Program & Events Guide | October 2023 to January 2024

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

LIL’ SPROUTS

Experience the magic of Lauritzen Gardens with your little one! In Lil’ Sprouts classes (pre-K, ages 3-5), children and adults work together to explore, play and engage their senses, all while learning about nature, shapes, colors, ABC’s and 123’s. Come enjoy story time, hands-on activities, crafts, garden exploration and creative play as you discover the wonders of nature with your child or grandchild. Each registration is good for one child and one adult. Members $8, Non-members $18

Feeling Batty

Are you feeling batty? Come in to learn all about bats and how they use their ears to hunt for insects and find their way in the dark. We’ll also explore how bats are beneficial to the garden.

Wednesday, October 4 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, October 5 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, October 5 | 1 p.m.

Feathered Friends

Birds come in all different shapes, colors and sizes! Stop by to find out what makes birds a special and unique part of the animal kingdom.

Wednesday, November 1 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, November 2 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, November 2 | 1 p.m.

My Five Senses

In this month’s class, we’ll learn about our five senses and how they help us discover new and fascinating things in the world around us.

Wednesday, December 6 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 7 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 7 | 1 p.m.

Layers of the Rainforest

During this class, discover the incredible layers of the rainforest. Then, explore the canopy and understory of the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory to see the similarities and differences in the environments.

Wednesday, January 3 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, January 4 | 10 a.m.

Thursday, January 4 | 1 p.m.

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS

FAMILY WORKSHOPS

Celebrate nature and art and create memories with these wonderful family activities! We provide you with everything you need to create your project, along with instruction and some inspiration.

Pumpkin Decorating

Autumn is here and we are getting ready for celebrations at the end of October. Come to the garden to make a fun family pumpkin and then take a guided walk through fall foliage in the garden. All materials will be provided.

Members $15, Non-members $25 Saturday, October 14 | 10 a.m.

Harvest Basket Centerpiece

It’s time to gather in the harvest and gather the family. In this class, we will create a beautiful harvest basket using gourds, nuts, fruits, and natural materials. There will also be a guided tour of the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory.

Members $20, Non-members $30 Saturday, November 11 | 10 a.m.

Gingerbread House

Enjoy an afternoon of classic holiday fun at Lauritzen Gardens and decorate your own gingerbread house to take home. Celebrate the season and create memories with this festive family project!

Members $30, Non-members $40 December 2, 9, or 16 at 10 a.m.

Miniature Dinosaur Garden

Create a prehistoric succulent garden complete with little dinosaurs! The planter will include succulents, decorations, ferns, and moss. All supplies will be provided to make one, low, flat, succulent planter per family.

Members $22, Non-members $32 Saturday, January 13 | 10 a.m.

Please note: One project will be provided per registration (up to five participants, as long as one adult is in attendance). Pre-registration is required one week in advance of the class.

SOUND BATHING

Sound bathing is a meditative experience where attendees are “bathed” in sound waves. These waves are produced by a variety of means, including healing instruments such as gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, crystal singing bowls, percussion, chimes, rattles, tuning forks, shruti boxes, and even the human voice.

Join us for an evening of meditation and sound bathing. We’ll gather together in the great hall; just bring yourself and anything you need to be cozy (yoga mat, blanket, pillow, eye mask, etc) and we’ll bring the sound.

Instructors: Eleanore and Matthew Shrader

This class is a fragrance-free space.

Members $35, Non-members $45

October 22 | November 9

Classes are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

NATURE EXPERIENCES

All guided tours require pre-registration. Members $10, Non-members $20 (unless otherwise noted)

FALL GARDEN TOUR

Join us for a autumnal tram tour that showcases the incredible fall plants and scenery in the garden. We will see the beautiful autumn colors and learn about plants that shine in the fall, as our gardens transition between seasons.

October 13 | 6 to 7:30 p.m

FALL LEAVES ARBORETUM TOUR

Come learn what trees produce the most vibrant and varied foliage colors and experience the arboretum in its colorful fall glory. This is a walking tour that includes a tram ride to and from the arboretum. Guided by Steve Rodie.

