spring 2012 garden calendar

March - May | 2012 Garden CalendarE V E N T S , E X H I B I T S , C L A S S E S A N D T R I P S

Design for a Living World Now through April 1Dorrance Hall and Ottosen Gallery 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. / DailyThis traveling exhibition is a collaboration between the

Desert Botanical Garden and The Nature Conservancy,

bringing in works by 10 prominent designers that use

sustainable materials from around the world. Wood, plants,

wool and other organic materials become captivating

and engaging objects that remind us of the power of

regeneration and the human connection to the earth. The

exhibition also features video interviews with the designers,

sketches, models and large-scale photography by acclaimed

photojournalist Ami Vitale. Design for a Living World

encourages us to think about the products and objects we

use in our daily lives.

Lead Sponsor, Design for a Living World

Green Choice Powered by Lecture Series

The Dorrance Family Foundation

Co-presented by

Spring Butterfly Exhibit in the Maxine and Jonathan Marshall Butterfly PavilionTake a stroll through the beautiful Marshall Butterfly Pavilion and find yourself

surrounded by hundreds of fluttering butterflies. Watch as butterflies sip nectar

from plants, perch in the sun, and if you are lucky, maybe even land on you.

Special displays feature butterfly host plants and an activity tent where you can

see these scaly-winged friends up close.

Supported by The Fred Maytag Family Foundation.

March 3 – May 13 / 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. / Daily Members: Free / General Public: $3.50 Children under three free with paid Garden admission

exhibits daily and weekly activities

garden meetings

Included with membership or admission

Arizona Native Plant Society Meeting Tuesdays / March 13, April 10, May 8 / 7 - 9 p.m. Check-in at Admissions / Everyone welcome

The Arizona Native Plant Society provides information,

fosters appreciation of, and helps protect Arizona’s native

plants. The Phoenix chapter emphasizes Sonoran Desert

plants. Call Michael Plagens at 602 459.5224 for more

information.

Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Meeting Sundays / March 25, May 20 / 2 - 4 p.m. Check-in at Admissions / Everyone welcome The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society

encourages the appreciation, study and growing of

cacti and other succulents. Each meeting features a

program about aspects of these fabulous plants. Visit

centralarizonacactus.org for more information.

Garden Tours October 1 – May 13 / Daily Explore the Garden with an expert who will help you

understand the extraordinary plants of the Sonoran Desert.

This docent-led tour guides you past towering saguaros and

tiny mammillarias, bizarre boojums and elegant palo verdes.

How does such abundant life survive and thrive in the harsh

desert? Take a tour and find out. Bring water and a camera,

and wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes.

Birds in the Garden Mondays / February – April / 8 a.m. / May / 7 a.m. Second Saturdays / February – April / 8 a.m. / May / 7 a.m. Join expert birders for a morning bird walk along the

Garden trails. Everyone is welcome, including first-time

birders. Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes,

and bring binoculars if available.

Ask a Gardener Saturdays and Sundays February – April / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Want ideas for creating year-round color and conserving

water in your desert garden? Drop by our Ask a Gardener

station where knowledgeable volunteers can help with your

gardening questions.

Audio Tours These lighthearted, fun and informative tours bring alive

our collections of plants along the Desert Discovery Trail.

Adult or family audio presentations are another great

opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Garden. What’s inside 2 Exhibits 3 Daily and Weekly Activities 3 Garden Meetings 4 Special Events 9 Member Events10 Landscape and Gardening13 Gardening Arts14 Photography and Art17 Foods and Well-Being19 Explorations in Natural

Sciences19 Earth Sciences21 Natural and Cultural History23 Education through Travel

and Adventure30 Volunteer Opportunities31 Children and Family

Education38 Registration Information39 Become a Member40 Garden Information

Flashlight Tours Thursdays and Saturdays / May 26 – September 1 / 7 p.m. Flashlight tours are a sensory adventure where you will see,

hear and feel the desert night. The self-paced stroll along

the main trail to 10 discovery

stations is perfect for families

and children of all ages. Included

with membership or paid Garden

admission. For additional

information call 480 941.1225

or visit dbg.org.

Group Tours and Activities Available at a time and date of your choice The Garden offers special discounts and customized tours

for groups of 10 or more people. Join us for team building,

educational and entertainment offerings, including private

guided tours, planting activities and southwestern cooking

demonstrations. Ask about our Native Cultures and

Plants of the Southwest tour package that includes a boxed

lunch and visits to both the Desert Botanical Garden and

the Heard Museum. Call 480 481.8104 or go to dbg.org/

groupsales for pricing and more information.

Activities for Children Daily / Year-round Keep children interested and engaged with activity sheets

as you stroll through the Garden. Stop by the admissions

entrance booths and ask about our Desert Detectives bingo

games for ages three to eight or our Cacti Quest scavenger

hunt for ages eight and older.

Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale

Friday - Sunday / April 20 - 22 / Dorrance Hall Friday - Saturday / 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday / 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Expect to see amazing, beautiful and bizarre examples

of cacti and succulents as members of the Central

Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society display potted

specimens of desert plants from around the world. The

show includes a sale featuring plants and pots from

southwestern growers and artists. For more information,

go to centralarizonacactus.org.

Garden Members Annual Meeting Thursday / May 24 / 5 - 7 p.m. / Dorrance Hall Please join us for the Garden Members Annual Meeting,

which includes a business meeting and the recognition

of retiring and introduction of new board members.

Opening Reception Sustainability Media Promotional

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GARDEN CALENDAR GARDEN CALENDAR2 3

Spring Concert Series 2012 The Desert Botanical Garden is proud to bring another

season of stellar talent to the Music in the Garden Spring Concert Series. Enjoy the music of beloved

favorites and new performers in the most breathtaking

venue in town.

Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events provides a

chef-attended station featuring weekly specials for an

additional charge. The Patio Café will also be open

during the concert with items for purchase from the

café menu. A full cash bar and boutique wine bottle

selection are available for purchase.

Fridays / Ullman TerraceMarch – May / Doors open at 5:30 p.m. / Concerts 7 - 9 p.m.June / Doors open at 6 p.m. / Concerts 7:30 - 9:30 pm.Members: $15 / General Public: $21

Must be 21 or older to attend. Proper identification is required for admission, and children will not be admitted even if parent or guardian is present, with the exception of Friday, April 20.

March - May concerts: 7 - 9 p.m.

March 2 The Swingtips Swing/Jazz

March 9 The DelRayz Blues/Boogie

March 16 The Hey Boyz Bluegrass/Country

March 23 Pete Pancrazi Jazz Guitar/Bossa Nova

April 6 Big Nick and the Gila Monsters Blues

April 13 Dennis Rowland Jazz/R&B/Soul

To Purchase Tickets: • Orderonlineatdbg.org • Call480481.8188(8a.m.-5p.m.Monday–Friday,

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekends)

• VisittheAdmissionsBoxOffice(8a.m.-8p.m.daily)

Concert venue is open seating only. Limited tickets are available. Advanced ticket purchase recommended. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more adults by calling 480 481.8104. No refunds or exchanges on tickets purchased. No outside food or beverage allowed.

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTApril 20 Nature, Sound, Silence: John Cage American Experimental

Doors open at 6 p.m. Concert begins in Ottosen Entry Garden and will progress to Ullman Terrace. All ages welcome for this date only. Co-sponsored by the ASU School of Music.

May 4 Domingo DeGrazia Flamenco/Acoustic Guitar

May 11 Chele’ Jazz/Soul

May 18 Pick & Holler Old Time Appalachian

May 25 Chris Burton Jácome Flamenco Guitar/Latin

June 1 The Shri Blues Band Blues

June 8 Crossing 32nd Street presents A Musical Tribute to The Who Rock

June 15 Grupo Liberdade Brazilian/World/Batucadad

June 22 The Sugar Thieves Delta Blues

June 29 Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns R&B/Blues

Sponsored in part by:

Spring 2012 Concerts

special events

June concerts: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.Spring Plant Sale Sponsored by

Garden Members Preview: Friday / March 16 / 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Open to the General Public: Saturday / March 17 / 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. AND Sunday / March 18 / 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. No admission charge to enter the Spring Plant Sale

The Desert Botanical Garden Plant Sale is a one-stop extravaganza featuring the

largest selection of arid-adapted plants found anywhere in Arizona. We offer

trees, shrubs, groundcover, herbs, perennials, cactus and succulents for the

beginner and the avid collector alike. Garden volunteers and horticulturists are

on hand to answer questions, assist in plant selection and offer garden advice. A

used book sale with a wide variety of subjects is also offered, with all proceeds

benefitingtheGarden’slibrary.(BookdonationsareacceptedattheGarden

admissions. Sorry, no magazines.) Specialized retailers offer gourmet food,

pottery and garden accessories.


special eventsAVANT-GARDEN Think Globally | Celebrate Locally Thursdays / 6 - 9 p.m. / Doors open at 6 p.m. / Entertainment 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Exhibit open until 9 p.m. Members: $12 / General Public: $18

Avant-garden goes global in honor of the Design for a Living World exhibit,

a collaboration between the Desert Botanical Garden and The Nature

Conservancy. Each week Boppart Courtyard will be transformed into one

of the destinations featured in the exhibit, complete with culturally unique

cuisine and entertainment. Take advantage of this event to see the highly-

anticipated exhibit after hours.

A chef-attended special from Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events will be

available for an additional charge. A full cash bar is also available.

Visit dbg.org for more information about each night’s theme.

To Purchase Tickets: • Orderonlineatdbg.org • Call480481.8188(8a.m.-5p.m. Monday–Friday,9a.m.-4p.m. weekends)• VisittheAdmissionsBoxOffice (8a.m.-8p.m.daily) • Forgrouptickets,call480481.8104


February 9 / Mexico Be inspired with new ideas for Valentine’s Day with a Mexican cooking demonstration followed by a romantic performance by Flamenco por la Vida.

February 16 / Bolivia Celebrate the tradition of Carnaval with a captivating musical performance by Porangui & Zang and SambAZ Dancers.

February 23 / Idaho Learn the steps from a real square dance caller, and then relax to nostalgic old-time music from string band Pick & Holler.

March 22 / World Celebration Join DJ Miguel Ivery in celebrating world cultures through dance followed by the dynamic world music of Traveler.

Must be 21 or older to attend and must show proper identification to be admitted. No exceptions. Children will not be admitted even if parent or guardian is present. No outside food or beverage will be allowed into the venue.

March 1 / Costa Rica Discover the many uses and benefits of cocoa, and then continue the feel good vibe with a Calypso performance by J.T.’s Island Steel.

March 8 / Australia Uncork a good time with a tasting and presentation of Australian wines followed by a neotribal performance by Drumming Sounds.

March 15 / Alaska Explore the animal world of the Pacific Northwest in an interactive program brought by The Phoenix Zoo. Native American music performance by Tony Duncan and Estun-bah.

special events

Agave on the Rocks Friday / March 30 / 6 - 10 p.m. Members: $55 General Public: $60

Celebrate the 10th annual Agave on the Rocks Save $10 - act NOW! Purchase tickets prior to March 9 and receive a $10 discount on the ticket price.

