Upcoming Events
The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is a place for lifelong learning. Our programming includes speakers, presentations, demonstrations, “make & take” classes, and so much more! We are always adding new events to the calendar. Please check back often!
Most programs, classes, and events at The Botanic Garden are discounted for members. Not a member yet? Join online here!
Registration for our programs through Eventbrite is easy. Your reservation will be available from your email confirmation or order history –there is no need to print your ticket. For free events, registering via Eventbrite helps us plan for your attendance.
Sunday, August 9th, 2026: 1pm-3pm
Children’s Sensory Garden’s 1st Birthday Party
This August we are celebrating the first birthday of our Children’s Sensory Garden. Come out for this free family event and see how much this space has grown! Enjoy music, story time with local authors, wagon rides, and games to celebrate!
Thursday, August 13th, 2026: 6pm-8pm
Songs for the Earth Curious
Join us for a concert by Stonefruit Collective in the new Debra J Edson Family Education Center.
Relax and experience the sweet melodies of the earth through the lens of local artists at The Botanic Garden.
Celebrate our favorite planet with grooves for the atmosphere, serenades for the soil, and hymns for the open water. These original Americana tunes, played by a seven-piece band, remind us to connect with the flora and fauna of this unique and life-sustaining space rock.
Join us for an evening of great music, beautiful blooms, and a historic barn as we share the musical talents of Stonefruit Collective. The concert will be held inside the new Debra J. Edson Family Education Center, and we highly recommend walking the gardens either before or after the performance.
Tuesday, August 25th, 2026: 5:30pm-7pm
Nature’s Best Hope Lecture by Doug Tallamy
Join us for an evening with award-winning author and leader of the native plant movement, Doug Tallamy.
Whether you are seeking ways to enhance the impact of your garden, or just getting started in your gardening journey, this inspirational lecture will empower you with the knowledge and insight into how your garden can have a positive impact on our globe.
Doug Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 120 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 45 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities.
His books include Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, Nature’s Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of Oaks, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 book award, and his latest book How Can I Help. In 2021 he co-founded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari (HomegrownNationalPark.org). His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America, The Herb Society, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and The American Horticultural Society.
The lecture includes light refreshments and a chance to experience the first large lecture in the new Debra J. Edson Family Education Center. A tour of the Anishinaabe Foraging Meadow and Medicine Wheel will follow.
Thursday, September 3rd, 2026: 4pm-7pm
Floral Arranging Master Class with Forget Me Not Farms
Join Lindsay Daschner of Forget Me Not Farms in this interactive class on floral arranging. Leave with your own arrangement!
About Forget Me Not Farms
Forget Me Not Farms is a woman-owned specialty cut flower farm in Ottawa Lake, Michigan, founded by Michigan State University graduate Lindsay Daschner in 2016. The farm specializes in growing premium, seasonal cut flowers for florists, grocery stores, and floral designers throughout Michigan, with a focus on sustainable production and showcasing the beauty of locally grown blooms. From extra-frilly lisianthus to heirloom chrysanthemums, every stem is harvested with an appreciation for the changing seasons and the artistry of flowers.
Lindsay is passionate about connecting people to the stories behind the flowers they arrange. Through workshops, writing, and educational events, she enjoys sharing practical design techniques while celebrating the incredible diversity of Michigan-grown cut flowers.
Of course, no Forget Me Not Farms event would be complete without Tater, Lindsay’s beloved beagle and faithful flower farm companion. Whether greeting visitors, supervising harvest, or simply soaking up the sunshine between the blooms, Tater has become a cherished part of the farm’s story and is always happy to help welcome new flower enthusiasts.
Lindsay and Tater are excited to partner with the Botanical Garden in Traverse City and look forward to sharing an afternoon of flowers, creativity, and inspiration with you.
Wednesday , September 9th, 2026: 7pm-8:30pm
Jules Klee and Drew Hale in Concert
Join us for an evening of music in the Walled Garden with Americana artist Jules Klee and local musician Drew Hale.
Jules Klee is an Americana singer-songwriter whose voice has been described as knowing when to soothe and when to bruise, drawing comparisons to Emmylou Harris. Her songs blend folk, country, and roots influences with vivid storytelling and quiet emotional depth. Currently touring the Great Lakes by bicycle, she’s sharing new music inspired by the landscapes and communities she encounters along the way as she prepares to release her forthcoming album, Roses on My Table.
Located outside in the Walled Garden, so please dress for the weather. Light refreshments and nonalcoholic beverages will be provided.
Saturday, September 12th, 2026: 10am-2pm
Botanical Painting in Watercolor Workshop
Join local artist and illustrator Jane Kendra for a watercolor workshop focusing on botanicals.
Join Traverse City artist and illustrator Jane Kendra for an inspiring one-day workshop exploring the beauty of botanical painting in watercolor. Designed for beginners, this relaxed, hands-on class introduces the core skills needed to paint with watercolor, from basic brush techniques and color mixing to creating a realistic painting of a spring flower. Through step-by-step demonstrations and guided practice, Jane will help you build confidence, develop your eye for detail, and discover the joy of observing nature through art. Jane will also introduce essential materials for beginning watercolor painters, share some of her favorite tools, and demonstrate simple ways to enhance your paintings. Participants are welcome to bring a snack or lunch for scheduled breaks.
Weather permitting, the class will also step outside to see what is blooming in the garden and gather fresh inspiration from the season.
Jane Kendra Biography
With a creative practice spanning watercolor, acrylics, and a wide range of artistic media, artist and illustrator Jane Kendra brings both technical skill and curiosity to her work. Originally trained in art before earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Jane spent 20 years as an architectural designer in the healthcare field—an experience that sharpened her eye for structure, detail, and composition. In 2020, Jane returned to her lifelong passion for art and later completed the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate Program through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden in Pittsburgh in 2025. Jane’s paintings celebrate the beauty of shape, color, and light, inviting students to slow down, look closely, and discover the expressive possibilities of botanical watercolor.
Thursday, September 24 – Saturday, September 26
Great Lakes, Great Plants
Great Lakes, Great Plants returns this fall with a fresh lineup of lectures, tours, and immersive experiences celebrating horticulture, design, and the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Designed for professionals and plant lovers alike, this three-day event includes inspiring talks, a rare plant auction, guided garden tours, and exclusive bonus experiences.
This year’s programming focuses on Defining the Modern Midwest Landscape, Treecycling, and The Wildland Garden, offering practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and plenty of inspiration.
The event is proudly sponsored by the Northern Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association and hosted by The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, located in the heart of Traverse City.