Poetry Walk Dawn Till Dusk | featuring local poets | All Ages
September 5th-28th | Across the Garden
No Registration Required!
Stroll through the Garden and experience the voices of local poets woven into the natural landscape.

Photography Exhibition | featuring Laurie Tennent | All Ages
September 5th-28th | Across the Garden
No Registration Required!
Nationally renowned botanical photographer and artist Laurie Tennent will have her photography exhibited in the Garden for the month of September. Laurie’s work will be featured along key pathways and natural settings, blending art and environment in a stunning visual dialogue.

First Fridays Gallery Opening 5:00pm-7:00pm | All Ages
Free | Cash Bar | Jefferson School City Center
Join us for our First Fridays Gallery Opening of the Botanical Art Show. Over 60 local artists will have their works of art on display and sale during the month of September. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Fun with Flowers 9:30am-11:00am | with Carolyn Adams | Adults
Limit 20 Registrants | $10 | BGP Tent
Floral designer Carolyn Adams will lead this workshop in creating a lovely arrangement using freshly cut flowers. Attendees must bring their own secateurs, clippers, or floral snips.

Painting Flowers with Soft Pastel en Plein Air 3:00pm-4:30pm | with Julia Lesnichy | Adults and Teens
Limit 20 Registrants | $10 | BGP Tent
Local artist Julia Lesnichy will demonstrate how to use pastels to paint flowers and a floral garden en plein air.

Botanical Art Festival Celebration 5:00pm-7:00pm | Adult
$75 | Jefferson School City Center
An evening celebrating the flora of the Piedmont as rendered by local artists. This ticketed event will feature works of art for show and sale, live music, poetry by Anne Hampford, live poetry composition, cocktails, and light fare. Jefferson School City Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Listening for Poetry 12:00pm-1:30pm | with Lesley Wheeler | Adults and Teens
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Amphitheater
Acoustic ecology encompasses all of the ways beings relate to nature and each other through sound: animal voices, the noise of modern life, and much more. In a botanical garden, the soundscape might include birds establishing “acoustic niches” by singing, the creaking of branches in a breeze, dripping leaves, the hum of a distant highway, and even sounds beyond human hearing, such as vibrations caused by fungi. Participants in this workshop will read a few published poems about soundscapes, provided by handout; listen to the space they occupy; and follow prompts to draft new writing in response to the local soundscape.

Garden Walk with Nationally Renowned Botanical Photographer and Artist 2:00pm-3:30pm | with Laurie Tennent | All Ages
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Amphitheater
Join us for a captivating morning at Botanical Garden of the Piedmont with nationally renowned botanical photographer and artist Laurie Tennent. Known for her striking, large-scale portraits of plants and flowers—often printed on aluminum and displayed in public gardens around the country—Laurie brings her unique artistic perspective to life in this special event. As part of her temporary outdoor installation at the Garden, Laurie’s work will be featured along key pathways and natural settings, blending art and environment in a stunning visual dialogue. During this guided walk, Laurie will lead guests on a tour of her photography on display, sharing the stories and techniques behind each piece.

Making Botanical Prints Using a Gel Plate 9:30am-11:00am | with Natalie Kohler | Adults and Teens
Limit 10 Registrants | Free | BGP Tent
Learn to create beautiful monoprints using leaves and flowers, a gel printing plate, and natural acrylic paint (an eco-friendly alternative to traditional acrylics). We will learn the silhouette print, the ghost print, and how to make a background for a layered print. This simple process produces prints which can be used for display, cardmaking, journaling, and collage. Suitable for complete beginners and more experienced artists. If you have a gel plate, bring it along. Gel plate and other supplies will be provided.

Poetry in the Garden 12:00pm-1:30pm | with Sara Robinson | All Ages
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Amphitheater
Everything has a natural state. Poetry is about it. Just breathe. Let’s use the natural settings of the Garden to create prompts for composing poetry. Sara Robinson is the author of Poetry Matters, copies of which will be available at the workshop.

