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This is a calendar listing of Winter 2021 Adult Programs for your browsing convenience.
You cannot register for programs from this page.
Once you have decided on the programs you want to register for, click the green Registration button at the end of the list.
General Programs
Online presentation with Annabel Renwick, curator of the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants and Beth Hall Hoffman, Paul J. Kramer Plant Collections Manager, Duke Gardens.
Learn horticulture lingo and its meaning. What does it mean to be a species, a subspecies, an ecotype, a cultivar or a hybrid? Understanding how we name plants will help you understand the connections between plants and how they might perform in your garden.
Thursday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m.
You may also be interested in the Piedmont Naturalist series. This season the series includes a look at the ecological role of insects and of oaks, along with programs on soil, the evolutionary history of plants and how to improve biodiversity in your home gardens. Please look for the Piedmont Naturalist series listings.
The Piedmont Naturalist Series
Online presentation with Justin Robinson, forest ecologist, cultural preservationist and historic foodways expert; M.S. in forestry and environmental science, NCSU.
Celebrate the botanical, culinary, medicinal and gardening traditions of thePiedmont in this class led by Justin Robinson. Justin will focus on plants and practices from a variety of perspectives, people and communities. Each class will feature specific plants, introducing you to their culture, nomenclature and history.
4 Thursdays, Jan.14-Feb. 4, 7-8 p.m.
The Piedmont Naturalist series features classes that give you an ability to understand what is impacting your environment – from natural systems to human impact, and ecology to environmental justice issues. Go outside and “read” the landscape!
This winter the program includes:
• The Ecological Role of Insects
• Soil: Process and Biology
• GREEN LIFE: From Origins to Angiosperms
• The Ecological Role of Oaks
• Biodiversity Begins at Home: A Pioneering Project in Durham’s Woodcroft Subdivision
Skills Series
Online presentation with Rhonda Sherman, extension specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University.
Rhonda estimates that more than 25% of your household waste could be composted. Learn more about the 12 benefits of using compost to enrich your garden. Join us to discover how to begin your own home composting program from start to finish.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 9:30-11 a.m.
Landscape Plant Series
Online presentation with Jan Little, director of education and public programs, Duke Gardens.
In each session we will discuss a group of landscape plants that add beauty, texture, color and flowers to your garden. Each week begins with a general horticulture discussion and then introduces a selection of trees, shrubs and perennials, noting their native region, culture, care, design attributes and history with people. Please join us for one or all Seasonal Celebrities sessions, register for each week from January 16 through March 13 separately.
Saturday, Jan. 16, 10-11 a.m.
Online presentation with Sarah Parsons, Ph.D., lecturing fellow, Duke University.
While plants convert sunlight into food, insects are the next most essential link in the ecological chain. They pollinate plants so fruits and seeds are available to us, assist in creating healthy, fertile soils, are a major source of food for birds and mammals, act as garbage collectors for the world and control pests in important agricultural crops. Join us to learn of the fascinating role that insects play in keeping our world healthy. We will also examine the signs of insect activity around you and discuss how to live peacefully alongside them
4 Wednesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
The Piedmont Naturalist series features classes that give you an ability to understand what is impacting your environment – from natural systems to human impact, and ecology to environmental justice issues.
Go outside and “read” the landscape!
Online presentation with staff from CompostNOW, Raleigh N.C.
The goas of commercial composting is to reimagine how we work with food waste, diverting the waste from landfills, and making use of that food waste to re-build soils on a large scale. This results in a more resilient food system and helps to minimize climate change. Hear from the experts at CompostNOW of how they have made their composting program available to homeowners, businesses, restaurants.
Thursday, Jan. 21, 3-4 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 23, 10-11 a.m.
Fundamentals Series
Online demonstration by horticulture staff, Duke Gardens.
Pruning can help minimize disease, direct a tree's growth and minimize future problems. Staff will discuss goals, methods and timing while demonstrating proper pruning techniques on a small tree (under 15 ft.).
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2-3:30 p.m.
You may also be interested in other programs in the Garden Basics series on composting and vegetable gardening. Please look in the full program listings.
