Learn how to make a “low-water” garden that matches your favorite gardening style while benefiting the environment and your water use! Forget cookie-cutter dry-landscaping. Instead, we’ll review three different garden styles: modern, cottage, and naturalistic, and discuss how they can be created with low-water plants. Then, learn how to make a layout or plan of your existing garden, the steps to take in reviving or removing existing plants, and how to add new favorites. You will take home a guidebook with all of the above, along with a list of low-water plants, information on soil preparation, watering schedules, and how to plan for heat waves or high wind. Finally, bring home a gallon-sized plant to begin your water-wise gardening!

Register online at Cabrillo College Extension

Sat. March 29, 2025 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

Have you ever wanted an overview of basics so you could understand how to plan and care for your garden? In this course I will cover key terms and their application so you can read a plant guide, follow a seed packet, and understand a nursery label. With hands-on examples and demonstrations, we will discuss key activities to undertake in each season including improving soil with compost, pruning and care, common pests and diseases, how to schedule watering, and how to prepare for extreme weather like heat waves, high winds, heavy rain, and frost. You will take home a multi-page guide including all of the above information, along with a list of favorite plants for sun and shade, a growing guide with the seasonal care for each plant, and a calendar of activities for each season. You will also take home one of the gallon-sized plants used for the demonstration to start applying your new skills right away!

Register online at Cabrillo College Extension

Sat. March 1, 2025 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

Have you ever wanted an overview of basics so you could understand how to plan and care for your garden? In this course I will cover key terms and their application so you can read a plant guide, follow a seed packet, and understand a nursery label. With hands-on examples and demonstrations, we will discuss key activities to undertake in each season including improving soil with compost, pruning and care, common pests and diseases, how to schedule watering, and how to prepare for extreme weather like heat waves, high winds, heavy rain, and frost. You will take home a multi-page guide including all of the above information, along with a list of favorite plants for sun and shade, a growing guide with the seasonal care for each plant, and a calendar of activities for each season. You will also take home one of the gallon-sized plants used for the demonstration to start applying your new skills right away!

Register online at Cabrillo College Extension

Sat. March 1, 2025 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

Learn the fundamentals of using botanical dyes for block printing to make original printing for cards and wrapping paper.  Relying on the shapes and colors of the season, you will review techniques for printing with botanical dye using contemporary examples on paper. Then, watch a demonstration of how to design and carve your block.  Finally, select from a range of pre-cut blocks and paper to create individual prints and a page of wrapping paper.

You will take home your beautiful botanical prints and wrapping paper, a handout about carving blocks and botanical dyes, and a journal for notetaking.

This is an all-levels workshop and no prior experience is required.

Register online at Marin Art and Garden Center

Join me in Aptos, CA to fill your garden with early color! Learn to garden with easy-to-grow fall planted bulbs for a winter and spring filled with beautiful blooms that will return year after year. You will receive instruction on different types of bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers, and how best to plant and care for these flowers in the ground, in raised beds, or in pots for seasons to come. Learn how to layer bulbs for a repeat display, and also interplant for subsequent seasons. You will select from a range of bulbs to make an approximate 6" pot display that can be used outdoors or even indoors for early color. In addition to the potted bulbs, you will receive a guidebook on the different types of winter and spring-blooming flowers, and a journal for note-taking. 

 
This is an all-levels workshop, and no prior experience is required.

Register online at Cabrillo College Extension

Sun. Sept. 29, 2024 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

Join me to learn Block Printing with Botanical Dyes in Aptos, CA! In this workshop, I’ll demonstrate the fundamentals of block printing using botanical dye. We’ll review different techniques for printing with contemporary examples on paper, fabric and other materials.

