LEARN Fall Catalog 2025

LEARN DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 2025

LIFELONG LEARNING STARTS HERE Take learning into your own hands and enjoy specialized one-time classes located at Desert Botanical Garden. Get inspired and learn new skills through one of our programs in landscape and gardening, art, cooking, nature & ecology, photography and wellness.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Gardening & Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Framerate: Desert Pulse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Cooking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Nature & Ecology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Children & Family Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Refund and Cancelation Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Classes on sale now at dbg.org 1 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | September – November 2025

GARDENING & LANDSCAPE

GARDENING & LANDSCAPE Ready to get your hands dirty? Whether you’re a budding gardener or ready to grow, master gardening with Garden staff and local experts who have a heart for plants and the Sonoran Desert.

Desert Vegetable Gardening 101 | Lilian Kong September 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Learn how to grow vegetables in the desert. This class covers choosing a location, container and bed options, soil, fertilizers, watering best practices, the Phoenix planting calendar, transplanting, common mistakes to avoid and more. Phoenix boasts a year-round growing season; get a vegetable garden started at home now.

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GARDENING & LANDSCAPE

Pollinator Gardening with Native Plants | Emily Heller September 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Low desert gardens can do a world of good for bees and other pollinators.

Learn about the native and other arid-adapted plants we can grow to offer food and habitat to creatures that are vital to our environment.

Southwest Landscape Design | Marie White September 24; November 19, 5:30–8 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)

Learn how to create a naturalistic style Southwestern landscape using succulents, desert and desertadapted plants and trees, along with natural hardscape elements such as boulders, decorative rock mulch and rusty metal. Bring a photo or sketch of your yard for some quick ideas.

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Plant Selection for Water Conservation | Rebecca Senior October 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Fall is the best time to plant in the Valley. Explore plants available at the Fall Plant Sale that may be new to you, or that you may want to try again with a little help on the right place. Learn which plants to select for water conservation for the hot, dry future that last in the landscape and shine their beauty. The last part of the class will focus on design goals and advice for a fun new area or troublesome spot in your landscape.

Plant for Success: Best Tips for Selecting, Planting and Maintenance | Noelle Johnson September 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Fall is the best time to add new plants to the landscape, but timing isn’t all you need for success. Knowing which types of plants will thrive through our hot summers and understanding in what exposure they will do best is critical for their survival and looking their best. Learn best tips for plant success, from plant selection, best practices for planting and how to care for them afterward for a beautiful, resilient outdoor space.

Small Steps to Transform Outdoor Spaces for Wildlife | Danielle Carlock October 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Learn about all of the little things that you can do to make an outdoor landscape a joyful refuge for wildlife. Focusing on native plants, learn about small, inexpensive modifications to begin to transform your space. Danielle Carlock, founder of Maricopa Native Seed Library, guides participants through analyzing an existing space for bloom gaps, slowly adding native plants, reducing non-native grass, creating wildflower strips and more.

Outdoor Living Rooms | Marie White October 1, 5:30–8 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Extend your living space into the great outdoors. Learn how to create “outdoor rooms” for personal relaxation retreats, multi-use spaces for entertaining and family-fun centers.

Creative approaches will include desert-adapted plants and trees, structural elements and local case studies. Bring your wish list of outdoor activities to get additional ideas.

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GARDENING & LANDSCAPE

Growing a Skincare Garden | Melissa Kruse-Peeples October 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $44.95

Many herbs and flowers can be used to make skincare products such as salves, bath teas, lotions and soaps. Learn the basics of growing herbs and flowers including how to select a location, planting information, harvesting and drying. We will highlight the growing conditions and healing properties of calendula, chamomile, lemon balm and lavender as well as other lesser known herbs and flowers. Learn how to make a calendula salve and take home seeds and recipes to create additional products with your garden.

Indoor Oasis: The Joy of Houseplants | Angelica Elliott November 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Desert Terrariums Workshop | Angie Watkins of One Million Entrepreneurs

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

November 9, 1–3 p.m.

