ADULT PROGRAMS
The Wildflower Center offers abundant opportunities to learn about Texas native plants, gardening, nature art, photography, writing and more — including our very popular Native Plant Gardening Series.
Classes generally happen during spring and fall, with other programs occurring throughout the year.
January 2019
Native Fruit Trees of Texas
Money may not grow on trees, but fruit does, and a healthy native fruit tree is really priceless. Learn about fruit trees of Texas, tree selection, harvesting and other tips for care from a landscaping expert.
Find out more »Fortlandia Design Applicant Information Session
This is an information session for those who are interested in submitting a proposal for our fall exhibit in the Texas Arboretum, Fortlandia.
Find out more »February 2019
Reading the Land Tour for Members
Come tour the Wildflower Center with Land Steward Michelle Bertelsen and learn about how to read visual cues from the landscape to understand more about a place's history and ecology. This program is exclusively for members of the Wildflower Center. Learn about membership here. Register
Find out more »Nature Drawing
Discover how to interpret the beauty of nature through personal expression while learning about composition, proportion and perspective. Learn to create proportionally correct forms and believable textures.
Find out more »Seedbank & Herbarium Tour for Members
Learn how seeds banked in Texas have been used for research projects around the world. Join the Plant Conservation Program Manager for a behind-the-scenes tour of the seed lab and herbarium in this Member Appreciation Month special tour.
Find out more »Moonlight Hike (CANCELLED)
Join us on an after-hours, moonlit hike throughout the gardens and the Texas Arboretum.
Find out more »Austin Cave Festival
A free, family-friendly event offering cave explorations and more
Find out more »Growing Operations Tour for Members
On this tour, get behind the scenes in the main nursery with our nursery manager. Learn about plants we grow for the gardens and plant sales and hear about our projects and collaborations.
Find out more »Hatha Yoga for Members
Carve out some time for self-care in the gardens with drop in hatha yoga, exclusively for Member Appreciation Month!
Find out more »March 2019
Scenic Spring Sauntering – (CANCELLED)
American transcendentalists such as Thoreau were practitioners of sauntering, a mindful meandering with the aim of spiritual connection to the earth. Join this guided group to refresh and realign with nature.
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Small-lot Landscapes
Part of the Native Plant Gardening Series, this class is ideal for participants designing landscapes with one acre of land or less; perfect for designing yards and gardens. Take the classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save.
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Plants I
Part of the Native Plant Gardening Series, in this class students will identify and learn about a variety of plants native to Central Texas, unique growing characteristics of each, and how to choose the right ones for a garden. Take the classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save. This is one of our most popular offerings!
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Large-Scale Design
Part of our popular Native Plant Gardening Series, this class is ideal for participants designing landscapes with one acre of land or more. Take the classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save.
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Plants II
In this continuation of our popular Native Plants Gardening Series, dig deeper into the topic of Texas flora. Learn about native plants and where to find them as well as resources to keep growing. Take classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save.
Find out more »Scenic Spring Sauntering – NEW
American transcendentalists such as Thoreau were practitioners of sauntering, a mindful meandering with the aim of spiritual connection to the earth. Join this guided group to refresh and realign with nature.
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Installation
Part of our popular Native Plant Gardening Series, this class is ideal for those wanting to learn about site preparation, irrigation, planting best practices and mulch application for a healthy garden. Take classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save.
Find out more »Nature Is the Best Medicine
Spring signifies renewal and growth. In this timely talk with Dr. Gerry King, explore how time in nature restores energy, improves mood and relieves stress. Take away tools to promote healing and health.
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Maintenance
In this continuation of our popular Native Plant Gardening Series, gain knowledge of plant physiology, gardening tools, watering guidelines and more. Take classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save.
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Pest Management
In this final installment of the Native Plant Gardening Series, learn to identify common beneficial and harmful insects in your garden. This class also covers pest management, treatment and safety practices. Take classes individually or enroll in the entire series and save.
Find out more »Landscape Photography
Learn to see landscapes with the eye of a trained photographer and capture crisp, composed shots by practicing amidst the Wildflowers with a pro instructor.
Find out more »Talk: The Magic & Meaning of Tree Gardens in the 21st Century
What are gardens, parks and arboretums? Dr. William "Ned" Friedman discusses the diverse roles of botanical gardens in this presentation.
Find out more »April 2019
Ecology & Art Walk + Workshop (Cancelled)
Half ecological education and half artistic exploration, this expert-led walk and workshop is for anyone who wants to spend time reflecting in nature with pen or brush in hand, learning about the landscape along the way.
Find out more »Arranging With Wildflowers
Learn which native flowers keep, how to cut them, and floral design techniques for perfect placement.
Find out more »Container Gardening Workshop (Cancelled)
You don't have to have a lot of land to be a gardener! Our very own ED will lead participants in learning the joy of container gardening.