You can then choose from a selection of flowers and botanical elements to make your own printing block. I will provide guidance on creating your design and carving your block, which will be yours to keep at the end of the class. Next, you can select from an array of blocks and paper to make prints of your own to take home. All materials, flowers, and equipment are included, in addition to take-home instructions.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

Register online at Cabrillo College Extension

Sat. Sept. 28, 2024 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003

Join me for a day of making herbal tea in Aptos, CA! Using the seasonal rhythms of biodynamic gardening as our guide, we’ll discuss selecting and growing herbs for harvesting and how best to collect and dry them. Attendees can then mix and create their own teas to bring home. In addition to the personal teas, attendees can select from a range of nursery plants to bring home that will be suitable for a garden, a window box, or a window sill. Whether indoor or outdoor, anyone can experience the magic of making a garden tea. This is an all-levels workshop and no prior experience is required. Flower enthusiasts encouraged!

I offer these workshops as an opportunity to engage with plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in the seasons. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the season and record intangible moments.

Registration online at Cabrillo College Extension

Sat. Sept. 28, 2024 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA, 95003

Learn the fundamentals of flower pressing in this hands-on workshop. You will review different techniques for pressing flowers, and learn tips for saving specific blooms.  Choose from a selection of flowers to make pressings onto your own flower press. You will receive instruction in how to mount and frame pressed flowers for display, and practice making your own pressed-flower art. In addition to the 5” x 5” flower press, and 5” x 7” mounted artwork made in class, you will go home with written instructions for continuing the process at home, and a journal for note-taking. This is an all-levels workshop and no prior experience is required.

Registration online at Cabrillo College

Aug. 25, 2024 | Cabrillo College | 6500 Soquel Drive Aptos, CA, 95003

Free talk at Annie’s Annuals: Join me for Part II of our Growing Gorgeous Dahlias series. Dahlias are beautiful, generous garden plants. In this talk I will discuss the key tips to give you bountiful blooms throughout the growing season. We will cover seasonal care including deadheading, mulching, heat waves and reviving struggling plants. I will also share how to cut and condition your flowers for arranging, dividing and storing tubers, and how to collect seeds to create new varietals in your own garden.

Saturday Aug. 17, 2024 | 11 AM - 12:00 PM PST | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave. Richmond CA 94801

Join me for a Botanical Cyanotype printing workshop at the wonderful Annie’s Annuals & Perennials in Richmond, California! Cyanotype, or sun printing, is a beautiful form of photographic printing first used in 1872. In this workshop, I’ll demonstrate the fundamentals of cyanotype printing using botanical elements. We’ll review different techniques for making prints using contemporary examples on paper, fabric, and other materials.

You can then choose from a selection of flowers and botanical ephemera to make your own prints, which will be yours to keep at the end of the class. I will also demonstrate how to mount and frame your prints. All materials, flowers, and equipment are included, in addition to a workshop booklet for instructions and note-taking.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

For this event, I will begin by presenting an overview of the process and then move to the workshop space for further instruction and hands-on creating.

Price, including all materials: $80

August 3, 2024 | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials | 740 Market Ave. Richmond, CA

Join me for a flower pressing workshop at the wonderful Annie's Annuals in Richmond. I will demonstrate the fundamentals of flower pressing, including making seasonal selections and preparing your specimens. You'll review recent pressings to illustrate various techniques and I will share tips for specific blooms.

You can then choose from a selection of flowers to make pressings in your own flower press, all of which will be yours to keep at the end of the class. I will also provide guidance on mounting and framing your pressed flowers. You will receive a set of pre-pressed flowers to practice making your own pressed-flower art in class. All the flowers and equipment — press, paper and cards — are included, in addition to take-home instructions.

I think of these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. A chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes wonderful traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

Price, including all materials: $108

Sat. June 22, 2024 | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials | 740 Market Ave. Richmond, CA

Join me for a flower pressing workshop at the lovely The Sidewalk Flowers shop in Cole Valley, San Francisco! I’ll demonstrate the fundamentals of flower pressing, including making seasonal selections and preparing your specimens. We’ll review recent pressings to illustrate various techniques and I’ll share tips for specific blooms.