Online presentation with Beth Hall Hoffman, Paul J. Kramer Plant Collections Manager and Jason Holmes, curator of the Doris Duke Center Gardens, Duke Gardens.
Wish you had more of that lovely shrub? It’s amazing how rapidly young plants grow into a landscape. Beth and Jason will introduce you to the techniques of layering and dividing to grow new plants from those in your garden.
Thursday, Jan. 28, 2-3:30 p.m.
What is vermicomposting? It’s composting with worms! Specifically, red wiggler earthworms. These amazing creatures consume about 25% of their body weight each and every day to turn your kitchen scraps into soil enriching compost. Learn how vermicompost boosts soil nutrients, improves drainage, and helps plants grow bigger and stronger so you get the most from your garden and landscape.
Saturday, Jan. 30, 9:30-11 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 30, 10-11 a.m.
Pruning can help minimize disease, direct growth and lessen future problems. Staff will discuss goals, methods and timing while demonstrating proper pruning techniques on several shrubs.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2-3:30 p.m.
Online presentation with Annabel Renwick, curator, the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, Duke Gardens.
As any gardener will tell you, soil is not dirt! Every day we are learning more about soil and its role in a healthy ecology. Annabel will discuss with you how to assess your soil, how to feed soil and encourage soil microorganisms, and how to continue improving soil using the natural systems that make life possible for all.
2 Wednesdays, Feb. 3 & 10, 3-4:30 p.m.
Online presentation with Maegan Luckett, horticulturist, the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, Duke Gardens.
In this Walk on the Wild Side, Maegan will expand on her earlier fungal talk by featuring the intersection between people and fungi. You will learn about folklore, medicinal uses, fungal disease and get a glimpse into some interesting plans for future use of fungi!
Thursday, Feb. 4, 11 a.m.
Fee: Free to all with registration.
Online presentation with Jason Holmes, curator of the Doris Duke Center Gardens, and Nick Schwab, assistant horticulturist, Doris Duke Center Gardens, Duke Gardens.
Using an innovative and rapid composting system, Duke Gardens manages the compostable landscape waste from the entire university campus. Take a virtual tour of the Gardens' composting system and learn how we turn waste into valuable compost and mulch that enriches soil in Gardens and campus plant beds.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 3-4 p.m.
Online presentation with Maggie Heraty, artist, naturalist and gardener.
One of the most challenging aspects of starting a vegetable garden is the starting. Where to locate your garden, how to eliminate the lawn and other plants growing there now, and then how to amend the soil? Maggie will recommend a step by step process that will lead you through starting a garden plot, finding materials on a budget, and beginning to grow your favorite veggies this spring./p>
2 Thursdays, Feb. 4 & 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
Fee: $33; Discount of 20% for Gardens members and supporters. Discounts available at registration with your discount code.
Online presentation with experts from the Triangle Orchid Society.
Learn from the orchid devotees of the Triangle Orchid Society. You will discover the various types of orchids suitable for home growing and learn their lighting, watering and fertilizing needs. The second part of the program is a Q & A session to encourage participants to ask questions about their own orchids, including the best repotting methods and places to find new orchids.
Saturday, Feb 6, 10 a.m. - noon
You may also be interested in the propagation series, including propagation by cuttings, layering, division, vegetable seed, and native perennial seeds. Please look for the Fundamentals series in the program listings.
Saturday, Feb. 6, 10-11 a.m.
Online presentation with Paul Manos, Professor of Biology, Duke University.
Oaks are one of the defining species in our world, with a long and fascinating history. In this class you will discover more about the evolutionary history of oaks, their biology, the role they serve in our environment, relationships with other organisms, legends and the part they have played in human culture. In addition, Paul will also highlight his research on what the future might hold for oaks and the myriad creatures that depend on them.
3 Tuesday, Feb. 9-23, 7-8 p.m.
• Plant Folkways
Online presentation with Lisa Nunamaker, landscape architect, owner of Paper Garden Workshop, Ames, Iowa and landscape design instructor, Iowa State University.
