New calendar

August 25, 2026: Bugs, Bugs, and Bugs!

Join us as we look for birds keeping busy at Chatfield Farms. Where will they be? Flying high in the sky or perched in a tree?

Join us as we look for birds keeping busy at Chatfield Farms. Where will they be? Flying high in the sky or perched in a tree?

Even experienced illustrators sometimes struggle with foreshortening and demonstrating depth. Closely observe botanical subjects that demonstrate each aspect of perspective to learn techniques for seeing and depicting depth accurately. Gain confidence in your drafting skills and improve your future drawings. This class uses only graphite pencil, but the principles apply to all media.

Discover the vibrant yellows, reds and oranges of these fragrant and festive fall flowers as you take an up close look at marigold flowers. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 10, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with us on this tour that highlights the seasonal beauty of our ever-changing landscapes.

Discover the vibrant yellows, reds and oranges of these fragrant and festive fall flowers as you take an up close look at marigold flowers. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 10, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Create your personalized landscape using native, short-grass prairie plants suited to Colorado’s Front Range. In this four-session course, learn how to assess your site, develop a planting plan, and design a garden that thrives through all seasons. Receive expert guidance with hands-on, personalized design time during class.

Discover the vibrant yellows, reds and oranges of these fragrant and festive fall flowers as you take an up close look at marigold flowers. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 10, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Meet the birds of the Colorado prairie. Learn about birds through scientific observation, scavenger hunts, and crafts. Then venture onto the prairie to use binoculars and field guides to identify birds in the wild.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $18, $16 member

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Discover the vibrant yellows, reds and oranges of these fragrant and festive fall flowers as you take an up close look at marigold flowers. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 10, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Meet the birds of the Colorado prairie. Learn about birds through scientific observation, scavenger hunts, and crafts. Then venture onto the prairie to use binoculars and field guides to identify birds in the wild.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: $18, $16 member

Discover the vibrant yellows, reds and oranges of these fragrant and festive fall flowers as you take an up close look at marigold flowers. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 10, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Chatfield Farms has deep roots. Climb aboard for a tractor ride provided by our partners at Front Range Antique Power Association. Ride through our working historical ranch and discover the land and the crops that have shaped it.

Join us in witnessing the endless supply of wonder, surprise and delight that nature provides in these monthly walks. Awe is an emotion that is often overlooked in our busy lives, but experiencing awe can have a profound effect on our mental health.

Discover the vibrant yellows, reds and oranges of these fragrant and festive fall flowers as you take an up close look at marigold flowers. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 10, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Canadian artist Linda Hamilton creates highly accurate flowers using paper and wire. Learn about her extraordinary paper herbarium project based on wildflowers collected from her property.

Online: Friday, September 11, 12-1 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Hamilton

Prerequisites: None

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Explore early fall with intense, dark-as-you-dare color and depth. In this single session with British botanical illustrator Jarnie Godwin, learn to use a range of watercolor techniques to capture neutrals, color saturation and shadow tones.

Online: Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Instructor: Jarnie Godwin

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Join us for an evening of exploring and creating as we take a closer look at the beautiful patterns, shapes and colors found hiding among plants in the Gardens. Learn the art of pressing plants as you assemble your own plant press and fill it with specimens to take home. Then, create a collaged work of art using pressed plants.

Patients with Lewy body dementia and their care partners are invited to Denver Botanic Gardens for an interactive Sensory Adventure in our Sensory Garden. Take a mindful walk with our horticultural therapist through the garden that engages the senses and focuses the mind and body in the present moment.

Monarchs are the one of the most identifiable butterflies to flutter through the Colorado skies.  Join us to take a closer look at these magnificent creatures as we explore their unique relationship with the milkweed plant and their amazing migration journey.  Complete a self-guided exploration of Milkweed in the Gardens and then create a kinetic sculpture (hanging mobile) inspired by

Monarchs are the one of the most identifiable butterflies to flutter through the Colorado skies.  Join us to take a closer look at these magnificent creatures as we explore their unique relationship with the milkweed plant and their amazing migration journey.  Complete a self-guided exploration of Milkweed in the Gardens and then create a kinetic sculpture (hanging mobile) inspired by

What veggies like the cool, crisp air? Join us to explore Chatfield Farms’ vegetable patch and discover animals that call the farm home.

Earth is home to many different environments, each with its own climate, plants, and animals. In this class, students explore major world biomes and learn how living things adapt to survive in these unique ecosystems. Using their creativity and scientific knowledge, students design and build their own biome dioramas that represent the plants, animals, and conditions found in these habitats.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

What veggies like the cool, crisp air? Join us to explore Chatfield Farms’ vegetable patch and discover animals that call the farm home.

Join Lisa Weddel, co-owner of DIY Designs Inspired by You, for a new kind of monthly happy hour! Each session features a different design style and technique, and each participant takes home an impressive, one-of-a-kind arrangement. Grab your friends, grab a beverage, and learn how to design a stunning floral arrangement built around seasonal blooms!

