Mobile Botanical Gardens

Walk N' Talk: Camellias with Seth Allen
2025-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Join us on a walking tour as MBG Horticulturalist, Seth Allen, shares an introduction to growing camellias, the Queen of winter flowers! Besides touching on care and culture, Seth will share details about the camellias that MBG will offer during Spring Plant Sale. If the weather is cooperative, he will also lead a tour of the K. Sawada Winter Garden here at MBG, which is one of only six Camellia Gardens of Excellence formally recognized by the International Camellia Society in North America. Don’t miss this event, which is FREE for MBG members and with the cost of admission for not-yet members. Registration not required but RSVP’s by emailing Sara at: shabel@mbgardens.org or by calling our office (251-342-0555).
Discover the benefits of membership and join MBG
or purchase admission online now.

Sketch Club in the Gardens
2025-02-14 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-07 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-21 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-11 14:00 - 16:00 and 2 more dates | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
What: A casual sketch club experience with oversight from Derek Norman, botanical arts instructor
When: Friday afternoons, 2-4pm*
Where: The Larkins Classroom OR at Magnolia Hill Studio
Cost: FREE for MBG Members, regular admission for nonmembers. (Benefits of membership) (Join Now!)
*The sketch club generally meets on Friday afternoons, subject to availability of space. Contact the office at 251.342.0555 to verify hours of activity on specific dates.

-=-The drawings and paintings shown here are by recent members of the Gardens Sketch Club and botanical art students of the MBG. They serve as examples of what can be achieved by those with none or very little previous experience drawing and painting.
We invite you to visit the Garden’s Sketch Club and to enjoy the therapeutic rewards of learning to draw and drawing to learn! Learn how art can transform and enrich your life plus enhance your physical and mental well-being.
We meet each Friday afternoon in an open studio where we usually work, study, draw and paint. We exchange information relevant to the business of botanical art, art in general and to the consideration of individual botanical art concerns.
Join the MBG Sketch Club. – a whole new world of infinite possibilities! -=-
-Derek Norman, Educator, Designer, Artist, Author, Curator & sometime Writer. 5th October 2024
Join Derek and several of his Botanical Arts students for an enjoyable afternoon of sketching the collections of MBG.

Onions and a Japanese Knot Bag in 3 Sessions
2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Onions? Japanese Knot Bag? What? This class is designed as an introduction to natural dying and surface decoration. Artisan and educator extraordinaire, Jan Johnson, will lead students in creating a unique and usable piece of art in the form of a handy bag! Class will take place over 3 Saturday sessions: February 1st, February 8th and February 15th, 2025, at 10:00 am.
REGISTER AND PAY HERE
*Class is $25 for MBG Members and $35 for not-yet members.
Session 1, February 1, 2025: Using a dye vat of those crunchy onion skins, we will dye reclaimed bed sheets golden brown.
Session 2, February 8, 2025: Students will cut the pattern for a Japanese Knot Bag. Using fabric paint and an onion as a stamp, we will create surface decoration.
Session 3, February 15, 2025: The knot bag will already be partially assembled and students will clip the sewn seams, sew the bag and lining together, learn to turn the bag, pin and baste the handles. Jan will then sew the handles to complete the project.
*Final session may run longer and will include snacks as there will be some waiting as the bags are sewn.
Students will receive a handout that will guide them in onion skin dyeing at home. Suggested books will be included, a copy of the pattern, link to You tube video showing assembly.