October 24 | 5:30 to 7 p.m.

SANDHILL CRANE TRIP

Journey along the Platte River valley and experience hundreds of thousands of stunning Sandhill cranes during their majestic spring migration. This is a must-see tour where you will enjoy one of nature’s treasures, and find unique birding and photography opportunities.

CLASSIC YOGA

This 90-minute class is beginner friendly and also welcoming to more advanced Yoga practitioners who seek a peaceful practice in a lovely setting. Each class will begin with a comforting, centering practice followed by gentle movement. After taking the body through a series of postures, participants will enjoy an extended guided relaxation and a seated meditation.

Members $10, Non-members $15

October 5, 12, 19

Classes are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The tour includes two private viewings of the Sandhill cranes: an evening viewing (at sunset) at The Crane Trust, and morning viewing (at sunrise) at Rowe Sanctuary in Kearney, Neb. Hotel accommodations, meals and snacks are provided. Rates are $375 to $450, depending on membership status and lodging options. Registration and payment are due by February 20.

For additional information, contact Monroe Burianek at (402) 346-4002, ext. 263 or m.burianek@omahabotanicalgardens.org.

Please note: The blind is a 1/2 mile walk on muddy and uneven ground with no alternative transportation. The sunrise viewing will require walking in the dark with only supplemental light. If there is any activity that you are unable to do or if you have a concern, please contact us before booking this nature experience.

March 19 and 20, 2024

CHARCUTERIE CLASSES

Welcome to boarding school with Best Of Omaha winner, Artisan Boards of Omaha. In this class, you will learn how to make a meat rose, and find out about different varieties of cheeses as well as fun tidbits about charcuterie. You’ll be guided step by step as you create your own board to take home and enjoy. We hope you leave with the knowledge to create your own board. A custom board will be provided for everyone to sample from during the event. Each registration is good for two participants and one charcuterie board.

Members $85, Non-members $100

Classes are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

October 13 | October 20 | November 3

TEA SMITH CLASSES

Join us for tea brewed by The Tea Smith. We will learn about a variety of teas and of course enjoy drinking tea! Each class will have a selection of new teas to sample and enjoy.

Members $20, Non-members $25

Classes are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

October 16 | Tea History 101

November 6 | Tea Mocktails

December 11 | Holiday Teas and Hospitality

THE BOTANICAL BAR

These sessions explore the ingredients and history of a variety of gin, whiskey, and bourbon-based cocktails and spirits, allowing participants to sample and discover the unique characteristics of each beverage.

MUST be 21 or over to attend

Members $30, Non-members $40

Classes are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

October 18 | Gin

November 29 | Whiskey

December 27 | Bourbon

Are you ready to turn the page and dive into some amazing literature? Look no further than our book club! Join us for some literary laughs and lively conversations with a focus on botanical and nature related writings.

(Classes will be moved to Zoom in cases of inclement weather. Participants will be notified via email.)

BOOK CLUB: SWEETNESS AND LIGHT

Join us for Book Club! We will be reading Sweetness and Light: The Mysterious History of the Honeybee by Hattie Ellis. Each registration includes one copy of the book, to be handed out at the first meeting.

Members $35, Non-members $45

October 11| 6 to 7 p.m. | Hand out books and introductory discussion

October 26 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - chapters 1 through 6

November 8 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - chapters 7 through 12

BOOK CLUB: BRAIDING SWEETGRASS

During this series of book club, we will be reading Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Each registration includes one copy of the book, to be handed out at the first meeting.

Members $35, Non-members $45

November 2 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Hand out books and introductory discussion

November 30 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - through page 117

December 28 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - through page 300

January 18 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - through the ending

BOOK CLUB: THE BOTANY OF DESIRE

This time, we will read The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan. Each registration includes one copy of the book, to be handed out at the first meeting.

