SLO Botanical Garden

Forage for Botanical Dyes & Create a One-of-a-Kind Silk Scarf
2024-04-07 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

CANCELED- Art in the Garden
2024-03-30 10:00 - 2024-04-01 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 ART IN THE GARDEN
THIS WEEKEND 3/29-/3/31

CANCELED- Art in the Garden Opening Reception & Plant Sale Members Preview
2024-03-29 17:00 - 19:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Members of the SLO Botanical Garden are invited to a champagne reception opening the spring Art in the Garden Event as well as the first look at the plants in our plant sale. Members will receive a 15% discount on plants all weekend.

Garden Groove Drum Circle
2024-03-23 12:00 - 13:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
“Garden Groove” is a monthly connection-building drum circle which focuses on gathering to play drum for the sheer joy and FUN of it, while creating meaningful connections with each other. Absolutely NO previous musical/drumming experience is necessary, even if you think you have no rhythm! If you have been curious about drumming or a drum circle but were afraid to try, now is your chance to explore in an accepting and non-judgmental atmosphere!

Our circles are a great way to meet new people and find out that we have more in common than we realize! The name of the African djembe drum roughly translates to “Everyone gather together in peace”. We’ll explore rhythms in a playful way through guided activities, along with opportunities to be creative! I will be your facilitator, but everyone contributes to the whole experience. Our circles remind us of the primal, rhythmic beat that exists within each of us – a heartbeat that knows no discrimination and seeks only harmony.

Caution – exposure to drumming may cause sudden outbursts of laughter, joy, creativity, and positive energy so attend at your own risk! Seriously, drum circles are a fun way to reduce stress and boost your mood. Research findings show that the group drumming experience has a wealth of holistic benefits encompassing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions of well-being. With group drumming and nature combined, the positive benefits and healing effects are exponential.

Join us on the 4th Saturday of the month from noon to 1:30. We will play in the memorial garden in the shade of the garden trees so dress accordingly to be comfortable. If the weather is unfavorable, we’ll still meet but will play inside the Oak Glen Pavilion.
· This event is for adults only. Visitors to SLO County are welcome!
· Bring a drum if you have one (*Please note instruments with TONES, such as handpan drums, are NOT suggested for this event.)
· No drum? No worries! Extra drums available!

Come play with us!
Feel free to contact me with questions ~ Dee DiGioia at mindfulkindfulyou@gmail.com
Dee DiGioia is founder of “Mindful Kindful YOUniversity” in Baywood-Los Osos. She is a Sound Healing Practitioner, Drum Circle Facilitator, and Mindfulness & Life Skills Guide for Well-being through Nature Connectedness. Dee has offered mindfulness, sound healing, and well-being programs since 2017. She offers skills and practices to help others navigate and flow through life moment to moment in a healthy, balanced, and positive way for mental and physical health and well-being. Following a heart’s calling to take up drumming in the summer of 2023, Dee began offering drum circles and has had drum facilitation training through “Rhythm 2 Recovery”, Jim Donovan’s Leadership Training, and Remo HealthRHYTHMS. She is currently expanding her circles to other organizations across SLO County who are interested. MindfulKindfulYOUniversity.com
Pre-registration is encouraged
Member price is $17. Enter ‘Member5’ during checkout for your discount!

Ladybug Festival
2024-03-10 10:00 - 14:00
Free Family Day! Join us for our Ladybug Festival!
Learn about the importance of ladybugs to the conservation of plants as well as some fun facts about this that you are unlikely to forget.
Plus we’ll have games, crafts, and a ladybug release in the Children’s Garden. El programa será en inglés y español.
The weather looks perfect and everyone is welcome!