Do you adore the aesthetic of houseplants but find it challenging to keep them thriving? Discover how to cultivate the best houseplants for your indoor garden. We cover essential topics such as lighting, watering and fertilizing these lovely plants, and even explore the simple process of propagation.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $44.95

Create a stunning, sculptural desert terrarium to enjoy for years. In this hands-on workshop, design a unique succulent display using a variety of plants and materials provided. Class cost includes a container, up to four plants, soil, horticultural charcoal or moss (if needed) and decorative soil cover.

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Rainwater Harvesting | Gianna Rivera November 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

In this beginner-friendly rainwater harvesting class, learn about the work of water harvesters from around the globe and the eight water harvesting principles to help guide you on your water harvesting journey. We will also cover the practical steps needed to build your own basin.

Maricopa Pollinator Pathway: How to Attract and Support Pollinators | Danielle Carlock November 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Learn about the pollinators of our region, along with the gardening practices, plantings and physical conditions needed in a landscape to support our pollinators. The focus of the Maricopa Pollinator pathway is to utilize native plants to support pollinators. We will go through the criteria to certify your habitat with the Maricopa Pollinator Pathway.

Pruning Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines | Rebecca Senior November 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

This class will answer the questions: When do I prune my trees? What do I prune, how do I prune and importantly, why do I prune? Leave with new skills and confidence in your pruning decisions. Taught by an ISA certified arborist and based on the International Society of Arboriculture best management practices and researchbased information from the University of Arizona. The final segment with cover selecting best pruning tools and keeping them clean and sharp.

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GARDENING & LANDSCAPE Your Ultimate Desert Gardening & Landscape Opportunity

JOIN DESERT LANDSCAPE SCHOOL! Dig in and become and expert! From season pros to new enthusiast, we have something for everyone. Learn in-person or at your own pace online. Our expertly crafted curriculum is a blend of innovative techniques and practical knowledge.

To sign up for gardening and landscaping classes or to see online options, visit dbg.org/learn/gardening-and-landscape 7 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | September – November 2025

In-Person

Master Class: Plant Problems | Angelica Elliott September 20, 9–11 a.m.

Members: $55 l General Public $55

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effectively managing plant issues.

Identifying the exact cause and ruling out other possibilities are essential steps prior to implementing control strategies. While it may appear daunting, this Master Class is designed to simplify the plant diagnosis process for you. We will explore various plant challenges, including wilting, pests and diseases and nutrient deficiencies, while examining the underlying causes of these issues along with effective treatment approaches.

Desert Plant Palette | Angelica Elliott, Tracy Rhodes, Noemi Hernandez and Octavio Rivera September 11 – November 20, 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Members: $240 l General Public: $300

Explore a variety of trees, shrubs, succulents and more that thrive in low-water, heat-tolerant gardens. Join our in-person program where Garden horticulture experts provide valuable insights on selected plants and offer tips for identifying and placing them correctly in your landscape. Every week, new plants will be showcased during expert-guided Garden walks, allowing you to explore a diverse range of plants suitable for your home garden or workplace. Desert Plant Palette program is designed for beginners in landscaping, homeowners, landscape professionals or anyone interested in mastering the skills needed for desert plants and their landscape use. All materials included.

Online Classes Begin your learning journey with a Desert Landscape School online course. Discover practical strategies for desert care, covering essential topics such as pruning, watering, pest management and choosing the right plants for desert gardens. Visit dbg.org for more information.

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FRAMERATE: DESERT PULSE OCT. 11 – MAY 10 In October, Desert Botanical Garden will premiere a monumental new art exhibit that is years in the making. Desert Pulse, a creatively and technically ambitious series of artworks, will take visitors on a journey through a year in the life of the Sonoran Desert, in an immersive experience never done before at the Garden. Utilizing state-of-the art technology and highresolution, immersive exhibit displays, Desert Pulse reveals the rhythms of nature, desert plants and manmade environments across the Valley that cannot otherwise be experienced by the human eye. The work will be realized as several breathtaking screen installations around the Garden and a large-scale immersive exhibition in The RAF Exhibit Gallery.

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FRAMERATE: Desert Pulse

DESERT PULSE CLASSES Nature Journaling: Sketching through Time | Dakota Drake

Exploring Desert Pulse

October 16, 23, 30, 6–7:30 p.m.

