Mobile Botanical Gardens

"Learning the Art of..." Series - The Art of Drawing Technique
2024-07-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-26 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
What: A six-week course in drawing
When: Friday, June 14th – July 26th, 10am – 1pm
Where: The Larkins Classroom, Mobile Botanical Gardens
Cost: $125 MBG Members / $150 Nonmembers
Register by calling the Office at 251.342.0555
Materials List
If you have long held the desire to learn how to draw and paint then this series of classes are designed for you. And also, for those who simply wish to take their drawing skills to a higher level as we cater to the needs of the intermediate and advanced students.
During each 6-week course, each student will engage in drawing and painting plant specimens as they learn to recognize and create form by understanding the importance of structure, surface texture and light as “value”. See and feel the magic of creating “value” as your flower drawing slowly emerges and comes to life with shape, form, depth and dimension.
Derek Norman,
Instructor, Artist, Author & Educator

Writers In Nature with Sue B. Walker
2024-07-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-24 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-31 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-04 10:00 - 12:00 and 3 more dates
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.

All About the Longleaf Forest
2024-08-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
First Friday Returns: MBG’s Longleaf Forest
Join us for the kick off of the return of our First Friday series! Captain of our Longleaf Management Committee, Andrew Saunders, will be here to deliver a spirited Powerpoint presentation about MBG’s largest collection, the Longleaf Treasure Forest, including its natural history and its restoration promise. He will also share information about a planned growing-season burn happening here soon.
The Longleaf Forest once extended along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains from Virginia through East Texas over greater than 90 million acres and was the dominant ecosystem in the Southeast. By the mid-20th century, it covered less than 3 million acres. Today, with numerous restoration efforts underway, Longleaf covers over 5 million acres.
The Longleaf Forest is an ecological restoration success story! And MBG is proud to be a part of restoring this living ecosystem, one of the most diverse on Earth. So why would we burn this treasured forest, you ask? Join us for August’s First Friday Presentation to find out exactly why prescribed fire is for the good of the Longleaf Forest!
When: Friday, August 2, 2024 10:00am
Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens
Cost: Free for MBG members or with admission, though registration is required. Email shabel@mbgardens.org or call 251-342-0555 to register.
After this engaging First Friday Presentation, enjoy a delicious lunch ($15.00), catered by Georgia Roussous. On the menu this week is baked penne, steamed broccoli, a side caesar salad, roll and butter, sweet or unsweet tea and a chocolate trifle for dessert. Lunches are available via pre-order only. Order your lunch now

Botanical Art #2: The Art of Colored Pencil
2024-08-23 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-30 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-06 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-20 10:00 - 13:00, 2024-09-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Larkins Classroom, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
BOTANICAL ART #2: LEARNING “THE ART OF …” SERIES
#2. THE ART OF COLORED PENCIL

For those who simply wish to take their botanical art and drawing skills to a higher level and those who continue to explore the world of botanical art drawing with colored pencil this class is specifically designed for you!
Students will progress through sound accurate observation and the fundamentals of proportional drawing technique to an understanding of working with color and colored pencil. A step-by-step process will allow the student to more fully understand the application of color and color blending, be it colored pencil or watercolor. As the class progresses each
student will engage in drawing plant specimens as they learn to apply color to a variety of hot press papers and understand the importance of structure, surface texture and color perspective.
Botanical Art #2: Learning How to Work with Colored Pencil –
How to surprise yourself and amaze your friends!
Instructor: Derek Norman
Artist, Botanical Artist, Educator, Author & sometime Writer
Fridays 10 am – 1 pm from August 23rd – September 27th

Cost: $125 MBG Members, $150 not-yet members
Register and Pay

First class: August 23
Second class: August 30
Third class: Sept 6 meeting on Magnolia Hill
Fourth class: Sept 13
Fifth class: Sept 20
Sixth class: Sept 27

Nature Journaling for Homeschoolers
2024-09-03 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-09-10 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-09-17 09:00 - 10:30, 2024-09-24 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