Design principles are useful guidelines, helping you create a beautiful garden composition. These tried and true concepts give the necessary structure to succeed while also encouraging flexibility and creativity. Lisa will introduce you to nine design principles and their applications so you achieve a garden that feels stable, balanced and oh, so, inspirational!
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m.
You may also be interested in the Landscape Plant series. The class meets every Saturday to expand your knowledge of landscape plants useful in North Carolina gardens. Please look for the Landscape Plant series listings.
Arts and Crafts Programs
Both art and botany begin with observation. Drawing a plant encourages close, detailed observation. What makes this plant unique? How can you capture its features to remember it for later? Additionally, art is also open to interpretation and play, and botanical art can be a perfect medium for exploring your own artistic style alongside your love of plants. In this class, Maggie will introduce you to the basics of botanical illustration, focusing on developing skills in realistic drawing, making useful reference sketches and photos, and finding your own unique artistic style. You will come away with the skills to continue to explore and create while learning about the flora around you every day.
3 Tuesdays, Feb 9 -23, 7-8 p.m.
Online presentation with Jason Holmes, curator, Lindsey Luks, horticulturist, Doris Duke Center Gardens, and Sara Smith, volunteer, Duke Gardens.
Variety is the spice of life in a vegetable garden. Starting your vegetables from seed gives you the opportunity to expand the varieties of plants you grow, from that unusual bean to the squash that the local retailers just don’t offer. Learn the benefits of growing vegetables from seed as Jason, Lindsey and Sara guide you through the process from germination to harvest.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 2-3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13, 10-11 a.m.
The best gardens begin with a reality check! You will be well served if you take a moment to confirm the site conditions: sunlight, soil, topography, surroundings, and all that exists there now. By understanding the site, you will design a landscape that integrates its unique qualities with your unique goals.
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 7-8:30 p.m.
Online presentation by Dan Richter, Professor of Soils and Forest Ecology, Duke University.
Dan’s research and teaching links soils with ecosystems and the wider environment. He has documented a legacy of soil change across the southeast part of this country created by human land-use. In this class, Dan will expand your concept of the processes that create and alter soil, as well as the essential biology present in a functioning soil to maintain a healthy environment.
4 Wednesdays, Feb. 17-March 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Winter Plant Folkways
Online presentation with Annabel Renwick, curator and Maegan Luckett, horticulturist, The Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, Duke Gardens.
Begin the year with a plan to propagate your native perennials from seed. Annabel and Maegan will give you all the ins and outs to collect, clean for storage, and then grow plants from seed. Emphasis will be on native perennials and the value of local seed sources in preserving genetic diversity for future generations.
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2-3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 10-11 a.m.
Plants are amazing creatures. Many are able to clone themselves from a stem cutting. Beth and Jason will take you through the process and timing of collecting, preparing, and growing new woody plants from cuttings.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 2-3:30 p.m.
Online presentation with Lynn Richardson, Woodcroft Eco-friendly Landscape Committee and New Hope Audubon Society’s Bird-Friendly Habitat Committee.
In fall 2019 The New York Times ran an editorial titled “The Crisis for Birds Is a Crisis for Us All.” The article concluded that the loss of birds was a “staggering loss that suggests the very fabric of North America’s ecosystem is unraveling.” Lynn suggests that we all can play a role in reversing this trend. Learn how to plant and maintain your garden in a bird-friendly way. This presentation will give you the basics of creating a home landscape that will make both you and the birds happy and healthy!
Thursday, Feb. 25, 7-8 p.m.
Online presentation by Greg Paige, Director of Horticulture & Curator for the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory Arboretum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Greg’s job takes him on fascinating and terrifying journeys, collecting plants to study and grow. A collected plant is then evaluated for its functional, aesthetic and ecological habits. Join us to learn from him firsthand what these experiences are like, favorite plants collected and what else he has encountered along the way!
Prior to joining the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory as Director of Horticulture and Arboretum Curator in 2005, Greg’s 30-year career in public horticulture involved work at some of the finest gardens in the country-Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, North Carolina, the Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina, the Holden Arboretum, Ohio and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.