MBG Docent Training Class
2025-02-18 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-25 08:30 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Join us for the 2025 MBG Docent Training Class!
GET INVOLVED! KNOW YOUR GARDENS!
Have you ever thought you would like to spend more time at your Mobile Botanical Gardens; to know more about the collections and special, unique garden ‘rooms’? Do you get a kick out of seeing the excitement of a child exploring the wonders of nature; learning to grow their own food? Do you enjoy interacting with really interested and curious adults and young people. Are you a retired teacher and miss teaching? Are you more of an organizer or a ‘techy’? Please consider becoming an Education Docent at the Botanical Gardens. Training classes for new docents begin in February.
NEW MBG Docent TRAINING AND ORIENTATION
2025
February 4, 11, 18 & 25; 8:30-12:00am
Classes and activities will take place at the Mobile Botanical Gardens, in the Larkins Classroom, at Magnolia Hill outdoor classroom and throughout the Gardens. Participants are expected to attend all sessions. A training manual and reference handouts will be provided. Participants will become familiar with the various garden collections, the facilities and regular program offerings through guided walks and activities.
Follow-up opportunities will include observing field trips and assisting with activities led by experienced docents. Participation in these opportunities is encouraged for experience and is voluntary on an ’as available’ basis.
CONTACT: Sara Habel shabel@mbgardens.org
Sample Volunteer Opportunities
Tales and Trails – Children’s literacy and garden activity program
Veggie Kids – Saturday morning kids gardening series (fall and spring series)
Family Fun Days – periodic Saturday activity programs for family groups
Plant Sales – Spring and Fall; prepare and post educational signage. Assist customers if comfortable.
NatureBLAST! – week long summer program for students rising third grade through fifth.
Field Trips (all ages) – Lead or assist with guided nature walks or garden related activities.
First Fridays and other Guest Seminars and Workshops – assist speaker and staff with setup and cleanup and to welcome and guide guests.
Cataloging and strengthening the gardening reference and lending libraries at MBG.
Learning to research and prepare public interpretive plant information signs for the grounds and plant sales.
Assisting to map and compile GPS referenced database of MBG plant collections.

Introduction to Qi Gong and Tai Chi
2025-02-18 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-21 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-25 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-28 09:00 - 10:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
What: An introductory multi-session Qi Gong and Tai Chi course
When: Tues and Fri mornings, 9 am- 10 am. 2025 Series begins February 4th. Please note, however: All sessions are beginner-friendly!
Where: Outdoor sites at Mobile Botanical Gardens
Instructor Alla Zakharova
Cost: $56 – 8 sessions (students receive a punch card)
Sign Up Now!
Introduction to Qi Gong and Tai Chi:
Qi Gong and Tai Chi are closely related practices of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, respectively.
Qi Gong is a holistic mind-body practice. The name can be translated as “Gathering life energy” or “Making life energy work.” Tai Chi is a self-defense system, and this requires greater emphasis on physical form and discipline.
This course introduces the ancient concept of Chi/Qi, the life force that underlies the practices of Qi Gong and Tai Chi. As we learn and practice the movements designed to cultivate Qi energy, we will explore the idea of Yin and Yang, the five elements of Chi/Qi, and the basic concepts of harmony and balance in the ancient Chinese philosophy.
This course focuses primarily on basic breathing techniques and movement practices to improve concentration, balance, and overall health. We will employ visualization and meditation. Of course, these practices help us to achieve relaxation, reduce stress, and aid the natural healing processes of the body.
The class setting at the Mobile Botanical Gardens is ideal for Qi Gong and Tai Chi routines! This is because their slow, gentle motions are patterned after movements found in nature. The selected exercises can and should be practiced independently at home. And they are suitable for any level of physical fitness. Alla will share printed materials and online resources to assist you with independent practice.
About our Instructor: Alla Zakharova is a retired academic. She has four advanced degrees in education, linguistics, and instructional design. And she has been practicing Tai Chi for the last twenty years. She studied Tai Chi 24 and 42 open hand forms, fan, sword and cane routines with Louisa Martin and Mart Burrow.
Come enjoy your Tuesday and Friday mornings at the Gardens and grow your personal development with these wonderful disciplines!

