Mobile Botanical Gardens

Writers In Nature with Sue B. Walker
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-10-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | AL
What: A Writing group under direction of Sue B. Walker
When: Wednesday mornings 10am until Noon
Where: The Larkins Classroom
Members of the group meet weekly to discuss creative writings.

Fall Plant Sale Preview: First Friday October
2024-10-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Get ready for Fall Plant Sale!
Join us here at MBG on Friday, October 4th for a lively discussion and details about what will be available at this year’s Fall Plant Sale. This presentation is a great time to ask our resident experts, Seth Allen and John Olive, your questions about plant selections, your site, or anything else.
According to John, expected topics for this talk include:

What criteria does the MBG Plant Committee use when choosing plants for the fall plant sale?
Both native and non-native plants can be good choices!
Plant now for blooms later! (A discussion on the perennials that we expect to have available during Fall Plant Sale).

Fall is the time for planting most fruits, trees, and shrubs.

John and Seth will share the roster of heritage or heirloom roses that we expect to have available.

They will discuss both evergreen and deciduous azaleas.

And we will have a few door-prize give aways.

About our speakers:
Seth Allen is the Director or Horticulture at MBG. He is a camellia aficionado and will talk about camellias for the Gulf Coast. And when the plant sale arrives, he can help you find the right camellia for your particular spot. Seth grew up on The Gulf Coast, studied horticulture at Auburn, and did an internship at Bellingrath Gardens. So he is knowledgeable on what plants do well and those that might not do so well in our climate.
John Olive is a longtime volunteer with MBG in the greenhouse and in the Longleaf Forest. He has a background in plant pathology and has seen a whole lot of plant problems in the 35 years he has been in Mobile. So, like Seth, John has a good idea of what plants will do well for us here along the Gulf Coast.
This event is free for members or with admission, but registration is required. Please email shabel@mbgardens.org to register.
Join us for lunch after the presentation! Catered by Georgia Roussos, menu includes a Caeser chicken wrap, pasta salad, sweet or unsweet tea, and a cookie. Order your lunch now!

Nature Journaling for Homeschoolers
2024-10-08 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-10-15 09:00 - 10:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Nature Journaling Class for Homeschoolers!
“In the practice of nature journaling, you use words, pictures, and numbers to collect and record your observations, questions, connections, and explanations on the pages of a notebook. You do not need to be an artist or a naturalist to begin. These skills can be learned by anyone, and you can develop them with deliberate practice.”
-John Muir Law
Unlock the wonders of the natural world with our Nature Journaling class, specifically designed for homeschooled children aged 8-13. Over six engaging sessions, young explorers will embark on a creative journey to record and interpret the beauty of nature.
Through a variety of outdoor settings at the beautiful Mobile Botanical Gardens, students will develop their observation skills, foster a deeper connection with the environment, and cultivate their artistic expression.
With guidance from an experienced teacher, MBG Director of Education Sara Habel, students will learn various journaling techniques, including sketching, writing, and collecting natural materials. Meanwhile, they will also discover how to slow down, observe, and appreciate the intricate details of the natural world.
While combining art, science, and nature, this class encourages children to think creatively, develop their critical thinking skills, and build confidence in their abilities. Mobile Botanical Gardens’ diverse landscapes and ecosystems provide the perfect backdrop for this immersive experience.
So have your child join us on this exciting adventure, where curiosity meets creativity, and nature becomes the ultimate teacher. Let’s cultivate a new generation of nature lovers, observers, and stewards of the environment. Register your child today and watch them blossom into a skilled nature journalist!
FREE for members or with admission; registration required
Mrs. Habel will lead this class designed for homeschoolers aged 9-13 on Tuesday mornings between 9-10:30 am. Class is free for MBG members or with admission for not-yet members. But space is limited to 12 students and registration is required. See registration form at the bottom of this page. When you register, Mrs. Habel will soon email you with her suggestions for your child’s journal and drawing tools for this class.
First class: September 3, 2024
Second class: September 10, 2024
Third class: September 17, 2024
Fourth class: September 24, 2024
Fifth class: October 8, 2024
Sixth class: October 15, 2024
Join Now- become an MBG member today