Use your senses to explore the colors, textures and sizes of the grasses growing in the Gardens. Big, medium and small—we explore them all! 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 16, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 17, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Use your senses to explore the colors, textures and sizes of the grasses growing in the Gardens. Big, medium and small—we explore them all! 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 16, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 17, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Fall is the time to plant garlic! Growing great garlic in Colorado can be easy and fun. Learn how to select varieties, prepare soil, plant, maintain and harvest garlic effectively. Discover optimal care techniques, including watering and fertilization. Finally, learn harvesting techniques, curing and proper storage methods.

Use your senses to explore the colors, textures and sizes of the grasses growing in the Gardens. Big, medium and small—we explore them all! 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 16, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 17, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with this tour that highlights the seasonal beauty of our ever-changing landscapes.

During these one-hour tours, an experienced guide will share their favorite stories about our rich history, sustainability initiatives and fun facts to impress your friends and family while you meander through a variety of unique garden spaces.

Use your senses to explore the colors, textures and sizes of the grasses growing in the Gardens. Big, medium and small—we explore them all! 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 16, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 17, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Join Lisa Weddel, co-owner of DIY Designs Inspired by You, for a new kind of monthly happy hour! Each session features a different design style and technique, and each participant takes home an impressive, one-of-a-kind arrangement. Grab your friends, grab a beverage, and learn how to design a stunning floral arrangement built around seasonal blooms!

Use your senses to explore the colors, textures and sizes of the grasses growing in the Gardens. Big, medium and small—we explore them all! 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 16, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 17, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Learn a playful approach to rendering lily pads using an abstract approach to layering acrylic paint. Discover how to deconstruct the complex beauty of lily pads into simple shapes, while learning several fundamental sketching, painting, composition and color techniques.

Onsite: Fridays, September 18, 25, October 9, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Take a deeper dive with staff from Denver Botanic Gardens.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $22, $15 member, $10 student; Price includes general admission to the Gardens.

Location: York Street

Use your senses to explore the colors, textures and sizes of the grasses growing in the Gardens. Big, medium and small—we explore them all! 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 16, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 17, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

In this one‑day embroidery workshop, take inspiration from the historical “Codex de la Cruz Badiano,” a 16th‑century manuscript depicting medicinal plants of Mexico—many of which also grow in Colorado. Learn how to transfer an illustration onto cotton fabric and embellish it using three foundational embroidery stitches.

Jump start your nature journaling practice—and learn how to maintain it. Through monthly class themes, explore ways to document your unique perspective of the natural world, whether urban, wild or in-between. Register for an individual class or take them all for a seasonal journey.

Onsite:

Are you curious about the centuries-old Japanese tradition of bonsai? Discover the art of bonsai with local Colorado bonsai artists. Join us for a fun and informative class that explores the history, techniques, and common myths surrounding this living art form.

Bulbs belong in every garden and home. They are easy, grow indoors and outdoors, and many are well-adapted to our climate including irrigated and xeric gardens. They provide color over many seasons, grow low or tall, and are a designer's dream. In short bulbs are literally the package deal. Come and be tempted to add them to your gardening life!

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

A small group experience that highlights books from the Library’s rare book collection. Join us in the Edward P. Connors Rare Books Reading Room to see some of the most distinctive items in our rare books collection up close. Topics vary by class.

August 25, 2026: Bugs, Bugs, and Bugs!

Why do plants have seeds? Join us to find out and explore the many unique shapes and sizes of seeds we find along the trail.

Why do plants have seeds? Join us to find out and explore the many unique shapes and sizes of seeds we find along the trail.

Join us online for a deep dive into the world of raspberry cultivation, specifically tailored for the Front Range. We cover the complete life cycle of the plant, focusing on the techniques that make a difference in our unique environment. This workshop breaks down the complexities of pruning (summer-bearing vs.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of raspberry cultivation, specifically tailored for the Front Range. We cover the complete life cycle of the plant, focusing on the techniques that make a difference in our unique environment. This workshop breaks down the complexities of pruning (summer-bearing vs.

Join us for a mindful stroll in the Gardens. Meditative walks in nature have emotional, psychological and physiological benefits. Each month, a specific intention or theme guides our meditation walks through the Gardens, to align with nature’s cycles and seasons providing opportunities for self-care, reflection and connection with ourselves and the present.

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Join us for a nature walk and see what seasonal changes are happening in the Gardens.  

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 24, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with this tour that highlights the seasonal beauty of our ever-changing landscapes.

During these one-hour tours, an experienced guide will share their favorite stories about our rich history, sustainability initiatives and fun facts to impress your friends and family while you meander through a variety of unique garden spaces.

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Join us for a nature walk and see what seasonal changes are happening in the Gardens.  

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 24, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

May - Garden Vessel Design

June - Garden Adornments (Bee Cups & Mushrooms)

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Join us for a nature walk and see what seasonal changes are happening in the Gardens.  

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 24, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

The Southern Colorado Rocky Mountains serve as a defining inspiration for the Japanese Garden at Denver Botanic Gardens, Shofu-en, or “Garden of Pine and Wind.” This immersive program represents one of only two opportunities worldwide where Japanese garden design principles are taught in English, offering a truly rare and distinguished learning experience for Colorado and Denver-area participan

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Join us for a nature walk and see what seasonal changes are happening in the Gardens.  