Soul & Soil: Prenatal and Postnatal Gatherings / Spring Session
2024-03-05 10:00 - 11:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
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.
Spring Session: Every Tuesday from 10am to 11:30am in the Children’s Garden. Dates are: March 5, 12, 19, and 26th; April 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30th; and May 7, 14, and 21st.
Cost: $50 per 12-week session with Garden Membership required.
Instruction for registration: This program is for members of SLO Botanical Garden, with an additional cost of $50 per session. Purchase a ‘ticket’ here with registration information. If you’re not yet a member, you can join on our website here: www.slobg.org/membership/
Please note: You may try one free class to ensure it’s a good match for you. Scholarships are available – please contact Jen at jen@slobg.org for more information.

Rockin' in the Garden Mosaics
2024-02-25 13:00 - 15:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Use your creativity to make a one-of-a-kind mosaic rock for your garden! You'll learn about cutting, glueing and grouting tile pieces and everything is provided. Once you've learned the basics, this art form can be applied to a multitude of projects at home and in the garden.
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 recreation, schools, garden and art groups. Her classes include mosaics, succulent projects, sea glass and wire wrapped jewelry, and glass. Joan loves all things creative so she’s sure to be dreaming up something new and exciting to offer her students.
Learn more about Joan and her classes here: www.creativemetime.com/home-1
Members: Please enter 'member5' in the coupon code to get $5 off this class!

Garden Groove Drum Circle
2024-02-24 12:00 - 13:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
“Garden Groove” is a community-building drum circle which focuses on fun, friendship, and sharing good vibrations together through rhythm and guided activities. Drum circles are a way to reduce stress and boost your mood. The physical stimulation of drumming and the sound vibrations that resonate through every cell in the body stimulate the release of negative emotions. Come experience this for yourself!
Drumming can also be a wonderful way to explore, discover, wake-up your creative side, and express yourself without fear of judgment. We’ll explore rhythms in a playful way!
All levels of experience are welcome. NO previous musical/drumming experience is necessary. If you have always wanted to try it out but were afraid to try, now is your chance to explore!
Please note: This event will likely be held inside, but if the weather is fantastic, we could be outdoors. Also:

Bring a drum if you have one (a djembe, frame drum, conga, bongo, cajon, etc.). Instruments with TONES, such as pan drums or hang drums, are NOT suggested for this type of event.
Some drums and percussive instruments will be available for sharing.
Bring a water bottle – you’ll get thirsty having so much fun!
This event is for adults

Dee DiGioia is founder of “Mindful Kindful YOUniversity”. She is a Sound Healing Practitioner, Drum Circle Facilitator, and Mindfulness & Life Skills Guide for Well-being through Nature Connectedness. Dee has offered mindfulness, sound healing, and well-being programs in schools and in various communities since 2017. She offers skills and practices to help others navigate and flow through life moment to moment in a healthy, balanced, and positive way for mental and physical health and well-being.
Member price is $17: Enter “member5” during checkout for your discount!

Monday Field Trip to Extend your Mushroom Discovery
2024-02-19 09:00 - 14:00
As part of our Mushroom Discovery series, this Monday Field Trip is an opportunity ONLY for individuals who participated in the Saturday and Sunday workshops. You may also sign up if you’re an alumni of a previous Mushroom Discovery program at the SLO Botanical Garden.
On Monday, Christian will lead us at offsite location to search for and identify mushrooms in their natural habitat. The location will be local and revealed closer to the day of the event, as our instructor needs to find the ideal spot for a good variety of mushrooms. This will be a rain or shine event, a fabulous experience, and a great way to learn even more about fungi.
Please dress for the weather and bring your own lunch and water bottle.
Sign up for the Mushroom Discovery Two-Day Workshop and the Friday night lecture separately.
Instructor Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable. Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Christian is most well-known as a field mycologist. He has co-authored two field guides — Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast and the upcoming Mushrooms of Cascadia, both with Noah Siegel. He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he teaches undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.