Celebrate the essence of the

margarita and the spirit of the

southwest at the 10th Annual

Agave on the Rocks at the Desert

Botanical Garden.

Do not miss gourmet cuisine

prepared by renowned Valley

restaurants and eaters, fabulous

music and refreshing margaritas.

Must be 21 or older to attend and must show proper identification to be admitted. No exceptions. Children will not be admitted even if parent or guardian is present.

To Purchase Tickets: •Orderonlineatdbg.org •Call480481.8188(8a.m.-5p.m.,

Monday–Friday,9a.m.-4p.m.

weekends)

•VisittheAdmissionsBoxOffice

(8a.m.-8p.m.daily)

Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door. Event programming is subject to change. No outside food, beverage or alcohol may be brought into the Garden. No refunds, exchanges or rain dates.


special eventsThe Colorado River, Flowing Through Conflict Lecture Wednesday / April 11 / 7 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $12 / General Public: $18

Follow the Colorado River from source to sea with National Geographic writer/

adventurer Jonathan Waterman, who paddled the entire length of the river in

five months, and National Geographic photographer/filmmaker Pete McBride,

who took an intimate aerial portrait of the river’s watershed by following the

irrigation water that sustains his family’s Colorado ranch. Traversing 1,450 miles

and draining seven states, the Colorado River supports over 30 million people

across the Southwest. Today, this resource is so depleted it no longer reaches its

naturaldestination–theGulfofCalifornia.Followtheriver’spaththroughthese

two personal journeys chronicled in their inspirational photo essay, The Colorado

River, Flowing Through Conflict to understand this national treasure. Presentation

followed by questions and book sale/signing. Presented in partnership with the

Sonoran Institute.

To Purchase Tickets: • Orderonlineatdbg.org • Call480481.8188(8a.m.-5p.m.Monday–Friday,9a.m.-4p.m.weekends)

• VisittheAdmissionsBoxOffice(8a.m.-8p.m.daily)

17th Annual Scottsdale Artist League Spring Paintout Saturdays / Throughout the Garden March 3, 10, 17, 24 / 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Show and Sale / Saturday and Sunday March 31 and April 1 / 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Stardust Foundation Plaza Artist Meet and Greet Saturday / March 31 / 4 - 6 p.m.

The Desert Botanical Garden and

Scottsdale Artists League will co-

sponsor their 17th annual Spring

Paintout. As visitors walk through

the trails, they will come across 50

of Scottsdale Artists League’s best

landscape painters capturing Garden

scenes. All the artwork from the

Painout will be on display and for sale

for the final weekend. A portion of

the proceeds will benefit the Desert

Botanical Garden and the Scottsdale

Artists League’s Scholarship Fund.

For more information visit www.

scottsdaleartistsleague.org.

Oaxacan and Mata Ortiz Trunk Show Saturday and Sunday March 31 and April 1 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Daily / Binns Wildflower Pavilion

The Garden presents a showing of

Oaxacan wood carving and Mata Ortiz

pottery with many styles available for

purchase. Woodcarver Jacobo Angeles

Ojeda, one of the finest woodcarvers

The 26th Annual Dinner on the Desert Saturday / April 28 Kathy and Chuck Munson, Co-Chairs

Dinner on the Desert 2012 fuses the sights, sounds

and flavors of the Americas. This electric yet

sophisticated evening begins at the Ottosen Entry

Garden with a signature cocktail, gracious welcomes

and lively music. The setting sun invites guests to take

in the grandeur of the Garden as they make their way

to Dorrance Hall to bid on plants, pots, garden art and

exceptional experiences, while sampling an array of

innovative hors d’oeuvres. The evening continues in

the magical setting of the Stardust Foundation Plaza

with a bold and fresh Latin-inspired dinner. Dance

your way back to Ottosen Entry Garden for decadent

desserts and live entertainment under the stars.

Dinner on the Desert proceeds support the Garden’s

research, conservation, exhibition and environmental

education programs, nurturing respect and

appreciation for our unique Sonoran Desert home.

Tickets start at $500. Reservations are limited. Please call

Esther Battock at 480 481.8182 for more information or

reservations.

TOPIA The Desert Botanical Garden and

Ballet Arizona present Topia, a ballet

created specifically for the Garden by artistic director

Ib Andersen. Topia premiers in May at the Garden with a

series of performances on a larger-than-usual outdoor stage

in the uniquely beautiful surroundings of the desert.

Performance dates: May 2-5, 9-13, 16-19, 23-26. Doors open at 6 p.m. Food and beverages will be available

until 7:25 p.m. Performance begins promptly at 7:30 p.m.

There is no intermission. Guests can purchase food from

Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events. A cash bar will

be available, as well as wine by the bottle for purchase.

Prices are as follows: Reserved tables of four $45 (per seat) / Garden Members and Ballet Subscribers $50 (per seat) / General Public

General seating $35 (per seat) / Garden Members and Ballet Subscribers $39 (per seat) / General Public

Tickets can be purchased at the Ballet Arizona box office at

602 381.1096 or through ticketmaster.com. Service fees apply.

of his generation, will demonstrate his

work at the show. He draws from pre-

Columbian Zapotec culture, designs

and ancient motifs, creating intricately

painted, whimsical and arresting works.

The pottery of Jorge Quintana, one of

the best potters of Mata Ortiz, also will

be represented. He is known for his

exquisitely symmetrical polychrome

pots and the use of different minerals

to color them.


special events

National Public Gardens Day Friday / May 11 / 7a.m. - 8 p.m. Spread the word and help raise awareness of America’s

public gardens and their important role in promoting

environmental stewardship. Admission to the Garden

and the Spring Butterfly Exhibit is free on National Public

Gardens Day. Maxine and Jonathan Marshall Butterfly

Pavilion is open 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.


Roz Savage Wednesday / February 8 / 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of dramatic stories

and jaw-dropping videos shot on

the high seas by eco-adventurer Roz

Savage. Meet the inspiring explorer

who gave up the security of an office

job to pursue her dream of rowing

the world’s oceans. In 2005, after 11

years in business, Savage dropped

everything and, with only a few years

of crew experience, became the first

solo woman ever to compete in the

Atlantic Rowing Race. Since then, she

has rowed more than 11,000 miles with

3.5 million oar strokes and has spent

nearly a year of her life at sea in a 23-

foot rowboat.

Savage has rowed both the Atlantic

and Pacific Oceans and this year will

complete a journey across the Indian

Ocean before appearing before Arizona

audiences to tell her latest story Photo credit: Elena Zhukova

Brian Skerry Monday / March 5 / 7:30 p.m. Voyage across the oceans with one of

National Geographic’s most seasoned

photographers and discover a vast,

hidden world beneath the waves. Brian

Skerry has spent more than 10,000

hours under water telling the oceans’

stories with his camera. His images

celebrate the mystery of the depths,

and offer portraits of creatures so

intimate they sometimes appear to

have been shot in a studio. Skerry

dives eight months of the year, often in

extreme conditions beneath Arctic ice

or in predator-infested waters, and has

even lived at the bottom of the sea to

get close to his subjects.

Photo credit: National Geographic

Michael DavieWednesday / March 21 / 7:30 p.m. Join Emmy Award-winning filmmaker

and journalist Michael Davie as

he shares dramatic and uplifting

stories from Africa, a continent often

misrepresented in the news media.

Born in Zimbabwe, Davie chronicles

the lives of common people caught

in the crosscurrents of political,

cultural and environmental change.

Enriching his presentation with tales

of adventure, extraordinary personal

encounters and riveting film clips,

Davie gives voice to an Africa we rarely

see. His recent work for Ripple Effect

Images, a team of photojournalists

documenting aid programs, has helped

empower women in emerging nations

around the world.

Photo credit: Nevada Wier

2011/2012 Speaker Series

Desert Botanical Garden Celebrates Its Third Year as National Geographic Live Arizona Community Partner

Community Partner

Sponsored by Presented by

Garden members who use the code “desert” when ordering tickets will have 10% of their purchase price donated to the Garden Tickets begin at $26 / Ticketing information: 480 644.6500 www.mesaartscenter.com Mesa Arts Center – One East Main Street, Mesa, AZ

Visit www.nglive.org and learn about other exciting events.

Presenting National Sponsor

Saguaro Circle, Curator’s Circle, Director’s Circle, President’s Circle and Founder’s Circle members give $1,250 - $25,000 annually and are part of the Patrons Circle.

Spring Plant Sale Preview Thursday / March 15 / 4:30 - 7 p.m. Co-Chairs: Sara Morgan and Carolyn Stuart

Patrons Circle members are invited to this evening

event, which includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, as

well as an opportunity to shop for beautiful plants for

your home garden. Horticulture staff will be on hand

to answer specific plant questions and give landscaping

advice and tips. For additional information, please

contact Marcos Voss at 480 481.8179, [email protected].

Patrons Circle Member Events

member events

Tour of Private Gardens Sunday / March 25 / 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Chair: Jane Jozoff

Patrons Circle members will enjoy an intimate and

relaxing stroll through several exquisite private

gardens. An optional lunch is available for purchase.

For additional information, please contact Lauren

Svorinic at 480 481.8147, [email protected].


YOUR DESERT HOME - A Gardening Program Your Desert Home-A Gardening Program is designed for the home hobbyist interested in plants and is geared toward those wanting to learn more about low-desert gardening and techniques. The classes offered will give you the necessary skills and training to make you a successful home gardener. These classes are open to all regardless of intent to complete the program. Additional information including Registration and Completion Forms can be found in the program listings at dbg.org/education-programs.

Classes and Guidelines Your Desert Home Program requires completion of

five core classes and 10 elective classes. The five core

classes will get you started in your garden and are

identified with (Core) following the class title. They are

introductory in nature and will help you build a solid

foundation in whatever type of gardening endeavor

you pursue. Select core and elective classes (all other

classes) in the Landscaping and Gardening section

of the calendar or visit dbg.org/educationprograms/

classes-trips.

This program is self-directed, self-tracked, and

participants will receive an exclusive Desert Botanical

Garden item to inspire their gardening adventures upon

completion of 15 classes: five core classes and 10 elective

classes. For more information, email [email protected]

or call 480 481.8171.

.

landscape and gardening

Vegetable Garden Design A vegetable garden does not have to be square. It could

reside in tiers off the back porch or a raised serpentine

swath of color along a walkway. Come learn about the latest

materials for raised beds, how to copy the indigenous,

sunken waffle beds to channel water, and more. We will

draw up a plan for your own edible, sustainable, accessible

and beautiful garden. Now is the best time to plan for

cool season success. Get ready to think outside the box!

Instructed by Kristen Battafarano. Limit 25.

Thursdays / March 15 and 22 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $60 / General Public: $75

Home Landscape Design I (Core) The Home Landscape Design series covers the basics

of designing residential landscapes that are attractive,

comfortable, functional, sustainable and appropriate for

the Sonoran Desert. The instructor will walk participants

through each phase of design and assign exercises from

programming through concept design. Class participants

can use their own homescape for these exercises, whether

they are creating a new landscape or renovating an existing

one. Session I will cover basic design processes and

principles. Different design philosophies, such as xeriscape,

permaculture, sustainable and regenerative, will be

discussed. Instructed by Jack Gilcrest. Limit 24.

