power of nature and uncover the secrets of herbs and plants through a day packed with magical activities for the whole family.

Master Food Preserver Hands-on Acitivities: Discover the spellbinding process of turning fresh herbs and veggies into delicious pickles and jams. Learn the art of preservation and take home tips to continue the magic in your own kitchen.
Magic Wand Crafting: Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they create their own magic wands with natural materials and colorful ribbons. A fun and whimsical craft to inspire their creativity!
Magical Herb Bags: Engage your senses with aromatic herb bags you create yourself. Combine different herbs to explore their unique scents and discover the magic they can bring to everyday life.
Treats & Treasures: Enjoy tasty popcorn and cotton candy as you explore a range of fun crafts and activities designed to engage and entertain every age.
Storytelling in the Garden: Nestle into the garden’s lush greenery and let captivating tales whisk you away on adventures filled with the magic of plants.

Gather your family and join us for a day of enchantment and discovery at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. Come experience the wonders of nature and the magic it brings to life!

Nature Sssunday: Spying on Rattlesnakes!
2024-08-25 10:00 - 12:00
This Nature Sunday is all about rattlesnakes and what we can learn from spying on them. This interesting and free program will be led by Owen Bachhuber from Cal Poly.
When we encounter rattlesnakes in nature, they might rattle or slither away in fear. But what do they do when we’re not watching? Introducing Project RattleCam!
🐍 RattleCam uses live stream cameras to investigate the social dynamics of rookeries where rattlesnakes gather to court mates, give birth, and tend to their young. This allows us to learn and share information about the endearing and dramatic lives of snakes.
🐍 Watching rattlesnakes behave calmly as they do without human disturbance is a powerful tool in changing people’s perceptions of these misunderstood reptiles.
🐍 Owen will share what Project RattleCam has learned about the snakes so far and will bring some slithery friends to assist. Come and meet them in person!

About your instructor: Owen Bachhuber is a master’s student studying Biological Sciences at Cal Poly. His research investigates the social behaviors of mother rattlesnakes as well as human perceptions of snakes. Before coming to Cal Poly, Owen was a reptile keeper at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and received his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Minnesota.

Fused Glass Creatures Class
2024-08-04 10:00 - 12:00
About the class: Create these whimsical 3-D Critters and Creatures in this fun class lead by glass artist, and our Executive Director, Janine Stillman.
Using special wire designed to withstand the firing process we will cut and shape glass pieces that will then be linked together and bent to produce these articulated dimensional pieces.
Who should sign up? Everyone! Everything is supplied and no experience is necessary to create adorable creatures!
Bonus: Registration for this class includes your admission to the Botanical Garden for the day! Come early and enjoy the Garden.
Please note: There will be an additional $25 materials fee that can be paid to the instructor on the day of the class. Please pay by cash, check or Venmo – thanks.
FYI – there’s a $3 admission charge per car to El Chorro park during the summer months, so bring your friends and carpool.
For our Members, please enter the code “Member10off” for $10 off the registration fee.

Pieces created in class will be transported to the Designs by Ja9 Glass Studio and will be ready for pick-up at the Garden in 7 to 10 days. Pieces left unclaimed after 6 weeks will become the property of the Garden.

Nature Nights Opening Night - save the date!
2024-08-01 08:00 - 17:00

Nature Sunday: Taking a Likin' to the Lichens of SLO County
2024-07-28 13:00 - 15:00
🌿Welcome to Nature Sunday at SLO Botanical Garden!🌿
Please note: this class is FULL. If you’d like to be on the waiting list, please email Jen at jen@slobg.org – thanks!
Join us every 4th Sunday of the month for a thrilling journey into the wonders of nature, completely free thanks to our amazing donors. Prepare to be amazed, intrigued, and delighted by nature’s quirks and marvels!
🗓️ What’s Happening This Month?
Topic: Lichens – Nature’s Living Tapestries
They hang from trees and branches, cling to rocks, and come in a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, and sizes found all over the world. Meet the incredible lichen, a fascinating symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi. The fungi provide shelter, while the algae feed them through photosynthesis. Our featured star is the Lace Lichen (pictured here), California’s State Lichen and one of 1,900 species in our state!
🔍 What to Expect:

