Tour guide: Keely Shaughnessy, Brookside Gardens staff

Join us for a walking tour of Brookside Gardens’ late spring blooming shrubs and deciduous plants. Explore our colorful collection of azaleas and rhododendrons while learning how to incorporate them into your own home garden.

NOTE: Address and parking logistics will be sent after registration.

Nate Roehrich, Brookside Gardens greenhouse manager

Opened in 2018, the O’Rourke Greenhouse consists of four growing areas totaling 10,000 square feet under glass. Participants will take a closer look at the state-of-the-art technology that enables the greenhouse staff to grow a variety of beautiful plants year-round while getting a sneak peek at the thousands of plants being grown for the garden displays.

Instructor: Ann English, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection staff

Session II: Explore strategies to properly size a garden project, estimate plant quantities, and create an effective planting plan. Study the range of native plants for managing water runoff and supporting pollinators and wildlife. Learn the steps to develop and submit a plan that qualifies for the RainScapes Rewards Rebate. Registrants will receive a selection of free native plants to take home.

A RainScape is a landscape or design technique that helps reduce stormwater runoff from individual properties. RainScape projects can include rain gardens, conservation landscapes, green roofs, and permeable pavements. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection offers a rebate program for approved RainScape projects for homeowners. To be eligible for a rebate, participants must apply and be approved for installation based on a submitted plan before projects are installed. These two sessions are intended to help homeowners create a RainScape design plan. Classes are open to anyone regardless if applying for a RainScape rebate.

Note: Address and parking logistics will be sent after registration.

Instructor: Nate Roehrich, Greenhouse Manager, Brookside Gardens

Learn about plant propagation in our state-of-the-art greenhouse facilities. You’ll discover how to produce your own houseplants inexpensively and easily from start to finish. We’ll review the best techniques and plants to propagate from cuttings. Participants will take a few potted cuttings from the greenhouse to grow at home.

Instructor: Tanory Ateek

With her signature curiosity and playful approach to ancient meditative practices, Tanory will guide you through a half-day of stress relieving practices, including gentle yoga; walking and seated meditation; and the meditative way of the labyrinth. Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat will provide a chance to slow down, connect to nature in new ways, and rekindle a deeper sense of peace and wonder in your life.

Instructor: Ana Ka’ahanui, certified Forest Therapy Guide

Connect with nature through a forest bathing walk among the beautiful springtime blossoms and newly leafing trees. Stroll the grounds and neighboring forest at a measured pace that allows you to notice the small miracles of nature unfolding. We’ll close the walk by enjoying hot tea and healthy snacks.

About Forest Bathing:
The Forest Agency of Japan began promoting forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, in the 1980s as a response to the stresses of urban living and long work hours. This nature-oriented mindfulness practice, which is rooted in the traditional Japanese reverence for the natural world, has since become popular all over the world, bringing joy and improved mental and physical health to millions of people. Numerous health studies have confirmed forest bathing’s benefits and doctors and nurses in our region are taking note. Many are prescribing “Nature” to their patients.

Instructor: Joan O’Rourke, Brookside Gardens volunteer

Our staff have found miniature perennial plants that are just like the grown-up ones, including tiny hosta and the smallest heuchera. Your container will have a combination of plants including grasses, creeping groundcover, and flowering selections to create a lush mix of textures and colors. The plants will reward you with beauty year after year!

*NOTE: This class will be held in the Visitor Center Auditorium located at 1800 Glenallan Avenue. No walk-ins will be accepted. Class size limited to 25 people.

Instructor: Charles Votaw

Tai Chi is an ancient, Chinese form of exercise perfect for adults seeking stress reduction while strengthening muscles, improving balance, and increasing flexibility. The Forms are repetitive patterns that emphasize slow, flowing motions and controlled movements. Classes will help beginners to learn the Forms while providing regular practitioners the guidance of an experienced instructor.

*NOTE: This class will be held in the Visitor Center Auditorium located at 1800 Glenallan Avenue. No walk-ins will be accepted. Class size limited to 20 people.

Instructor: Sherry Weber

These series of classes feature foundational yoga poses that are designed to support better breathing, walking, and space orientation. Yoga movements help build muscle, bone density and core strength while improving balance, posture, and flexibility. Mats are not included.

*NOTE: This class will be held in the Visitor Center Auditorium located at 1800 Glenallan Avenue. No walk-ins will be accepted. Class size limited to 20 people.

Instructor: Tanory Ateek

For those who want to continue their practice throughout the colder months, we're bringing our popular Saturday yoga series indoors. Designed to increase flexibility and physical strength and to cultivate mental focus, these classes are a beautiful and relaxing way to begin your weekend. Mats are not included.