Wednesdays / March 21 and 28 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $60 / General Public: $75

Caring for your Desert Garden (Core) My irrigation system runs everyday; why are my plants

not healthy? Why is my cactus getting sunburned? How

often should I fertilize and shear my shrubs? This class will

shed light on misconceptions and malpractices commonly

associated with desert gardening. Learn how to select the

right plants and grow them properly in your landscape.

Correct techniques for watering, fertilizing, pruning

and other maintenance will be addressed. Instructed by

Angelica Elliott. Limit 25.

Tuesday and Thursday / March 27 and 29 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Member: $60 / General Public: $75

The Everchanging Rose Roses were first found in China in the 11th century B.C.

Learn how they evolved and changed through the ages to

become the most beloved of flowers. This class also includes

information about propagation, with hands-on practice that

will prepare you to develop and possibly even name your

own rose. Instructed by Steve Sheard. Limit 25.

Wednesday / March 28 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Best Plants: Shrubs Learn about the best plants to grow in metropolitan

Phoenix. It may seem challenging to find plants that tolerate

the Sonoran Desert, but there are many plants, both native

and introduced, that thrive in our area. The class will be

conducted as a plant walk, with instruction on identifying

recommended plants and cultural information on how to

grow them. This class is part of a four-part series, which

will occur throughout the year, and will cover trees, shrubs,

ground covers, vines and accent plants. Instructed by Jack

Gilcrest. Limit 24.

Saturday / March 31 / 8 - 10 a.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Spring Tree and Shrub Care Learn from an expert arborist how to care for your

garden’s woody plants after the cold season. The class

will discuss spring pruning of trees and shrubs, including

those damaged by frost. It will cover the best timing and

methods for spring pruning, including restoration and

rejuvenation of sheared or overgrown shrubs. Instructed

by John Eisenhower. Limit 25.

Sunday / March 4 / 2 - 4 p.m.Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Desert Adapted Plants (Core)

Get to know the many fascinating plants that come

from deserts around the world in time for the Garden’s

Spring Plant Sale. Desert-adapted plants have evolved in

specialized ways to thrive in extreme conditions. This gives

them an advantage over many of the high-maintenance

plants too often used in gardens around the Valley. Learn

how to make these intriguing and stunning plants a part

of your landscape. Instructed by Angelica Elliott. Limit 25.

Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday / March 5, 7, and 11 Monday and Wednesday / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Sunday / 2 - 4 p.m. Members: $75 / General Public: $94

Weed Wise Many call them mustard weeds, but to some Sisymbrium

irio is an edible treat. After all, a weed is just a plant with

a bad reputation. There are weeds that help till the soil,

weeds that remove toxins and even weeds that are eaten as

delicacies. Revel in the wonders of weeds and learn how to

manage them with aplomb. We will explore cutting edge,

environmentally friendly methods to handle these rebels

with a cause. Instructed by Kristen Battafarano. Limit 25.

Tuesday / March 6 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Proper Planting and Staking Get ready for planting season. How large a plant pit do I

need? When should I amend the plant backfill? Do I need

to add fertilizer? Should I stake newly planted trees? How

often do I need to water? Find out the answers to these

and other questions at this landscape planting workshop.

Information will be provided for all types of plants as

well as a hands-on opportunity to actually plant several

specimens at the Garden. Instructed by Jack Gilcrest.

Limit 25.

Saturday / March 10 / 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Shade Garden Design and Selections A common problem in gardening is finding suitable plants

that will grow in shady areas. There are many different kinds

of shade, from filtered to deep, and determining which

type you have is the first step in creating an inviting garden.

There are many beautiful desert-adapted plants that thrive

and flower in low light. Learn how to choose plants to match

your shade conditions and create a cool respite. Instructed

by Angelica Elliott. Limit 25.

Wednesday / April 4 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Irrigation System Maintenance Avoid costly professional repairs and irrigation nightmares.

If you already have an irrigation system and want to learn

how it works, how to take care of it or make simple repairs,

this program is for you. Improperly maintained systems

can be challenging for homeowners. Familiarize yourself

withallthreetypesofirrigationsystems(drip,sprinklers

and bubblers) and specific needs for each. Learn how to

maintain systems for peak efficiency to ensure healthy

plants. Learn to troubleshoot the most common irrigation

system failures and to perform proper repair techniques

from nozzle and emitter replacement to pipe repair.

Instructed by Jeff Lee. Limit 20.

Saturday / April 7 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $35 / General Public: $44

The Art of Watering Cacti and other succulents have fascinated people ever since

early Europeans brought them back from their first global

explorations after the Middle Ages. Even though succulent

plants need less water to survive than ordinary leafy plants,

they do need water in the right amounts and at the right

time. Find out how to water your succulents and keep them

in peak condition. Instructed by Scott McMahon, cactaceae

collections manager at the Garden. Limit 25.

Tuesday / April 3 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Home Landscape Design II (Core) The Home Landscape Design series covers the basics

of designing residential landscapes that are attractive,

comfortable, functional and sustainable as well as

appropriate for the Sonoran Desert. The instructor will

walk participants through each phase of design and assign

exercises from programming through concept design.

Class participants can use their own homescape for these

exercises, whether they are creating a new landscape or

renovating an existing one. Session II discusses more

detailed aspects of homescape design, including both the

hardscape and softscape parts of the landscape. Instructed

by Jack Gilcrest. Limit 24.

Wednesdays / April 11 and 18 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $60 / General Public: $75

Pruning Trees and Shrubs In this introductory presentation learn the basics of pruning

to keep your green investments healthy, functional and

looking great. You will learn the art and science of good

pruning, including how to prune young trees for good

structure, the five types of pruning and when to use them,

and how to avoid the two worst pruning mistakes. You

will leave this program ready to prune your own trees

and shrubs with confidence and effectiveness. Includes

a pruning demonstration plus informative take home

materials and resources. Instructed by John Eisenhower.

Limit 25.

Sunday / April 29 / 2 - 4 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Fortify Your Soil with Compost And you thought composting was a rotten business! In

fact, it is an enriching business, especially if you know

the secrets to cultivating this black gold in your garden.

It starts with creating an attractive environment for the

right kind of microscopic employees. You can then sit

back and let them do all the dirty work. Students will

learn how to manufacture compost, with and without

a compost bin. We will see examples of the easiest and

most efficient compost systems. Homemade compost

isfree,smartandeasy.Itisaget-(yoursoil)-rich-quick

scheme that will make a world of difference in your

garden. Instructed by Kristen Battafarano. Limit 25.

Thursday / May 3 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Maximize your Irrigation System A properly designed and installed irrigation system

is essential to maximize efficiency and use the least

amount of water possible to keep plants healthy. Most of

us use whatever the builder or previous owner installed,

and that often means a system that performs poorly and

uses too much water. Learn how to identify and correct

the performance-robbing problems in your irrigation

system. The good news is that ripping out the old system

and starting over is rarely needed. Instructed by Jeff Lee.

Limit 20.

Saturday / May 5 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $35 / General Public: $44

Gardening Arts Succulent Hanging Basket Create a beautiful hanging basket of succulents

appropriate for a trailing display. Learn which succulents

have the best growth habit for making stunning hanging

baskets and how to prepare the planting container.

Basket, assorted succulent plant cuttings and soil are

included. Instructed by Lynn Reves. Limit 20.

Sunday / March 25 / 2 - 4 p.m. Members: $80 / General Public: $106


landscape and gardening


Photographing in HDR A general problem in photography is the rendering

of scenes which have very bright highlights and deep

shadows. Learn how to use three photographs of the same

scene taken under different exposures to process the

HighDynamicRange(HDR)imagetorevealitsdetails

in highlights and shadows. Class includes two hours of

shooting in the field and one hour of in-class software

demonstration. For DSLR cameras with tripod and Auto-

Exposure Bracketing (AEB). You may have to change the

exposures manually if your camera does not bracket.

Instructed by Adam Rodriguez. Limit 10.

Saturday / March 31 / 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $50 / General Public: $62

Photography for Birders Whether you are just getting started photographing birds

in your backyard or traveling to a wildlife refuge, this

class will show you how to make beautiful images of avian

subjects. Topics covered include making correct exposures,

capturing bird behavior and action, choosing the right

equipment, producing sharp images, designing the image,

approaching wild birds, and guidelines for proper conduct

in the field. Some shooting in the Garden will be included.

This class is open to all camera owners. Instructed by

Robert McBride. Limit 12.

Tuesday / April 10 / 8 - 11 a.m. Members: $35 / General Public: $44

photography and artPhotographyMoonscape Photography The beauty of moon-lit nights combined with the splendor

of the Garden make for a fantastic evening of photos

and fun. Class times are optimized for best shooting of

moon-illuminated landscapes. This class is for amateur

photographers who want to develop their nighttime

photography skills through hands-on guidance and

personal instruction on the Garden trails. This class is

focused on creativity and experimentation to learn elements

of lighting, exposure, camera settings and nighttime

considerations such as painting with light. For digital or

film SLR cameras with a tripod only. Instructed by Adam

Rodriguez. Limit 10.

Wednesday / March 7 / 6 - 9 p.m. OR Thursday / April 5 / 7 - 10 p.m. OR Thursday / May 3 / 7 - 10 p.m. Members: $45 / General Public: $56

Photography in the Field Learn to shoot photographs like those taken by Garden

freelance photographer Adam Rodriguez. This workshop

is for digital SLR photographers wishing to improve their

understanding of exposure, color composition, camera

histogram and the secrets to finding the shot. Also gain

understanding of metering on location, selection of focal

lengths, combination techniques in the field with a flash,

and diffusion disc techniques. Participants will spend

this hands-on workshop outdoors photographing Garden

subjects. Limit 10.

Sunday / March 11 / 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. OR Sunday / March 25 / 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $50 / General Public: $62

Digital Desert Photography: Getting Started This is a basic hands-on-class for beginning digital camera

users interested in learning which button to push, which

setting to use, when to use it and how to create dramatically

better-looking photos every time. Class instruction

emphasizes learning the functions and features of your

digital camera for various shooting conditions and subjects.

Also covered are basic composition, tips for taking better

everyday pictures and the use of auto scene modes of your

camera. Open to all digital camera owners. Some shooting

in the Garden is included, and students should bring sample

photos for critique. Instructed by Robert McBride. Limit 10.

Sunday and Wednesday / March 25 and 28Sunday / 1 - 5 p.m. / Wednesday / 6 - 9 p.m. ORSaturday and Wednesday / May 5 and 9Saturday / 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. / Wednesday / 6 - 9 p.m.Members: $70 / General Public: $88

Digital Desert Photography: Next Steps Learn the keys to photographic excellence. An emphasis

will be placed on intermediate photo skills and advanced

set-up of your digital SLR camera. You will learn to take

your camera off the auto scene modes and take charge of

capturing images using the creative settings of the mode

dial. Topics will include creative use of exposure controls,

auto focus options, metering and exposure, use of

histograms and highlights, understanding the relationship

between ISO, shutter speed and aperture settings, and

image resolution and white balance. Hands-on assistance

will be provided for you to set up your camera for

varying lighting conditions and scenes using appropriate

metering and focus options. Some shooting in the Garden

is included, and students should bring photos for class

critique. While all digital camera owners are welcome,

this class is most appropriate for DSLR camera owners.