Members $35, Non-members $45

January 4 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Hand out books and introductory discussion

January 25 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - chapters 1 and 2

February 29 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Discussion - chapters 3 and 4

PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY

Some say the best camera is the one in your hand– your phone! In this class you will learn how to take beautiful pictures with your smartphone. You will learn how to focus, compose, and expose images correctly, as well as different adjustment options, how to use filters, and how to take fun, creative images with fresh perspectives.

Members $25, Non-members $30

October 14 | 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m.

December 9 | 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m.

INTRODUCTION TO PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

In this introductory class you will learn how to create stunning portraits in the garden! Learn the most important rules of portrait photography: posing, lighting, focusing, and framing your subjects for beautiful results. Learn how to use portrait lenses and how to incorporate the tiniest details like catchlights using reflectors and natural light.

Members $25, Non-members $30

November 11 | 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m.

GET TO KNOW YOUR CAMERA

In this class, you will learn the basics of using your new camera correctly. Discover various photographic modes, how to select manual and autofocus modes, how to format your memory card, how to select various image qualities, and practice creating your first beautiful images with your camera.

Members $25, Non-members $30

January 13 | 10 a.m. OR 1 p.m.

BASICS OF WATERCOLOR PAINTING 1

Explore the world of watercolor and learn basic techniques to create beautiful and colorful works of art. This course will focus on the fundamentals of watercolor painting, including techniques, materials, tools, color, value, and rendering in watercolor. Absolutely no experience is necessary!

All supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required one week in advance of the course.

Instructor: Sydney Sehi

Members $45, Non-members $55

October 5 | November 9 | December 7 6 to 8:30 p.m.

BASICS OF WATERCOLOR PAINTING 2

Dive deeper into watercolor and learn techniques to add to your painting tool kit. Expand your repertoire with color mixing exercises and art experiments to better understand your pigments. Practice honing your rendering skills by examining plant life and recreating basic structures.

All supplies are provided. Pre-registration is required one week in advance of the course.

Instructor: Sydney Sehi

Members $45, Non-members $55

October 19 | December 21 6 to 8:30 p.m.

HOMEMADE STATIONARY

Participants will create their own handmade seed paper suitable for stationary, greeting cards, planting in the garden or all of the above! You will walk away with a perfect start to a homemade holiday card or gift. Learn what kinds of paper pulp and seeds work best for creating seed paper as well as the European-style sheet forming technique.

Members $30, Non-members $40

December 2 | 9 to 11 a.m.

Refine your photography skills with accomplished photographer Michele Zephier and enjoy using the beautiful, natural setting of the garden as your studio in these sessions for all levels.

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION

Whether you are a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, our roster of botanical illustration workshops will teach you the basics of botany and the artistic skills needed to draw plants in a technically detailed manner. Led by horticulturist, artist, and member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Camille Werther, participants will exercise creativity, learn about plant families, and explore the natural world. Every session will feature different specimens, making for a new experience each time. Supply lists will be provided on the registration page.

DRAWING FLOWERS

This is a repeating class with different flowers to draw each time.We’ll draw flowers, learn more about their floral families, and collect our art into a colorful sketchbook. Feel free to jump in at any session, as we use different plants each time.

Members $55, Non-members $65

Two sessions | October 4 and 5 | November 14 and 15

February 20 and 21 | 6 to 8 p.m.

DRAWING FERNS

There’s more to ferns than meets the eye—these ancient plants have been on the Earth for over 360 million years and their delicate beauty inspired a Victorian era obsession. Learn what makes all 10,000 species of ferns so special and techniques for drawing their intricate forms.

Members $55, Non-members $65

Two sessions | October 18 and 19 | 6 to 8 p.m.

SEASONAL PAPER GARDEN JOURNALS

Learn to make a paper garden journal as a record of your garden or as an observation of the natural world around you. Enjoy slowing down, tuning in to the experience of the garden, and sketching to relax, while creating a record of the beauty around you. These journals are a great start to a bound journal, sketchbook insert, and a lovely piece of art on their own. Each class will make their paper journals, learn the technique to make more at home, and fill their journals with beautiful illustrations and foraged nature.