Discover Local Lichens: Learn about the diverse lichen species in our region and their crucial roles in habitats and ecosystems.
Hands-On Fun: Check out our demonstration table brimming with locally collected lichen species.
Nature Walk: Join us for a walk to see these amazing organisms in their natural habitat.

📝 Registration Information:

Reserve Your Spot: Be sure to register in advance and check in at the Gift Shop upon arrival.
Can’t Make It? If you need to cancel, please email jen@slobg.org ASAP so we can offer your spot to someone else.

🌟 Meet Your Instructor: Michael Mulroy
Michael Mulroy is an expert in all things lichen! He moved to San Luis Obispo County in 2019 to pursue an M.S. in Biological Sciences at Cal Poly, completing it in February 2023 under the guidance of Professor Nishi Rajakaruna in the Geoecology Lab. Michael’s M.S. research focused on lichen communities of serpentine rocks and soils.
Prior to this life in SLO, Michael spent six years working as a biologist in the San Francisco Bay Area and more recently served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Panamá for two years. Now, he works locally as a Biologist for Althouse and Meade, Inc., continuing to plug away at lichen identification and community ecology research. When he’s not studying lichens, Michael enjoys reading, birding, and being in the ocean.
Come join us and delve into the captivating world of lichens with Michael Mulroy!
This event is perfect for adults and older kids who can stay engaged throughout the class. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and hand lenses for a closer look at the lichens! Dress appropriately – bring water, a sun hat, and sunscreen if needed.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🌿

Free Family Day - Garden Railroads
2024-07-14 10:00 - 14:00
All aboard for Free Family Day featuring trains from the Central California Coast Garden Model Railroad Society!
We’ll have lots of outdoor model railroads on display and even a few that you can “drive!” In addition, we’ll have some great crafts and nature activities as well as new slack lines in our Children’s Garde
See you in the Garden!

Sea Glass and Wire Wrapped Jewelry
2024-06-30 13:00 - 14:30
In this class, your instructor Joan Fee will teach you how to take sea glass and create a beautiful necklace and pierced earrings using a wire wrapping technique. You’ll start by selecting three pieces of genuine, local sea glass then learn easy, basic jewelry making techniques to wrap the sea glass, create a fun spiral, and then add the wrapped pieces to a necklace and pierced earring . Class includes use of tools and a take-home instruction sheet. The class is perfect for all skill levels, and you’ll come away with beautiful self-made jewelry.
Members can enter the code: “Member5” for $5 off the regular price
About the Instructor: Joan Martin Fee loves being creative and has made it her career choice for over 30 years. Ms. Fee appeared on over 500 segments of Aleene’s Creative Living television show where she demonstrated projects she designed and those of craft industry manufacturers. She was the Editor of Aleene’s Creative Living Magazine, Aleene’s Craft Club and “The Magic of Christmas” hardbound book.
Joan is currently sharing her love of creativity on the road with mobile crafting classes at wineries, private homes, parks and rec facilities, schools, gardens, and art groups. For more information about more crafts that Joan teaches, please see her website at: Creative Me Time – Workshops, Craft Retreats
Additional Info: Your registration fee also includes a day of exploring and enjoying the Botanical Garden!
There is a $3 fee at the kiosk to enter El Chorro Park which is in effect through the summer months.

