Welcome!
The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens host a variety of classes and events year-round at Boerner Botanical Gardens.
Upcoming Events
April 2018
Gentle Yoga for Gardeners & Seniors
Prepare yourself to prepare your garden! We all love the beautiful sights and lovely smells of our garden. But we don’t like the aches and pains that sometimes goes along with our labor of love. In this class we will discuss proper body positioning for gardening and working from our core strength. You will learn before and after stretches you can do to minimize discomfort. We will practice simple yet powerful techniques that you can use every day to keep your…
Spring Gardening Series
Get ready for spring planning and planting with this series of useful gardening topics presented by the SouthEast WI Master Gardeners! All proceeds support FBBG and SEWMG. April 11 – Seed Selection and Veggie Gardening Presenter: Deb Schneider April 18 – Pollinators and How to Support them Presenter: Jennifer Lazewski April 25 – Planting Containers Presenter: Sandy Je T’aime $5 per person; $15 for whole series. Select Membership Type: All Sessions $15 4-11: Seeds and Veggies $5 4-18:…
May 2018
Beautiful Bouquets
Just in time for Mother’s Day! Learn how to create beautiful flower arrangements – create a wildflower mason jar arrangement, a hand tied bouquet, and a small pin on corsage or boutonniere. $50 general public / $45 FBBG members Class size limited; registration closed April 20th. Please don’t forget to share with your friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/179030352697645/
Hanging Succulent Planter
In this workshop, you’ll create and take home a unique green sphere of low maintenance succulents that can last up to two years! All supplies included. Class size limited. $40 general public / $35 FBBG members This class is full! Thank you for your interest. Can we interest you in our May 3rd Beautiful Bouquets or our May 8th Love Notes classes instead?
10th Annual Art at the Gardens Craft Fair
Milwaukee’s go-to spring fair for fine crafts and artwork returns to Boerner for the 10th year of Art at the Gardens! Enjoy a beautiful spring day at Boerner Botanical Gardens while you browse a unique selection of handmade jewelry, garden art, photography, artwork & more. Just in time for Mother’s Day! This FREE event takes place in and around the Boerner Education & Visitor’s Center, and is presented by the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens. Garden admission is optional, and…
Love Notes
Using mixed media techniques, we will transform personal letters and notes into small works of art you can display in your home. All supplies provided. Just bring a copy of a letter or card you’d like to collage together to create a personal art piece. Please note, we’ll be cutting up the note or card you bring, so if it is something you’d like to keep whole, bring a copy instead of the original. Taught by mixed media artist…
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Tulips
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Tulips Led by: Lorrie Burrows – Boerner Horticulturist
Mother’s Day 2018
FREE EVENT! (Donations always welcome.) Mother’s Day is the perfect time to take a stroll through the gardens with the whole family! The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens will be offering FREE kids activities including make-and-take gifts for Mothers and grandmothers! Garden admission not included as part of FBBG event. Browse through all of the new merchandise in the FBBG Gift Shop! You can also enjoy a delicious Mother’s Day Brunch with Zilli Hospitality Group (brunch not included in FBBG…
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Spring Flowering Trees
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Spring Flowering Trees Led by: Matt Singer – Plant Expert
Family Yoga in the Gardens
All members of the family will enjoy these garden-themed yoga classes. Stand tall like a mighty oak tree, or move gracefully like a flower blossoming. All ages will benefit from practicing these playful poses, and mindful movement. Classes will be led by Katy Martens, Registered Yoga Teacher, with over 14 years teaching experience. Classes will be held outside, weather permitting. An indoor space will be provided should there be inclement weather. Please bring a mat or large towel. Classes held 1-2pm…
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Spring Wildflowers
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Spring Wildflower Led by: Alex Hoefs – Milwaukee County Zoo Horticulturist
Botanical Gardens Yoga
Immerse yourself in the transformative beauty of the Botanical Gardens! Breathe, stretch, and relax as you transition from your busy day to a state of being that is calm and serene. These all-level yoga classes are for new and experienced yoga enthusiasts alike. Classes will be led by Katy Martens, Registered Yoga Teacher, with over 14 years teaching experience. Classes will be held outside, weather permitting. An indoor space will be provided should there be inclement weather. Please bring a…
