Docents begin training for the upcoming school year in September.  Meetings/Trainings are every Monday, September through November.  For more information call the Foundation office at (310) 544-1948.

Volunteer group that meets every Wednesday and makes crafts for our Gift Shop.

To join please contact Carol at (310) 544-1948 or carol@southcoastbotanicgarden.org

Fridays

September 7, 14, 21, 28, October (skip 5), 12, 19, 26, November 2

$50 members / $60 non-members

Instructor: Hisako Asano, MFA

Learn to create paintings of nature that capture the softly colored art form that is expressed in the teachings and techniques of instructor Hisako Asano. You will learn to mix and blend colors and manipulate 3-D values with a single stroke. Materials list is available in the Foundation office.

Bonsai Association meets 4th Sunday of the month.  For more information contact Jack Upston at (310) 346-1915.

Saturday, October 27, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

& Sunday, October 28, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Show included with paid garden admission

This annual Model Train show is sponsored by the Los Angeles Division of the National Model Railroad Association. The finest modular clubs will be represented. “How To” clinics will be held on various railroad subjects throughout the day. Tracks will be set up in the hall as well as the Cactus Garden. Popular for all ages. 

Tuesdays

September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

$60 members / $70 non-members

$30 materials fee (payable to instructor)   

Instructor: Reiko Kawamura

Elegance, grace, and style are the characteristics of Ikebana. Learn the mechanics of manipulation and the observation of materials for their best usage in gaining an oriental view of flower arranging. Elementary, Moribana, Free Style, Hanami, Rimpa, and Bunjin will be taught.

Series 2 – Six Sessions

Thursdays

November 1, 8, 15, (skip 22), (skip 29), December 6, 13, 20

$70 members / $80 non-members

***New Instructor: Teri Richards, Donna Dewberry Certified Art Instructor

Teri's desire is to bring to as many as possible the joy and satisfaction of creating their own objects of art in beautiful color. She instructs students in creating beautiful, functional items for the home and garden, and gifts and items to sell at local fairs and boutiques. Surfaces include canvas, porcelain, wood, metal, glass, and fabrics such as silk, microfiber, cotton canvas, and water color paper. This series will focus on painting gift items and table decor for the holidays.

Teri's website is www.strokeandstitchart.com. You can see examples of her work as well as photos of her students’ finished works.

Thursdays

September 13, 20, 27, October 4, (skip 11), 18, 25, November 1

$50 members / $60 non-members

$5 materials fee (payable to instructor)   

Instructor: Sharon Ratterree, M. Ed., Certified Landscape Design Consultant

Get inspired! Create your own successful garden. Possible topics of interest to new and experienced gardeners will provide information about current gardening trends, plant selection, maintenance, attracting pollinators, landscape design, and more. This class is on the go! Brings hats and water as we are likely to explore outside.

Series 2

Saturdays

November 3, 10, 17, 24

$20 members / $30 non-members

Instructor: Master Wang Hui

An ancient Chinese Technique emphasizing relaxation, balance, coordination, and agility, Tai Chi is a total system of exercises promoting circulation, flexibility, and inner strength, as well as mental and physical discipline. Living in California, Master Wang is an authentic Monk from Shaolin Temple in China challenging the principles he was taught throughout his life. Practice Tai Chi to improve your health and rejuvenate your life! **Drop-ins at the day of the class are allowed and are $10 per class.  Please register in the Gift Shop. 

Class included with paid garden admission

Speaker: Scotty Claus – Owner, The Living Christmas Co.

Our mission to change the way the world celebrates Christmas includes reevaluating how we celebrate and the environmental impact of our traditions. We have partnered with local businesses to offer sustainable, environmental, and unique products, including Fair Trade ornaments, and locally made recycled glass ornaments. We support local environmental groups that share our environmental goals of raising awareness and participating in the community.

We use only local varieties of trees, grown in local conditions. Every year, hundreds of our trees will be retired from active service due to their size or condition. These trees are donated to organizations such as Tree Musketeers to support local urban reforestation efforts.

Possibly our most important initiative is challenging the general public to re-evaluate their practices by offering a dynamic alternative to artificial and cut trees.

Our aggressive community outreach programs have allowed us to partner and fundraise alongside charitable organizations. We are able to donate trees to needy families and partner with nearly 50 local non-profits.

RENT A LIVING TREE THIS CHRISTMASand have a live, potted tree delivered to your doorstep.

It’s fun, it's easy, and it's great for your home and the environment.

Tuesdays

September 11, 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Beginning: $50 members / $60 non-members

Intermediate: $55 members / $65 non-members

$30 materials fee (payable to instructor)   

Instructor: Reiko Kawamura

Elegance, grace, and style are the characteristics of Ikebana. Learn the mechanics of manipulation and the observation of materials for their best usage in gaining an oriental view of flower arranging. Elementary, Moribana, Free Style, Hanami, Rimpa, and Bunjin will be taught.

Docent led Tram Tours run at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm and last approximately 45 minutes.  Cost is $4 per/person.  Purchase your boarding pass at the Admission Window (cash only). 

The availability of Tram Tours are based on docent availability.  You can check with the Admission Window (310) 544-6815 to verify if the tram is running.  Tram Tours are subject to cancelation without prior notice.

$7 per class for all participants

Instructor:  Mark Anthony Sinagra

Level:  Intermediate

Enjoy an afternoon at the Garden playing Bridge. You will play hands then turn them face up to discuss bidding, leads, declarer play, and defense.  Light snacks & refreshments provided.

Wednesdays

September 12, 19, 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14

$55 members / $65 non-members

Instructors: Eric and Ann Brooks

Have fun studying and identifying many of the species of birds found in Southern California. Class uses slides, videos, and printed materials. Discussions revolved around birding books, binoculars, and periodicals. **Note: To take advantage of the fall birding season this class has been extended to 10 class sessions.