The Garden classroom stays open year-round and hosts an array of programs led by experts who draw inspiration from our plant collections and the desert environment.
Lifelong Learning
Get inspired and learn new skills through one of our programs in art, gardening, photography, science, travel and wellness.
Desert Landscape School
Gain skills and confidence to get the job done in all aspects of desert landscaping, plus earn a credential after you successfully complete all the certificate programs.
Children, Family & Educators
Families engage in hands-on, nature-based experiences in a fun and safe environment, and teachers can participate in professional development opportunities.
ADULT PROGRAM SELECTION
Lifelong learning is inspiring with the Desert Botanical Garden as your classroom. Give the gift of learning to a friend or loved one and share the Garden's unique educational experience with our LEARN Gifts.
Are you looking for more advanced classes in landscape and gardening? The Desert Landscape School offers certificate programs with specialized tracks that will help you design or maintain your garden, start a new career or advance on your current one, or simply learn more about desert plants and sustainable landscape practices.
Whether you are new to gardening or want to increase your knowledge, the Garden provides classes that will give you the necessary skills to become a successful low-desert gardener. Landscape and gardening programs cover an array of topics including vegetable gardening, pruning, desert plants, container gardening, sustainable practices and landscape design. Many of the classes are supported with hands-on investigative learning and taught by professionals in the field.
Whether you are an aspiring photographer or an experienced professional, the Garden provides photography classes for all skill levels taught by qualified professionals. We offer introductory classes that guide beginner photographers to acquire the basic principles and techniques of photography. For the experienced professional, we provide classes that build upon their skills and how to master new techniques. Whatever level of your experience or camera you use, we have a class for you! Many of the classes are supported with hands-on sessions in the Garden's digital classroom, along the Garden's trails or to Arizona destinations.
Join our entertaining demonstration classes to explore new cuisines, cooking techniques or how to sharpen your culinary skills in a relaxed environment. No matter your culinary passion, we offer a wide variety of classes that will suit your lifestyle. From beginner cooking 101 classes, baking or international cuisines, experience a truly unique culinary event with family and friends. The Garden also offers wellness programs including yoga and tai chi held outdoors in stunning Garden settings. Classes are kept small and suitable for all levels of experience.
CHILDREN AND FAMILY PROGRAM SELECTION
Be inspired by your imagination and release your creativity by attending art classes at the Garden. Classes are intended to foster your artistic visions and give you the skills to bring them to life. Each class is designed to be hands-on with individualized instruction. The Garden offers programs in mosaic, gourd art, drawing and painting, bonsai, and jewelry making.
Create meaningful memories for the whole family while attending a desert exploration program about native plants and animals. These programs are designed for families with children ages 5 to 12, although children 17 and under are welcome. Prices listed include one child and one adult.
The Girl Scout Desert Discovery Program creates a fun and memorable experience for Girl Scouts as they learn about life in the desert. These event-style programs welcome all Girl Scout levels along with leaders, parents and family members. Pre-registration is required for all attending.
If you are intrigued by your environment and the living things that comprise it, explore the Garden's interactive science programs. The Garden offers classes designed to illuminate topics from Arizona geology and history to celestial objects in the desert sky. Discover the remarkable characteristics and behavior of desert animals or enjoy the history of desert people. Many classes are hands-on lectures or with trips full of adventure and excitement.
The Garden offers guided travel and adventure suited to a wide variety of interests and schedules. Hike riparian habitats and mountains of southwest Arizona or enjoy the summer exploring cooler climate areas. Watch the sun rise or set as you float along the Salt River. Marvel at thousands of cranes on one of our bird-watching tours. Expand your travel portfolio and learn from experts in the field. Watch feature locations come alive when paired with our rich and diverse programming.
Most brain development in children happens in the first eight years, and much of it in the first three. Nature education programs at the Garden are a fantastic way to promote your child's development.
For questions on registering children between the ages of 30-36 months, please contact Lauren Marks, Informal Science Education Coordinator at 480-481-8123.
For questions on registering children between the ages of 30-36 months, please contact Lauren Marks, Informal Science Education Coordinator at 480-481-8123.
The Desert Botanical Garden is committed to high quality education. We offer a variety of resources to support teachers and students in and out of the classroom. Our teacher workshops vary in subject, but are always standards-based, hands-on and fun! See the descriptions below to find an engaging workshop to inspire you and your classroom curriculum.
Each day our campers become scientists as they use their powers of observation in the classroom and on the trail to learn about the world around them. Campers will break out into groups by age to take part in outdoor experiences, children's literature, free choice learning, art projects and more! Snacks are provided. Campers must bring their own sack lunch.
Thank you for your interest in camp! Garden Camp Adventures for Summer 2018 has concluded. Registrations for 2019 will open in February.
Thank you for your interest in camp! Garden Camp Adventures for Summer 2018 has concluded. Registrations for 2019 will open in February.
TEENS IN THE GARDEN (TIG) PROGRAM
Know any teens 13 to 18 years old who are interested in a fun and interactive plant-science adventure? Let them know about this priceless opportunity to gain experience and work closely with Garden staff and volunteers. During monthly gatherings throughout the school year teens will learn first-hand what careers and experiences await them at botanical gardens. With the help of experienced plant biologists, the teen team will contribute to an international scientific database - giving them skills and experiences needed for college and beyond.
Know any teens 13 to 18 years old who are interested in a fun and interactive plant-science adventure? Let them know about this priceless opportunity to gain experience and work closely with Garden staff and volunteers. During monthly gatherings throughout the school year teens will learn first-hand what careers and experiences await them at botanical gardens. With the help of experienced plant biologists, the teen team will contribute to an international scientific database - giving them skills and experiences needed for college and beyond.