Nature Sundays at the Garden: Insect Discovery for Adults
2024-06-23 13:00
Welcome to our first Nature Sunday – offered the 4th Sunday of each month at the SLO Botanical Garden. This series is free thanks to generous donors! Come be awed, surprised and excited about nature, its surprises and oddities!
This month, we’ll explore the outer reaches of the garden with specialists Dennis Sheridan and Jeff Reifel. We’ll investigate plants and insects living in the Children’s Garden, the newly planted Chumash Garden, up the new section of the Discovery Trail, and into the serpentine hillside. We’ll cross onto sandy soils and see who lives there and how they’ve adapted to our Mediterranean climate.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring a hand lens or other magnifier if you have one. We’ll walk and make observations over a moderately strenuous walk of 1 to 1.5 miles.
Please be sure to register to reserve our spot and check in at the Gift Shop when you arrive. This class is geared towards adults and older kids that can listen and focus on the topic for the duration of the class.
About our instructors: Dennis Sheridan is a professional photographer and entomologist. He has traveled worldwide and is published in many journals and textbooks. He moved to Morro Bay in 1974 and began a career in photography — concentrating on native wildlife, as well as fungi, lichens, insects, wildflowers and California scenery. Dennis shares his enthusiasm for nature with students of all ages, and regularly teaches about nature and biology.
Jeff Reifel loves to work outside leading nature walks, maintaining trails, and solving problems for the botanical garden. Jeff moved to the Central Coast after retiring from his position as a science teacher in Riverside. Since then, he’s worked with the Black Hill Gang in the State Parks, served as a State Park Docent and as an Elfin Forest worker and docent.

Little Acorns Summer Session - FULL
2024-06-19 09:30 - 11:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Summer Session:
Wednesdays (only): June 19 to August 14th, 2024
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost: $55 for this 9-week session
*Current Garden Membership required
Program:
Play, learn, and grow with our morning playgroup, Little Acorns! We play games, sing songs, make crafts, take care of our garden, and have snacks together. Most of all, we have the opportunity to make connections with nature and with other families at the SLO Botanical Garden. This program is geared toward children 0 – 3 and their parents, and older siblings are welcome!
Instructions for registration:
This program is for members of SLOBG with an additional cost of $55 per 9-week session.
If you need to purchase or renew a membership, you can do so here and then follow the instructions below to register.
If you’d like to apply for a scholarship, please complete this form by June 1st: Little Acorns Scholarship Application
We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!

Soul & Soil: Prenatal and Postnatal Gatherings / Summer Session
2024-06-18 10:00 - 11:30
Program: The Soul & Soil program is designed to support and nurture the spirit of those experiencing their pre-birth and post-birth journey. This is a place for inclusivity, peace, and connection during what can be a challenging time of life. The SLO Botanical Garden offers a safe space to help us connect to our bodies, our littles, the natural world, and each other. The program includes tea, snacks, activities, and care for older children (under five). Join us for grounding in your pregnancy and lifelong postpartum journey. This program is facilitated by Victoria Carranza, an experienced doula and garden educator.
Summer Session: Every Tuesday from 10am to 11:30am in the Children’s Garden. Dates are: June 18th and 25th, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, and August 6th, 13th, and 20th.
Instructions for registration:
This program is for members of SLOBG with an additional cost of $50 per 9-week session.
If you need to purchase or renew a membership, you can do so here and then follow the instructions below to register.
We strive to be inclusive and can offer some partial and full scholarships. To apply, please complete this form and you’ll be notified as soon as possible: Soul & Soil Scholarship Application – SLO Botanical Garden (slobg.org)
We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!
Please note: You may try one free class to ensure it’s a good match for you. Please contact Jen at jen@slobg.org to make arrangements.

Free Family Day - Honey Bees & Butterflies
2024-06-09 10:00 - 14:00
Please join us to learn about Monarch butterflies and honey bees in the Children’s Garden during Free Family Day!
Meet local honey bees close up in a special observation hive and taste some honey! Learn the difference between a worker bee, a drone and the Queen. Did you know that a honey bee comes from an egg?
Monarch butterflies are very special to the Central Coast! Learn from some experts about what makes them so unique. And walk our Monarch butterfly trail to learn about Mallory the Monarch!
There will be crafts and activities and seeds you can plant to grow flowers for the pollinators. As a bonus we’ll be featuring some amazing outdoor model railroad displays from the Central California Coast Garden Railroad Society.
Did you know? We have a Free Family Day every second Sunday of the month with crafts and educational activities for kids and families in our beautiful Children’s Garden, so mark your calendar.
See you in the Garden!