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 24, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Yoga Nidra, also known as "cosmic sleep," is a form of guided meditation that aims to induce a state of deep relaxation and inner peace. This non-doing practice uses tools and exercises to relax the physical body and engage the subtle body. Therapeutic benefits can include stress reduction, increased clarity/focus and improved sleep.

Price: $43, $38 member

Location: York Street

Instructor: Jessica Langley

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Join us for a nature walk and see what seasonal changes are happening in the Gardens.  

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 24, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Need space to spread out and work outside of class time? Reserve your uninterrupted studio time now—bring your supplies and get started. No instructor will be present. Register at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot. Scanning services are available by advance request.

Onsite:

May 29, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

June 20, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. Join us for a nature walk and see what seasonal changes are happening in the Gardens.  

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, September 24, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

A lo largo del año, pasee por los jardines en esta visita guiada de una hora que resalta la belleza de la temporada.

Durante esta visita de una hora, conversará con su guía acerca de las floraciones, la historia de los Jardines y el mundo increíble que compartimos con las plantas.

Precio:Registro gratuito, incluye entrada general.

Using ink and colored pencils, explore the intricate, complex designs of the Zentangle® Method to create mesmerizing artworks inspired by the natural world. These courses may be taken for elective BI credit.

Online: Friday, September 25, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Instructor: Stephanie Oliver

What was childhood like for Indigenous children who lived on the plains long before Colorado became a state? In this engaging program, students learn about the roles, responsibilities and traditions of Indigenous families and communities.

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

In this two-day workshop, create a dynamic composition as you learn to paint hummingbirds with their nectar plants and explore the optical illusion of painting iridescent feathers.

Onsite: Saturday and Sunday, September 26, 27, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Instructor: Daleen Roodt

With Denver’s seasonal wild plants as subjects, create a measured drawing using close observation, helping you understand structure, proportion and botanical character. Participants explore ways to record surface texture, fine detail and tonal contrast to create both scientifically accurate and expressive works.

June – Stained Glass Garden Stakes

July – Honeycomb Suncatchers

All levels of Girl Scouts are invited to celebrate being a Girl Scout at Denver Botanic Gardens! Explore all the Gardens has to offer with your troop or family. Stroll through the early autumn gardens, explore our art galleries and grow your imagination as you use dried botanicals to create a masterpiece of your choosing.

Fall is the time to plant garlic! Growing great garlic in Colorado can be easy and fun. Learn how to select varieties, prepare soil, plant, maintain and harvest garlic effectively. Discover optimal care techniques, including watering and fertilization. Finally, learn harvesting techniques, curing and proper storage methods.

June – Stained Glass Garden Stakes

July – Honeycomb Suncatchers

May - Traditional Ikebana with Kazuko Kozai

All levels of Girl Scouts are invited to celebrate being a Girl Scout at Denver Botanic Gardens! Explore all the Gardens has to offer with your troop or family. Stroll through the early autumn gardens, explore our art galleries and grow your imagination as you use dried botanicals to create a masterpiece of your choosing.

Explore the beauty of Le Potager with visiting French artist Vincent Jeannerot. Start with a visit to the vegetable garden Le Potager to sketch and photograph subjects. Head back to the classroom to learn to capture the rich textures and character of garden subjects in pen-and-ink and watercolor techniques—from the glossy sheen of eggplant skin to the intricate curls of kale leaves.

Zooming in or zooming out on a subject changes our perspective. Taking time to view the minutiae inspires questions about the whole. Join us as we move through the tiny details to the bigger picture of an ecosystem, all while capturing our questions and observations in pages for a nature journal.

Are seeds smooth? Is bark bumpy? Join us and find out as we use our fingers to feel the different textures we find along the trail.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Are seeds smooth? Is bark bumpy? Join us and find out as we use our fingers to feel the different textures we find along the trail.

Tea blending is both an art and a science. Learn how to formulate herbal teas for specific goals, from supporting digestion and sleep to calming the nerves or boosting energy. Explore the structure of a well-balanced tea, understanding how to combine base herbs, support herbs and accent herbs for both flavor and function.

Join Lisa Weddel, owner of Designs Inspired by You, for the new Flower Power Hour - Next Level – your quarterly dose of blooms and bold design. Each session explores a new elevated style or technique—think layered textures, creative mechanics, and pro tips to make your arrangements pop. Each participant still takes home a jaw-dropping, totally unique creation, just with a little more flair.

Explore the delicious world of apples as we make a tasty treat from the fabulous spices in our lives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 1, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Explore the delicious world of apples as we make a tasty treat from the fabulous spices in our lives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 1, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Explore the delicious world of apples as we make a tasty treat from the fabulous spices in our lives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 1, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with this tour that highlights the seasonal beauty of our ever-changing landscapes.

During these one-hour tours, an experienced guide will share their favorite stories about our rich history, sustainability initiatives and fun facts to impress your friends and family while you meander through a variety of unique garden spaces.