Mushroom Exploration and Identification Basics: Mushroom Discovery Two-Day Workshop
2024-02-17 - 2024-02-18 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
ONLY ONE SPACE REMAINING!
As part of our Mushroom Discovery series, this hands-on and experiential learning program will happen overf two days:
Saturday, February 17th from 10am to 4pm and Sunday, February 18th, from 10am to 4pm.
Doors open at 9:30 – please plan to arrive on-time for these two full days of learning.
The course will begin in the classroom with Christian teaching the basics of mushrooms and mushroom identification. Then the class will move outside through a portion of the SLO Botanical Garden. Tips and instructions on collecting mushrooms will be given. Participants will gather specimens for closer examination and discuss identification techniques and citizen science tools. This workshop will emphasize a dynamic sensory awareness of the mushrooms via close observation, touching, and smelling.
The Sunday hands-on workshop will be a deep dive into mushroom identification. We’ll organize into small groups and under Christian’s guidance, we’ll practice systematically identifying mushrooms. Midday, there will be a fun break introducing students to edible mushrooms. This will include an optional tasting of multiple species prepared in a variety of ways by local mushroom enthusiasts, Lindsay Best, Michelle Torres-Grant, and Leonard Grant. The mushroom identification workshop will continue after the lunch break. Finally, the course will end with time to ask questions.
The class size of this workshop is limited to a small size of 22 participants in order to ensure a high quality learning experience.
Register today to ensure your place as it will fill up!
Note: There is a separate sign-up for the Monday Mushrooming Field trip and it’s only open to participants of this Two-Day Workshop.
Dress for the weather and bring your own lunch.
Please enter code: Member40 for your SLOBG member’s discount / membership will be verified
Instructor Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable. Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Christian is most well-known as a field mycologist. He has co-authored two field guides — Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast and the upcoming Mushrooms of Cascadia, both with Noah Siegel. He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he teaches undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.

Tales from the Cryptograms - Alternative Lifestyles in Kingdom Fungi: Mushroom Discovery Friday Lecture
2024-02-16 18:30 - 20:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is excited to welcome Christian Schwarz back to the Garden. Christian is a well-known expert in the field and author of ‘Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast’ and the upcoming ‘Mushrooms of Cascadia’.
We’ll explore the vast range of bizarre lifestyles found in Kingdom Fungi in this two-hour lecture. From psychedelic cicada-assassins through body-snatching mushrooms, and on to radiation-eating molds (or are they?).
6:00 Doors Open
6:30 Lecture Begins
8:00 Book signing
Member’s please Enter: Member10Off for $10 off / membership will be verified
Instructor Christian Schwarz studied Ecology and Evolution at UC Santa Cruz, where his interest in the world of fungi became irrevocable. Although he is passionate about ecology and biodiversity in general, Christian is most well-known as a field mycologist. He has co-authored two field guides — Mushrooms of the Redwood Coast and the upcoming Mushrooms of Cascadia, both with Noah Siegel. He primarily spends his time seeking, photographing, collecting, teaching about, and publishing research on North American macrofungi, and has served on the IUCN Red List Working Group for North American Fungi. He is a research associate of the Ken Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz, where he teaches undergraduate courses in mycology and community science.

Little Acorns 2024 Thursday Winter Session
2024-02-15 09:30 - 11:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Winter Session:
Thursdays, February 15 – April 18
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Cost: $60 per 10-week session
*Garden Membership required
Program:
Play, learn, and grow with our morning playgroup, Little Acorns! We play games, sing songs, 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.
Instructions for registration:
This program is for members of SLOBG with an additional cost of $60 per 10-week session. If you would like to purchase a membership, you can do so here and then follow the instructions below to register.
We look forward to seeing you in the Garden!

Free Day at the Garden
2024-02-11 10:00 - 14:00
It’s Free Family Day! Bring your family to the Garden to explore, enjoy, and be out in nature. In the Children’s Garden, we’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a hidden heart hunt, painting rocks, and haikus. The weather looks perfect and everyone is welcome!

