Tucson Botanical Gardens

July Classes

PLANT BREEDING IN YOUR BACKYARD

Saturdays, July 27 and Aug. 3 (two-part class)

9 a.m. to noon

Registration Deadline: July 5

In this two-day, hands-on class, learn real plant science from botanist and expert plant breeder Russ Buhrow. Buhrow has more than 40 years of botanical experience and is the creator of his own patented plants. When traversing the desert or looking closely at your own garden, have you ever thought to yourself: I love that plant, but I wish the flower was a bit deeper pink, or a little bigger, or lasted a little longer in my garden? Well, you might just be able to achieve your goals after you learn the basics of creating your own hybrid! Identify the sexual plant parts, examine the pollination method of the plant, select the two plants you’d like to cross and wait for the magic to happen. The plants provided will be easy to grow and easy to cross. The techniques presented can be used to breed everything from petunias to pumpkins to pine trees.

You will take home one pollinated plant and the equipment needed to breed plants in your own backyard.

$180, $165 members (plant material and equipment are included and are yours to keep after the class).

YOGA IN THE GARDENS

Thu., July 11, 18, and 25 and Thu., Aug. 1 (four-class series; no class July 4)

8 to 9 a.m.

Start your day off on the right foot with weekly sessions of invigorating and centering yoga practice in our beautiful garden setting (held inside as needed for heat or inclement weather). Led by Laura Greenlaw, a certified yoga instructor with nine years of teaching experience, each one-hour class will include centering hatha yoga poses taught using good alignment and breath work. Students will learn to create both flexibility and strength in their bodies. No previous experience necessary. After class, take time to wander the Gardens (class price includes admission on each class day).

One month $40, $30 members

AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP I – BUILDING SESSION

Sun., July 21 | 9 a.m. to noon

Aquaponics (AP) is an efficient method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a contained ecosystem free of artificial inputs. In this session, instructors from Local Roots Aquaponics and Tucson AquaPonics Project will show you how to build a single-tank system from start to finish, discuss different options for AP systems and building materials and the basics of getting them running. They provide an instruction manual for you to build your own single-tank system, complete with recommended sources for parts. Each student receives a 10 percent off coupon for supplies at EcoGro (some tanks excluded).

$40, $30 members

Sign up for the morning building session on its own or together with the advanced afternoon classroom session. Receive a discount for taking both sessions the same day. $65, $55 members Register Online

AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP II – CLASSROOM SESSION

Sun., July 21

1 to 4 p.m.

Aquaponics (AP) is an efficient method of food production that combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants in water) in a contained ecosystem free of artificial inputs. In this classroom session, instructors from Local Roots Aquaponics and Tucson AquaPonics Project will offer advice on how to successfully run an AP system, the different choices you will have (e.g., fish, plants, controlled environments and materials), local conditions and where to get supplies. Each student receives a summary document of the material presented and a 10 percent off coupon for supplies at EcoGro (some tanks excluded).

$40, $30 members

Sign up for this afternoon classroom session on its own or together with the morning building session. Receive a discount for taking both sessions the same day:$65, $55 members Register Online

Sensational Serpents of Southern Arizona

Thu., July 25

6 to 8 p.m.

Snakes suffer from a severe public relations problem. They are feared and reviled by many people around the world. In this class, we’ll meet some of these wonderful creatures in person, and discuss many of the 47 species of serpent that can be found in Arizona. Did you know that we have a boa that lives in our state? We will also look at rattlesnakes and how to avoid being bitten by one. This family-friendly class includes live animals.

$17, $12 members
Register Online

Class information:
To register by phone with a credit card or for more information, call (520)326-9686, Ext. 19. For Youth Education class information, dial Ext. 31. All classes require pre-registration unless otherwise noted. Payment must be received in advance in order to reserve a place in a class, workshop, or field trip. No refunds can be guaranteed if cancellation is made within seven days of the class. Special cancellation fees may apply to trips.

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter by contacting 520-326-9686 ext. 19. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange the accommodation.

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