Explore the delicious world of apples as we make a tasty treat from the fabulous spices in our lives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 1, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

A small group experience that highlights books from the Library’s rare book collection. Join us in the Edward P. Connors Rare Books Reading Room to see some of the most distinctive items in our rare books collection up close. Topics vary by class..

A small group experience that highlights books from the Library’s rare book collection. Join us in the Edward P. Connors Rare Books Reading Room to see some of the most distinctive items in our rare books collection up close. Topics vary by class..

Explore the delicious world of apples as we make a tasty treat from the fabulous spices in our lives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 1, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Explore the delicious world of apples as we make a tasty treat from the fabulous spices in our lives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, September 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 1, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 2, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Peek behind-the-scenes of the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbarium of Vascular Plants, 

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Join us for a one-night experience after dark. Be guided through our haunted property with one of our experienced storytellers for an in-depth look at the history of Denver Botanic Gardens.

Join us for a one-night experience after dark. Be guided through our haunted property with one of our experienced storytellers for an in-depth look at the history of Denver Botanic Gardens.

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Explore the latest art exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

August 25, 2026: Bugs, Bugs, and Bugs!

The botanical world is full of plants of varying sizes. Explore methods for accurately enlarging and reducing botanical specimens. Learn to use grids, dividers and architectural scales to size compositional elements.

Online: Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Instructor: Christiane Fashek

Red, orange, green or gold, what colors will we find as we explore the trails? Join us as we crunch through leaves and discover the unique colors of the autumn season.

Red, orange, green or gold, what colors will we find as we explore the trails? Join us as we crunch through leaves and discover the unique colors of the autumn season.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Cacao has been revered for thousands of years as both a sacred food and a powerful plant. In this immersive class, explore the rich history of the cacao plant—from its ceremonial use in ancient Mesoamerican cultures to its place in modern wellness traditions.

Join Lisa Weddel, co-owner of DIY Designs Inspired by You, for a new kind of monthly happy hour! Each session features a different design style and technique, and each participant takes home an impressive, one-of-a-kind arrangement. Grab your friends, grab a beverage, and learn how to design a stunning floral arrangement built around seasonal blooms!

Discover the mighty acorn and meet it’s beautiful tree. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 7, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 8, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Expand the skills acquired from Drawing in Pencil 1 to reinforce and refine your knowledge of graphite. Build upon what you already know to master techniques for shading, texture and perspective. Group instruction and individual attention are tailored to help you complete a botanical plate.

Discover the mighty acorn and meet it’s beautiful tree. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 7, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 8, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Create vibrant and botanically accurate flowers that will never wilt. Learn basic and intermediate paper sculpting techniques using real plant materials to create templates and designs to assemble your forever-blooming masterpiece.

Online: Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, skip 28, November 4, 5-8 p.m.

Instructor: Linda Hamilton

Discover the mighty acorn and meet it’s beautiful tree. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 7, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 8, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Learn about paint properties and choosing pigments to build a system of consistent color combinations, eliminating frustrating trial-and-error. Exercises, demonstrations and discussion illuminate how to achieve the broadest possible spectrum so you can mix colors to accurately represent nature.

Discover the mighty acorn and meet it’s beautiful tree. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 7, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 8, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Draw a lush botanical landscape in pen and ink, working from your own photographs or sketches. Develop your pen and ink skills by practicing different textures to render trees and other foliage from a distance and learn how to tackle challenges of composition and atmospheric perspective.

Online: Thursdays, October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 1-4 p.m.

Join Lisa Weddel, co-owner of DIY Designs Inspired by You, for a new kind of monthly happy hour! Each session features a different design style and technique, and each participant takes home an impressive, one-of-a-kind arrangement. Grab your friends, grab a beverage, and learn how to design a stunning floral arrangement built around seasonal blooms!

Discover the mighty acorn and meet it’s beautiful tree. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 7, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 8, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Reconnect with nature at Chatfield Farms with our forest bathing experience. Step away from the noise of daily life and into the peaceful embrace of nature. Be guided through a gentle, immersive journey that invites you to listen deeply, breathe mindfully, and observe the beauty that surrounds you.

Discover the mighty acorn and meet it’s beautiful tree. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 7, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 8, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 9, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Disfrute las exposiciones de las galerías en el edificio FNC con un guía. Los Jardines Botánicos de Denver es líder en exposiciones de arte que destacan escultura, pintura, ilustración botánica y más. 

Con su guía compartirán historias acerca de las obras expuestas.

Las exposiciones cambian regularmente.

Duración: 1 hora.

Colored pencils present the special challenge of mixing color directly on your drawing. Develop your own color reference sheets to speed color selection and application for future colored pencil drawings.

Online: Fridays, October 9, 16, 23, 30, November 6, 1-4 p.m.

Instructor: Clair Gaston

What is the difference between a carpel and a pistil? Your botanical art improves when you understand the science of your subjects. Learn plant morphology through detailed instruction and supporting visuals. Take a closer look at plant forms and learn to recognize botanical details to help make your drawings scientifically accurate and realistic.