USA Biology Lecture Series: "All That Slithers and Crawls"
2025-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
“All that Slithers and Crawls: Disease and Venom Biology in Reptiles and Arachnids”
WHEN: Tuesday, February 25th @ 6 PM
WHERE: Botanical Center (Gift Shop Building)
Many animals, such as Gopher Tortoises, snakes, tarantulas, and scorpions, are often misunderstood or even feared, yet they play crucial roles in their ecosystems and offer valuable insights into biology. From disease dynamics to venom evolution, these creatures help scientists uncover fundamental principles of ecology and evolution. My students and I have explored these ideas through our work on disease ecology in Gopher Tortoises, including research at the Mobile Botanical Gardens, as well as studies on how venomous species contribute to our understanding of biological processes. By studying these often-overlooked animals, we gain a deeper appreciation for their ecological importance and help shift public perception, fostering respect and recognition for their role in the natural world. – Dr. Jason Strickland

USA Biology Lecture – FREE to Attend!
Please register your seat by sending an email to shabel@mbgardens.org

Natural Beekeeping: Principles and Practices
2025-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Natural Beekeeping Principles and Practices for the Backyard Apiary

Register here
The technological advances of the Industrial Revolution have brought beekeeping science into the future. There are all sorts of devices, methods and treatments that, while seemingly beneficial to the commercial side of the trade, can often leave the hobby apiarist wishing for a simpler and more natural experience for themselves and their bees. Many of the current standard beekeeping practices conflict with the bees’ natural rhythms and inclinations in order to forcibly support the production of more and more honey, but at what cost? The bees have managed themselves quite well out in the wild for the past 150 million years or so, finely tuned evolutionary beings that they are, what could we possibly do to top that?
Don’t get it twisted though; natural beekeeping is NOT negligent beekeeping! You can’t just put bees in a box and expect everything to work perfectly every time. By placing the bees into the box you’ve turned them into livestock and as a responsible shepherd you still must observe and serve your flock. But you don’t have to stack boxes to the sky or pour pesticides into the hives to do it, you just have to learn the bees and support their nature.
Topics Covered:
This class will uncover the vast differences in industrial and hobby beekeeping and show how the standards for one don’t really apply to the other, and how they may actually disadvantage the bees. We will discuss the whys and hows of honeybee behaviors, what the bees want, and how to use their natural tendencies to support their health and production. Other topics covered to include apiary site selection and set up for healthy and productive colonies, hiving options, sourcing livestock, inspecting your bees and record keeping, supporting rather than preventing swarming, natural disease and pest management, expanding your apiary organically, and how we learn from our failures.
Weather permitting, we will be viewing live bees during this 2+ hour course.
If you’re an aspiring, new or even seasoned beekeeper who’d like to learn about the more natural, low impact and regenerative side of beekeeping and how to apply it to your own beekeeping journey, then this is the class for you.
Presented by Mobile Botanical Garden’s beekeeper, Veronica Culberson, and her entomologist professor father, Dr. Don Culberson. Veronica and Don have been keeping bees without the use of chemical additives and unnatural feedings for 10+ years. What started as an experiment in backyard gardening has developed into a love affair with pollinators and community outreach. As their knowledge and their apiaries have grown and flourished through the seasons, so has the desire to educate.
$20 plus admission. Register here.

1st Friday Presentation: First Peek at Spring Plant Sale!
2025-03-07 10:00 - 23:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Want to know What Will Be at the Spring Plant Sale?
Plan to attend our First Friday presentation by the Plant Sale Team to get first hand knowledge of what they have found for the sale! There will be a few door prizes, too!
WHAT: 1st Peek at the 2025 Spring Plant Sale
WHEN: Friday, March 7th at 10:00 AM
WHERE: At Nita’s Market Place
There is no cost but please rsvp so we may plan accordingly – Email Sara to RSVP

Spring Plant Sale Preview Party
2025-03-13 16:00 - 19:00 | MBG MarketPlace, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Buy tickets now!

