Mobile Botanical Gardens

Sketch Club in the Gardens
2024-12-20 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-12-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-17 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-24 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-01-31 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-07 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) 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.

Botanical Art #3: Learning How to Paint in Watercolor
2025-01-03 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).

Beekeeping: History and Culture
2025-01-17 10:00 - 12:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens, 5151 MUSEUM DR, MOBILE, AL, 36608, United States
Bees and Keepers: History and Culture of Beekeeping and the Human/Honeybee Relationship
Humans have been beekeeping for the bees’ delicious honey for thousands of years. But our relationship goes so much deeper and further back than that. From 8,000 year old cave paintings and ancient stories, religious texts and cultural traditions to today’s industrial farming practices, honeybees have remained a constant source of food and reverence for us throughout our history together.
In this class/presentation we will discover how our relationship with these tiny helpers has evolved over the eons from pilfering to farming, how ingrained they are in many aspects of human life and how we can move forward together for our common good. We will also discuss how beekeeping practices have developed and vary across the globe and how vastly different honey from different sources can be and have a honey tasting!
Please join us for this interesting and informative event. Free for MBG members or with the cost of admission. Registration required; email shabel@mbgardens.org to register your seat.

Pen and Ink Drawing: Botanical Art #4
2025-01-24 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-31 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Larkins Classroom, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
Learning to Draw in Pen and Ink
Drawing in pen & ink is a daunting task for many but the rewards are highly satisfying!
Fridays, January 24- February 28, 2025
10am – 1pm
Members $125 / Non-members $150
(Discover the benefits of membership and Join Now)!

Register and Pay.
Join us for a 6-week class focusing on traditional technique. Students will work to create drawings of scenes from the Gardens.
From Instructor, Derek Norman:
This studio class is designed for beginning and intermediate students. (And for those who wish to take their skills to a higher level). It is devoted to the practice of classic pen and ink technique as it relates to botanical drawing and composition. Learn to draw with pen in both black & white and color inks. And learn the fundamentals of sound linear and tonal concepts of plant perspective, value, depth, dimension and design. While working on a variety of different hot and cold press papers, students are encouraged to work using both a crow quill (dip pen) and a technical drawing pen.
Also study current and historical examples of classic botanical pen and ink drawings in conjunction with on-going class exercises.
Botanical Art – discovering a whole new world of possibilities!
Instructor Derek Norman.
Artist, Botanical Artist, Educator, Author & sometime Writer.

USA Biology Lecture Series: What is in Our Waters? A Closer Look at the Pondweed Family in the Southeastern US
2025-01-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Mobile Botanical Gardens’ Larkins Classroom, 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL, 36608, United States
USA Biology Lecture Series - Talk 1 WIP

Onions and a Japanese Knot Bag in 3 Sessions
2025-02-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-08 10:00 - 11:30, 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
2025-02-04 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-11 08:30 - 12:00, 2025-02-18 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
2025-02-04 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-07 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-11 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-14 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-18 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-02-21 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!

Preschool Storytime: Tales and Trails in the Gardens
2025-02-06 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 Fall 2025 dates:
September 25 – Trees ‘If I Were a Tree’ by Dar Hosta
October 2 – Full Moon – ‘Hello, Harvest Moon’ by Ralph Fletcher
October 9 – Apples – ‘The Apple Pie Tree’ by Zoe Hall
October 16 – Seeds – ‘Planting the Wild Garden’ by Kathryn Galbraith
October 23 – Pumpkins – ‘Pumpkin Jack’ by Will Hubbell
October 30 – Halloween – ‘The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything’ by Linda Williams
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.

Walk N' Talk: Camellias with Seth Allen
2025-02-14 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.