Before this land became the Plains Conservation Center in the 1950s, many different people called it home. Indigenous communities and homesteaders lived, worked , and traveled across these plains, leaving traces of their lives behind.

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Beginning with an overview of the specific elements of botanical illustration, learn the skills of careful observation for lifelike drawings in graphite pencil. The concepts of line, shading and perspective are introduced. Step-by-step, build upon techniques to render accurate form, texture and detail, and emerge from this class with the tools you need to draw anything.

Jump start your nature journaling practice—and learn how to maintain it. Through monthly class themes, explore ways to document your unique perspective of the natural world, whether urban, wild or in-between. Register for an individual class or take them all for a seasonal journey.

Onsite:

In this online class, craft unique and visually captivating maps using media of your choice such as watercolor, ink and colored pencil. Learn how to draw mountains, canyons, forests, coastlines and more or incorporate your own botanical drawings. No prior map making skill is necessary.

Online: Saturdays, October 10, 17, 24, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Develop more advanced colored pencil skills and gradually learn to create a layered drawing by experimenting with different surfaces and solvents for blending and shading. Practice techniques to create texture, detail, atmospheric perspective and depth to enhance your subject and make your drawings pop.

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Discover the user-friendly, fun and intuitive gelatin plate printing process. Create unique botanical prints with acrylic paint and plant materials, using a “gelli plate” to transfer natural shapes and textures onto a variety of papers. Take home two prints mounted on wood along with other experiments generated in class. Some materials are supplied.

Learn the basics of this traditional brush painting technique that uses rich, black sumi ink. Focus on drawing delicate flowers and trees. The class also visits the gallery exhibition Realm of Wonder: Izumi Yokoyama to see examples of Sumi-e ink painting.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Close your eyes, open your ears, and discover what sounds are near! Join us as we listen to the sounds of nature and use natural materials to make sounds of our own.

Close your eyes, open your ears, and discover what sounds are near! Join us as we listen to the sounds of nature and use natural materials to make sounds of our own.

Explore the latest art exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with us on this tour that highlights the seasonal beauty of our ever-changing landscapes.

Price: $51, $42 member

Location: York Street

Join us for a mindful stroll in the Gardens. Meditative walks in nature have emotional, psychological and physiological benefits. Each month, a specific intention or theme guides our meditation walks through the Gardens, to align with nature’s cycles and seasons providing opportunities for self-care, reflection and connection with ourselves and the present.

Discover the Gardens with the tools of a detective as you become a garden sleuth. Use your senses to discover natural clues and hidden treasures throughout the Gardens. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

This course offers comprehensive instruction in combining the precision of graphite pencils with the bold, dramatic tones of charcoal to create realistic, high-contrast drawings. Build skills in shading, blending and composition while taking inspiration from botanical subjects.

Onsite: Wednesdays, October 14, 21, 28, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Discover the Gardens with the tools of a detective as you become a garden sleuth. Use your senses to discover natural clues and hidden treasures throughout the Gardens. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

A small group experience that highlights books from the Library’s rare book collection. Join us in the Edward P. Connors Rare Books Reading Room to see some of the most distinctive items in our rare books collection up close. Topics vary by class.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

The warm brown of sepia ink is reminiscent of old master's drawings. Explore rendering textures —from the sharp prickles of pods to the smooth shells of seeds —and develop rich values using pen and sepia ink.

Online: Wednesdays, October 14, 21, 28, 5-8 p.m.

Instructor: Charlotte Ricker

May - Garden Vessel Design

June - Garden Adornments (Bee Cups & Mushrooms)

With a botanical approach to this familiar kitchen staple, follow the line-tonal-watercolor method to draw and paint your onion. Use smooth washes to build form then add dry-brush for markings, color-matching all the hues in our subject along the way.

Online: Thursdays, October 15, 22, 29, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Discover the Gardens with the tools of a detective as you become a garden sleuth. Use your senses to discover natural clues and hidden treasures throughout the Gardens. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Learn how seeing the big picture of a landscape painting becomes easier when we break it down into smaller parts. Join us as we focus on the scenery and landscapes of Chatfield Farms, all while capturing our questions and observations in pages for a natural journal.

Stroll through the Gardens at any time of the year with this tour that highlights the seasonal beauty of our ever-changing landscapes.

During these one-hour tours, an experienced guide will share their favorite stories about our rich history, sustainability initiatives and fun facts to impress your friends and family while you meander through a variety of unique garden spaces.

Explore the latest art exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Discover the Gardens with the tools of a detective as you become a garden sleuth. Use your senses to discover natural clues and hidden treasures throughout the Gardens. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Discover the Gardens with the tools of a detective as you become a garden sleuth. Use your senses to discover natural clues and hidden treasures throughout the Gardens. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Take a deeper dive with staff from Denver Botanic Gardens.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $22, $15 member, $10 student; Price includes general admission to the Gardens.

Location: York Street

Join us in witnessing the endless supply of wonder, surprise and delight that nature provides in these monthly walks. Awe is an emotion that is often overlooked in our busy lives, but experiencing awe can have a profound effect on our mental health.