Attendees can then choose from a selection of flowers to make pressings in your own flower press, which will be yours to keep at the end of the class. I will also provide guidance on mounting and framing your pressed flowers. Then you can select from a variety of pre-pressed flowers to practice making your own pressed-flower art. All flowers and equipment are included, in addition to take-home instructions.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

Price, including all materials: $165

Fri. April 26, 2024 | The Sidewalk Flowers shop | 90 Parnassus Ave. San Francisco, CA 94117

Free talk at Annie’s Annuals: Join me to learn about growing a gorgeous shade garden, featuring the one of my favorite shade-lovers, the Hellebore. Hellebores are winter-blooming, drought-tolerant beauties that make a wonderful partner to other shade-garden gems. I’ll discuss different varieties, where to plant and how to care for them. If they’re happy they’ll gently seed and do all the planting for you! Then we’ll talk about different types of shade and a list of plants to pair with hellebores to enjoy throughout the year.

Saturday March 9, 2024 | 10 am - 11:00 am PST | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave. Richmond CA 94801

Join me in welcoming the emergence of spring with a botanical impressions workshop at the lovely The Sidewalk Flowers shop in San Francisco! I’ll demonstrate the process for making sustainable botanical prints directly onto fabric and paper. We’ll use seasonal favorites like nasturtium, anemones, and mimosa to create a bandana or scarf to capture spring’s fleeting seasonal abundance. We’ll review examples and I’ll share tips for capturing specific blooms, along with take-home instructions for creating through the seasons. This is an all-levels workshop and no prior experience is required, flower enthusiasts encouraged!  

All materials and tools are included.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage with plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in the seasons, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the season and record intangible moments.

Price, including all materials: $165

Sat. February 24, 2024 | The Sidewalk Flowers shop | 90 Parnassus Ave. San Francisco, CA 94117

Free Event! Join me at Annie’s where I will share the fundamentals of growing flowers for cutting and featuring spring annuals. Whether in a mixed border or dedicated planting bed, now is the time to plant spring annuals. We will use the basics of a traditional flower arrangement as our guide to build a planting scheme. I’ll show you how to combine different plants, make selections and placement, and how to stagger your planting for successive waves of blooms. Making a bouquet from your own garden in one of the most rewarding parts of the growing process and I can’t wait to share my favorite tips and tricks.

Saturday February 3, 2024 | 10 am - 11 pm | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave, Richmond, CA 94801

Join me for a botanical dyeing workshop at Annie’s Annuals & Perennials in Richmond! I’ll share the fundamentals of botanical dyeing, from preparing different types of natural fiber, to selecting plants to make dye. We’ll discuss how to make dye and ink from different sources, including garden plants and pantry staples. As an extra bonus, I’ll highlight some California native plants that make great dye sources.

With step-by-step instructions, I will demonstrate how to make a dye bath and dye fabric samples. Attendees can then choose from a selection of dyes to make their own botanical-dyed bandana or napkin. All materials and equipment are included.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of observational science and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

Price, including all materials: $95

Sun. January 28, 2024 | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials | 740 Market Street Richmond, CA 94801

Join me for a botanical dyeing workshop at the lovely The Sidewalk Flowers shop in Cole Valley, San Francisco! I’ll share the fundamentals of botanical dyeing, from preparing different types of natural fiber, to selecting plants to make dye. We’ll discuss how to make dye and ink from different sources, including garden plants and pantry staples.

You can then choose from a selection of fabric and dyes to make your own dye baths to take home at the end of the class. We’ll finish by using botanical ink to make a series of prints on paper and fabric, which will also be yours to keep. All materials and equipment are included, in addition to a workshop booklet for instructions and note-taking.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

Price, including all materials: $165

Sun. June 11, 2023 | The Sidewalk Flowers shop | 90 Parnassus Ave. San Francisco, CA 94117

Join me to learn Block Printing with Botanical Dyes at the lovely The Sidewalk Flowers shop in Cole Valley, San Francisco! In this workshop, I’ll demonstrate the fundamentals of block printing using botanical dye. We’ll review different techniques for printing with contemporary examples on paper, fabric and other materials.