Instructed by Robert McBride. Limit 10.

Saturday and Wednesday / April 14 and 18 Saturday / 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. / Wednesday / 6 - 9 p.m. OR Sunday and Wednesday / May 20 and 23 Sunday / 1 - 5 p.m. / Wednesday / 6 - 9 p.m. Members: $70 / General Public: $88

Smartphone Photography The best camera you have is the one on you when

something spectacular happens right before your eyes.

That means nearly every person with a smartphone has

a great camera as well. Some of the world’s most famous

photographsweretakenfromasmartphone–amazing

images taken with the simplest photographic device. Learn

how to stabilize, hold and shoot with your smartphone.

iPhone, Android or Blackberry camera phone required.

Instructed by Jeffrey Lowman. Limit 10.


Master Your Point and Shoot Camera Learn how to obtain the best results from your digital

point and shoot camera. This hands-on class focuses

on learning how to set up your camera and use its many

features. Time is allotted for guided help on the Garden

trails. This is an excellent, entry level class for students

new to point and shoot style digital cameras. Instructed

by Jeff Lowman. Limit 10.


Mastering the Tools of PhotographyThe Mastering Series of classes is recommended for DSLR digital camera owners only.

There is an old expression for taking pictures that still rings true today: “F8 and be there.” With the newest digital cameras, “being there” and ready has become even easier. To capture something unique, as you see it, you must have a working knowledge of light, composition and timing. Those tools will help ensure success in every situation. The classes listed below are instructed by photojournalist and landscape photographer Christine Keith.

Light and Exposure

Making a good exposure starts with understanding light

and how to use existing light to your advantage. In this

course we will study light sources and the color of light,

beginning with sunlight and shade. We will take a walk in

the Garden to determine high contrast and low contrast

scenes. We will discuss ISOs, exposure compensation, how

to use your camera’s histogram and gray cards. Limit 10.


Composition and Seeing Edward Weston said that composition is the strongest way

of seeing. Building on our understanding of light, we will

look at how to use natural light to shape our compositions.

We will also examine traditional rules of composition and

the work of selected landscape photographers. In this class

we will talk about depth of field, where to hang the frame

in capture, and cropping in Photoshop. The use of a tripod

is recommended. Limit 10.


Flash and Capturing Action Timing demands an ability to anticipate, see and

capture peak action. Henri Cartier-Bresson, the father of

photojournalism, called this element in taking pictures

“the decisive moment.” It is an essential ingredient in both

landscape and people photography. We will talk about

basic flash techniques, shutter speeds and f-stops. We will

look at the Garden in terms of weather, time of day and

season, and study successful photographs of nature. An

off camera flash and tripod are recommended. Limit 10.

Sunday / April 15 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $50 / General Public: $62

Dry It, You’ll Like It! Drying to preserve your harvest or market purchases saves

space, uses less energy than freezing or canning, saves money,

concentrates flavors, and preserves nutrients in foods.

Chef Rachel will walk you through the basics of choosing

a dehydrator, temperature, timing, cleaning, preparation,

storage and reconstituting dried foods. The focus will be

on fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and meat. You will learn

how to make great gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free snacks

for home, trail and on the go, as well as sauces, entrees,

appetizers, holiday gifts and desserts. Instructed by Rachel

Albert. Limit 15.


Artichokes: Thistle Be Good! How does the tough flower bud of a huge thistle plant end

up as a dinner table delicacy? We will provide a satisfactory

answer to this prickly metaphysical query while following the

artichoke’s historical path since it was first cultivated in Sicily

during the time of the ancient Greeks. In the kitchen, we will

learn what a choke is and when you can eat it, various ways

to prepare artichokes, how to stuff them, and how to prepare

dips and sauces that complement their taste and texture.

Instructed by Ken Furtado. Limit 15.



photography and art

foods and well-beingSpring Cactus Blooms in Mixed Media Focus on flowers and learn different techniques to produce

glowing blossoms. Explore mixed combinations of graphite,

ink and colored pencil with watercolor to add depth and

texture to your artwork. All levels welcome. Medium of your

choice. Materials list available with online listing. Instructed

by Lynn Reves. Limit 15.

Mondays / April 2, 9, 16 and 23 / 6 - 9 p.m. Members: $130 / General Public: $162

Nature Sketching Nature journaling has been an effective and artistic way to

record observations on everything from world expeditions

to backyard gardens. Learn sketching techniques using

graphite, watercolor pencils and ink markers, as well as

quick and easy ways to capture trees, clouds, grasses and

water. Sketchbook and field kit provided. The Saturday field

trip will focus on wildflowers, with the optimal location to be

determined. Transportation is not included. Instructed by

Elaine Hultgren. Limit 15.

Wednesdays and Saturday / Wednesdays / April 4 and 11 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. / Saturday / April 14 / 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Members: $80 / General Public: $100

ArtPenstemon, Poppies and Pencils Celebrate spring’s most popular wildflowers and learn to

draw them with the pencils of your choice. Demonstrations

of graphite, watercolor and other colored pencils will

help students to understand the varied uses of each. All

levels welcome; materials list available with online listing.

Instructed by Lynn Reves. Limit 15.

Tuesdays / March 6, 13, 20, 27 / 6 - 9 p.m. Members: $130 / General Public: $162

Agave on Silk Spend two mornings designing and painting an agave on the

beautiful medium of silk. You will learn all the steps from

how to stretch silk, build a frame, differentiate between dyes

and paints, apply resists, and fix for permanence. By using

salt and rubbing alcohol techniques, you will learn how to

create interesting textures and blended dyes. All pieces will

be steamed to make permanent, and the finished painting

can then be mounted and framed. All materials included.

See online listing for additional instructions. Instructed by

Christine Sutherland. Limit 15.

Saturdays / March 24 and 31 / 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $80 / General Public: $100

Cyanotype Silk Scarves Create a beautiful silk scarf using one of the oldest

photographic printmaking processes—cyanotype.

Participants will be given a pretreated 15x60-inch silk

scarf and learn to apply botanical elements, gathered from

the Garden, creating white impressions on the distinctive

Prussian blue color of cyanotype’s photosensitive

iron-based formula. Your unique scarf will make a

great wardrobe addition or holiday gift. Once you

have completed the workshop you will have the skills

to produce more fabric cyanotypes on your own. All

materials included. Instructed by Laslo Layton. Limit 15.


Silver Clay Desert Leaf Jewelry Using real leaves you will create precious silver jewelry

with incredible detail and texture. From selected leaves

and twigs you will be led through the step-by-step process

of creating beautiful organic forms. While using silver

metal clay to ready the leaf for kiln firing, students will also

learn finishing skills like attaching jump rings, beading

and making earwires. Finished leaves can be made into

necklaces, earrings, broaches, ornaments or even napkin

rings. Students will be furnished with finishing supplies and

enough silver clay to make one large or two to three small

leaves. Instructed by Lynn Reves. Limit 15.

Sundays / April 22 and 29 / 2 - 4 p.m. Members: $100 / General Public: $125

Stained Glass with Desert Plants Learn to use traditional glass paints to create saguaro,

Agave, Opuntia, and Penstemon motifs that are fired

permanently into glass blanks to make ornaments,

suncatchers or autonomous panels. Work with various

brushes to trace, stipple, blend, matt and mask. Students

return for a third session to prepare fired pieces for display.

Drawing skills helpful but not required. All materials

included. Instructed by Laurie Nessel. Limit 15.

Mondays / April 30, May 7 and 14 / April 30 and May 7 / 6 - 9 p.m. / May 14 / 6 - 7:30 p.m. Members: $120 / General Public: $150

Sonoran Snakes Art Studio They shake, rattle and roll. Some are dangerous; most are

not. All are beautiful and in many cultures, highly regarded.

This art studio class will consist of an informative lecture at

the beginning of the first class. We will then begin to draw

and paint a variety of desert snakes using graphite, colored

pencils and watercolor. All levels welcome. Materials list

available with online listing. Instructed by Elaine Hultgren.

Limit 15.

Thursdays / May 3, 10, 17 and 24 / 6 - 9 p.m. Members: $130 / General Public: $162

Rhubarb Cooking Class With its cherry-red stalk and bright green leaves, you could

not ask for a prettier plant. Because we eat the stalk, rhubarb

is actually considered a vegetable — except in New York,

where a court declared in 1947 that rhubarb was a fruit.

Rhubarb has been used for medical purposes for thousands

of years, but this beauty truly belongs on the table. Its anti-

inflammatory properties and nutritional profile make it a

super food to add to your diet. In this class you will learn

the story behind rhubarb, plus some great ways to prepare

and serve it—and none of them requires strawberries!

Instructed by Ken Furtado. Limit 15.


Barbara Fenzl’s Summer Entertaining Summer is right around the corner, the living is easy, and

the cooking can be done ahead of time. Barbara Fenzl,

owner of Les Gourmettes Cooking School, television

personality, and author of three southwestern cuisine

cookbooks, shows how to entertain with a menu that can be

done a day or two in advance, so you can enjoy your guests

and leave the oven off. Celebrating the flavors of summer,

you will learn how to create bacon and avocado quesadillas

with raspberry chipotle sauce; chilled tomatillo and

cucumber soup; cumin-cured pork tenderloin with papaya

salsa; asparagus with cactus chile glaze; and dulce de leche

cheesecake bars. Limit 15.

Sunday / May 6 / 12 - 2 p.m. Members: $65 / General Public: $82

1491 in 2012: The New World “Un-Discovered” In 1492 Columbus’ journey westward in search of new

routes to the lands of Asian spices unleashed a culinary

transfer of foods and flavors that changed the way the world

eats forever. Inspired by Charles C. Mann’s bestsellers

1491 and 1493, Chef Feddie Bitsoie will create a menu of

North American foods for today based on an alternate

history where no oceans were ever crossed. Combining his

anthropology background and culinary expertise Bitsoie

will create a modern meal, imagining a vast network of

food trade among the Americas. Limit 15.


Vegan Arizona Arizona has a myriad of cultures, and all of them have

delicious foods. From nopales to mesquite bean flour,

many ingredients are grown and enjoyed locally that most

of us do not think to include in our everyday meals. Chef

Madelyn Pryor and Chef Jason Wyrick, recipe author of

New York Times bestseller 21 Day Kickstart to Weight Loss,

will guide you through a vegan culinary journey of Arizona

and surrounding regions. You will learn how to bring in

bold, savory flavors including chilies, seared mushrooms

and a host of spices. Being vegan has never been so

delicious. Limit 15.


Gluten-Free Baking with Almond Flour Wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free baking just got easier.

Now you can make amazingly moist breads, cookies and

cakes, and crispy, high-protein, low-carb crackers and

breadings with a single flour. Chef Rachel will teach you

how to use blanched almond flour in both sweet and savory

recipes. One or two recipes will contain dairy; the rest will

be wheat-free, gluten-free and dairy-free. Instructed by

Rachel Albert. Limit 15.