Orchids that Grow Outside on the Central California Coast
2024-01-27 11:00 - 12:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Jeff Parham and Ed Lysek of the Five Cities Orchid Society will discuss the surprisingly large range of orchids that can be grown outdoors on the Central California Coast. They will start with an overview of how to grow and re-bloom everyone’s favorite indoor orchid, the Phalaenopsis orchid. This will be followed by a brief overview of the special needs of orchids and their general cultural requirements.
Most local orchid growers will be familiar with Cymbidium orchids, and we will discuss the cultural needs of this group and a wide range of other orchids, including Laelias, Dendrobiums, Epidendrums, Sarchochilus, Sobralias, and Zygopetalums.
*Members use code Member20 to receive your discount. Membership is verified at entry.

Sound Healing Meditation
2024-01-07 11:00 - 12:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
This will truly be a special event as attendees are "bathed" with sounds from alchemy crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls, Koshi chimes, and other sacred instruments.

Sound healing helps us let go of stress, embody happiness and peace, and work through difficult emotions. When we relax the nervous system through sound healing, we feel more ease and peace in our life.
Please bring a yoga mat if you have one.

*Members use code Member5 to receive your discount. Membership will be verified at entry.

Bird & Botany Walk
2023-11-30 08:00 - 10:00
The Garden is excited to present a quarterly bird walk series which explores the intersection of birds and botany. Many plant lovers and many bird watchers enjoy their passions without much regard to how these two realms interact. Yet the links between birds and flora are critical to each, from pollination to seed distribution to nesting and shelter.
This walk, led by Mark Mushkat and Ken Levine, studies birdlife amongst the plants of the botanical garden. The focus will be on which avian species are drawn to certain plants, what’s gained or lost in the exchange, and how this understanding can shape your own landscaping efforts to the benefit of fauna and flora. Allowing for a two-hour exploration, on mostly flat terrain, we expect to see and hear a wide variety of avian species as they feed, hide, nest, and defend territory in the garden’s lush habitat.
Members use code "member10" to receive your Member discount. Membership will be verified.

Soul and Soil: Prenatal and Postnatal Gatherings
2023-11-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-11-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2023-10-17 10:00 - 11:30 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Studies show that digging in the dirt can uplift your spirit. The friendly bacteria, Mycobacterium vaccae, present in the soil stimulates serotonin production, acting as a natural antidepressant. We believe the lack of understanding around prenatal and postnatal care has resulted in isolated, overlooked, and overwhelmed mothers, and that “postnatal” is not a stage, but forever. The SLO Botanical Garden offers a safe space (and plenty of healthy soil) to help us connect to our bodies, our littles, the natural world, and each other. Including snacks, activities, and care for little ones, join us for grounding in your pregnancy and lifelong postpartum journey.
Please bring water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, snacks and messy play clothes for your children, and an optional blanket or mat if you’d like to sit on the floor.

Chumash Ethnobotany Lecture with Jan Timbrook
2023-11-12 13:00 - 14:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Chumash people have used some 150 species of plants for food, medicine, raw materials for making clothing, tools and utensils, religious paraphernalia, and other items essential to existence. Equally important are the ways in which the Chumash thought about plants and were affected by them. Dr. Timbrook's informative, illustrated talk will provide a glimpse into the fascinating plant world of the Chumash, including the complex interrelationships between the first people of our region and the environment in which they lived.
Members enter code "member10" at checkout to receive your member discount! **Using this code without an active membership will result in a non-refundable cancellation of your order.**

Fall Plant Sale
2023-11-04 10:00 - 16:00
Let our experts guide your selection of unique and drought-tolerant plants, perfect for the Central Coast climate!
Open to the public on Saturday, November 4th, 10am – 4pm.
Members enjoy early shopping from 9am-10am.

Member's Happy Hour & Plant Sale Preview
2023-11-03 16:00 - 18:00
Visit the gardens for a Member’s happy hour and get a jump on shopping for unique and drought-tolerant plants!

Bird and Butterfly Walk and Talk
2023-10-14 10:00 - 11:00 | San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93405, United States
Scientist Jessica Griffiths is back at the SLO Botanical Garden! This time, she will be teaching us about the remarkably similar fall migration patterns of birds and butterflies, followed by a walk in our garden to look for these animals in action.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as we will be both indoors and outdoors.