(Three part series)

Members: $9.95 | General Public: $19.95

Members: $74.95 | General Public: $104.95 (Ticket cost covers entire series)

Take a sketchbook out onto the Garden trails to do some deep observation, noticing change in the desert each week. This series focuses on the concept of change in desert plants over time, highlighted by the Desert Pulse exhibit. This will be a mix of nature sketching, personal journaling and scientific observations as used by field biologists.

Seeing Time: A Photographer’s Journey through Change in the Sonoran Desert | Rick White-Pickett October 20, November 3 and 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Members: $94.95 | General Public: $124.95 (Ticket cost covers entire series)

Experience the Sonoran Desert like never before: through the lens of time. This photography series invites you to observe and document the quiet transformations of the natural world, culminating in a personal photo story inspired by Desert Pulse. Whether using a DSLR or a smartphone, this class series will sharpen your eye, deepen your patience and elevate your storytelling.

Class 1: Framing Change: Learn how to spot and frame subtle environmental changes that tell a visual story.

Class 2: Time Tools—Techniques for Capturing Change: Dive into tools and techniques needed to create a photo series or time-lapse. With a DSLR, mirrorless or smartphone camera and a tripod, we’ll explore, consistent framing practices and image organization strategies.

Class 3: Desert Stories: Turn your collection of still images into a finished visual story. Learn sequencing, simple editing and storytelling techniques to convey natural transformation in a compelling and personal way.

November 6, 5:30–7 p.m.

Learn about the behind- the-scenes of the 3D scanning technology and conservation work that makes Desert Pulse come to life. Join us for an interactive panel discussion and conversation about capturing change in the natural world with a photographer, a research botanist and an ASU professor who works with Lidar.

Each of our speakers share how they use different tools to capture environmental change. Photographer Charles Darr spent a year capturing change in the desert over time for Desert Pulse and discusses the role of photography in allowing us to be more mindful of our relationship with the natural world. Garden Curator of Living Collections/Research Botanist Raul Puente shares how he helped select the sites for Desert Pulse based on which plants would best capture change over time. ASU Professor Chelsea Scott shares how she uses Lidar technology in her conservation work to understand our present environmental impact and how we can respond to future change. One cocktail or mocktail included with ticket purchase.

One cocktail or mocktail included with ticket purchase. Bar opens at 5 p.m.

Timelapse Photography for Beginners | Rick White-Pickett November 10, 5–8 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

This workshop introduces the art and technique of time-lapse photography in a desert setting.

Learn how to plan and shoot a longterm photo series using a DSLR, mirrorless or smartphone camera, along with a tripod and your favorite lenses from 16mm to 200mm, and explore how to tell stories of subtle transformation in the natural world.

Ideal for curious photographers who want to experiment with time based imagery at their own pace.

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ART

ART All art supplies included unless otherwise specified.

Wired Mosaic | David Jarvinen September 3, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Members: $79.95 | General Public: $109.95

Join Mosaic Artist David Jarvinen to create fun and colorful mosaics using glass tiles and wire. This is a great way to define area and movement in an easy-to-understand way. Grout kit provided to apply after adhesive cures.

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Botanical Illustration (All-Levels) | Devon Meyer September 4; October 21; November 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

(Individual Classes) Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)

September 4: Drawing Desert Animals: It is relatively easy to catch a glimpse of a desert animal, and even get one on camera, but capturing the animal’s essence takes real creative skill. Learn to depict the attitudes, postures and textures of desert animals. Each class consists of drawing exercises and fun challenges to enhance your drawing skills.

October 21: Vibrant Colored Pencil Pollinators: Explore the various colors and textures of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies using colored pencil techniques including stippling, hatching, layering and grisaille. Use these techniques to achieve rich, luminous depth to your drawings.

November 20: Sketching the Desert: When we observe the world around us in sketches and illustration, we see so much more detail. Learn drawing techniques that will allow you to capture and communicate what you observe.

Still-Life Watercolor: Paint Desert Plants (All-Levels), Christin Quissell September 6; October 4, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)

Beat the heat and pamper your creative side: Paint cactus and other desert plants still-life indoors at the Garden. Explore watercolor and paint spines, pleats and the back-lit glow of a barrel cactus; the roundness and pleats of a saguaro; negative space and the jaunty prickly pear.

Desert Inspired Printmaking | Kenna Connelly September 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; October 3, 9–11 a.m.

Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95 (Per class)

Explore printmaking inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Kenna Connelly guides participants of all levels from concept to finished print.

September 25: Gelli Plate Nature Printing: Explore the art of monoprinting and create one-ofa-kind nature prints using gelli plate printing methods and leaves from the Sonoran Desert.

October 3: Desert Inspired Relief Prints: Experiment with carving tools and inks and leave with a finished print and a printed journal/sketchbook.

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ART Watercolor in the Garden (All-Levels) | Christin Quissell November 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95

Whether you are a beginner, an old pro, or somewhere in-between, practice watercolor painting amidst the serene mesquites, saguaros and endless blue skies of the Garden. Explore watercolor painting techniques on the trails and capture the essence of the desert.

Sonoran Desert Cornucopia Centerpiece | Jennifer Balcom November 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., November 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1-3 p.m.

Members: $159.95 | General Public: $199.95 (Per class)

Create a cornucopia arrangement from scratch out of a woven palm leaf. Fill your “horn of plenty” with fall foliage, natural and dried elements along with succulents for a Sonoran Desert take on this classic fall centerpiece.

Mosaic Hummingbird | David Jarvinen October 15, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95

Hummingbirds are on the move in the desert. Explore these birds in mosaics by learning to nip and fit glass tiles and leave with your own mosaic hummingbird for the patio or home. Grout kit provided to apply after adhesive dries.

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COOKING

COOKING Indigenous Inspired Cooking | Denella Belin

FORAGING

October 30; November 4, 20, 6-8 p.m.

Foraging in the Fall | Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen)

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)

Enjoy a cultural cooking demo and tasting. Chef Denella celebrates Navajo cuisine while honoring many tribal food systems. Her culinary journey allows you to embrace the history of the Indigenous Food-Ways all while you learn how to prepare unique menu creations.

October 30: Blue Corn Mush with Lamb November 4: Steam Corn Bruschetta November 20: Blue Corn Tortilla Wrap

September 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Members: 29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Did you know that there is food growing all around the valley that can be harvested in the fall? Most people are surprised to discover the edible trees, weeds and cactus that they pass by without recognizing the valuable food they produce.

Learn to identify many of these “hidden” treasures as well as how to harvest, process and eat them (and taste some samples).

For more information on each menu, visit dbg.org.

Cholla Panna Cotta with Prickly Pear | Mark Lewis

Bourbon in Bloom: Cocktail Demo and Tasting | Jessica Savidge

October 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

November 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn how to whip up a silky smooth, velvety cholla panna cotta with barrel/ prickly pear/saguaro and graythorn accents in this kitchen demo and tasting class.

Members: $64.95 | General Public: $79.95

Dive into the rich history of bourbon as Jessica demonstrates how to use it for perfect fall cocktails and how to incorporate this uniquely versatile spirit into your holiday cooking and baking. Sip on a warming welcome cocktail made with the Garden’s very own “Gertrudes Founder’s Bourbon” as we begin the evening, and enjoy a slightly more “spirited” libation as we move on to a demonstration of cocktail smoking techniques and a lesson on how to batch beverages for a gathering. Take home recipes to inspire your own bourbon banquet.

Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)

Prickly Pear Harvesting | Desert Awareness Committee November 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m..

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)

The prickly pear cactus is a treasure used as a food, in first aid and as a medicinal for certain conditions. But how do you get past the spines?

Join us as we reveal the best techniques for harvesting, cleaning, processing and eating this amazing cactus. Taste a variety of foods made with the bright red prickly pear fruit and the green pads. dbg.org/learn | 14

NATURE & ECOLOGY

NATURE & ECOLOGY Bird Journaling | Kathe Anderson September 4, 7:30–9:30 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

One of the best ways to become a better birder is to become a better observer, and one of the best ways to become a better observer is to journal— including making written notes and sketches. This interactive indoor/outdoor program is an introduction to journaling through a series of short exercises to try—and to share. With a small class size, and lots of encouragement, you can dabble unselfconsciously with different types of journaling.

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Birding 101: Books, Binoculars, Basics | Kathe Anderson October 15, 9–11 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

For those just getting started, birder Kathe Anderson takes you through basic equipment, resources and bird anatomy to help you chart your own course in discovering why birding is a fast-growing pastime.