You can then choose from a selection of flowers and botanical elements to make your own printing block. I will provide guidance on creating your design and carving your block, which will be yours to keep at the end of the class. Next, you can select from an array of blocks and paper to make prints of your own to take home. All materials, flowers, and equipment are included, in addition to a workshop booklet with instructions.

I love these workshops as an opportunity to engage and observe plants in a different way. It gives us a chance to slow down and take in our surroundings, while also stepping into sometimes ancient traditions of scientific study and decoration. Whether you have a gardening space large or small, or are simply exploring your local flora, these practices allow us to preserve the seasons and record intangible moments.

Price, including all materials: $165

Sun. March 26, 2023 | The Sidewalk Flowers shop | 90 Parnassus Ave. San Francisco, CA 94117

Join me at Annie’s for this free talk! Come learn about growing gorgeous Hellebores and other shade-loving flowers. Hellebores are winter-blooming, drought-tolerant beauties that make a wonderful partner to other shade-garden gems. I’ll discuss different varieties, where to plant and how to care for them. If they’re happy they’ll gently seed and do all the planting for you! Then we’ll talk about different types of shade and pairing hellebores with other plants to enjoy throughout the year.

Saturday March 11, 2023 | 10 am - 11 am | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave, Richmond, CA 94801

Free Event! Join me at Annie’s for this FREE TALK where I will demonstrate the fundamentals of making beautiful potted displays, including container and plant selection. Planting in containers is a great way to bring living beauty to whatever large or small space you have while having fun experimenting with mixing and arranging different containers and flower types together. I’ll show you how to combine multiple different plants in a single container as seasonal “living bouquets” and also how to group long-living plants growing alone in their containers. We’ll also discuss seasonal care, and recycling your plants into the garden or repotting for continued displays.  

Saturday February 25, 2023 | 11 am - 12 pm | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave, Richmond, CA 94801

Free Event! Come learn the fundamentals of seasonal garden clean up to encourage pollinators and other beneficial invertebrates. We’ll discuss how and when to cut back plants, soil health, planting, and how to support beneficial insects.

Saturday October 22, 2022 | 11 am - 12 pm | Annie’s Annuals & Perennials 740 Market Ave, Richmond, CA 94801

Come learn the fundamentals of making beautiful potted displays to enjoy year-round!  Perfect for every gardener, no matter your space.  We'll use flowers, herbs, and other edibles to make a seasonal container, with plants that can be repurposed for years to come.

-          Make a seasonal container display – all materials provided

-          Learn the basics of building potted displays of all sizes, and the seasonal care to keep them blooming

-          Tips on designing your pots and a handful of display “recipes” to try out  

-          Training on how to reuse plants in other displays or in the garden for future enjoyment

-          No prior experience necessary!

Date: June 19, 2022

Time: 10 am - 12 pm

Location: Annie's Annuals & Perennials in Richmond

** 5% of proceeds to support groups working to end gun violence.**

Come learn the fundamentals of making beautiful potted displays to enjoy year-round!  Perfect for every gardener, no matter your space.  We'll use flowers, herbs, and other edibles to make a seasonal container, with plants that can be repurposed for years to come.

-          Make a seasonal container display – all materials provided

-          Learn the basics of building potted displays of all sizes, and the seasonal care to keep them blooming

-          Tips on designing your pots and a handful of display “recipes” to try out  

-          Training on how to reuse plants in other displays or in the garden for future enjoyment

-          No prior experience necessary!

Date: June 12, 2022

Time: 10 am - 12 pm

Location: Annie's Annuals & Perennials in Richmond

** 5% of proceeds to support groups working to end gun violence.**

Come learn the fundamentals of making beautiful potted displays to enjoy year-round!  Perfect for every gardener, no matter your space.  We'll use flowers, herbs, and other edibles to make a seasonal container, with plants that can be repurposed for years to come.