Faerie Festival!
2024-05-12 10:00 - 15:00
Faerie Festival is a family FREE day event here at the SLO Botanical Garden – on Mother’s Day, May 12th, from 10am to 3pm.
Please join us to celebrate the moms in our life and the magic in all of us! Costumes are encouraged – and wings, wands, and crowns will be available to purchase and make.
Join the fun in our nature activities and crafts, a faerie marketplace, food and celebratory beverages for sale, storytelling, facepainting and music!
Please note that while the event is free, there is a $3 per car fee to El Chorro Park. We encourage carpooling – and bringing $3 in cash will help you get through the line more quickly. There will be free parking and a shuttle leaving from Cuesta college, just across the street, as well to help with parking challenges.
We look forward to a joyful day in the Garden with you!
Please see our Faerie Fest page for more information: Faerie Festival 2024 – SLO Botanical Garden (slobg.org)

Qi Gong for Less Stress & More Energy
2024-04-28 13:00 - 14:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
In this class, Holly will guide you through gentle movements and breathing exercises in a standing position (no mat needed). Qi Gong is for all ability levels – from athletes to seniors. It can help lower your stress, boost your energy, increase your flexibility, help with anxiety, and improve chronic pain. You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated at the end of the class! Chairs are available if you prefer to sit to do the movements. Experience why millions of people worldwide practice Qi Gong.
The weather is looking perfect (sunny and 71 degrees in SLO) on Sunday so we’ll likely be outside. Dress appropriately – bring water and sunscreen and wear comfortable clothing. Meet at the Gift Shop and we’ll walk to the outdoor location together. If things change and it’s wet or cold, we’ll go inside the Oak Glen Pavilion.

We are delighted to have Holly Padove here to teach this class. Holly has a rich background and many years of experience as a certified instructor in yoga, meditation, nutrition, health, fitness, body-mind connection, massage therapy, life coaching, Ayurveda, Yoga Nidra and Qi Gong.
Holly lives here on the beautiful Central Coast of California. She currently teaches many weekly Qi Gong and Yoga classes, offers Ayurvedic workshops including Yoga Teacher trainings, provides personal Ayurvedic consultations and leads deeply relaxing Yoga Nidra sessions. Learn more about Holly here: Home – Balanced Living Ayurveda

For SLOBG Member pricing of $5 off this class, please enter coupon code: “member5”

Sound Healing and Nature Meditation - to Celebrate Earth Day!
2024-04-22 18:00 - 19:30
In this beautiful celebration of Earth Day, you’ll be “bathed” with sounds from alchemy crystal bowls, Koshi chimes, and other sacred instruments. Sound healing helps us embody happiness and peace. Sharing space in community in a garden setting is also a great way to celebrate nature. Come join us for this unique experience. After sound healing, you’ll be led on a walking meditation through the Garden amongst the trees, flowers, and creatures.
Instructor Bio: Jamie is a full-time sound healing practitioner, specializing in trauma-informed stress reduction practices. With a passion for everything meditation-related, she believes everyone can meditate in their own unique way when given guidance, patience, and reassurance. When she isn’t sharing wellness activities, she is hiking, cuddling with her dog, or expressing herself through dance.
SLOBG Members – Please enter “Member4off” for $4 off admission.