Afterschool Art Class for Middle Schoolers
2024-10-08 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-10-15 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-10-22 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-10-29 16:00 - 17:30 | AL
Afterschool Art Class at MBG!
Unleash your child’s creativity in our exciting beginner drawing class, designed for middle schoolers aged 11-13. Throughout six sessions, students will explore essential drawing techniques using a variety of mediums, all while discovering the rich biodiversity of MBG. With a blend of hands-on botany and creative practice, this class is perfect for budding artists who love both nature and creativity. Whether sketching vibrant plants, common insects, or even koi fish, your child will gain a deeper connection to the natural world around them.
Dates: September 24th, October 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th
Time: 4pm-5:30pm
Length: 6 weeks
Cost: $70 for MBG members, $85 not yet members (Members will receive $15 refund after checkout; link to join as a member now). -fee includes all supplies
Sign up today and let your child’s artistic journey begin in the beautiful surroundings of Mobile Botanical Gardens!
About the Instructor:
Marnée Wiley is an experienced educator with a passion for blending art and science to inspire young learners. With three years of teaching science Alabama public school systems and six years of experience in teaching art and STEAM. Marnée brings a unique, interdisciplinary approach to her classes. Marnée holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Science in Environmental Science, which allows her to deeply integrate scientific concepts into creative practices, making learning both engaging and enriching for her students.
Educational programming at MBG is generously supported by the Lilian S. Woolford Charitable Trust.

MBG Longleaf Forest Tour: Fall 2024
2024-10-19 10:00 - 23:15 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Explore the MBG Longleaf Treasure Forest: Fall Tour
Join us for a captivating, guided tour of the MBG Longleaf Treasure Forest, where our recent controlled burn has sparked a stunning re-greening of wildflowers and grasses. The wildflowers will be varied, colorful, and prolific through the month of October–our favorite time of year for a guided tour of our woodland for members and guests.
Witness the Resilience of Nature
Just two months after our successful August 16, 2024 controlled burn, the Mobile Botanical Gardens Longleaf Forest’s understory has burst back to life with vibrant, colorful wildflowers. Our expert guides will lead you through this breathtaking landscape, sharing insights into:
– The natural history and cultural significance of the Longleaf ecosystem
– Restoration successes and challenges
– Unique characteristics of the forest’s diversity
Tour Details
– Date: Saturday, October 19
– Time: 10 AM
– Meeting Point: Longleaf Forest Trailhead (main parking area)
– Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
– Distance: About 1/2 mile walking tour
– Guides: Patrick McGough, John Olive, and Andrew Saunders (MBG Longleaf Management Committee members)
Join Us!
Admission is free, and registration is not required but requested. Please notify Education Director Sara Habel of your attendance, including the number in your party. If you have special needs, let Sara know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. shabel@mbgardens.org
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the Longleaf Treasure Forest’s beauty and significance!

Fall Plant Sale 2024
2024-10-24 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-25 09:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-26 09:00 - 15:00 | MBG MarketPlace, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Fall Plant Sale 2024- Plant Now for Spring Blooms!
With a focus on Spring flowering trees and shrubs, Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Fall Plant Sale 2024 promises to be our best plant sale yet! This year’s sale will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 24th, 25th and 26th, from 9 am until 3 pm each day.
Come for the best selection yet of both evergreen and deciduous azaleas; Asian magnolias, including the ever-popular “Girl” series of miniature trees; native trees; roses; edibles; and much, much more! And we just know that you are sure to enjoy our all-new Nita’s Marketplace, named in honor of our dearly departed Nita Crandall. Decorated with all sorts of “Nita things,” such as beautiful butterfly benches donated by the Spring Hill Garden Club, you will find that our Marketplace is much improved as Nita’s Marketplace now!
From trees and shrubs to natives, perennials and annuals, whatever your garden is missing, you are sure it to find it here.
They say that money can’t buy happiness, but at Nita’s, it definitely does!
*Fall Plant Sale Plants List* (Updated 10/10/2024)