Wednesday / May 9 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $50 / General Public: $62

Making Medicinal Creosote Salves Learn how to make medicinal salves and other herbal

preparations to improve your families’ health. Students

will transform the local creosote bush into an herbal salve,

which they will take home. Also, you will learn to make

several different healthful herbal preparations, including

aninfusion,decoctionandtincture(aconcentratedherbal

extract). Learn where to get necessary supplies to make your

own herbal remedies at home. Instructed by Linda Curry.

Limit 20.


Dinner with Dates Date ranches once stretched from Glendale to Mesa,

covering 300 acres and producing more than one million

pounds of dates annually. Although the number of

date trees has dwindled over the past 50 to 60 years, the

Southwest is still home to some of the most delicious dates.

Chef Rachel will share interesting facts about this ancient

fruit. She will walk you through the details of buying,

storing and adding dates to sweet, spicy and savory recipes

from breakfast to dessert. Recipes will be wheat-free, gluten-

free and dairy-free. Instructed by Rachel Albert. Limit 15.

Sunday / May 20 / 2 - 4 p.m. Members: $50 / General Public: $62

Earth SciencesMining in Arizona Almost every material used in modern civilization is derived from one of the

earth’s natural mineral resources. Arizona contains many ore deposits bearing

copper, silver and gold and has been a leading copper-producing state since the

19th century, with large open-pit mine operations around the state that produce

significant amounts of copper ore every year. Learn about the formation

and properties of ore deposit minerals, mining methods and ore processing.

Instructed by Danny Foley. Limit 24.

Tuesday / March 20 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $20 / General Public: $25

March Equinox Geology Walk at Papago Park Gazing at the unique Papago Buttes often brings up interesting geological

questions. Do not miss this opportunity to learn the answers and much more.

Get a personal geologic tour of the rock features that give Papago Park its

distinctive look. The walk begins at the Garden and includes a delicious catered

continental breakfast during a classroom presentation, followed by an easy

but interesting equinox morning excursion within Papago Park to unlock the

secrets of these iconic rock formations. Instructed by Richard Allen. Limit 25.

Sunday / March 25 / 9 - 11:30 a.m. Members: $50 / General Public: $62


foods and well-being

explorations in natural sciences

explorations in natural sciencesGems of Arizona Arizona is the country’s leading gem mining state and

produces fine peridot, amethyst, turquoise and garnets.

This class focuses on how these and gems from other

states are formed and valued. The fascinating science

of gemology, which incorporates mineralogy, history,

psychology, economics, mythology and glamour, will

be discussed as well. If you ever plan on visiting a gem

show, this course will also give you some buying tips.

Instructed by Richard Allen. Limit 24.


Sonoran Desert Geology Lab What kind of rock is that? From the beautiful red

rocks of Sedona, to copper bearing volcanic rocks of

mine country, to metamorphic rock peaks you may

be climbing, we will explore the diverse geology of the

Sonoran Desert. Through hands-on investigation, learn

basic geologic skills needed to identify and interpret

various desert rocks and minerals and better understand

their unique natural properties. Instructed by Danny

Foley. Limit 24.


1816: The Year Without a Summer How does geology influence climate, botany, civilization

and more? The 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in

Indonesia affected the entire world, erupting volcanic

ash into the atmosphere and causing a year without a

summer. Known as the world’s largest and deadliest

volcanic eruption in recorded history, the explosion

was heard more than 1,200 miles away and resulted in

climatic abnormalities that caused massive crop and

agricultural failures worldwide. Learn about different

types of volcanism and how they can affect the natural

world. Instructed by Danny Foley. Limit 24.

Tuesday / May 1 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $20 / General Public: $25

Geology of the Grand Canyon The geologic story of the Southwest cannot be told

withoutexaminingitsmostimportantfeature–the

Colorado Plateau and its significance over geologic time.

Learn about the age and formation of the Grand Canyon

and other significant features of the Colorado Plateau,

such as the red rocks of Sedona. Instructed by Richard

Allen. Limit 24.

Tuesday / May 15 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Member: $20 / General Public: $25

Natural and Cultural HistoryHummingbirds Few birds can so entrance us with their beauty and their

abilities as hummingbirds. They will reveal their secret

lives as we explore their behavior. Learn about the unique

structures that allow them to produce such wondrous colors

and discover how they are able to fly in such miraculous

ways. We will go into the Garden and watch hummingbird

feeding and courtship behaviors. Instructed by Tom

Gaskill. Limit 24.


Cholla Buds: Treasure of the Desert Join us on an adventure as we harvest the suprisingly

delicious and nuritionally rich buds of the misunderstood

cholla cactus. Using traditional harvesting methods,

participants will be taught how to carefully remove spines

and cook cholla buds, while learning about their ecology,

anatomy, ethnobotany, nutritional and medicinal qualities.

This is the ultimate experience in eating local; you will

leave with new recipe ideas to surprise friends and family.

Instructed by Martha Burgess. Limit 15.

Saturday / April 7 / 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. Members: $55 / General Public: $68

Swifts and Swallows Explore lives lived on the wing as we learn about two of our

most agile groups of flying birds. Discover the amazing life

histories of birds who are so familiar and yet, because they

fly so skillfully, always seem to be a mystery. Familiarize

yourself with our local species and learn some tips to

alleviate the difficulties of identifying them. We will then

walk along the canal to see migrating swallows and visit a

local nesting colony of white-throated swifts. Instructed by

Tom Gaskill. Limit 24.

Thursday and Saturday / April 12 and 14 Thursday / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. / Saturday / 8 - 10 a.m. Members: $40 / General Public: $50

The Desert Tortoise Revealed Learn about the life history of the fascinating Sonoran

Desert tortoises, relicts of an epoch when this area was

a tropical deciduous forest. Learn about their survival

mechanisms, why they are considered keystone species and

their future prospects in a changing world. We will discuss

proper etiquette when encountering a tortoise in the wild

and briefly cover the care of captives. After the lecture and

discussion, participants will have a chance to meet the

resident Garden tortoises. Instructed by Laurie Nessel.

Limit 20.

Sunday / April 15 / 3 - 4:30 p.m. Members: $20 / General Public: $25


Astronomy in the Garden Spend a celestial Friday evening in the Garden as we explore

the night sky from one of the best locations in the city for

stargazing. With the Music in the Garden concert in the

background, we will walk to an ideal location for exploring

and learning about the night sky, with and without

telescopes. Enjoy wine, cheese and desserts. Instructed by

members of the Phoenix Astronomical Society. Guests

must be 21 or older. Limit 24.

Friday / April 20 / 7 - 9 p.m. Members: $35 / General Public: $44

Dragonflies: Unlocking the Mysteries Learn about the brutal and brief lives of dragonflies,

megafauna members of the insect world. Their exceptional

flight and jewel-like colors have captivated humans

throughout time. ASU Life Sciences Professor Pierre

Deviche will share his enthusiasm and knowledge of the

order Odonata. He will touch on topics including anatomy,

life cycle, behavior, diversity of Arizona species, and how,

where and when to look for them. Join Laurie Nessel for

the Saturday session for a tour of the Garden’s pond to

look for and identify early season dragonflies and decipher

their tactics and behavior. Close focus binoculars are highly

recommended. Limit 20.

Monday and Sunday / April 23 and 29 Monday / 6:30 - 8 p.m. Sunday / 10 - 11:30 a.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

Nighthawks Nothing in the night flies with the skill and breathtaking

ease of nighthawks. Explore their surprising lives and

discover the secrets of their astonishing flying abilities.

Learn about our nighthawks and their relatives, and

some keys to their identification. After some background

in the classroom, we will enter their world and observe

nighthawks in action in the night sky. Instructed by Tom

Gaskill. Limit 24.

Wednesday / May 2 / 6 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38

explorations in natural sciences

DBGenus The Garden is proud to give students an in-depth look at their favorite groups of desert plants. Each plant grouping, or genus, will be examined in terms of taxonomy (classification), morphology (structure), ethnobotany and horticulture. This unique approach to the plants in the Garden’s collection will provide new perspectives, whether you are walking our trails, gardening in your backyard or just enjoying nature.

Opuntia Explore the diversity of the one of the world’s best

known cacti, Opuntia. Known as the prickly pear to

most people, we will delve into this amazing plant and

some of its close relatives. This classroom and trailside

experience will be taught by Scott McMahon, cactaceae

collections manager at the Garden. Limit 25.

Tuesday / May 8 / 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Members: $25 / General Public: $32

Japanese Friendship Garden Tour and Tea Ceremony Escape to the Far East for this unique opportunity to visit the

Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden for a specially arranged

private garden tour and tea ceremony. The Japanese Friendship

Garden, Ro Ho En, is an authentic 3-1/2 acre Japanese Stroll

Garden with tea garden and tea house located in central

Phoenix. This tranquil and beautiful setting features more than

1,500 tons of hand selected stone, footbridges, more than 50

varieties of plants, flowing streams and waterfall, and a pond

with over 300 koi fish. The garden was designed by landscape

architects from Himeji, Japan. The tea ceremony, conducted

by a Tea Master from the Urasenke Foundation, is based on an

elegant ritual dating back to 11th century Japan. Price includes

roundtrip transportation, garden walking tour and private tea

ceremony. For those self-driving to the program, please arrive to the

Phoenix Japanese Friendship Garden by 9:50 am. Limit 12.

Friday / March 2 / 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Members: $45 / General Public: $56

Wallace Garden Tour Do not miss an exclusive opportunity to view and enjoy a private

collection of desert plants from around the world without

leaving town. Join us at Wallace Gardens in north Scottsdale for

a gentle walking tour led by Lee Brownson. This tour on private

trails not open to the general public features interpretation of

the plants, their ecological importance, and the relationships

they share with their environment. Highlights include a

covered 6,000 square foot cactus pavilion uniquely designed

for climate control, a boojum tree forest, and world-renowned

collection of Ephedra, in addition to beautifully manicured

garden spaces. Price includes a contribution to Wallace Gardens.

Transportation not included. Directions will be provided with

class confirmation. Limit 20.

Saturday / March 3 / 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Members: $40 / General Public: $50

Rancho de los Caballeros Tour Head out Wickenburg way for this popular seasonal outing

featuring cowboy naturalist Richard Fredrickson of the famed

Rancho de los Caballeros guest ranch in Wickenburg. This

tour begins with a moderately difficult walk in the desert,

treating nature lovers to a fabulous array of Sonoran Desert

upland plant and animal species, local history, storytelling and

ecology. The walk is loaded with nature interpretation and

hands-on demonstrations, followed by a delicious lunch at the

ranch’s historic cowboy-inspired dining room. This loop walk is

approximately 1 1/2 miles long with minimal elevation change

but does have some short sections of loose rocks and gravel.

Lunch and gratuities are included. Transportation from the

Garden departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Limit 20.

Thursday / March 8 / 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Members: $50 ($65 with Garden transportation)

General Public: $62 ($77 with Garden transportation)


education through travel and adventure

Photographing a Ghost Town Grab your gear and sign up for an adventure photo session

at Goldfield Ghost Town at the base of the Superstition

Mountains. Home to numerous historic buildings and the

famous Mammoth Gold Mine, Goldfield is a photographer’s

playground suitable for exploring and expanding your

photographic skills. For the best experience, students

should have DSLR cameras or an advanced point-and-shoot

with ability to capture images in the full manual mode.

