Learn in the Garden.
The garden’s stunning natural environment and many quiet seating spaces provide the perfect backdrop for our program offerings.
Come take a class, participate in a day-long retreat, or experience a hands-on horticultural experience. Check back regularly to see new learning opportunities. Scroll down to see what we’re offering.
And, to increase access to our programming, we reserve 2 spots in every program for those who need a scholarship or financial assistance. If you are interested in this option please email with your requested class: [email protected].
Class refunds are issued for cancellations up to two weeks in advance. After that refunds are available only if we can fill the spot.
Have an idea for a class you’d like to teach at Western Hills Garden?
Submit your idea here!
Mandala Making
Come visit and make mandalas throughout the garden as we celebrate spring.
Mandala Making
Come visit and make mandalas throughout the garden as we celebrate spring.
Wooden Egg Painting
Come visit and paint wooden eggs to place on our tree or renewal or take home.
Wooden Egg Painting
Come visit and paint wooden eggs to place on our tree or renewal or take home.
Exploring the birdsongs of Western Hills Garden
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli (of I’m Birding Right Now) for a 2-hour meander through Western Hills Garden to listen closely and soak up Spring’s morning birdsong.
HONOR: ourselves and our ancestors
HONOR: a seasonal celebration between Western Hills Garden x Morihouse. The final of our 2024 collab.
Hannah Muller Book Talk: Designing with Dried Flowers
Listen to Hannah talk about her background, what she’s learned about dried flowers as a floral artist and farmer, and get some hot tips on how to work with dried flowers yourself.
Dried Flower Crowns
Meet the incredible Hannah Muller of Full Belly Farm’s infamous Wreath Room and learn to make a dried flower crown adorned with items from Western Hills Garden.
Kokedama
Enjoy an afternoon learning the Art of the Kokedama with Cathrina Susoev, a plant designer based in Petaluma, California and owner of Cat-Hawk gardens.
Obi Kaufmann Book Talk: The State of Fire
An incredible opportunity to listen to Obi Kaufmann talk about his new book, The State of Fire: Why California Burns, which comes out on September 17th. Obi will offer his insights into one of the most pressing issues of the twenty-first century, answer questions, and sign books.
Pine Needle Basket Making
Join us to learn the beautiful art of pine needle basketry. Spend time in the garden coiling and stitching long pine needles into a small basket.
Bioeuphoria: contemplation and mark making with natural objects
A mindful and creative practice to foster deep connections with the natural world and inspire new artistic thinking.
Study the Garden through Collective Curiosity Journaling
Come tap into your curiosity. Explore the garden through different lenses using a process called creative collective journaling. Offer your perspective to other participants and receive theirs through a variety of artist’s and writer’s tools. Leave with a beautiful journal documenting the experience, any questions that arose, and any inspiration that was sparked.
Drawing from Observation
Calling artists of all skill levels! Come spend an afternoon with artist and educator, Lisa Ostapinski. Soak up the beauty of the garden, practice some basic drawing exercises, and leave with a few pieces representing a specimen you're drawn to (along with a more mindful and aware state of mind!).
THRIVE
Join the teams behind Western Hills Garden and Morihouse for a special celebration honoring the solstice. Savor the daylight, breathe in the natural world, and delight in the promise of summer. Enjoy delicious food and drink, delight in live music, tour the garden, and participate in seasonal activities throughout the property.
Exploring the birdsongs of Western Hills Garden
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli (of I’m Birding Right Now) for a 2-hour meander through Western Hills Garden to listen closely and soak up Spring’s morning birdsong.
Cyanotype printing and toning with botanicals
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at Western Hills learning the cyanotype printing process and experiment with different botanicals, papers, and textiles to create unique imagery.
Rest in Grief: Meditations on Ecological Change
A very special program to acknowledge the losses of our Mother Earth and explore our individual and collective ecological grief. RESCHEDULED FOR FALL 2024.
Yoga for gardeners
Learn and practice basic yoga moves to incorporate into your garden ritual to avoid injury and promote health.
AWAKEN: a celebration of spring
Join the teams behind Western Hills Garden and Mori House for a special celebration honoring the equinox. Take time to find inspiration from the budding trees and flowering plants. Embrace new beginnings, renew commitments to yourself, and prepare for the rest of the year.
Forest bathing
Join us for a deeply healing guided walk in our three-acre biodiverse wonderland.