-          Make a seasonal container display – all materials provided

-          Learn the basics of building potted displays of all sizes, and the seasonal care to keep them blooming

-          Tips on designing your pots and a handful of display “recipes” to try out  

-          Training on how to reuse plants in other displays or in the garden for future enjoyment

-          No prior experience necessary!

Date: June 5, 2022

Time: 10 am - 12 pm

Location: Annie's Annuals & Perennials in Richmond

** 5% of proceeds to support groups working to end gun violence.**

Join Violetear Studio at the Gather "greenhouse" to learn the joy of growing flowers directly from seed! We’ll cover everything you need to know to begin growing, from selecting seeds, nurturing your plants, and cutting to enjoy indoors.

Starting from seed gives you amazing variety at a fraction of the cost. You’ll leave the workshop with seedlings and the ability to grow your favorite flowers to fill your growing space, no matter its size — and all with just a packet of seeds!

All materials provided. No prior experience required. We want everyone to be inspired to get growing!

5% of proceeds will go to support Women’s Earth Alliance

Register here

*In an effort to address historical inequality in gardening and access to land, we have set aside reduced-price spaces for BIPOC and LGBT+ community members, please email jill@violetearstudio.com to reserve your spot and receive a discount code.

** We'll be meeting in the outdoor, canopied greenhouse space of Gather -- please plan to share proof of vaccination and wear a mask.

Join Violetear Studio at the Gather "greenhouse" to learn the joy of growing flowers directly from seed! We’ll cover everything you need to know to begin growing, from selecting seeds, nurturing your plants, and cutting to enjoy indoors.

Starting from seed gives you amazing variety at a fraction of the cost. You’ll leave the workshop with seedlings and the ability to grow your favorite flowers to fill your growing space, no matter its size — and all with just a packet of seeds!

All materials provided. No prior experience required. We want everyone to be inspired to get growing!

5% of proceeds will go to support Women’s Earth Alliance

Register here

*In an effort to address historical inequality in gardening and access to land, we have set aside reduced-price spaces for BIPOC and LGBT+ community members, please email jill@violetearstudio.com to reserve your spot and receive a discount code.

** We'll be meeting in the outdoor, canopied greenhouse space of Gather -- please plan to share proof of vaccination and wear a mask.

Join Violetear Studio at the Gather "greenhouse" to learn the joy of growing flowers directly from seed! We’ll cover everything you need to know to begin growing, from selecting seeds, nurturing your plants, and cutting to enjoy indoors.

Starting from seed gives you amazing variety at a fraction of the cost. You’ll leave the workshop with seedlings and the ability to grow your favorite flowers to fill your growing space, no matter its size — and all with just a packet of seeds!

All materials provided. No prior experience required. We want everyone to be inspired to get growing!

5% of proceeds will go to support Women’s Earth Alliance

Register here

*In an effort to address historical inequality in gardening and access to land, we have set aside reduced-price spaces for BIPOC and LGBT+ community members, please email jill@violetearstudio.com to reserve your spot and receive a discount code.

** We'll be meeting in the outdoor, canopied greenhouse space of Gather -- please plan to share proof of vaccination and wear a mask.

Learn the magic of growing flowers directly from seed! We’ll cover everything from how to select your seeds, germination, nurturing your plants, and cutting them to enjoy indoors. We’ll start with a tour of beautiful Bluma Farm and end with some treats from Sesame Tiny Bakery. You’ll leave with a few seedlings and the ability to grow your favorite flowers to fill a container, windowsill, or garden -- no special equipment needed.

All materials provided. No prior experience required. We want everyone to be inspired to get growing!

*We have set aside reduced-price spaces for BIPOC and LGBT+ community members, please email jill@violetearstudio.com to reserve your spot and receive a discount code.