Members $55, Non-members $65

Two sessions | November 7 and 8 | February 6 and 7 | 6 to 8 p.m.

FABRIC ARTS

NEEDLE FELTING

Come learn the craft of needle felting! Students will use wool, needles, zippers, embellishments and more to create a pin or piece of art of their design. No experience needed! Instruction on design, decoration and fabrication will be included in the class. All skill levels are welcome.

Members $45, Non-members $55

October 28 | November 4 Noon to 4 p.m.

INDIGO FABRIC DYEING

Indigo is the oldest recorded dye, having been found on mummies from Ancient Egypt. The need to produce that immaculate blue has created a long and tumultuous history. In this class we will look at the history of blue dyes in human culture as well as the methods of creating an indigo vat through a fermentation process. We will also look at shibori, a Japanese mark making process, to create our own unique cloth artworks. Fabric will be provided for this class. Participants are welcome to bring in one or two small natural fabric pieces from home to dye with the excess of the vat we create in class. This class is built for all levels of experience.

Members $50, Non-members $60

October 15 | November 12 | December 17 January 14 | 2 to 4 p.m.

KOKEDAMA WORKSHOP

Join Lauritzen Gardens and Nodest Home Plants for Kokedama workshop. Kokedama is Japanese for moss ball, and is a style of potting plants in a ball of moss. When finished, the plant can be displayed in a dish or suspended in the air. All supplies are provided for this workshop.

Members $65, Non-members $75

October 6 | 6 to 8 p.m.

BRING YOUR OWN VESSEL TERRARIUMS

Join Lauritzen Gardens and Nodest Home Plants for a hands-on terrarium building workshop. Bring a jar of your choice, no bigger than 10” tall and 8” in diameter, and learn how to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, complete with plants, soil, rocks and other décor. Bring mini figures, agates, stones and anything else you’d like to make it your own! All other materials are provided.

More instructions on how to pick your vessel are included on the registration page.

Members $65, Non-members $75

October 20 | November 10 |December 14

6 to 8 p.m.

BU ILD YOUR OWN MOSS TERRARIUM

Bring a little nature into your life by making a moss terrarium with Moss Hunters. They handpick all of their own moss, shells, and rocks for terrariums, and would love to show you all how to make them too! They will provide all the materials needed, just bring yourself and be ready to have a good time and learn. After the class is over, you will get to leave with one handmade terrarium. Get ready to get your hands dirty and create!

Members $45, Non-members $55

October 14 | November 4 | December 16

6 to 8 p.m.

BONSAI WORKSHOP

Join the Nebraska Bonsai Society for a bonsai workshop. Work with experienced Nebraska Bonsai Society members, and most importantly have fun! Each participant will receive a plant specimen, a pot with soil, and will learn how to perfect and maintain their bonsai plant. If you are new to bonsai, this workshop is for you. Pre-registration is required one week prior to class.

Members $75, Non-members $85

October 7 | 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

October 8 | 12:30 to 3 p.m.

BOTANICAL DESIGN

Create beautiful floral designs to display at home or to provide as a gift. Join Karen Vice of Fancy Plants Flowers and Design LLC to learn basic floral design skills that can be used to create all types of arrangements, including stunning fall and winter displays that will be perfect for your table this holiday season. Each workshop has its own unique theme, so join us for all of them! No floral design knowledge or experience is necessary, and all supplies are included.

Botanical Design: Designs from the Graveyard

Add some spookiness to your Halloween and design fresh flowers in your own mini graveyard.

Members $65, Non-members $75

October 26 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Botanical Design: Thanksgiving Centerpiece

We won’t forgo the blooms, but unique and colorful foliage will be the focus to elevate a traditional centerpiece.