You should also be familiar with setting up your camera

and measuring exposure for varying lighting conditions.

For those familiar with HDR photography, this will offer

opportunity to advance your skills. Directions will be

provided with class confirmation. Garden transportation not

included. Instructed by Adam Rodriguez. Limit 12.


Aravaipa Canyon Ranch Weekend Take advantage of this special opportunity to explore

spectacular Aravaipa Canyon, one of the premier outdoor

destinations in Arizona. Eight hundred foot canyon

walls tower over the creek as it winds through a forest of

cottonwood, sycamore and willow trees. This rare riparian

area, one of the last remaining free-flowing streams in the

Sonoran Desert, features a tremendous diversity of plant and

wildlife. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted

here, along with coatimundis, mountain lions, bobcats,

gray foxes and desert bighorn sheep. We will hike into the

carefully managed wilderness areas of Aravaipa Canyon.

This trip has been scheduled to coincide with the spring bird

migration and wildflower season. The weekend program

will be led by author and naturalist Lynn Hassler. Trip leader

for the Garden will be Jack Gilcrest. We will stay at Aravaipa

Canyon Lodge which is located right on the creek. Sleeping

accommodations range from single to multiple beds per

room. Price includes lodging (two nights), meals (Friday

dinner, Saturday breakfast / lunch / dinner, Sunday breakfast

/ lunch), snacks, guides, hand-outs and Aravaipa Canyon

hiking permit. Limit 8.

Friday - Sunday / March 16 - 18 / Arrive Friday 2 p.m. Depart Sunday 2 p.m. $400 per person double occupancy $600 single occupancy

Lower Salt / Verde River Sunrise Float Trip Join us for this truly unique experience of floating down a

free-flowing river in the Sonoran Desert. The Lower Salt /

Verde Rivers contain one of the rarest ecosystems in North

America, a riparian habitat in a desert environment. This

early morning excursion will provide the opportunity to

experience the beauty of a desert sunrise. This relaxing trip

will provide the opportunity to view wildlife attracted to

this oasis with the backdrop of the rugged desert landscape.

Learn about the cultural and natural history of this rare

riparian ecosystem. Price includes continental breakfast,

professional guides, river raft and safety gear. The Salt or

Verde River will be chosen based on optimum water flow

at the time of the trip. Participants will be notified of the

meeting point several days prior to the trip. Limit 16.

Friday / March 23 / 6 - 10 a.m. Members: $100 / General Public: $120


Upon arrival at the University of Arizona, you will tour the

Steward Observatory Mirror Laboratory to learn about the

ground-breaking techniques being used to produce telescope

mirrors. You will see construction of the mold and learn

about spin-casting, grinding and polishing of a mirror that is

28 feet in diameter. Then we visit the Flandreau Planetarium

to see some interesting exhibits, including “Mars, Up Close

& Personal.”

After a catered lunch, you will be taken to the Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter featuring the new Schulman Telescope, the largest

in the state dedicated to public viewing. Led by renowned

astro-photographer Adam Block, you will tour the facility,

learn how to navigate the night sky using binoculars and sky

charts, view a spectacular sunset, and use the big telescope

to observe planets, galaxies and nebulae like never before.

Dinner is provided during this evening program as you view

the glorious Sonoran sky.

Sunday morning you will learn more about Arizona from

a professional guide as you travel to Kitt Peak National Observatory, home to 23 optical telescopes and two radio

telescopes. Your docent-led tour will take you to the McMath-

Sonoran Sky TourJoin us as we visit Arizona’s plethora of exceptional science learning facilities for astronomy. You not only get to explore the night sky but learn how giant telescope mirrors are being developed to produce the widest, fastest and deepest scans ever captured by a single telescope!

Pierce Solar Telescope, the world’s largest solar instrument;

as well as the four-meter and 2.1-meter telescopes.

The impressive visitor center provides more information

about optical and infrared astronomy. A boxed lunch is

provided. We drive down the mountain mid-afternoon

and return to Phoenix.

Included: • Transportationinadeluxemotorcoachwith

professional driver,

• Alladmissions,meals,overnightlodging,and

professional guides,

• Bottledwaterandsnacksonthecoach.

Not included: • Gratuitiesandpersonalexpenses

Additional information and registration is available online at dbg.org/adultclasses or by calling Affinity Group Tours at 480 544.0144.

Saturday and Sunday / March 24 and 25 (roundtrip from the Garden) $429 per person double occupancy $489 single occupancy

This tour requires climbing stairs and walking up to one-

quarter mile. Both Mt. Lemmon and Kitt Peak are at

high elevations, so those with cardiac and respiratory

concerns should be aware that walking paths are steep.

Warm clothing and closed toe shoes are required.


A Taste of Arizona – Spring 2012 Travel with us to explore Arizona’s booming wine industry in the Verde Valley.

We start with a vineyard walk and tour of the family owned winery at Page

Springs Cellars. Eric Glomski is a well-respected winemaker in the Valley

committed to making wines that express the unique character of the land.

Our journey continues to Old Town Cottonwood for lunch before visiting the

tasting room at the Pillsbury Wine Company. Owner and winemaker Sam

Pillsbury produces premium quality, hand-made boutique wines praised by

critics worldwide. They have even been served at the White House!

Next stroll across the street to sample the award-winning wine at Arizona

Stronghold, where musician-turned-winemaker Maynard James Keenan

is redefining the desert with high elevation wine. You can also explore the

culinary shops in Old Town offering an array of artesan cheese, olive oil,

bread, gelato and more!

After a full day of sampling some of Arizona’s best, we return Phoenix.

En route you will see the film Blood Into Wine, featuring both Keenan

and Glomski. Limit 40.

Trip includes: • Round-triptransportationinaluxurymotorcoach

• Professionaltourguide

• Lunch

• Winetastingsatthreewineries

• Bottledwaterandsnacksonboardthecoach

Not included: • Personal expenses

• Gratuitiesfordriverandguide

Note: This tour requires a minimum number of passengers in order to operate.

Saturday / April 14 / 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Roundtrip from the Garden) Members: $150 / General Public: $188

Urban Farm Tour The concept of urban farming is becoming more popular throughout the U.S.

as people strive to create more productive and sustainable urban landscapes.

Do not miss this opportunity to visit several local farms to see how the concept

of urban agriculture is being applied to the Sonoran Desert. This will be an

exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of several of the more significant city farms in

the Valley of the Sun. At each location you will hear firsthand comments from

representatives of each farm about design, installation and maintenance. Price

includes roundtrip transportation, picnic lunch, snacks and handouts. Limit 12.

Saturday / April 7 / 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Members: $50 (includes Garden transportation) General Public: $62 (includes Garden transportation)

The Rose Garden at MCC Tour The rose garden at Mesa Community

College is a community landmark, a

resource for education, and the largest

rose garden in the desert Southwest.

Join the Garden on a special tour with

Steve Sheard, American Rose Society

consulting rosarian. The more than

8,000 rose bushes demonstrate the

tremendous number of vibrant colors,

flower forms and growth habits of

roses, and provide ideas for people’s

own gardens. The garden provides a

beautiful setting for students and the

public to enjoy our nation’s national

flower, the rose. Garden transportation

not included. Limit 25.

Friday / April 20 / 9 - 11 a.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $38


Bagdad Mine Tour Join geology instructor Danny Foley on a tour of Arizona’s

Bagdad copper mine. Get the chance to peer over the edge

of an open pit mine. Sort through some of the tailings for

traces of copper minerals, including chrysocolla, malachite

and azurite. Walk through the mill to see how rocks are

crushed down and processed to remove copper. Stand next

to trucks bigger than some houses that can haul over 250

tons of material! Visit the incorporated town of Bagdad and

hear some of the history behind one of Arizona’s oldest, and

yet technologically superior, copper mines. And of course,

there will be roadside geology discussions as we drive there

and back. Bagdad is a major open pit copper/molybdenum

mine operated by Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold. The

Bagdad site was one of the first mining claims in Arizona,

staked in 1882, and has been actively mined since. Includes

transportation from the Garden and snacks. Lunch at The

Diner on Main is not included. Limit 10.


Muleshoe Ranch The Garden has reserved Muleshoe Ranch Preserve for

an exclusive weekend program to explore the diversity

of plants and wildlife of southeastern Arizona. Located

near Willcox, Arizona, Muleshoe has perennial steams

and an elevation range of 4,000-8,500 feet. A variety of

vegetationtypesoccurshere:desert(bothChihuahuan

and Sonoran), riparian, grassland, oak woodland and

pine forests. The abundance of water and elevation

ranges make for great wildlife diversity, including coati,

mountain lion, bobcat, ringtail, deer, black bear and even

desert bighorn sheep. The focus is on nature — birds,

plants and mammals — and will be led by author and

naturalist Lynn Hassler. Trip leader for the Garden will be

Jack Gilcrest. Hikes will include excursions ranging from

one to six miles. Participants can select hikes based on

their abilities or simply relax at the ranch to watch local

birds and wildlife. Muleshoe also features hot springs,

available to ranch guests only. Sleeping accommodations

consist of five comfortable casitas furnished with single

to multiple beds per room. Casitas can be reserved on

a first- come first-serve basis. Meals will be provided in

the common dining / lounge area. Price includes lodging

(twonights),meals(Fridaydinner,Saturdaybreakfast

/ lunch / dinner, Sunday breakfast / lunch), snacks, hot

springs, guides and hand-outs. Limit 10.

Friday - Sunday / May 4 – 6 / Arrive Friday 2 p.m. Depart Sunday 2 p.m. Casitas starting from $750 (two persons maximum per casita) Casita descriptions and pricing available with online listing.

photo courtesy of Kathy Ducios / creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/


Q Ranch Nature, History and Photography Weekend The Garden has arranged a special outdoor photography

and nature weekend at historic Q Ranch in the ponderosa

forests near Young, Arizona. Q Ranch was founded as a

cattle ranch in 1893 and offers a rich natural and historic

area for exploration. Photographic opportunities include

historic man-made structures, both ranch buildings and

ancient Mogollon culture pueblo ruins, as well as natural

history including wildlife and wildflowers. Hands-on

assistance and guidance for photographers of all levels

and camera types will be provided by instructor Robert

McBride during the entire weekend. Trip leader for the

Garden will be Jack Gilcrest. The accommodations will

be bed and breakfast style at Q Ranch Lodge including

two nights lodging, delicious home-cooked gourmet

meals(Fridaydinner,Saturdaybreakfast/lunch/dinner,

Sunday breakfast / lunch), snacks, hand-outs, photographic

instruction and relaxed activities in a beautiful setting.

Transportation not provided. Limit 12.

Friday - Sunday / June 8 – 10 Arrive Friday 3 - 5 p.m. / Depart Sunday by 2 p.m. $400 per person double occupancy $600 single occupancy


The seven-night river cruise package includes:

• Luxuriousaccommodationsinariverviewstateroom

• Allmealsonboard,includingalfrescodiningandspecial

wine and food pairings

• Complimentaryfinewines,choiceofbeerandsoft

drinks during lunch and dinner onboard; replenished

bottled water daily in staterooms; and 24-hour specialty

coffee and tea bar

• Epicureanprogramwithchocolatedemonstrationand

tasting, and a brewery visit with beer tasting

• ShoreexcursionswithEnglish-speakinglocalguidesand

state-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset systems

• Useofbicyclesandnordicwalkingsticksthroughout

the cruise

• Signaturelecture“AUnifiedModernEurope”and

onboard local entertainment

• Alltransfersonarrivalanddeparturedays

August 12 – 19, 2012 / Starting from $2,749 (per person,

double occupancy) $4,148 (per person, single occupancy)

Sign up before February 29 and save $150 per person.