Find out more »Shou Ping: Meet the Artist
Meet Shou Ping, the nature-inspired artist whose work will be featured in the Wildflower Center Gift Store through May 12. Shou Ping creates unique three-dimensional paper sculptures that express her love of nature. She transforms ordinary sheets of watercolor paper into extraordinary flowers and animals. Each detail, every petal of a flower or feather of a bird, is individually drawn, painted, cut and sculpted. The works are so realistic, viewers often want to reach out and touch them (please don’t).…
Find out more »Name That Plant
Do you have a plant and can't figure out what it is? Our experts will be on hand to identify your plants.
Find out more »Pen & Petal: Botanical Poetry (NEW!)
Sunflowers and sonnets, violets and verses! This class will weave through the gardens before retreating to read and write with instructor guidance.
Find out more »Wildflower Road Show (SOLD OUT)
Hop on the bus to see gorgeous Hill Country wildflowers with expert guides
Find out more »Gardening for Wildlife
Ready to make your yard, garden or land a paradise for native wildlife? Learn how to use native plants to support robust ecosystems and provide habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and more.
Find out more »Art Opening: Such Lonely Country by Katy McCarthy
Join in for the opening of Katy McCarthy's exhibit in our historic McDermott Learning Center. Refreshments will be served and the artist will be available for questions.
Find out more »Milkweeds for Monarchs (NEW!)
Come learn with our expert conservationist and propagation specialist and get empowered to power the migration with homegrown native milkweeds.
Find out more »Wild Tales of the Texas Terrain (NEW!)
Many a rough and tumble writer or tall tale teller has been inspired by Texas' tough yet lovely landscapes. Try your hand at some lone star poetry and prose of your own with instructor guidance.
Find out more »“The Guardians” Showing & Panel
In collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation we present "The Guardians," a film depicting modern day in Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and the community's struggle to protect their vital forestland. Expert panel discussion to follow the screening.
Find out more »May 2019
Plant ID Walk & Learn
Get to know your natives! Learn how to ID plants using a key and other observational techniques.
Find out more »Adventures in Central Texas Birding – NEW!
Discover the diversity of birdlife, when and where to find migratory species and which species thrive as residents right here among us (and how we can be hospitable hosts to them).
Find out more »Finding Stillness & Creativity – NEW!
Find stillness in the gardens with guided meditation and exercises for tapping into your inner creative wellspring.
Find out more »Unnatural Texas? (Author Event)
They came from outer space...well, not exactly, but non-native plants and animals that have become invasive are increasingly affecting the economic, medical, and ecological health of Texas. This discussion with authors of "Unnatural Texas? The Invasive Species Dilemma" sheds light on the implications and management of unwanted flora and fauna. FREE with admission Admission is always free for members. Learn more here. Meet the Authors: Robin W. Doughty, a Yorkshire-born Geographer who received his PhD from University of California…
Find out more »June 2019
Native Host Plants for Butterflies & Moths
Learn to create a host-plant haven for the larvae of Texas butterflies and moths with native plants in your garden.
Find out more »
Thorns & Blooms: Growing Cacti
Many spiny species also have beautiful blooms! Take a tour of our greenhouse and learn how to grow cacti at home
Find out more »July 2019
Invasive Species High School Curriculum Training Workshop for Teachers
This workshop will introduce high school teachers to a curriculum designed around the issue of invasive species.
Find out more »Bet Your Hedge on Native Plants
It's been said that fences make good neighbors, and we think native plants can make the best borders. Come see various examples of styles and heights and learn from one of our expert horticulturists how to select the right plants and shape and maintain them. Register $30 per person Members receive a discount. Learn about membership here!
Find out more »August 2019
Series: Nature and Abstract Drawing
Seven-week course In partnership with Contemporary Austin Art School. Learn how to create abstract drawings using natural forms as inspiration. Class will start plant and natural element studies and discover how to transform these representational objects into abstract formal compositions reflecting the individual.
Find out more »Guided Garden Tour
Tour our gardens with a knowledgeable volunteer docent
Find out more »September 2019
Native Plant Gardening Series: Small-lot Landscape Design
Part of our popular Native Plant Gardening Series: Get expert guidance in designing small gardens and spaces
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Plants I
Part of our popular Native Plant Gardening Series: Learn to identify native plants of Texas and choose the best for your garden
Find out more »Native Plant Gardening Series: Large-Scale Landscape Design
Part of our popular Native Plant Gardening Series: Get expert guidance designing for 1 or more acres
Find out more »The Zen of Seeing & the Artist’s Way – NEW! (Waitlist)
This 7-class series will explore creativity through mindfulness and mixed-media visual art. No experience needed.
Find out more »Series: Watercolor Basics
This seven-session course is presented in partnership with the Contemporary Austin Art School.
Find out more »Series: Bamboo Drawing Tools & Homemade Media – NEW!
Explore art with handmade tools and a natural palette. No experience required!
Find out more »LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER
4801 La Crosse Ave.
Austin, TX 78739
512.232.0100
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