Discover the Gardens with the tools of a detective as you become a garden sleuth. Use your senses to discover natural clues and hidden treasures throughout the Gardens. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 14, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 15, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Join Buddy Smith from Legion Paper Company to hear about the wide variety of artist papers on the market and their unique properties and learn how to avoid common mistakes when using certain papers for each art media.

Online: Friday, October 16, 12-1 p.m.

Instructor: Buddy Smith/Legion Paper

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Using a loose, expressive approach, focus on capturing the essence of autumn in this all-level oil pastel class. Learn several techniques for layering and building color and luminosity through guided exercises. Discover the expressive potential of this medium.

Onsite: Saturdays, October 17, 24, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Our emotions are deeply intertwined with the nervous, endocrine and cardiovascular systems. Discover how herbal medicine supports emotional balance, stress recovery and nervous system resilience—addressing both the physiology and energetics of mood regulation.

Are you curious about the centuries-old Japanese tradition of bonsai? Discover the art of bonsai with local Colorado bonsai artists. Join us for a fun and informative class that explores the history, techniques, and common myths surrounding this living art form.

Did you know there are over 700 recognized species of carnivorous plants? Join us as we explore the Venus flytrap and some of its lesser known friends and learn about the intriguing adaptations that help them survive.

Each participant plants a carnivorous plant in a miniature bog garden to take home. 

Price: $30 per person

Location: Plains Conservation Center

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Explore the latest art exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Did you know there are over 700 recognized species of carnivorous plants? Join us as we explore the Venus flytrap and some of its lesser known friends and learn about the intriguing adaptations that help them survive.

Each participant plants a carnivorous plant in a miniature bog garden to take home. 

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

August 25, 2026: Bugs, Bugs, and Bugs!

From spotted petals to heart shaped leaves nature is full of hidden shapes and patterns.  Join us as we investigate the shapes and patterns hidden in our plants.

The body is made up of many systems that work together to keep us alive and healthy. In this class, students explore several major body systems—including the circulatory and respiratory systems—and learn how they function and interact. Through hands-on activities and models, students discover how these systems help our bodies move, breathe and grow.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

From spotted petals to heart shaped leaves nature is full of hidden shapes and patterns.  Join us as we investigate the shapes and patterns hidden in our plants.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Beginning with an overview of the specific elements of botanical illustration, learn the skills of careful observation for lifelike drawings in graphite pencil. The concepts of line, shading and perspective are introduced. Step-by-step, build upon techniques to render accurate form, texture and detail, and emerge from this class with the tools you need to draw anything.

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Pumpkins and melons and squash, oh my! Join us as we meet and explore pumpkins and their close relatives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 21, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 22, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Pumpkins and melons and squash, oh my! Join us as we meet and explore pumpkins and their close relatives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 21, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 22, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Pumpkins and melons and squash, oh my! Join us as we meet and explore pumpkins and their close relatives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 21, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 22, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

The secret to portraying light and shadow on your subjects lies in understanding the science of lighting as it applies to different three-dimensional forms. Beginning with basic geometric shapes, refine your skills to illustrate the lighting and volume of any subject. This class uses graphite pencil, but the principles apply to all other media.

Pumpkins and melons and squash, oh my! Join us as we meet and explore pumpkins and their close relatives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 21, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 22, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Pumpkins and melons and squash, oh my! Join us as we meet and explore pumpkins and their close relatives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 21, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 22, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Even experienced illustrators sometimes struggle with foreshortening and demonstrating depth. Closely observe botanical subjects that demonstrate each aspect of perspective to learn techniques for seeing and depicting depth accurately. Gain confidence in your drafting skills and improve your future drawings. This class uses only graphite pencil, but the principles apply to all media.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Pumpkins and melons and squash, oh my! Join us as we meet and explore pumpkins and their close relatives.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 21, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 22, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 23, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

A lo largo del año, pasee por los jardines en esta visita guiada de una hora que resalta la belleza de la temporada.

Durante esta visita de una hora, conversará con su guía acerca de las floraciones, la historia de los Jardines y el mundo increíble que compartimos con las plantas.

Precio:Registro gratuito, incluye entrada general.

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Learn the basics of herbalism and the different ways herbs can be incorporated into daily life, from foods to teas to tonics and tinctures. Discover the different carriers or vehicles that herbs can be in for daily life, including syrups, honeys, vinegars and alcohol-based recipes. Taste different types of herbs as well as get some herbal formulas to take home.

June – Stained Glass Garden Stakes

July – Honeycomb Suncatchers

Giggling ghosts, wicked witches, boisterous bats or silly spiders, who will live in your ghostly garden? Join us to plant and decorate a miniature Halloween themed indoor garden. After completing your ghostly garden, explore the Gardens on your own with a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Preparing your roses for winter is the key to growing those fabulous flowers in the spring. Learn why fall and winter care keeps your roses healthy from year to year and how to prepare new rose beds for spring planting. Get tips on early transplanting or rearranging the rose bed. A recommended list of roses that do well along the Front Range and higher altitudes is included.