If you would like more information, please contact Steen Allard-Lawson at 480 481.8164 or [email protected].

European River Cruise and Floriade World Horticultural ExpoJoin us aboard the elegant River Ambassador to sail through three countries, visiting some of the most exciting cities in Western Europe. Delight in the sights and sounds of this dynamic region. We will sail the Rhine and its Dutch and Belgian tributaries, experiencing the best of old and new world Europe.

We start in cosmopolitan Brussels, then visit sparkling Antwerp and sophisticated Maastricht before arriving in Venlo, Netherlands, home to Floriade 2012. This World Horticultural Expo is staged once every 10 years and features exquisite and exceptional flowers, plants, trees, fruits and vegetables. There are five themed exhibits, each with its own décor, and cultural programs of music, dance, literature, theater and visual art from all over the world.

Continuing to Cologne, we sail past a dreamy countryside rich with UNESCO World Heritage sites, imposing castles and quaint villages. Then we explore Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities with its beautiful Gothic cathedral.


If you would like more information, please contact Steen Allard-Lawson at 480 481.8164 or [email protected].

Tour South AfricaJoin Tina Wilson, director of education, for an experience of a lifetime in a destination unlike any other–South Africa, world-renowned as one of the finest countries to visit for the garden and nature enthusiast. This is the only African country that has been able to make botanical gardens a priority. The gardens are magnificent, featuring some of the most interesting and fascinating plant life on the continent. This specially designed tour for Garden members explores the magnificent gardens, amazing cities, quaint villages and towns with delicious wine and food along the way. All this is highlighted by the incredible African southern coast and last but certainly not least, the astounding thrill of seeing Africa’s wildlife.

The Garden is beautiful in the spring and there is no better time to start volunteering! There are many opportunities for adults

and teens. To be a Garden volunteer you must be a Garden member, fill out a volunteer application online at, dbg.org, schedule an

informational interview and then attend an orientation class. To schedule an informational interview, please contact Pamela Levin,

480 481.8166 or email [email protected].

Featuring:

• World-classdestinations,incredibleservice,andthe

chance to view unrivaled natural wonders, cultures and

sights

• Arideonthe“FlyingDutchmanFunicular”tothetopof

Table Mountain

• KirstenboschBotanicalGardensandCapeofGoodHope

Nature Reserve

• VergelegenwineestateandhistoricStellenboschand

Botanical Gardens

• KarooDesertNationalBotanicalGarden

• Aspecialwhaleanddolphinencounter,givingyouthe

thrill of a lifetime

• BoattriponKnysnaLagoon,visittotheFeatherbedand

Pledge Nature Reserves

• WalterSisuluNationalBotanicalGardenwithits

magnificent Witpoortjie waterfall and breeding pair of

majestic black eagles

• Sabi-SabiPrivateGameReserveformorningandevening

game drives

• Luxuriousandunparalleledaccommodationsthroughout

thetrip,includingSabiSabiBushLodge(www.sabisabi.

com/lodges/bushlodge)

September 27 – October 13, 2012 / $9,246 (per person,

double occupancy) $2,970 (single supplement)

volunteer opportunities

Orientation class required for all new volunteers.

Orientation Classes (choose one) Saturday / February 25 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday / April 7 / 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Butterfly Exhibit: March 3 – May 13 TRAINING: (choose one) Saturday / February 18 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wednesday / March 7 / 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Spring Plant Sale: March 16 – 18

Flashlight Tours

TRAINING: (choose one) Saturday / April 21 / 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday / May / 10 / 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

31GARDEN CALENDAR30

children and family education

GARDEN CALENDAR


Spring Session March 27 - April 20

Classes available for 3 – 4 year olds: Limit: 12 children with an accompanying adult.

Tuesday mornings March 27, April 3, 10 and 17 / 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Wednesday mornings March 28, April 4, 11 and 18 / 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Friday mornings March 30, April 6, 13 and 20 / 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Classes available for 4 – 5 year-olds: Limit: 14 children with an accompanying adult.

Tuesday afternoons March 27, April 3, 10 and 17 / 12:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday mornings March 29, April 5, 12 and 19 / 9:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Thursday afternoons March 29, April 5, 12 and 19 12:45 - 2:30 p.m.

Class Fees Member: $80 per four-week session General Public: $100 per four-week session.

For future sessions and the daily schedule, please

visit dbg.org/seedlings or call 480 481.8121.

A science-based enrichment program for preschoolers

Young children discover the wonders of the desert alongside

their caregiver in our nature based preschool program. A

theme is introduced each week and is full of new discovery

centers, songs to sing, yummy snacks and engaging activities

to captivate young minds.

Guided by caring and experienced teachers, Seedlings

blends the Garden’s unique resources with imaginative and

fun ways to learn about plants and animals in our desert

backyard. We use music, stories, arts and crafts, nature

walks, movement, touch and observation to explore the

theme each week.

Preschool Program: Seedlings

Science Enrichment Program: Learning LabsThis science enrichment program is designed to help your child explore and understand the wonders of our Sonoran Desert. During the four-week session we will use a variety of scientific tools and processes as well as crafts, journaling, literature and fun activities to understand some of our more commonly seen feathered friends. Each day participants will enjoy an exploration hike, journaling and a fun, healthful snack. Our uniquely designed curriculum blends hands-on, inquiry-based learning with a dose of fun and is taught by enthusiastic Garden staff and volunteers.

Sponsored by Henkel Corporation.

Spring Session: BirdsMarch 27 - April 19Limit: 14 children with an accompanying adult (optional)

Class Fees: Members: $56 per four-week session or $16 per class

General Public: $70 per four-week session or $20 per class

To register call 480 481.8121

Classes available for 5 – 7 year olds: Tuesday mornings 9:15 - 11:15 a.m. OR Tuesday afternoons 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Gambel’s Quail / March 27 Owl / April 3 Curve Billed Thrasher / April 10 Mourning Dove / April 17

Classes available for 7 – 9 year olds:Thursday afternoons 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.


Classes available for 9 – 12 year olds:Thursday mornings 9:15 - 11:15 a.m.



Hip, Herb, Hurray! Lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme are some of the

wonderful herbs that delight our senses. Join us this spring

break to explore the sensory filled world of herbs. Smell the

wonderful aromas, feel the soft, textured leaves and see the

varied colors of an herb garden. Participants will touch,

taste and smell some of our favorite herbs, learn how to use

plants to make paper, and create their own mini herb garden

to take home. Snacks provided but participants should bring

their own lunch. This is a drop off program for children in

K - 2 and 3 - 5 grades. Limit: 14 children per class.

Wednesday / March 14 / 8:30 - 3 p.m. Members: $30 / General Public: $36 Aftercare / 3 - 5 p.m. / $10

Children and family education programs are generously supported

by The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation.

MyPlate Menus Applying the new MyPlate guidelines is easy. Chef Rachel

will show parents how to create a produce-dominated plate.

You will learn how to work more vegetables, fruits and

whole grains into daily meals and snacks, how to choose

healthier protein sources and use higher quality fats and

oils. You will discover techniques that make vegetables more

tender, tasty, digestible and appealing to kids, how to make

more fruit-based desserts and healthier snacks. Come with

an open mind and mouth. You will sample six great recipes

and take home printed recipes, tips and strategies to get

started in your own kitchen.

While parents are enjoying Chef Rachel’s class in the Globe

Teaching Kitchen, children can spend the afternoon in the

Weisz Learning Center with children’s programming staff

doing their own age-appropriate exploration of fruits and

vegetables. Join us as we learn about fruits and vegetables

by exploring the botany of these colorful foods. What is a

grain? Do I eat roots? Why are those leafy greens so good

for me? Price includes one adult and one child.


Astronomy Night with the Family Join members of the Phoenix Astronomical Society for a

family friendly evening exploring our night sky with high

powered telescopes and interactive activities. On a clear

night, participants can expect one of the best night skies

this spring with views of Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn.

This program is geared towards families with children

ages 6 -10. Inclement weather backup is April 7.

Price is per person.

Saturday / March 31 / 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Members: $15 / General Public $18

Desert Discovery Program for Girl ScoutsOur Desert Discovery programs will create a fun and memorable experience for girls as they learn about life in our desert. Girls will experience nature firsthand and will connect with each other and our desert community. Daisy, Brownie and Junior troops can select the topic and time that works for them.

Bountiful Butterflies Learn about the lifecycle and habitat requirements of butterflies and visit the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion. Available October, November, March, April and May.

Program fee: $8 / scout and $8 / chaperone

Sonoran Survivors Where is the water, and why is it so hot? Participants will learn about conditions in a desert and how desert plants and animals are able to thrive in such an extreme place. Available January through May.

Program fee: $6 / scout and $6 / chaperone

Program capacity: 5 scouts minimum,

20 scouts maximum; 1 chaperone / 4 scouts

Register today at dbg.org/girlscouts

Become a TEEN VolunteerThe Teen Environmentalists Exploring Nature

(TEEN)VolunteerProgramisagroupof13-17year

olds who volunteer their time and talents throughout

the Garden or offsite with service learning projects.

Please visit dbg.org/teenprograms for more

information on joining our program or visit our

blog at www.dbgteens.blogspot.com for updates.

Sponsored by Henkel Corporation, with additional support

from the Herbert H. and Barbara C. Dow Foundation.

Sponsored by Henkel Corporation.



http://www.dbg.org/teenprograms

http://www.dbgteens.blogspot.com

Solar Powered Sun Fun June 11 – 15 Explore the science behind the summer sun and how it

affects our lives as desert dwellers. Investigate how the

sun can make plants bend over backwards and causes

animals to pant, flutter and thermoregulate through

hands-on experiments designed to test the awesome

power of the desert sun. Learn how to transform the

abundant energy from the sun into a useful cooking

tool when you make your own snack in a real solar oven!

Snacks provided. Full day campers must bring their own

lunch. Limit: 14 campers per class.

For children going into 1 – 2 grades 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Members: $130 / General Public: $160

For children going into 3 – 4 and 5 – 6 grades 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Members: $250 / General Public: $310 Aftercare / 3:30 - 5 p.m. / $50 per week

Home, Home in the Desert June 18 – 22 So many interesting plants, animals and people call the

Sonoran Desert home. Discover how all these organisms

survive and thrive in our desert home. Sign up to explore

and experience the amazing adaptations desert wildlife,

plants and people have in order to flourish in this

environment. Campers will learn how to use desert plant

resources for food, tools and entertainment and explore

the ways in which plants and animals are adapted to the

temperatures and dry air of the desert. We will explore

movement and imagination this week of camp with a

magical visit from Childsplay theatre company staff.

Snacks provided. Full day campers must bring their own

lunch. Limit: 14 campers per class.