Plein Air Painters at Blenheim Vineyard  Beginning at 1:00pm | All Ages
No Registration Required!
Enjoy a unique day at the vineyard as a local artist paints the surrounding landscape en plein air. With sweeping views, soft breezes, and the golden light of the vines, the setting offers the perfect muse. As you sip a glass of wine, pause to watch the canvas evolve—each brushstroke capturing the spirit of the land. It’s a peaceful, inspiring way to experience both art and nature. Blenheim Vineyard, 31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Wild Ink Walk: The Art of the Trail 3:00pm-4:30pm | with Amelia L. Williams | Adults and Teens
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Tent
Join us for an afternoon of contemplative walking and nature-inspired creativity! Experience the intersection of mindfulness, walking, and creative expression, with writing and art. Plants and creatures will be our muse while awakening the five senses with a mindful silence. Participants will receive a packet of activities, readings, and that explore walking and learn mindfulness practices as a spur to creativity. We will open and close with a discussion circle. 

Art in the Garden 9:30am-11:00am | with Roberto Kamide | Adults and Teens
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Tent
Join us for a morning in the Garden making abstract bird sculptures from sticks, ephemeral sculptures ala Andy Goldsworthy, painting walking sticks, and making nature based bookmarks. 

Plein Air Painters at Grace Estate Vineyard  Beginning at 1:00pm | All ages
No Registration Required!
Spend a serene afternoon at the vineyard as a local artist captures the beauty of the landscape with a plein air painting in progress. With wine in hand and views stretching in every direction, watch the scene unfold on canvas in real time. It’s a celebration of art, nature, and the quiet joy of being fully present in a beautiful place. Grace Estate Vineyard, 5273 Mt Juliet Farm, Crozet, VA 22932.

Painting from Life: A Watercolor Workshop 12:00pm-1:30pm | with Lucy “Clare” Spooner | Adult
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Tent
Learn to paint the views of the Garden and flowers in watercolor with Artist Lucy “Clare” Spooner. She will discuss looking deeply at your surroundings, color, and composition. Clare will demonstrate a painting and then set you free to make a painting for yourself, gently guiding you through the painting process. All levels of experience are welcome. Registrants are encouraged to bring a lawn chair with a cup holder.

Plein Air Painters at King Family Vineyard  Beginning at 1:00pm | All ages
No Registration Required!
Experience the magic of plein air painting as an artist brings the vineyard’s charm to life right before your eyes. Surrounded by vines, hills, and dappled sunlight, the artist will translate the vineyard’s natural palette into a work of art. Stop by to observe, sip on a glass of wine, and gain insight into the creative process. King Family Vineyard, 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932

Plein Air Painting for Beginners 9:30am-11:00am | with Robin Hoffman | All Ages
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Tent
Learn the art of painting outdoors, observing true light and color in real-time with Charlottesville artist Robin Hoffman.

Art in the Garden 9:30am-11:00am | with Bridget Atwell | Adult
Limit 15 Registrants | $10 | BGP Tent
Join Charlottesville artist Bridget Atwell to tap into your creative energy and render scenes from the Garden in a style all your own. Bridget will show you how to use your instincts along with some basic composition, line, proportion, and color tips to make your artwork unique and eye-catching.

Landscape Arrangement in the Ikebana Style 12:00pm-2:00pm | with Tasha Tobin | Adult
Limit 20 Registrants | $80 | BGP Tent
Participants will learn how to make a landscape arrangement in the ikebana style. We will use low containers and Japanese flower pin holders called kenzans to create a graceful design evoking a waterside scene. The instructors will first demonstrate the arrangement and then help each student create a beautiful design to take home. Most materials are provided, but we ask all participants to bring their own secateurs/clippers. Of course, if you have a fantastic branch or something else wonderful in your garden please bring it to use in your design!

Plein Air Painters at Pippin Hill Vineyard  Beginning at 12:00pm | All ages
No Registration Required!
Watch the landscape come to life on canvas as rows of grapevines, rolling hills, and golden light inspire each brushstroke. Sip wine, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and witness the artistic process unfold in real time. This relaxed, open-air experience is perfect for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to slow down and savor the moment. Pippin Hill Vineyard, 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959.

Foraging Color from Plants 2:30pm-4:00pm | with Pat Brodowski | All ages
Limit 20 Registrants | Free | BGP Tent
Learn how to explore the hidden pigments in plants that let you dye fabrics and make paint.

Plein Air Painters at Knight’s Gambit Vineyard Beginning at 1:00pm | All ages
No Registration Required!
Come by the vineyard for a relaxed afternoon of art and wine! A local painter will be working live outdoors, creating a plein air piece inspired by the stunning vineyard views. It’s a great chance to enjoy the fresh air, chat with the artist, and soak in the beauty of the season—perfect for all ages. Knight’s Gambit Vineyard, 218 Knole Farm Ln, Charlottesville, VA 22901