Japanese Magnolias for your Mobile, AL Garden
Azaleas for your Gulf Coast Garden
Here is a link to wonderful information on native azaleas from Dr. Maarten Van der Giessen. Ask a Master Gardener: Alabama’s Native Azalea Treasure (mobilecountymastergardeners.org)
Camellias for your Gulf Coast Garden
Hydrangeas for your Gulf Coast Garden

Garden Tool Care with James Miles: First Friday November
2024-11-01 10:00 - 11:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Garden Tool Care: Taking Care of Our Gardening Toys and Equipment with James Miles
First Friday November
What do you know about garden tool care? Join us on the first Friday in November to learn everything you need to know to keep your gardening toys and equipment in tip top shape. As you know, careful maintenance and taking good care of your tools will help them to take good care of your garden!
From cleaning to sharpening to sanding and oiling, James Miles will cover it all. He will also share of his personal favorite tools, toys and gadgets for gardening and give his honest review of many of these.
This event is free for members or with admission. Please register your seat by sending an email to shabel@mbgardens.org.
Presentation will be followed by lunch ($15) by Georgia Roussos Catering. On the menu:

Chicken and Spinach Lasagna
Buttered Green Beans
Mixed Green Salad w/ Ranch or Champagne Vinaigrette
Bread Pudding w/ Praline Sauce

ORDER LUNCH HERE
About our speaker:
James Miles graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Alabama A & M University in 1990. He went to work for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in 1991. He served as a Regional Extension Agent (REA) with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in southwest Alabama for 30 years and retired in 2020. In that position, he was the Commercial Horticulture REA for 11 counties, but his office was in the Jon Archer Agricultural Center here in Mobile. He worked in all areas of horticulture on both the home and commercial programming levels. He was involved with several On-site Result Demonstrations in the area of Fruits & Vegetables, Turf, and Christmas Trees. Importantly, he conducted several pesticide meetings over the years, including Worker Protection Standards. Along with Tony Glover, he co-founded the Mobile County Master Gardener Program.
After retiring from the ACES, Mr. Miles was hired in 2020 by NRCS as a Soil Conservation Technician. In this position, he provides assistance to the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in his assigned area. A major part of his responsibility is to work with landowners to apply and maintain numerous conservation practices.
He loves fishing, traveling, gardening, and cooking. And he competes in bass tournaments regularly throughout the southeast U.S.

Sketch Club in the Gardens
2024-11-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-15 14:00 - 16:00 | 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.

K. Sawada Camellia Club Meeting
2024-11-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Larkins Classroom, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
The K. Sawada Camellia Club is a non-profit organization that promotes education, history and community for camellia enthusiasts along Alabama’s Gulf Coast.
This Club meets at 2:00 pm at Mobile Botanical Gardens in the Larkins Classroom on the first Sunday of every month between November and April. Camellia Club meetings run until 4:00 pm.
Dates for the 2024/2025 season are as follows:

November 3rd
December 1st (tentative)
January 5th
February 2nd
March 2nd
April 6th

Come and hear a panel of seasoned camellia gurus share their knowledge! The meetings of the K. Sawada Camellia Club are open to all interested in joining.

Beginner Hand Sewing Class: Christmas Ornaments
2024-11-05 15:45 - 17:00, 2024-11-12 15:45 - 17:00, 2024-11-19 15:45 - 17:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Beginner Hand Sewing: Christmas Ornaments
Join Sara Habel, Director of Education at Mobile Botanical Gardens, for a delightful beginner hand sewing class tailored for children ages 8-11. Tuesday afternoons, young crafters will discover the joy of hand stitching while creating an assortment of charming felt holiday ornaments.
In this interactive and engaging class, students will learn fundamental hand sewing skills, including:
– Threading needles and managing thread
– Basic stitches: straight stitch, blanket stitch, and running stitch
– Essential techniques: knotting, tension, and seam finishing
– Material exploration: working with felt, fabrics, and embroidery floss
As students master these essential skills, they’ll apply them to craft adorable Christmas ornaments, fostering creativity and confidence. This class encourages:
– Fine motor skill development through hand-eye coordination
– Patience and attention to detail
– Imagination and self-expression
– Appreciation for traditional craftsmanship
Sara Habel’s expert guidance ensures a supportive and encouraging environment, perfect for young learners.
*Class Details:*
– Ages: 8-11
– Day: Tuesday afternoons, November 5, 12, 19 and December 3rd and 10th, 2024 – – – Time: 3:45 – 5:00 pm
– Instructor: Sara Habel, Director of Education
– Location: Mobile Botanical Gardens
– Materials: Provided (felt, threads, needles, etc.)
– Cost: $15 members, $20 not-yet members (members will receive $5 refund after purchase). Join as a member now
*Take-Home Treasures:*
– Handcrafted felt holiday ornaments
– New skills and techniques
– Lasting memories of creative exploration
Register your child today and watch them blossom into a skilled hand sewist!