For children going into 1 – 2 grades 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Members: $130 / General Public: $160

For children going into 3 – 4 and 5 – 6 grades 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Members: $250 / General Public: $310 Aftercare / 3:30 - 5 p.m. / $50 per week

Overnight Summer Camp Celebration We will top off the 2012 summer camp season with

an exciting nocturnal experience as we invite Home,

Home in the Desert participants as well as other friends

to participate in an overnight camping experience

at the Garden. Make s’mores, sing songs around the

campfire, and sleep under the stars. Participants will

experience the Garden in a whole new way! Parents

are welcome to join us. Night time snack and simple

breakfast provided. Price is per person (adult or child).

Friday / June 22 / 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 a.m. For children going into grades 1 – 6 Members: $40 / General Public: $50


Summer Camp at the GardenSummer camp at the Garden is always an adventure! Each day our campers become scientists as they use their powers of observation and inference to learn about the world around them. The Garden’s top notch educators encourage exploratory learning in a fun and safe environment. Every day of camp brings new adventures in outdoor experiences, children’s literature, free choice learning, snack, games, art projects and more!

Here Comes the Sun! May 29 – June 1 Skip into summer by discovering a well known character

inthedesert–thesun!Searchforshadowsanddelveinto

the hot wonders of the sun with hands-on experiments

exploring the sun’s relationship with plants and animals.

Test the power of the sun by capturing its energy to see if

a solar oven can cook your very own snack. Imagination

will shine this week with a visit from Childsplay theatre

company. Snacks are provided. Campers must bring their

own sack lunch. Limit: 12 campers per class.

For children in preschool or going into kindergarten Ages 4 and 5 / 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Members: $130 / General Public: $160

Let’s Dig In! June 4 – 8 As part of Michele Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, we are

bringing back our popular gardening camp for 2012. Learn

about and participate in the cycle that brings food to our

tables. Campers will explore what it takes to grow food in

the desert and will participate in each step of the process

as they plant, care for, harvest and feast during Let’s Dig In

camp. The highlight of camp this week will be a trip to Love

Grows CSA Farm and other local gardening hotspots. Snacks

provided. Full day campers must bring their own lunch.

Limit: 14 campers per class.

For children going into 1 – 2 and 3 – 4 and 5 – 6 grades 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Members: $250 / General Public: $310 Aftercare / 3:30 - 5 p.m. / $50 per week


❑ Check enclosed. Please make payable to Desert Botanical Garden

Please bill my: ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ AMEX ❑ Discover

Card# _________________________________________ Exp.__________ ❑

❑ Mr. & Mrs. ❑ Mr. ❑ Ms. ❑ Other

Name ________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________________

Email ________________________________________________________

❑ Send me information about Volunteer Opportunities. For more information about Garden membership, contact Membership Helpline at 480 941.3517 or visit dbg.org

Enjoy the Benefits of Garden Membership• FreeGardenAdmission–362days

• FreeButterflyExhibitAdmission–March-MayandOctober-November.

• GuestpassestotheGardenandButterfly Exhibit

• Reciprocaladmissionanddiscounts at more than 250 other gardens, arboreta and conservatories

• 30%Discount–Musicinthe Garden concert tickets

• 25%offpurchasesatGardenShopBi-Annual Members-Only Sale

• 20%DiscountonGuestAdmissions

• 20%Discount–ClassesandWorkshop fees

• 10%Discount–March/OctoberPlant Sale purchases

• 10%Discount–GardenShop gifts and plants

• FreesubscriptionstoGardenpublications

• Specialsubscriptionrateto Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine

• Rentaldiscountsonstrollers and scooters.

• FreeSummerFlashlightTours

$65 Aloe Vera Club (provides admission for one adult only and does not include children) –Oneguestpass

The following membership levels provide benefits for two adults and members’ children/grandchildren under age 18.

$75 Senita Club –Twoguestpasses

$100 Cholla Club –Fourguestpasses and one free scooter rental per visit

$150 Agave Century Club – Six guest passes, one free scooter rental per visit, invitation to one exclusive event, recognition in a Garden publication and new member Garden Discovery Tour

$300 Boojum Tree Club –Eightguest passes, one free scooter rental per visit, invitation to one exclusive event, recognition in a Garden publication and new member Garden Discovery Tour

$500 Ocotillo Club –10guestpasses, one free scooter rental per visit, invitation to two exclusive events, recognition in a Garden publication and new member Garden Discovery Tour

$700 Golden Barrel Club –10guestpasses, one free scooter rental per visit, invitation to three exclusive events or programs, recognition in a Garden publication and new member Garden Discovery TourAdditional donor levels are available for annual gifts of $1,250 and higher.

Please contact the Garden at 480 481.8179 for information about these levels.

dbg.org

become a member!

Receive 50% off either the Music in the Garden CD or Oasis in the City: The History of the Desert Botanical Garden Book.

Adult Program Registration Information Register online at dbg.org /education-programs. For

additional inquiries, email [email protected] or call

480 481.8146 Monday through Friday.

Adult Education Policies Refunds are available for cancellations made at least five

(5)businessdayspriortotheevent(less$20fee).No

refundsareavailablelessthanfive(5)businessdaysand

fees may not be transferred.

· Programs may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.

A full refund will be made in the event the Desert

Botanical Garden cancels a program.

· Refunds will not be issued for missed class sessions.

· Special rules and cancellation fees may apply to trips.

· A waiver of liability may be required for specific programs.

If you are unable to attend an on-site class, you may send

an alternate adult participant with your confirmation.

Adult Education Age Requirements· 13–17year-oldsmayattendwithanadult.

Both must pay full class fees.

· Less than 13 years, may not attend.

Youth & Family Program Registration Information Register online at dbg.org/youthprograms. For additional

inquiries, email [email protected] or call 480 481.8121

Monday through Friday.

Youth & Family Program Policies Cancellation and refund policies vary by program. Refunds

areavailableforcancellationsmadeatleasttwoweeks(14

days) prior to the event. Cancellations made less than two

weeks(14days)willincurafeebasedontheprogram’s

cancellation and refund policy.

· Programs may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.

A full refund will be made in the event the Desert

Botanical Garden cancels a program.

· Refunds will not be issued for missed class sessions.

· A waiver of liability is required for all children’s programs.

Visit dbg.org/youthprograms for specific program policy

information.

Sonoran Desert Adventure School Field Trip Program The Desert Botanical Garden offers field trips for grades

Pre-K to Eight. Science based nature programs utilize

the Garden’s unique resources to inspire students with

hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. Field trips

correlate with Arizona Academic Standards. For additional

information, visit dbg.org/fieldtrip or call 480 481.8121.

Desert Botanical Garden members receive a 20% discount on education programs and pay the lower member fee listed. To become a member, go to dbg.org/membership.

Thank you for supporting the Desert Botanical Garden!

registration information

Member Discounts DesertBotanicalGardenmembersreceivea20%discount

on education programs. To become a member, visit

dbg.org/membership.

Register Early Advance registration is required for all Education programs,

and we regret that receipt of your payment does not

guarantee enrollment. Your enrollment will be confirmed

by email. Should your program be unavailable, you will be

contacted and your payment will be refunded.


Valid in the Garden Shop only. Must have active membership to redeem coupon, and not redeemable with any other discounts. Offer ends May 31, 2012.

Impact: Influence, effect; the force exerted by a new idea, concept, technology or ideology.

Over the last 70 years, planned gifts have had major impact on the growth and development of the Desert Botanical Garden. A perpetual trust initially provided a safety net for the fledgling organization. Additional legacy donations helped to expand trails, to develop specialty gardens and to expand our library collection. Wisely, the Garden eventually began to direct a portion of each unrestricted and unexpected legacy gift to permanent endowment (to create perpetual income for garden operations.

Within the last five year, the Garden has received more than $2 million in realized estate gifts! Each gift, regardless of size, has had an impact, becoming seed funding for the next exhibits, helping to pay the water bill and mitigate fluctuations in attendance. These legacies are helping to grow and sustain the Garden for future generations.

Won’t you help to “Plant the Garden’s Future” with a gift through your will or trust? Visit the Garden’s planned giving website at dbg.org/membership-support/planned giving to discover how. Or contact Susan Shattuck, gift planning officer, at 480 941.3507 or [email protected].

Get the latest info for the Garden at

On the Cover: Penstemon hybrid. Many species of penstemon grow in low-desert gardens. Some prefer full sun or part shade. Some thrive under the filtered light of a desert tree. Fall is the best time to plant, either from seed or containers.

Cover photograph by Adam Rodriguez, [email protected].

PLEASE RECYCLE. Passing your calendar on to a friend is a great place to start.

1201 N. Galvin ParkwayPhoenix, AZ 85008480 941.1225 | dbg.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPhoenix, AZ

Permit no. 1269

Of f icial Airline of Deser t Botanical Garden

The Garden is powered with 100% renewable energy

provided by

Schilling Library480 481.8133 / Weekdays12 - 4 p.m.Find information about plants and other desert topics in our special reference collection. For specific research, please call ahead.

Patio Café Open DailyThe Garden’s Patio Café offers visitors a beautiful setting for breakfast, lunch or a snack. Call 480 941.1225 for seasonal hours or to ask about group options and facility rental information.

Group Tours & Activities For reduced group rates for 10 or more, call 480 481.8104 or go to dbg.org/groupsales.

Call Center 480 481.8188 Call Center Hours January – September: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Weekends

October – December: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday – Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Weekends

For special event ticketing, check dbg.org for current information.

Garden ShopGifts and Plants 480 481.8113 / Open Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.No admission required.

One-stop shopping for extraordinary gifts and plants. Jewelry, books, gourmet foods, decorative items and apparel are just a few of the unique gifts you will find. A wide selection of plants is available for your home, patioandgarden.10%memberdiscount.

The Mission of the Desert Botanical Garden The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Southwestern United States. We will ensure that the Garden is always a compelling attraction that brings to life the many wonders of the desert.

Open Daily October – April / 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. May – September / 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Garden Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and July 4

Garden Closes Early March 30 / 3 p.m. April 28 / 12 p.m.

Admission FeesMembers are admitted freeAdults: $18Seniors: $15 (60 years and older)Students: $10(13–18 and college with ID)Children: $8 (3–12)Children under 3 are admitted free.

Free AdmissionGarden admission is free the second Tuesday of every month from 1 - 8 p.m.

Garden Information 480 941.1225 / Weekdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Membership Helpline 480 941.3517 / 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. June – September (Weekdays) October – May (Daily)Members receive personal assistance with any membership questions, renewals or problems purchasing tickets for special events.

Plant HotlineDesert Plant Questions [email protected] or480 481.8120 / Monday – Friday10 - 11:30 a.m.Our Garden staff and volunteers have the resources and expertise to help you.

Wildflower InfoSiteMarch and April / dbg.org/wildflowers Where are the wildflowers? Go to dbg.org/wildflowers during March and April for reports from Arizona’s desert parks and gardens. No Internet? Call our Desert PlantHotline–seeaboveforhoursandinformation.

spring 2012 garden calendar

Documents

s s e s

sonoran desert plants

garden trails

garden mondays

desert botanical garden

garden tours

fabulous plants

extraordinary plants