Branching Out

To complement our roster of courses focusing on plants, garden topics, and garden design, we also offer a diverse selection of courses which allow you to branch out. Stretch your imagination and creativity in these fun, hands-on workshops. Become a writer, a chef, a photographer for a day. Explore a new topic or activity in the beautiful settings at Longwood Gardens.

Tai Chi Introduction

with Linda Piotrowski 

 DATE:   Wednesdays, Sept 3 – Oct 1. 8:15 AM to 9:30 AM
FEE:  $80 passholder; $89 non-passholder
WHERE:   Conservatory & Outdoors
CODE:  082BOTCM

If you want to discover a path to a healthier lifestyle with harmony in body, mind, and spirit, this course is for you. Immersed in nature and surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Longwood, you will learn a series of QiGong & Tai Chi exercises designed to show you how to slow down, listen, and respond to your body and your environment. Slow-motion, dancelike movements will be taught to gradually build inner energy, known as chi, to loosen joints and build physical strength, concentration, and mental relaxation.
There are no prerequisites for this course. Loose fitting clothing and a water bottle are recommended. Dress for outdoors.

Intermediate Tai Chi

with Linda Piotrowski

DATE:   Wednesdays, Oct 8 – Nov 12. 8:15 AM to 9:15 AM
FEE:  $80 passholder; $89 non-passholder
WHERE:   Conservatory & Outdoors
CODE:  082BOTIM

Once you have taken Tai Chi Introduction, or if have been practicing Tai Chi on your own, you're ready to move up to our Intermediate Tai Chi class. Linda will further enhance your form and address ways to maximize the health benefits obtained from your practice. You will increase your sensitivity to qi, add more details behind each movement, and continue to work on abdominal breathing.
Loose fitting clothing and a water bottle are recommended. Dress for outdoors.

Digital Garden Photography

with Rob Cardillo

SOLD OUT!

DATE:  Saturday, May 17. 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
FEE:  $129 passholder; $139 non-passholder. lunch provided
WHERE:    Auditorium, Outdoors & Conservatories
CODE:   081BODGD

with Dr. Bob Lyons
 
DATE:  Saturday, Oct 11. 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
FEE:   $129 passholder; $139 non-passholder. lunch provided 
WHERE:   Auditorium, Outdoors & Conservatories
CODE:   082BODGD

Join professional garden photographers Rob Cardillo in the spring session or Bob Lyons in the fall session as they each explore and demonstrate what goes into creating dramatic garden vistas and inspired floral portraits. You'll start the morning with an illustrated lecture covering the basics of composition, lighting and camera technique. Then you'll head out to the gardens to find and capture your own compelling images. At lunchtime, we'll reassemble, download photos and engage in a lively group critique. With your permission, a few of your images may be posted on Longwood's website.
Class size limited to 15 people. Bring your own digital camera, charged batteries and accessories. You may also wish to bring a laptop and a tripod.

It Needs More Flavor – Growing and Cooking with Culinary Herbs

with Gregg Tepper

DATE:   Sunday, Sept 28; 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
FEE:   $60 passholder; $69 non-passholder. dinner provided
WHERE:  Terrace Restaurant
CODE:  082BOMFE

Join horticulturist and avid home chef Gregg Tepper for an entertaining and taste-tempting demonstration on growing and using herbs for cooking. Gregg will discuss history, culture, harvesting, and preparation of herbs used in the kitchen while he makes a delicious light supper for all to share. Gregg will also provide a number of tasty recipes for you to try at home. You’ll leave with a fresh perspective on flavoring food with herbs from your garden.
Course fee includes dinner and a glass of wine or beer.

How to Create a Themed Holiday Tree

with Nancy Gingrich Shenk

DATE:  Saturday, Nov 8. 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
FEE:  $44 passholder; $49 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  082BOHTM 

If you’ve ever wondered how to design a really “special” Christmas tree for your home and family, this is the year  to do it! Nancy Gingrich Shenk has created scores of themed Christmas Trees and will share tricks-of-the-trade with you in this festive workshop. The morning will begin with lighting techniques and discussion of new types of lights, such as rice, LED, colored, and novelty. Learn how to use two lighting colors to outline a tree. Unusual decorating techniques will be demonstrated, including the use of fabric through out a tree; cutting parts of the tree to make a design; flocking and paraffin; and other embellishments. Ways of hanging ornaments using grouping, mixing mediums,  and putting plants in trees will also be incorporated into the demonstration. You will practice what you’ve learned by joining others in decorating a tree. Don’t miss this unique pre-holiday opportunity to see first-hand how to  create the most beautiful Christmas tree ever!

Hand Painting Christmas Heirlooms

SOLD OUT!

with Carol Gangemi

DATE:   Monday, Dec 1. 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
FEE:   $15 passholder;11$19 non-passholder
WHERE:  Acer Room
CODE:  082BOCBM

The hand-painted Christmas ornaments you will create in this session will surely become treasured family heirlooms.  Under the guidance of artist Carol Gangemi you will choose from several holiday designs and use acrylic glass paint to hand-paint ornamental balls. Carol will guide you and show you simple ways to create beautiful designs, regardless of your experience. You’ll have fun in this session whether you’re making ornaments for yourself or to give as a gift. This session will surely put you into the holiday spirit.
Class size limited to 20 students. All supplies provided. Bring a shoebox to carry home your treasures. Open to all levels of experience.

Creating Outdoor Holiday Light Displays

with Roger Davis & Benny Rigoroso

DATE:  Saturday, Dec 6. 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
FEE:  $53 passholder; $59 non-passholder
WHERE:   Betula Room
CODE:  082BOCOE 

Each year as many as 200,000 visitors enjoy the twinkling wonderland created by Longwood's outdoor holiday light display. Come learn from Longwood’s experts how you can create your own magical scenes. Learn the techniques used to beautify and highlight outdoor spaces, and later take a walk as the sun sets to see the sparkling beauty of Longwood's outdoor display. Roger and Benny will cover safety tips and electric information, and you will construct a lighting project to take home.
Dress for an outdoor walk and indoor classroom time. Materials to start your own lighting project are included.