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Iris
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Iris Led by: Bonnie Sonntag – Wisconsin Iris Society
June 2018
WIS Iris Show 2018
Join the Wisconsin Iris Society for their annual Iris Show! Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Boerner Botanical Gardens Garden House
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Peonies
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Peonies Led by: Dave Wanninger –Boerner Horticulturist
Build a Terrarium
Create a miniature landscape in a jar! All supplies provided. Pre-register to reserve your materials or just stop by the Education & Visitor Center during the workshop time to build one! All ages welcome. $20 per terrarium. Pre-registerPre-register $20
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Hostas
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Hostas Led by: Dave Wanninger –Boerner Horticulturist
Storigami: Storybook Origami
For children and those who love them! Learn Origami, the ancient art of paper folding, while telling a story about a child that is trying to figure out what to do when grown up. We follow the journey from a sailor to firefighter to pirate to captain of a boat. Each of these folds can be used as a hat. The captain’s boat runs into some harsh weather and in the end, just the captain’s shirt is found. In this…
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Shade Plants
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Shade Plant Led by: Nick Ternes – Horticulturist, owner of Botanophilia, LLC
Hanging Succulent Planter 2
In this workshop, you’ll create and take home a unique green sphere of low maintenance succulents that can last up to two years! All supplies included. Class size limited. $40 general public / $35 FBBG members This class is full! Thank you for your interest. Can we interest you in our May 3rd Beautiful Bouquets or our May 8th Love Notes classes instead?
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Roses
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Roses Led by: Bruce Barr, Greater Milwaukee Rose Society
July 2018
Children’s Story & Craft Mondays
Join us for a story and children’s craft in the gardens each Monday in July – a different craft and story each week! Free with garden admission.
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Annuals
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Annuals Led by: Heidi Hornung – Shady Lane Greenhouse
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Daylily
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Daylily Led by: Lew Silva – Daylily Society of Southeastern Wisconsin
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Conifers
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Conifers Led by: Ben Habanek – Horticulturist, Village of Shorewood
Enchanted Evening
Discover fairies in the flower beds and magic around every corner in this very special family event in the gardens. Children and parents will enjoy whimsical crafts, treats, and entertainment all evening long.
August 2018
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Late Summer Blooms
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Late Summer Blooms Led by: Zannah Crowe – Johnson’s Gardens
WIS Iris Rhizome Sale 2018
Join the Wisconsin Iris Society for their annual Iris Rhizome Sale! Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5 9am – 4pm in the Boerner Botanical Gardens Garden House
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Hydrangeas
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Hydrangeas Led by: Ben Habanek – Horticulturist, Village of Shorewood
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Trial Garden
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Trial Garden Led by: Jessica Cloninger – Boerner Horticulturist
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Ornamental Grasses
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Ornamental Grasses Led by: Lorrie Burrows – Boerner Horticulturist
September 2018
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Herb Garden
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Herb Garden Led by: Peggy Zautke – Boerner Horticulturist
Wednesday Night Garden Walk: Invasive Plants
All walks are expert-led and a fun new topic is covered each week. Walks depart from the FBBG Gift Shop – rain or shine – and last approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation This Week’s Walk: Topic: Invasive Plans Led by: Paul Vandermeuse – FBBG Education Manager
Boerner by Moonlight Walk
Special End of the Season Family Garden Walk! Grab your flashlight and let’s explore Boerner by moonlight! Families will be guided around Boerner for this special nighttime walk. You’ll get to discover what nocturnal creatures come out at night in the Gardens! Refreshments will be provided after the walk. Contact (414) 525-5653 for more info. Walk departs from the FBBG Gift Shop and lasts approximately 90 minutes. $5 Suggested Donation
