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)

This 3-day camp fosters an understanding of wildlife and teaches kids to appreciate the value of the natural world in a garden habitat. Campers will enjoy fun, hands-on activities that emphasize animal habitats, food sources and gardening. In addition to creating various forms of shelter and food sources, participants will explore both the Botanical Garden and Zoo for different habitats.

Ages:	6 to 10
Dates:	February 21–23
Time:	9:00am - 3:00pm
Daily Pack List:	Lunch and a bottle of water
Cost:	$100 (includes T-shirt) REGISTER FOR CLASS

: 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 for one child (with one adult for ages 3-4) per class

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS (click each title for more information)

+ Eco-Art

Dates: Jan 13 and 19

Make prints from flowers, learn how dyes come from plants, and explore the variety of art we can make from nature.

+ Spice Up Your Life

Dates: Feb 9 and 16

Indulge your senses! Discover how we get different spices and herbs. Plus, make an herbal surprise to take home.

+ The Need for Seed

Dates: Mar 8 and 29

Come explore seeds as food—for people and animals—and learn how seeds are spread by animals.

+ Pollen Power

Dates: Apr 12 and 20

Discover who the pollen makers and pollen movers are with creative games as we learn about why pollination is so important for everyone. This bug's eye view of flowers will make kids appreciate the secret world of bugs!

+ Bug Munching Plants

Dates: May 11 and 24

Plants that can eat bugs are among the coolest plants there are. Find out how they catch bugs, why they do it and where these plants live as we get an up close view of these amazing plants.

: Encourages children to explore their natural surroundings.

Ages:	7 to 10
Time:	10:00am - 12:00pm
Location:	Botanical Garden
Cost:	$15 per child per class

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS (click each title for more information)

+ Plants on Our Plate

Dates: Feb 18

Take an adventure through our edible garden and create a plant parts grocery store full of fresh produce. Play games and make a treat to take home.

+ Leaf and Flower Prints

Dates: Mar 10

Plants can produce a variety of colors! Make chlorophyll leaf prints, dyes from flower petals and more.

+ Hike and Seek

Dates: Apr 7

We will explore the garden for signs of new plant life, look for nesting birds and see what spring has brought us as we hike throughout the Garden and Woodland Walk. Everyone will make a special spring surprise to take home.

+ Growing and Using Herbs

Dates: May 12

Children will plant some herbs, learn about some commonly used herbs and make a delicious snack using fresh from the garden ingredients.

Ages:	8 to 10 (Level 1) and 11 to 13 (Level 2)
Dates:	January 11 to May 23
Time:	10:00am - 12:30pm every Wednesday
Location:	Botanical Garden
Cost:	$150 per child. Fee includes youth handbook, T-shirt, and all materials.

REGISTRATION FOR HOMESCHOOLERS SESSIONS IS CLOSED.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS (click each title for more information)

+ Ten Terrific Gardens on the East Coast

Dates: Jan 29

Longwood graduate Kate Baltzell will take participants North through a virtual tour of 10 great gardens to visit via a road trip from North Carolina to New York. This presentation will cover the highlights of both well known and smaller gardens such as Airlie Gardens, Lewis Ginter, Chanticleer and more. This is a great way to beat the winter blues and plan your next getaway!

Cost Per Person:

$8 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Sunday, January 29 @ 2:00-4:00pm

+ From Farm to Fork Dinner and Demo

Dates: Feb 18

Come and enjoy farm-fresh, local produce as Chef Chris Rawlings from Gourmet2Go Catering demonstrates how to cook a delicious dinner. Participants will enjoy a 3-course meal during the cooking demonstration.

Cost Per Person:

$40 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, February 18 @ 5:00-8:00pm

+ Simple Flower Arrangements

Dates: Mar 3

Bring a small container or vase to this class and learn some basic tips for creating a stunning floral arrangement using fresh flowers incorporated with other unexpected items such as fruit, fabric, lace, ribbon and more. The techniques learned can be applied to any size arrangement, depending on the occasion. Everyone will make a small table top arrangement to take home.

Cost Per Person:

$30 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, March 3 @ 10:00am-12:00pm

+ Vegetable Gardening Successfully

Dates: Apr 7

This basic workshop will focus on techniques for vegetable gardening that minimize work and maximize yield. The instructor will highlight some of the different varieties available of warm season vegetables as well as problem solving to ensure a healthy harvest.

Cost Per Person:

$15 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, April 7 @ 10:00am-12:00pm

+ Going Organic

Dates: Apr 21

Growing plants organically seems like a daunting task. Learn how to start and some simple tips and remedies to keep plants healthy. Plus, make a safe, organic concoction to take home for those inevitable pests.

Cost Per Person:

$15 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, April 21 @ 10:00am-12:00pm

+ Creative Containers

Dates: May 12

Mix different textures and colors together for a container that will look good all summer long. This workshop will cover basic design and care for fabulous container plantings. Bring your own container up to 18" in diameter, and we will provide the plant material to fill it up.

Cost Per Person:

$40 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, May 12 @ 10:00am-12:00pm

+ String Up Your Garden

Dates: May 19

Back by popular demand, this workshop will go through the basics of creating a hanging garden by wrapping a root ball in string and clay. These plants can be suspended from an arbor or a tree to create a unique hanging garden. Everyone will make a plant to take home.

Cost Per Person:

$20 per peson

Scheduled Dates and Times:

Saturday, May 19 @ 10:00-11:30am

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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