Members $65, Non-members $75

November 20 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Botanical Design: Christmas Door Hanger

Design with fresh evergreen and holiday accents in a style that you definitely won’t see on your neighbor’s door. Structural elements and learned design can be used for years to come.

Members $65, Non-members $75

December 3 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. OR 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Botanical Design: Hanukkah Floral Arrangement

Add a fresh floral arrangement to your Hanukkah festivities to brighten up your season of celebration.

Members $65, Non-members $75

December 6 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Botanical Design: Making Space

Working with mixed flowers, we will go over tips and strategies to design flowers in a big and showy way.

Members $55, Non-members $65

January 22 | 6 to 7:30 p.m.

GLASS IN FLIGHT 2

On display through October 15 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover 16 life-like installations in a sculpture exhibit that showcases the beauty and importance of butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. See iridescent exoskeletons and translucent wings of giant insects, made of Dalle de Verre glass, and witness the interaction of sunlight and colored glass alongside the garden’s plant collection. Don’t miss this informative, engaging, and enchanting swarm of sculptures!

Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

LAURITZEN GARDENS ANTIQUES SHOW

September 28 through October 1

Join us for a captivating weekend, full of unexpected discoveries in the booths of our distinguished antiques exhibitors and splendid treasures found in the curated collections of Lauritzen Gardens. Experience delightful chance meetings with friends and witness magnificent presentations from our acclaimed speakers, all to benefit our beautiful public garden.

Celebrate 20 years of fine antiques in Omaha. Stay up-to-date with the show at omahaantiqueshow.org.

LEASHES AT LAURITZEN

October 2 and 9 | 5 to 8 p.m. This year, plan a night out with your furry friend during Leashes at Lauritzen. These events are nights for dogs to walk the trails, sniff all the things, and meet other dog lovers. Don’t miss these tail wagging good times!

Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

WICKED PLANTS DISPLAY

October 7 through November 2

Wicked Plants features living specimens of some of the notorious members of the plant kingdom. While there are more heroes in the botanical world, some plants are REALLY wicked. This display will showcase plants from our collection that poison, paralyze, eat flesh, and otherwise offend, some of which we commonly grow in our gardens. Look at our diabolical specimens, learn about their bad reputations, and discover the dark side of the plant world.

Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

JAPANESE AMBIENCE FESTIVAL

October 7 and 8 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For an entire weekend, the garden grounds are alive with merriment as guests celebrate the joys of autumn and experience Japanese culture first-hand.

DAY OF THE DEAD

October 14 through November 2

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, exists to honor relatives and friends who are no longer with us. Marigolds, or cempasúchil, adorn the festivities as the fragrance of the bright orange and yellow flowers is said to lead souls from their burial place to their family homes. Come see the community altar and take part in this floral celebration of life!

October 28 through November 2, decorate with us by bringing in unframed photo prints to remember your loved ones.

SPOOKY SPIRITS

Friday, October 20 | 6 to 10 p.m. Add some fright to your night and step into a world of boo-tanical mischief among our collection of Wicked Plants. Delight in themed cocktails, bewitching blooms, and tantalizing treats, and go batty over garden games and bone-chilling entertainment during this adultsonly escapade. Cash-only bars will keep the spirits flowing as you revel with friends amid the garden’s natural wonders.

All attendees must be 21 or older; photo ID is required. Costumes optional. Admission includes one complimentary beverage ticket. Frightfully good food will be available for purchase.

$20, $15 for garden members if purchased by October 19. $25, $20 for garden members at the door.

GHOULISH GARDEN ADVENTURE

October 29 | Noon to 4 p.m. Get in the spirit of the season and learn about things in nature that make fall so festive! This event is full of spooky stories, creepy creatures, fun activities and trick-or-treat stations. Come in costume or come as you are, just come ready for a wicked good time in the garden!

MERRY & BRIGHT: 12 DAYS OF WINTER

November 18 Through December 31

Celebrate the joys of the winter season with a botanical-inspired version of the “12 Days of Christmas”. Tour 12 displays, each representing a day in the winter garden, and sing along with new lyrics to the classic holiday song. The festive foliage of the iconic 20’ tall poinsettia tree will add holiday magic to the show and the whir and whistle of model garden trains will create a joyful noise. Don’t miss this botanical world brimming with holiday cheer!