Fee: $8; free for Garden members and supporters. The fee is waived at registration with your “member-free” code.
Saturday, Feb. 27, 10-11 a.m.
Special Events
With support from the Kiss the Ground organization, the film will be available through Duke Gardens for 72 hours, followed by the discussion session listed below.
People are calling KISS THE GROUND “The Most Important Film You’ll Ever Watch” -- which is a really big claim.
But it just may be true.
Kiss the Ground is an inspiring and groundbreaking film that reveals the first viable solution to our climate crisis.
Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle. This movie is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species future.
Kiss the Ground is committed to their mission of awakening people to the possibilities of regeneration, to providing everyone with the pathways to find their unique way forward and the resources to do so. Beyond the film they have published a book, offer stewardship training and resources to farmers and other land stewards and connect people to share knowledge, funding and resources.
Duke Gardens is working with the team at KISS THE GROUND to make the film available to you for a 72-hour period – watch at your own convenience with the link sent on March 1. Then register for the discussion session on March 4 to hear directly from KISS THE GROUND team members and Duke University faculty and staff.
Monday through Thursday, March 1 to 4, watch at your convenience.
Online presentation with Alec Motten, associate professor emeritus, Duke University Department of Biology.
Take a look at plants over an evolutionary time scale. Alec will begin class with a discussion on the origins of photosynthesis and algae. Then, tracing up through time, he will outline how plants came to dominate the terrestrial landscape, concluding with the rise of angiosperms! An overview of the evolutionary history of plant life brings a fresh appreciation of plants immense impact on our lives.
2 Mondays, March 1 & 8, 7-8:30 p.m.
Online presentation with Shannon Currey, Hoffman Nursery.
Grasses and sedges add a layer of function and beauty to every garden. Prepare to be inspired as Shannon introduces you to a range of plants that are striking as well as being terrific problem-solvers; controlling erosion, managing water runoff and serving animals and insects with shelter and food. Grasses, and grass-like plants, are enjoying renewed interest from the New Perennial Movement for their versatility and resilience. Join us to discover which ones will work for you and where they do their best work.
Tuesday, March 2, 7-8 p.m.
You may be interested in other programs that introduce plants. Please see the Seasonal Celebrities series in the full program listings.
Online presentation with Annabel Renwick, curator and Maegan Luckett, horticulturist, the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, Duke Gardens.
Touching on evolution and plant breeding, Annabel and Maegan will expand on the differences between wild and cultivated plants so you can make informed decisions about the plants you use in your garden.
Thursday, March 4, 11 a.m.
Online with Kiss the Ground Team Members, Dan Richter, Professor of Soils and Forest Ecology, Duke University and Bobby Mottern, director of horticulture, Duke Gardens. Moderated by Kavanah Anderson, Education Program Coordinator.
Each of us has had the opportunity to watch this amazing film and now, to join a panel discussion and Q&A session with members of KISS THE GROUND and Faculty/staff from Duke University. The film, KISS THE GROUND, introduces proven strategies to reverse global warming and presents the research, practice, and hope we need to move forward. Together. The discussion will focus on the relationship between human health, soil health, and planetary health and what each of us can do in our daily lives to nurture a healthy world for future generations.
Thursday, March 4, 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 6, 10-11 a.m.
What is biodiversity and why should you care about it? Lynn will introduce you to its concepts and discuss why, as an environmental concern on par with climate change, it’s worthy of our attention. You’ll hear about the plants and animals needed to maintain biodiversity and learn what her southwest Durham neighborhood is doing to enhance it—a model for us all to work toward.
Thursday, March 11, 7-8 p.m.
Saturday, March 13, 10-11 a.m.
Patios, terraces and decks often form a paved link between indoors and out. Learn to assess what you need in a paved/decked area and how to seamlessly move from house to garden. We will discuss the basics of size and material choices along with standard measurements for stairs, creating functional zones and using the geometry of your house to marry house and garden.
Thursday, March 18, 7-8:30 p.m.