What's New at the Botanic Gardens

Be a community leader by teaching K-8 Arboretum programs on wetland ecology, plant life cycles, and a variety of other themes this summer.

Hone your public speaking and interpretation skills, learn about native plants and wildlife, and be a positive environmental role model for kids -- all in the company of our committed, passionate staff and volunteers. Guides also receive program vouchers for UW Botanic Gardens classes.

Read more about Summer Program Guides here. To sign up or learn more, contact Education Coordinator Shawna Hartung at 206-616-3381 or shlea@u.washington.edu.

Click here for a full list of classes and events from May through August. To register, contact Jean Robins at 206-685-2590.

Looking to green up your deck or patio? Want to grow your own food, but don’t have a garden? Espalier is your answer!

Seattle Tree Fruit Society president David Connors teaches “The Art of Espalier” on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at UW Botanic Gardens.

Anyone can learn this centuries-old technique for creating symmetrical trees, bushes, and vines that save space and please the eye. With the art of espalier, you can harvest your own apples, use camellias to camouflage a fence or wall, and much more. $40 per person; pre-registration required. To register, contact Jean Robins at 206-685-2590.

Click here for a full list of classes and events from May through August.

Gain plant identification skills with a class at the Arboretum. Take a walk outside and discover the perfect plant for you, as certified arborist Bess Bronstein shows you 20 plant picks for your late spring garden.

Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. – noon. $35 per person; pre-registration required. Contact Jean Robins at 206-685-2590.

Click here for a full list of classes and events from May through August.

The UW Botanic Gardens Director Search is moving forward. Four candidates will interview on-campus this quarter.

Please join us as the candidates give public seminars focused on the vision and strengths they will bring to the UW Botanic Gardens as its Director. Comment forms will be available to return after seminars, mail in, or give to any committee member. The candidates, seminar topics, and dates are as follows:

Dr. Quentin Cronk
Professor in Plant Science, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia
"From Olmsted's civic dream to global environmental stewardship: A new vision for the University of Washington Botanic Gardens"
April 23, 3 p.m., Graham Visitors Center, Washington Park Arboretum

Dr. Steven Clemants
Vice President of Science, Brooklyn Botanic Garden
"Urban Botanic Gardens: Nurturing the Green City"
May 5, 3 p.m., New location: NHS Hall, Center for Urban Horticulture

Dr. Roger Kjelgren
Professor and Interim Department Head, Plant, Soils, and Climate, Utah State University
"Institutional Ecosystem: Telling UW Botanic Gardens' Story"
May 8, 3 p.m., UW Waterfront Activities Center

Dr. Meg Lowman
Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies and Director of Environmental Initiatives, New College of Florida
"No Child Left Indoors: Using UWBG to Inspire Ecology Education and
Environmental Stewardship"
May 12, 3 p.m., 207 Anderson Hall (Forest Club Room)

Explore the great outdoors this summer at the Washington Park Arboretum. Discover the world of plants, wetlands, and wildlife through art, science, games, and creative writing. Register now for kids' programs, including Summer Day Camp, Summer Sleuths, or our Saplings school and Seedlings preschool programs!