Classes

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• • PLANT BREEDING IN YOUR BACKYARD 7/27 8/3

    from $165.00

    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).

    
    

  • Amazing Arizona Amphibians 8/22

    from $12.00

    Thu., Aug. 22 6 to 8 p.m. Most people do not associate the desert with amphibians. After all, these animals require an ample supply of water to survive. Yet Arizona is surprisingly rich in amphibians, many of which take advantage of summer rains for an opportunity to breed. This class explores the salamanders, frogs, and toads of Arizona. We will investigate the classification, identification, vocalizations, and biology of these remarkable animals. Join us for a family-friendly look at our amphibian neighbors. $17, $12 members

    
    

  • Aquaponics both sessions 6/2

    from $55.00

    
    

• • Aquaponics both sessions 6/23

    from $55.00

    
    

  • Aquaponics both sessions 7/21

    from $55.00

    
    

  • Aquaponics both sessions 8/25

    from $55.00

    
    

• • Aquaponics I 6/2

    from $30.00

    AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP I – BUILDING SESSION Sun., June 2 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

    
    

  • Aquaponics I 6/23

    from $30.00

    AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP I – BUILDING SESSION Sun., June 23 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

    
    

  • Aquaponics I 7/21

    from $30.00

    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

    
    

• • Aquaponics I 8/25

    from $30.00

    AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP I – BUILDING SESSION Sun., Aug. 25 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

    
    

  • Aquaponics II 6/2

    from $30.00

    AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP II – CLASSROOM SESSION Sun., June 2 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

    
    

  • Aquaponics II 6/23

    from $30.00

    AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP II – CLASSROOM SESSION Sun., June 23 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

    
    

• • Aquaponics II 7/21

    from $30.00

    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

    
    

  • Aquaponics II 8/25

    from $30.00

    AQUAPONICS WORKSHOP II – CLASSROOM SESSION Sun., Aug. 25 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

    
    

  • Beginners Botanical Illustration 8/2

    from $15.00

    Fri., Aug. 2 1 to 4 pm Join Tucson Botanical Gardens docent Yolande Adriaanse for a class focused on developing basic drawing skills and techniques that can be applied to botanical illustrations. Each student will make a study in pencil showing tone (light, medium and dark) and using the stippling technique to create texture. Yolande studied art and fashion at the Academy Charles Montaigne in the Netherlands. She is a passionate calligrapher and is currently studying botanical illustration in England. No previous drawing experience required. Materials will be provided. $20, $15 members

    
    

• • BUTTERFLY GARDENING 101 4/27

    from $7.00

    Sat., Apr. 27 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in luring butterflies to your garden, no matter how much space you have, this is the class for you! Learn which plants are needed for larval food as well as those needed for nectar. Find out which butterflies you are likely to attract. Discover ways to provide space for butterfly-friendly plants, from simple ideas like planting one pot on your patio, to rethinking the plantings in your entire garden. Take a guided stroll through the butterfly garden at the Tucson Botanical Gardens for inspiration. Plant and resource lists provided. $12, $7 members

    
    

  • INTRODUCTION TO NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY 8/17

    from $15.00

    Sat., Aug. 17 9 a.m. to noon Join Vicky Stromee, an accomplished, Tucson-based fine art photographer, and enter the world of nature photography. We’ll begin with a classroom discussion of basic digital camera operations: program settings vs. manual settings, formats (JPEG and RAW) and formatting, ISOs, pixels and sensors as well as basic camera techniques like lighting, composition, depth of field, shutter speed and shot selection. Then we’ll head out into the Gardens to take our best shots. We’ll wrap up with a discussion about post-production adjustments such as cropping, color and lighting adjustments. Bring your digital camera, camera instruction book (if you have it), extra batteries and memory cards, and your questions. $20, $15 members

    
    

  • LIZARDS, LIZARDS, LIZARDS 6/27

    from $12.00

    Thu., June 27 6 to 8 p.m. The Sonoran Desert is home to a wide variety of reptiles. This class will look at some of the more conspicuous reptiles, the lizards. Lizards are often active during the day, exhibit interesting behaviors, and some are quite colorful. Why do so many lizards do push-ups? How do some lizards easily lose their tails when a predator threatens? Join us to find out—and meet some of these scaly friends in person. This family-friendly class includes live animals. $17, $12 members

    
    

• • RECYCLED METAL FLOWERS 5/12

    from $10.00

    RECYCLED METAL FLOWERS Sun., May 12 – Mother’s Day 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. After a visit to the DeGrazia Gallery, instructors Rich and Ann Bates were inspired to re-create the colorful metal flowers that graced its gates and fences. Spend the afternoon with them learning how to create these easy-to-make flowers from recycled soda and tin cans. A variety of empty cans, glue guns, scissors and spray paint will be provided. Please bring your own found objects—seed pods, beads, pictures, strings, coins—to personalize your flowers. Let your imagination soar. $15, $10 members

    
    

  • REDUCE YOUR ENERGY WASTELINE WORKSHOP 6/22

    $0.00

    
    

  • REDUCE YOUR ENERGY WASTELINE WORKSHOP 8/10

    $0.00

    
    

• • Sensational Serpents of Southern Arizona 7/25

    from $12.00

    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

    
    

  • Session 1: Wiggles & Wings

    from $40.00

    Session 1: Wiggles & Wings Fridays, 9:30-10:30 March 15-April 5 (4 weeks) Learn about the wonderful world of bugs, including butterflies, spiders, and worms, through hikes, games, stories, and other activities. $40 members, $50 non-members

    
    

  • Session 2: Garden Explorers

    from $40.00

    Session 2: Garden Explorers Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. April 19-May 10 (4 weeks) Explore the plants of Tucson Botanical Gardens and learn about how they grow and the animals that need them to survive. $40 members, $50 non-members

    
    

• • YEAR-ROUND GARDEN MAINTENANCE 6/8

    from $10.00

    Sat., June 8 10 a.m. to noon Good design and the right plant in the right place will minimize your maintenance. However, plants are living things and have to be cared for. Learn how to maintain your Tucson garden without back-breaking work. In this class, horticulturist Solveig Palanek will cover when and how to prune, pest management, fertilizing, tool care, mulching, weeding, irrigation checks and more. Learn how to develop an annual maintenance plan and prepare your garden to thrive all year. $14, $10 member