By Catherine McCoy OnMilwaukee intern Published Apr 22, 2019 at 4:56 PM

After a long harsh winter, I think I speak for all of us when I say that we are ready for Milwaukee to be back in bloom. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in spring than at the Boerner Botanical Gardens, which will open for its regular season on Saturday, April 27.

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens provides year round advocacy, programming, awareness building, and fundraising, networking and outreach in support of the Boerner Botanical Gardens. Here are some of the activities they have planned for spring

April events

Grow Your Garden Knowledge Series
April Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$5/person/presentation
April 27: Monarch Butterflies

Take a Saturday morning to learn more about how to grow your own garden. It's a great opportunity to bring a bit of Boerner knowledge back home with you!

Gentle Yoga
April Tuesdays (April 23 and April 30)
1:30-2:30 p.m.
$15 or $10 for members

Gentle yoga will practice simple yet powerful techniques that you can use every day to keep your body happy. Learn stretches to help minimize discomfort while working on your core strength. Those new to yoga are encouraged to sign up! Advanced registration is appreciated, but walk-ins are welcome. Please bring your own mat or large towel.

Hypertufa Basics
Saturday, April 27, 1-3 p.m.
$25 or $20 for members

What is hypertufa, and how do you use it? Learn about this versatile material, make a plant-able container and more. All materials will be provided, be ready to get messy.

May events

11th Annual Art at the Gardens craft fair
Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Art at the Gardens is back and ready to kick off springtime! Admission to the fair is free; gardens open to the public at regular admission price.

Wednesday Night Walks
May 8: Spring Wildflowers
May 15: Tulips
May 22: Ornamental Trees
May 29: Iris

Enjoy an evening in the gardens with one of these themed walks, every Wednesday night in May.

Introduction to wedding flower arrangements
Tuesday, May 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Register by May 13
$80 or $75 for members

Wedding flowers are among the most beautiful and memorable of arrangements.  In this class, Annie Oklobdzjia from the Wild Pansy will teach you what flowers are best in what season, how to condition and care for your flowers, and you’ll create your own bouquet, corsages and more. Materials provided, although tools are limited. Please bring your own pruning shears.

In-Garden Paint & Sip
Thursday, May 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
$35 or $30 for members

Relax and paint the night away at the Gardens! Follow along with artist Beth Stoddard as we teach you how to paint outside in the fragrant garden air. Perfect date night! All painting supplies provided – must be 21 or over to purchase alcohol. In the case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to June 6.

Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens also offer a variety of year round family workshops, events, classes and adult education events such as nature-driven topics, garden walks and more. Join FBBG and enjoy unlimited admission to the Gardens and receive discounts in our adult/family classes and at our gift shop and the Zilli Café. Memberships start at $35.

Catherine McCoy OnMilwaukee intern
Catherine McCoy is an editorial intern, senior at Marquette, aspiring Grace Kelly and golden retriever enthusiast.