Oyster Gardening on the Gulf Coast- First Friday
2024-09-06 10:30 - 12:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Oysters Are vital to a healthy coastal ecosystem
Since 2000, Oyster Gardening programs have been thriving along the northern Gulf of Mexico. These programs engage volunteers in a hands-on, restoration-focused educational experience. Through their collective efforts, participants have successfully cultivated over 1.6 million advanced stocker oysters, boasting a remarkable restoration potential of more than 80 acres. This impressive achievement underscores the program’s effectiveness in promoting coastal conservation.
In this comprehensive overview, PJ Waters, PhD, Associate Extension Professor from Auburn University Marine Extension and Resource Center, Alabama Cooperative Extension Service Agent, will delve into the program’s origins, exploring the visionary ideas that sparked its creation. He will examine the operational model, highlighting the collaborative efforts between volunteers, scientists, and conservationists. Additionally, he will chart the program’s growth over time, showcasing its evolution and expansion.
Professor Waters will also explore the fascinating parallels between oyster gardening and oyster farming, shedding light on the distinct approaches and goals of each practice. Furthermore, he will uncover the incredible world of oysters. You will learn about their remarkable biology, their crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the ecosystem services they provide, including water filtration, shoreline stabilization, and habitat creation.
By the end of this journey, you will gain a deeper understanding of the significance of oyster conservation. And you will appreciate the vital role that Oyster Gardening programs play in protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems.
This and every First Friday Presentation at Mobile Botanical Gardens is free for MBG members or with admission for not-yet members. But registration is required. Email shabel@mbgardens.org to register your seat.
Don’t forget your lunch!
After the program, we invite you to enjoy a delicious lunch from Georgia Roussous Catering! Lunches are $15 and may be enjoyed in the Botanical Center, on the MBG Grounds, or to-go. Please submit your order before noon on Thursday, September 5. Menu for September 6 features a chicken salad sandwich on a croissant, pasta salad, a roll and butter, fruit as dessert, and sweet or unsweet tea.
Order Lunch Now

Preschool Storytime: Tales and Trails in the Gardens
2024-09-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Tales and Trails in the Gardens Preschool Storytime Returns!
Tales and Trails preschool storytime returns to Mobile Botanical Gardens thanks to the generous support of the Lilian S. Woolford Charitable Trust.
Join us on Thursday mornings beginning at 10:30 am in various locations throughout MBG’s 106 acres to enjoy preschool storytime together. MBG Docents will read aloud specially selected stories and lead nature-based activities perfect for preschoolers. Parents and children alike will learn and have fun in our gorgeous garden setting.
Tales and Trails in the Gardens 2025 dates:
January 9, 2025
January 16, 2025
January 23, 2025
January 30, 2025
February 6, 2025
February 13, 2025
February 20, 2025
February 27, 2025
March 6, 2025
March 20, 2025
March 27, 2025
April 3, 2025
April 10, 2025
April 17, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 8, 2025
May 15, 2025
May 22, 2025
Tales and Trails in the Gardens is FREE for MBG members (Membership Benefits) (Join MBG Now) or with regular admission. But registration is required; register for Tales and Trails here.

Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Event
2024-09-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Please attend our annual meeting of members and directors and volunteer appreciation ice cream social
Tuesday evening, September 17, will be MBG’s Annual Meeting of Members and Directors. This meeting will be followed by an ice cream social with Cammie’s Old Dutch in honor of our MBG volunteers.
Join us as we formally introduce new candidates for our Board of Directors and vote them into their 3-year terms. We will also present the 2024-25 Officers and share the adopted budget for the upcoming year. Also meet new MBG staff members who have joined us at the Gardens this year.

Afterschool Art Class for Middle Schoolers
2024-09-24 16:00 - 17:30
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.

Pollinator Workshop Family Fun
2024-09-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Mobile Botanical Event
Family Pollinator Workshop
You may remember that we had a fun family pollinator workshop scheduled earlier this year that we postponed due to weather. We rescheduled this event for Saturday morning, September 28. Our friendly beekeeper, Veronica Culberson, of Honey of the Hill Apiaries, will be on Magnolia Hill to present an engaging, informative, and interactive talk for all ages about pollinators. And we will play The Pollination Game and make seed bombs and more. It’s sure to be a great time for all ages!
This event includes free admission to the Gardens for everyone! Please use QR code above to register to attend.
Thanks to our partners for this event: The National Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, UrbanAgricultureinAlabama.org and the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council.
