Garden Programs :: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden

Garden Programs

Children can explore Fort Mulberry, sit in a giant's chair or explore the miniature house in the Play Garden, while kids of all ages can go on a fun-filled Garden Scavenger Hunt in search of unusual plants and decorative folk art. Garden programs offer even more opportunities to dig up fascinating facts about native and exotic plant life at Riverbanks and beyond. Expert horticulturists engage participants with hands-on learning and demonstrations. Garden programs are available for ages 3 through adult. Come grow with us!

Please review our Program Registration Policy. Pre-registration is required for all activities.

For more information on Garden Programs or other educational opportunities in the Garden, please contact our Garden Staff at 803.779.8717x1799.

Think you're an expert at finding things? Try your hand at this ultimate Garden challenge!
Download* the Garden Scavenger Hunt sheet for your next visit! (*requires Adobe Reader)

: Kids' garden programs include a lesson, craft and story.

Ages:	3 to 4 with an adult
Time:	10:00 - 10:45am
Location:	Botanical Garden
Cost:	$9 per child (with an adult)

MAY 2013 (click each title for more information)

+ Itsy Bitsy Spider

Dates: May 2 and 9

Learn about these amazing arachnids, their role in the garden and how they make their sticky webs.

+ From Flowers to Fruit

Dates: May 16 and 23

Pretend to be a flower, spread your pollen and grow a fruit as we explore the magic of blossoms in the Garden.

Drop in anytime during Mudpie Mondays for a fun nature-based activity!

Dates:	Every Monday
Time:	10:00–11:30am
Location:	Inside the Botanical Garden Visitors Center in the Bloom Room
Cost:	Free with admission or membership.

JMG provides an opportunity for youth to interact and bond with nature through hands-on gardening, scientific experiments and arts. This session is held on Wednesdays beginning in September and meets every two weeks. Students complete certification for the entire program during this time. Participants are required to do a set number of group activities with the leaders, as well as individual activities each week on their own, in order to obtain certification.

Dates:	September 4 – May 28
Time:	10:00am–12:00pm
Ages:	8 to 10 (Level 1) explores insects, plant life, fruits and vegetables, design, and more. 11 to 13 (Level 2) focuses on plant growth and propagation methods, as well as the effects of soil and water cycles on plants.
Cost:	$175 per child—includes handbook, T-shirt, and supplies

MAY 2013 (click each title for more information)

+ Vermi-Composting Workshop

Date: May 18

Learn the secrets to successful composting with worms. Worms are wonderful decomposers that create a nutrient-rich fertilizer for plants. Everyone will create a starter worm bin (with worms) to take home.

Cost Per Person:

$20 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, May 18 @ 10:00–11:30am

+ String Up Your Garden

Date: May 24

Back by popular demand, this workshop will go through the basics of creating a hanging garden. These living root balls wrapped in string and clay can be suspended from an arbor or tree in your yard. Everyone will make a plant to take home.

Cost Per Person:

$20 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Friday, May 24 @ 10:00–11:30am

+ Kokedama Demonstration

Date: June 29

A traditional Japanese garden may feature hanging Kokedama moss balls. The spheres are hanging balls of soil, clay and small bonsai trees and plants, which are covered in moss. The Kokedama part of the ball is the bonsai tree or plant that only grows a few inches tall. Traditionally, the Japanese Kokedama ball could also sit on a plate in a lightly lit window. This workshop will demonstrate how you can make your own Japanese Kokedama moss balls.

Cost Per Person:

$15 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, June 29 @ 9:30–10:30am

Cost:	A program fee of $55 is charged for each class of 25 students.
Capacity:	Garden programs can accommodate any group size. These informal programs are held in the Botanical Garden amphitheater, with participants sitting on the grass.
Availability:	Programs are available Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm. Each program lasts approximately one hour.
To Reserve:	Programs may be reserved in advance by calling 803.978.1131 or by emailing asegura@riverbanks.org.

PRESCHOOL-2ND GRADE (click each title for more information)

+ Bug Hunt

+ All Living Things

3RD-6TH GRADE (click each title for more information)

+ Plant Adaptations

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