Oaktopia - Oaks & our Changing Climate - CANCELLED
2024-04-14 14:00 - 16:00
CANCELLED (We’re expecting heavy rains on Saturday and Sunday!)
The Oaktopia program, featuring Dave Muffly, will focus on oak trees for planting in California gardens and along our streets. We’ll talk about the adaptation of native oaks for our changing climate, the critical role played by oaks in supporting biodiversity, and then have a look at other oaks from around the world that may play a larger part in California’s horticultural future. We will start with a lively indoor presentation to cover key topics, then move into the Botanical Garden itself to see some of these future-adapted trees in the landscape. www.oaktopia.org
Dave Muffly is a tree researcher, educator, consultant, manager, and entrepreneur. Dave specializes in oaks, street trees, climate change adaptation, urban-wildland interface plantings, and strategic tree planting. After receiving a Mechanical Engineering degree from Stanford University, Dave started his tree career establishing oaks by the thousand on Stanford wildlands. Dave then branched into fruit trees, helping distribute 60,000 fruit trees over 15 years to school kids all over California. Traveling by bike with no car for 15 years, Dave became a keen observer of urban trees in the Bay Area, gaining his Certified Arborist credential in 1998, and his Board Certified Master Arborist credential in 2008. In 2010, Dave came to the attention of Steve Jobs and was hired to spend 7 years as Senior Arborist at Apple, Inc., directing the growing and planting of 9,000 trees of more than 100 types at Apple’s massive new Cupertino campus., Apple Park.
We’re excited to have Dave here at the SLO Botanical Garden. I hope you’ll join us to share in his passion and knowledge of our oaks!
Members and students – please enter ‘Member4off’ for $4 off during checkout

Family Free Day - Celebrate our Beautiful Oak Trees!
2024-04-14 10:00 - 14:00
It’s Family Free Day – and you’re invited! In the Children’s Garden, we’ll be celebrating our amazing Oak Trees! There will be crafts and activities, child friendly learning opportunities and fun for the whole family.
It’s Sunday morning and the rain has stopped. We’re here and hope you’ll join us! If the rain starts up again, we’ll have our activities inside.
We’ll have two Tree Walk & Talks with our SLOBG Docent Faylla at 11am and 1pm: ‘Trees in the Garden: A walk through the garden, looking at and hearing about the various trees of the Mediterranean Climate’. Come to the gift shop area to start your tour.
We hope you’ll join us! We have Free Family Days every month – so please keep on eye on our website for more information. Next is Faerie Fest on May 12th!

Forage for Botanical Dyes & Create a One-of-a-Kind Silk Scarf
2024-04-07 13:00 - 16:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
This class is a dive into the creative process of botanical dyeing. You’ll be introduced to the art form, see some examples, and venture into the garden to forage a variety of plants. Then, we’ll turn found treasures into a physical memory imprinted on a beautiful 12 x 56-inch silk crepe scarf. You’ll be amazed at the results of your creative collaboration with nature that surrounds us on this very special land!
This class is for adults – and children 10+ can sign up with a parent that is also registered for the class.
Join Kathleen Adams Olsen, from Water’s Edge Fiber & Dye for an afternoon of discovery and creativity. Kathleen is a traveler, textile designer, mythologist, and fiber explorer. She brings her love for textiles and nature combined in this plein air botanical dye workshop.
Please note: There is an $85 materials fee payable on the day of the class for the instructor, in addition to the registration fee.
Members: Enter “Member10off” in the coupon code for $10 off your registration fee

Forage & Dye a Bandana - A Class for Kids
2024-04-07 10:30 - 12:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
We’ll forage for local flora while learning about the environment and the garden. Then, we’ll turn our plant treasures into a physical memory imprinted on an organic cotton bandana that you can take home. You’ll be amazed at the results of your creative collaboration with nature!
Join Kathleen Adams Olsen, from Water’s Edge Fiber & Dye for an afternoon of discovery and creativity.
Please note: This program is for children 8 and above. Children 7 and under can sign up with an adult to help them with this crafty project.
Members only: Get $5 off the regular price – enter “Member5” in the coupon code box at checkout