This hands-on program starts in the classroom, then moves outside to practice using binoculars to find and identify birds in the Garden.

Birding 102: The B’s, C’s, and D’s of Basic Birding | Kathe Anderson October 22, 9–11 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

For new and experienced birders, this class gives additional identification tips and perspectives for watching birds. This program is interactive and includes field time to practice looking and listening for different clues for bird identification. B stands for Beaks and Behavior ... Want to know what C and D stand for? Join this class to find out.

Spinning Heat: Black Widows and Urban Heat Island Adaptations | James Chadwick (Chad) Johnson October 28, 6–7:30 p.m.

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95

Western black widow spiders are native Sonoran desert predators that appear to thrive in the face of human disturbances like urbanization—often exhibiting explosive urban population growth. This talk chronicles our attempts to understand the natural history of this species, paying particular attention to the influence that urban heat island temperature elevations have on spider behavior and development. Live (contained) black widows will be in attendance.

Ducks/Not Ducks | Kathe Anderson November 12, 9–11 a.m.

Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95

Wait! Those ducks don’t all look alike!

What are those smaller ones? How do you tell all those brown ones apart?

How about that one with a tuft on its head? And what about things that look and act like ducks and aren’t (coots, grebes and cormorants)?

Focusing on the common species that spend their winters on ponds all around Phoenix, we’ll parse through a dozen or more species of waterfowl to give you pointers – and confidence – about what you’re seeing. Class will end with a mini field trip to ponds at Papago Park.

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PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHY Night Photography (iPhone©) | Joanne West September 23, 5:30–8 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Master iPhone© photography in Night Mode, including how to shoot Aurora Borealis, city scapes and post sunset scenes in the desert. This class is for iPhone© users.

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Photo by Joanne West

PHOTOGRAPHY

Artistic iPhone© Photography | Joanne West October 24, 8:30–11 a.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn to locate and use specific camera settings on your iPhone© to capture the beauty of the Garden with artistic style. Learn new ways to achieve sharper focus and perfect exposure in different lighting conditions. Use the iPhone© camera’s macro and telephoto for unique closeups photos. Discover ways to capture fast moving subjects, utilize the live photo features like blurring water, create beautiful portraits and great selfies.

This class is for iPhone© users.

Photography: Seeing with New Eyes | Joanne West November 14, 8:30–11 a.m.

Photo by Joanne West

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Learn techniques for powerful composition with attention to lighting and practice making photos with fresh perspective in the autumn infused gardens. All camera types and skill levels are welcome. dbg.org/learn | 18

WELLNESS

WELLNESS Sundown Sound Meditation September 3, 17; October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26, 6–7 p.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $32.95 (Per class)

Experience sound meditation at the Garden in a peaceful sundown setting. Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation. Visit dbg.org for information on which classes will be held indoors or outdoors.

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Medicinal Plants of the Desert Southwest | Jennifer Ribaudo September 6, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Step into the world of the Sonoran Desert’s medicinal plants and uncover their incredible survival strategies and healing properties. Identify some key medicinal plants of the Southwest and their practical applications in herbal remedies and everyday health.

Participants receive a comprehensive handout featuring detailed plant profiles and desert-inspired herbal recipes.

DIY Herbal Teas | Denise Lee of One Million Entrepreneurs October 5, 1–3 p.m.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

Join us for a hands-on herbal tea workshop where you’ll craft soothing, immune-supporting blends. Explore the best herbs for seasonal health and overall wellness. Leave with your own blend and the knowledge to support your health all season long.

Pilates & Lattes in the Garden October 12; November 22, 9–10:30 a.m.

(45 minute Pilates class followed by an optional coffee social hour) Members: $24.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)

Come move, connect and caffeinate with Pilattes, a community-driven experience bringing people together through Pilates and lattes.

We’ll start with a 45-minute alllevels Pilates class taught by Melanie McKenna, followed by a casual coffee hour to connect, unwind and build community.

Morning Sound Meditation October 26; November 9, 23, 10–11 a.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $32.95 (Per class)

Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation. Participants can be seated or lie down for the entirety of the class. Don’t forget to bring a mat. dbg.org/learn | 20

WELLNESS

Sunset Yoga October 7, 21, 28; November 4, 18, 25, 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Members: $19.95 | General Public: $32.95 (Per class)

Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga. Together, in a Sonoran Desert oasis, breathe, stretch and embrace the beauty of the setting sun whilst enjoying the Garden views. This is an all-levels class.