June – Stained Glass Garden Stakes

July – Honeycomb Suncatchers

This class is a fun, simple, ecofriendly and low-tech entry into printmaking using sturdy, recycled Tetra Pak cartons. The cartons can be cut with scissors, drawn with a needle, inked and printed in multiple ways. You’ll never look at a drink carton the same way. Some materials are supplied.

Onsite: Sunday, October 25, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Giggling ghosts, wicked witches, boisterous bats or silly spiders, who will live in your ghostly garden? Join us to plant and decorate a miniature Halloween themed indoor garden. After completing your ghostly garden, explore the Gardens on your own with a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Giggling ghosts, wicked witches, boisterous bats or silly spiders, who will live in your ghostly garden? Join us to plant and decorate a miniature Halloween themed indoor garden. After completing your ghostly garden, explore the Gardens on your own with a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Drawing skills and color mixing experience are combined to further explore watercolor paint. From flat and graded washes to highlights and drybrush detail, discover the delight of putting brush and pigment to paper for transparent watercolor. Demonstrations and practical exercises show you how to build washes for tonal depth and shading and how to create soft and hard edges.

Scampering squirrels, chattering chipmunks or rushing rabbits? Who will we find getting ready for the winter season?

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Scampering squirrels, chattering chipmunks or rushing rabbits? Who will we find getting ready for the winter season?

Designed to build your perceptual and conceptual color skills and vocabulary, this course prepares students to analyze color systems and how they affect hue, value, saturation—even psychology. Color-aid® paper and gouache paint are used to complete experimentations and observations with daily exercises in a color journal.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Explore plants named after our creepy crawly garden friends. Plant a creepy crawly plant to take home with you.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 28, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 29, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Explore plants named after our creepy crawly garden friends. Plant a creepy crawly plant to take home with you.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 28, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 29, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Explore plants named after our creepy crawly garden friends. Plant a creepy crawly plant to take home with you.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 28, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 29, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Learn to digitize your artwork using a standard household scanner and how to tidy up your files in Photoshop. Your images will be ready for many uses including entering online shows or converting your original art into prints. No Photoshop experience required; students need access to Adobe Photoshop and a scanner.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Explore plants named after our creepy crawly garden friends. Plant a creepy crawly plant to take home with you.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 28, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 29, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Explore plants named after our creepy crawly garden friends. Plant a creepy crawly plant to take home with you.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 28, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 29, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Explore plants named after our creepy crawly garden friends. Plant a creepy crawly plant to take home with you.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, October 28, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, October 29, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 18-24 months: Friday, October 30, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Need space to spread out and work outside of class time? Reserve your uninterrupted studio time now—bring your supplies and get started. No instructor will be present. Register at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot. Scanning services are available by advance request.

Onsite:

May 29, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

June 20, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Giggling ghosts, wicked witches, boisterous bats or silly spiders, who will live in your ghostly garden? Join us to plant and decorate a miniature Halloween themed indoor garden. After completing your ghostly garden, explore the Gardens on your own with a self-guided scavenger hunt.

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Denver Botanic Gardens invites you to venture out after dark for an unforgettable evening of eerie history and unsettling tales. Explore the Gardens after hours as storytellers share true staff experiences, security guard encounters with the unexplained and the haunting history of the land once known as "The Boneyard."

Your botanical illustration journey begins here. This class is a window into the methods and materials used in botanical illustration. Receive a brief overview of the history and techniques used to create precise renderings with scientific value. Dissect a flower and look closely to learn multi-sensory, basic botany from a primary source.

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

Bubble, bubble, soil and shovel! This spooky season, discover the roots of magic at the Gardens. Learn about the boo-tiful plant adaptations for survival in a challenging world and the eerie legends that accompany them. This tour highlights frightening flora: the poisonous, psycho-active and parasitic.

Duration: 1 hour

August 25, 2026: Bugs, Bugs, and Bugs!

Discover how growing with nature really works—and how your garden fits into the bigger picture! This course explores the core principles of ecology through the lens of Rocky Mountain gardening. Learn how plants, animals, soil, and climate interact, and how to apply these insights to create a thriving, sustainable garden.

Escape to the tropics any time of year with a tour of the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory.

Master the transition from garden bed to dinner plate in this sensory, two-part workshop. We begin with a deep dive into fall herb maintenance, focusing on the specific varieties that withstand the first frost and how to harvest them to ensure the plant's health. We then demonstrate preservation methods that lock in flavor for the winter months ahead.

Look way up high and way down low. How many pinecones will we find? Explore the many different sizes and shapes of the pinecone and discover how they help evergreen trees grow. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 5, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Look way up high and way down low. How many pinecones will we find? Explore the many different sizes and shapes of the pinecone and discover how they help evergreen trees grow. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 5, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

The difference between a pleasant picture and an amazing work of art is often the composition. This course begins with a study of how to use compositional elements and principles in your botanical illustrations. Create your own thumbnail compositions and develop more dynamic arrangements to enhance future illustrations.