Add S’more joy to your visit by toasting a marshmallow at the fire pits in the Family Chill Zone. This gathering place gives families a place to relax, warm up, play games, and enjoy the winter weather. S’mores kits will be available for purchase at the front desk.

Last entry will be at 3 p.m. on November 18-19, 22, 24-26 and December 1-3, 8-23, 26-30

Please note that lights turn on at 5 p.m. on evenings with ticketed Bright Nights events and a separate ticket is required for admission to Bright Nights.

Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FAMILY FUN NIGHT

December 10 | 5 to 8 p.m.

Buy a Bright Nights ticket for December 10 and enjoy an evening of festive fun for families! Visit with Santa Claus, hear a seasonal story, make an ornament, meet the Omaha Police Department Mounted Patrol, play games, get your face painted, watch performers from Omaha Circus Arts, and more!

LIGHTS AND LIBATIONS

BRIGHT NIGHTS

5 to 8 p.m. on select evenings

November 18-19, 22, 24-26 and

December 1-3, 8-23, 26-30

Once again, Lauritzen Gardens is making the holiday season merry and BRIGHT! The floral display hall and the Marjorie K. Daugherty Conservatory will be adorned and enhanced with light as the garden extends its hours to celebrate the beauty of the season.

These enchanted evenings are sure to become a holiday tradition. As you tour the glistening indoor gardens, you can also gather around the crackling fire, write letters to Santa, shop for thoughtful holiday gifts in the gift shop, enjoy holiday music (on select nights), purchase a S’mores kit to roast a marshmallow, enjoy the family-friendly activities in the Family Chill Zone, and more.

This is a ticketed event and is not included in regular garden admission or membership. Timed tickets are required for entry and rates vary by event date.

$15+ tax, $9+ tax for ages 3-12

Members receive a 50% discount on tickets.

Reserve timed tickets online at lauritzengardens.org/tickets

December 8, 15, and 22 | 5 to 9 p.m. Join us on select Fridays during Bright Nights, as we treat guests to evenings full of lights and libations! Exclusively on these nights, our cashonly bars will serve up a festive array of cocktails, beers, and wines. Stroll through the indoor gardens, drink in hand, while enjoying the illuminated displays. Great for date night or for a cheerful night with friends and family. Advance timed tickets are required and are available at lauritzengardens.org.

All ages may attend Bright Nights. Guests must be 21 with a valid ID to obtain a wristband and enter the alcohol sales area. Last call will be at 8:45 p.m.

HOLIDAY HARMONY

Various dates throughout the holiday season Join us during the holiday season to listen to live music amid the festive garden surroundings. Visitors are invited to stroll through the poinsettia show or cozy up next to the fireplace and enjoy lunch or a snack.

For the most up-to-date schedule, visit lauritzengardens.org.

DECK THE HOLIDAYS: FA-LA FANTASY

December 7 | 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate the holiday season and support the garden by attending the Lauritzen Garden’s Guild’s annual Deck the Holidays luncheon. Featuring Kiana Underwood of Tulipina $125 per person. Tables of 8.

Event chairs: Nicole Clifton-Mills, Melissa Steffes, Amy Troshynski

Honorary chair: Fatima Basith

Seating is limited. Reservations are required and will open soon. For more information, contact Sandy Seim at (402) 346-4002, ext. 219 or s.seim@omahabotanicalgardens.org.

BRICKOSAURS

Opening mid-January

BRICKOSAURS is a unique collection of dinosaur brick models that provide an aweinspiring spectacle for visitors. With amazing models, including a huge T-Rex, Stegosaurus and Triceratops, this touring show contains some of the most extraordinary toy brick builds ever created. Visitors can experience firsthand what it would have been like to come face-to-face with these incredible reptiles and discover prehistoric plants in the garden’s collection.

Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER

February 14 | Reservations required

Experience one of the most beautiful, exquisite Valentine’s Day dinners in Omaha, in the intimate surroundings of the visitor and education center. Seating times are from 6 to 9 p.m. and space is limited. Please check our website for pricing and menu options updates.

Reservations will open in early January 2024.

To place a reservation, call (402) 346-4002, ext. 201

ORCHID SHOW AND SALE

March 23 and 24 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Want to add instant sophistication to your home with a new houseplant? Want to learn more about growing and caring for orchids? Want to explore one of the most diverse plant families on Earth? Then you won’t want to miss the Greater Omaha Orchid Society’s Orchid Show and Sale. With an assortment of incredible orchids for sale from regional vendors, this is THE place to buy orchids (and learn about them too)!

Included with paid garden admission, FREE for garden members.

GET A DRINK AT J’S COFFEE

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Perk up your next garden visit with a beverage from J’s Coffee, open daily in the Cindy and Mogens Bay Gallery. Enjoy hot or iced coffee creations, as well as lemonade, smoothies and frappes, or their signature pink drink!

PRIVATE GOLF CART TOURS

Private, 1.5 hour golf cart tours (for 2-5 people) are full of facts and stories about the garden. Hosted by senior garden staff, tours are offered Monday through Thursday at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. from May through October. Tour rate is $60 per person, $45 per person for members. Bookings are required one week in advance. Call Christine at (402) 346-4002, ext. 212 to book your tour or to purchase a gift certificate for a recipient to redeem on a date of their choosing. A great gift idea!

MEMBERS MAKE OUR MISSION POSSIBLE

Membership is an easy and meaningful way to impact our community, provide opportunities for nature-based inspiration and education, and share the joys of the garden year-round. Levels start at $45 per year. Proceeds help Lauritzen Gardens fulfill its mission of providing memorable educational and aesthetic experiences for all.

Members receive reduced registration for educational programs and workshops. Other benefits include:

• Free admission for one year

• Reduced fees for narrated tram tours

• Discounted member rate for private golf cart tours

• A 10% discount on all regularly priced items in the gift shop

• Reciprocal privileges at more than 345 gardens across North America through the American Horticultural Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program (must present Lauritzen Gardens membership card in order to receive reciprocal benefits at participating institutions)

More information can be provided by visiting lauritzengardens.org/JOIN or by contacting the membership department at (402) 346-4002 ext. 214 or email membership@omahabotanicalgardens.org

100 Bancroft Street

omaha, ne 68108

lauritzengardens.org

(402) 346-4002

REGISTRATION

All classes, workshops and other educational offerings listed in this brochure require advance registration with payment due upon registration.

MEMBERS: If you haven’t registered your account, please do so by using the link in the upper right-hand corner on the program registration page. Then sign-in to complete your program registration (your email should appear there if you are properly signed in). Member discounts are applied after classes are added to the cart. Please note that member discounts for events and programs apply only to those covered under membership terms.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS

If a registration for a program must be canceled, registration fees will be refunded if notice is received at least one week before the program date. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations within one week of the start of the program or for participants that are late or do not show for a program.

Cover photo: Edgard Perez

Please note that programs with insufficient registrations may be canceled. If Lauritzen Gardens cancels a program, phone or email notification will be made as early as possible and full refunds will be given. In case of severe weather, please call (402) 346-4002, ext. 201 or, on the weekends, (402) 346-4002, ext. 250 to check the status of the program.

For more information visit lauritzengardens.org and click on “learn” or call (402) 346-4002, ext. 212

GENERAL GARDEN INFORMATION

(4 02) 346-4002

lauritzengardens.org

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Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.*

*November 18-19, 22, 24-26 and December 1-3, 8-23, 26-30

Daytime hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.)

Evening hours: 5 to 8 p.m. (requires a timed ticket)

10 0 Bancroft Street, Omaha, NE

lauritzengardens.org