Chair Yoga October 8, 22; November 5, 19, 9–10 a.m.

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $24.95 (Per class)

Unwind and connect with nature during a supportive asana chair yoga class. Using a chair for modifications and variations on traditional asana (poses), we’ll explore the best ways to support bodies that struggle with getting to and from the floor or just need a gentler approach to the practice that day. This gentle approach allows practitioners to benefit from the asana while finding a deeper focus on the breath and feeling of stability in the body.

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Gentle Yoga October 15, 29; November 12, 26, 9–10 a.m.

Build Your Own Botanical Fragrance | Clairelle Fragrances

Members: $14.95 | General Public: $24.95 (Per class)

November 18, 6–7:30 p.m.

Start your day slowly with gentle yoga in the Garden. Try to go slow through this traditional vinyasa flow class, focused on basic postures and sun salutations. You will be surprised how moving slowly with awareness can be quite soothing and relaxing.

Clairelle’s Natural Perfume Making course is a fun, hands-on, beginnerfriendly experience where you’ll create your own signature scent using pure botanical oils—no experience required. Blend top, middle and base notes step-by-step, experimenting with natural ingredients to craft a fragrance that’s 100 percent you. From first sniff to final bottle, every moment is designed to spark creativity, build confidence and leave you with a one-of-a-kind scent that beautifully captures your essence.

Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95

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CHILDREN & FAMILY

CHILDREN & FAMILY OFFERINGS FAMILY PROGRAMS Seedlings September 3, 10, 17, 24 at 9:30–11 a.m.

Members: $8.95 | General Public: $12.95 (per class)

Children 3-5 and caretakers experience the wonder of nature through hands-on lessons that teach kids and adults how to splash, dig, climb and explore together through nature play concepts. Every class features new themes, trail walks in the Garden, songs, play and activities, plus time for free play in the Cactus Clubhouse!

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Cactus Clubhouse Thursdays – Sundays, Oct. 11, 2025 – May 10, 2026 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Included with admission or Garden membership

Cactus Clubhouse is an engaging, hands-on nature play space designed especially for kids 12 and under.

Bursting with opportunities for curiosity and discovery, it’s the perfect place for young explorers to let their imaginations run wild! Join us on the weekends too for fun hands-on activities and crafts.

Storytime Select Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m.

Weisz Learning Center Included with Garden admission or membership. First come, first served.

Spark your child’s love for nature with engaging stories, songs and hands-on activities. Designed for children five and under and their caregivers, each session offers a playful introduction to the wonders of the natural world.

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CHILDREN & FAMILY

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents The Jackrabbit and the Desert Tortoise September 1, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m.

Boppart Courtyard Included with admission or Garden membership

This funny version of Aesop’s “Tortoise and the Hare” fable features slow and steady Dusty the Desert Tortoise in an epic race against wild Jack the Jackrabbit. Set in the Sonoran Desert for a unique twist!

EDUCATORS Teacher-Led Field Trips Mondays – Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 3:30 pm. $12 per student. Chaperone and teachers complimentary

Discover the beauty of the desert with a teacher-led field trip to Desert Botanical Garden. Teachers and their students will embark on a self-guided visit while connecting with nature and outdoor exploration. Visit dbg.org to book a field trip.

25 | Desert Botanical Garden LEARN | September – November 2025

REFUND & CANCELATION POLICY

Don’t forget, every class purchase includes admission to the Garden before or after your classes.

REFUND & CANCELATION POLICY Refunds Refunds can be issued for classes or cancelations with more than five business days’ notice. Please send your request to registrar@dbg.org or call 480.941.1225..

Note: Due to booking costs, Travel & Adventure class refunds in Adult Education are limited to 70% of the total price.

Cancelations Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to cancel programs at its discretion. Programs will run as scheduled, regardless of weather, unless participants are contacted directly by Garden staff either by phone or email. We reserve the right to substitute any instructors in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

dbg.org/learn | 26

1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008 480.941.1225 | dbg.org

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