Sprouts Preschool Gardening Class
2025-03-18 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-25 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Sprouts Preschool Gardening Program
Enroll now; space is limited!
Mobile Botanical Gardens is thrilled to introduce Sprouts, a unique and engaging preschool gardening program designed specifically for children ages 3-5. This 6 week program is carefully crafted to foster a deep connection between young children and the natural world, while teaching valuable skills and promoting overall well-being.
The Benefits of Kids Gardening
Gardening has long been recognized as a powerful tool for promoting physical, cognitive, and emotional development in children. By participating in hands-on gardening activities, children can:
– Develop responsibility and patience through caring for plants.
– Enhance their understanding of the natural world and the interconnections of living things.
– Improve their physical health through outdoor activity and exploration.
– Boost their cognitive development through experiential learning and discovery.
– Cultivate emotional well-being through connection with nature and creative expression.
Class Structure and Activities
Each week, certified teacher Sara Habel will guide children and their accompanying adults through an engaging and interactive exploration of the wonders of gardening. Sessions will include:
– Hands-on gardening activities, such as planting seeds, watering plants, and time caring for the garden we plant
– Interactive songs, stories, and games to reinforce learning and promote creativity
– Crafts and art projects designed to extend learning and encourage self-expression
– Opportunities for children to observe, explore, and learn about the different parts of a plant and their functions
Class Schedule and Topics
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the world of gardening!
Our 6-week preschool gardening program will cover the following topics:
– March 18th: Introduction to Gardening – Parts of a Plant and Plant Needs/ Planting our Garden
– March 25th: Roots – What do roots do?
– April 1st: Stems – What do stems do?
– April 8th: Leaves – What do leaves do?
– April 15th: Flowers and Pollinators – Why are flowers important? What do pollinators do?
– April 29th: Fruits and Seeds – Why are fruits important? What are seeds used for?
Prepare to have fun and get a little dirty with your child!
Don’t miss this opportunity to nurture your child’s curiosity, creativity, and love for nature. Join us for Sprouts and watch your child thrive in a supportive, interactive, and fun environment!
$85 for MBG Members/ $90 for not-yet members
Register and pay here. We look forward to helping your child grow and bloom!

Botanical Art: A Drawing Class for Beginners Only
2025-04-18 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Larkins Classroom, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
BOTANICAL ART: A DRAWING CLASS FOR BEGINNERS ONLY
Fridays from 10 AM – 1 PM

April 18th
April 25th
May 2nd
May 9th
May 16th
May 23rd

Instructor: Derek Norman
Members $125 / Not-Yet-Members $150
(Discover the benefits of membership and Join Now)!

Register and Pay Here!

Spring Break Camp: Art in Bloom Nature and Art
2025-04-21 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-22 09:00 - 16:00, 2025-04-23 09:00 - 16:00 | AL
“Art takes Nature as its model.” -Aristotle
Are you looking for a unique and engaging way to keep your child entertained and educated during Spring Break? Look no further! Our new Spring Break Camp, Art in Bloom, is an exciting creative collaboration with the Mobile Museum of Art that will inspire your child’s artistic side while exploring the wonders of nature!
When: Monday, April 21st through Wednesday, April 23rd, 9am – 4pm. (Mornings at Mobile Botanical Gardens, afternoons at Mobile Museum of Art).
3rd, 4th and 5th graders are invited to explore the intersection of Nature and Art together. Students will enjoy hands-on Science activities focused on plant life-cycles and pollinators in the mornings here at MBG with Education Director and certified teacher, Sara Habel. Together with Mrs. Habel, students will enjoy lunch (bring your own) and a walk to MOMA in the afternoons to enjoy Art activities and discussions about drawing inspiration from the natural environment.
It’s sure to be a Spring Break Camp that students remember fondly forever. Spaces are limited- don’t miss out on your child’s chance to join in on this fun and educational opportunity!
MBG Members receive a $50 discount and many more benefits, too; join MBG now if you haven’t already!
Art in Bloom: more info and registration link here.