Homeschool Nature Walks: W.O.N.D.E.R. Wednesdays
2024-11-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Walk, Observe, Name, Discover, Explore, Read
Guided Homeschool Nature Walks for Families
Join Mobile Botanical Gardens for engaging, hour-long guided nature walks, specifically designed for homeschooling families. Starting, Wednesday, November 6th, explore our Gardens and Forests every other Wednesday morning at 10 am throughout November and December.
Discover the Wonders of Nature
On our themed walks, Director of Education Sara Habel will lead you through:

The Garden Collections of MBG: the Winter Garden, Azalea Garden, Pollinator and Rose Gardens, and more
Bugs, butterflies, leaves, and flowers
The Katherine Shropshire Nature Trail’s hidden gems
The majestic Longleaf Pine Treasure Forest

Enjoy Quality Time with Your Family
These outings are slow, enjoyable strolls, fostering fun learning experiences. Take advantage of this opportunity to:

Connect with nature and each other
Enhance your homeschool curriculum
Create lasting memories

These homeschool nature outings are FREE for members or with the cost of admission. Consider joining as a member if you haven’t already; there are LOTS of benefits available for MBG members! Attendance is limited and registration is required. Please email shabel@mbgardens.org and let her know how many of your family will attend and on which dates.
*Please note: some of our trails are not stroller-friendly. We encourage you to bring wearable baby-carriers instead.
Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family after we conclude our guided walk. We have picnic tables near the Koi Pond, in the Sybil Burnett Herb Garden and in the Longleaf Pine Treasure Forest. Or you may spread picnic blankets on the ReBloom Garden Lawn or the Children’s Lawn, or elsewhere throughout the Gardens. Just be sure to clean up after yourselves, please and thank you!

Botanical Art #3: Learning How to Paint in Watercolor
2024-11-08 09:00 - 13:00, 2024-11-15 09:00 - 13:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Larkins Classroom, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
Botanical Art Class III:
Learning How to Paint in Watercolor – with Derek Norman
How to surprise yourself and amaze your friends!
A Six-Week Course on the Art of Botanical Painting with Watercolor: Fridays* 10am – 1pm
First class: Nov 8, 2024
Second class: Nov 15, 2024
Third class: Nov 22, 2024
Fourth class: Dec 13, 2024
Fifth class: Dec 20, 2024
Sixth class: Jan 03, 2025
Members: $125 (MBG will refund $25 after purchase)
Nonmembers: $150
Register and Pay
WORKING WITH WATERCOLOR
This class is an excellent introduction to the botanical art of painting in
watercolor using the Six-Color-Palette.
Here is an opportunity to develop and further refine your understanding
of basic color, color mixing and sound color selection through a step-bystep
approach. Learn to paint wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry and how to apply a
“glaze”, a “wash” and classic English “dry-brush”. Students will progress
to working with botanical specimens as they build confidence and proficiency.
Supplies List (PDF)
About our Instructor –
Derek was born and educated in England before he moved to the States. His graphic works, paintings, drawings and botanical works have been exhibited in Europe and America. He has won Gold and Silver Gilt Medals at the Royal Horticultural Society in London and he is represented in many private and permanent collections including the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Pittsburgh, the Library of Congress, the British Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Florilegium Society.
(Link to Botanical Art #2: The Art of Colored Pencil).