Look way up high and way down low. How many pinecones will we find? Explore the many different sizes and shapes of the pinecone and discover how they help evergreen trees grow. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 5, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Explore the latest art exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Look way up high and way down low. How many pinecones will we find? Explore the many different sizes and shapes of the pinecone and discover how they help evergreen trees grow. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 5, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Look way up high and way down low. How many pinecones will we find? Explore the many different sizes and shapes of the pinecone and discover how they help evergreen trees grow. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 5, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Take a deeper dive with staff from Denver Botanic Gardens.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $22, $15 member, $10 student; Price includes general admission to the Gardens.

Location: York Street

Look way up high and way down low. How many pinecones will we find? Explore the many different sizes and shapes of the pinecone and discover how they help evergreen trees grow. 

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 5, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Pollination has long been a source of inspiration in artist Erin Hunter’s work. Join this conversation as Erin discusses how to turn ideas into artwork, from initial research to combining multiple field sketches and finally painting a harmonious final composition.

Online: Friday, November 6, 12 - 1 p.m.

Instructor: Erin Hunter

Date(s) and Time(s):

November 6, 13 and 20, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

In 1864, a violent event took place along Sand Creek in southeastern Colorado—one that continues to shape conversations about the state’s history today. But how should this event be understood? Was it a battle, a massacre, or something else?

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Be a green Girl Scout! Girl Scout Brownies learn about ways to save energy, explore water-smart garden plants, create reusable items and plant an air-purifying house plant to take home. This Exploration Day is designed to support the Brownies Household Elf Badge. Denver Botanic Gardens does not supply activity badges.

Start your weekend right with a rejuvenating sun salutation yoga flow class that welcomes practitioners of all levels. This class includes variations on Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) to get the body and breath moving. This timeless practice is designed to warm the body, build strength and connect the body and mind.

In this collage-based course, participants spend time in the Gardens and in the classroom to explore how to visualize feelings, wishes and memories that are difficult to express in words. Grief is often misunderstood as a sad mind state, but it can also be considered rich and dark like a healthy “soil” from which growth, meaning and beauty can be found.

Jump start your nature journaling practice—and learn how to maintain it. Through monthly class themes, explore ways to document your unique perspective of the natural world, whether urban, wild or in-between. Register for an individual class or take them all for a seasonal journey.

Onsite:

Learn how to prune both deciduous and evergreen shrubs for long term plant health and appearance in this class. Various types of pruning and the situations where they are appropriate will be illustrated. An emphasis will be placed on flowering shrubs and how to prune them for best bloom.

Be a green Girl Scout! Girl Scout Brownies learn about ways to save energy, explore water-smart garden plants, create reusable items and plant an air-purifying house plant to take home. This Exploration Day is designed to support the Brownies Household Elf Badge. Denver Botanic Gardens does not supply activity badges.

Get to know the prairie in a whole new way. On our ride across the plains, participants watch for wildlife in the landscape, from prairie dogs to pronghorn antelope and birds of prey, beneath the great stretching sky while learning about the short grass prairie ecosystem along the way.

Need space to spread out and work outside of class time? Reserve your uninterrupted studio time now—bring your supplies and get started. No instructor will be present. Register at least 24 hours in advance to secure your spot. Scanning services are available by advance request.

Onsite:

May 29, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

June 20, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Join past, current and future students onsite at the Freyer – Newman Center for tea, snacks and conversation. Bring art supplies you no longer need to swap with other students and bring a friend.

Onsite: Sunday, November 8, 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Fee: Free

Explore the latest art exhibitions in the Freyer – Newman Center galleries with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.

Plants are more than just roots, stems, leaves and flowers! Look beyond the obvious plant parts and explore on a deeper level as we investigate plant cells and their processes. Discover what makes a plant cell unique, explore photosynthesis and learn how plants "breathe" through their leaves.

Join us virtually to study the native ecosystems of Colorado that range from plains grasslands to the alpine tundra, mountain meadows to sub-alpine forests. Learn to gauge your elevation and location by looking at the plant communities around you. Explore the complex relationships between the plants and wildlife of Colorado through this two-session course.

Study the native ecosystems of Colorado that range from plains grasslands to the alpine tundra, mountain meadows to sub-alpine forests. Learn to gauge your elevation and location by looking at the plant communities around you. Explore the complex relationships between the plants and wildlife of Colorado through this two-session course.

Step into the fragrant, flavorful world of traditional Italian herbs in this immersive class celebrating nature, culture and wellness. Explore the rich history and practical uses of cherished Mediterranean plants, including fennel, mallow, fig and mint—herbs long revered in Italian folk medicine for their healing and nourishing properties.

Get ready to flap your wings as we discover whooooooo flies around the Gardens at night. We'll fly, hunt and hoot as we explore the amazing world of owls.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 11, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 12, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

No matter the time of year, botanical treasures await your discovery with these guided tours of gardens at their seasonal peaks. Experience the Gardens' landscape at its best, whether through the early bulbs of spring or the crackling beauty of fall.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: $20, $12 member, $10 student

Get ready to flap your wings as we discover whooooooo flies around the Gardens at night. We'll fly, hunt and hoot as we explore the amazing world of owls.

Ages 3-6 years: Wednesday, November 11, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Ages 24-36 months: Thursday, November 12, 9:15 - 10 a.m. or 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.