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.
Friday, October 9th, 2026: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Traverse City Design Week: Designing a Meadow-ette
Big or small, meadows can transform any landscape into a haven for pollinators, birds, and beauty. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll work alongside Executive Director and horticulturist Matthew Ross to design your very own 250-square-foot native meadow—perfect for a home garden!
This interactive course covers site selection, plant combinations, meadow layout, and long-term care.
FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS!
🌿 What’s Included:
✔️ Step-by-step meadow design instruction
✔️ A take-home kit of plants and seeds to establish your own 250 sq. ft. meadow
✔️ Expert insights from Matthew Ross, a nationally recognized garden designer
✔️ Time spent learning and creating in the beauty of the Garden
Saturday, October 10th, 2026: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Traverse City Design Week: Build a Botanical Scarecrow
🍁 Celebrate the magic of fall with your family, friends or creative crew as you build a botanical-themed scarecrow at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park.
Whether you are building on your own or bringing a team to assist, we look forward to seeing your design skills on display. Think outside the box as you apply creativity, ingenuity, and a personal touch to craft a one-of-a-kind scarecrow. We will provide the essentials: scarecrow frame, burlap, twine and straw. You bring your own old clothes, hats, and other decorations to personalize your creation.
🎃 Highlights Include:
- Build-your-own scarecrow activity (we provide the basics, you bring the flair!)
- One scarecrow kit per registered individual, family or team
- Bring your own clothing and decorations to personalize your scarecrow
- Enjoy a scavenger-style challenge: find the hidden scarecrow to win a special prize from the Visitor Center Gift Shop
- See your scarecrow on display at the Botanic Garden through October 31
All ages are welcome—perfect for families, friend groups, and autumn lovers alike.
Scarecrows will remain on display through October 31 and be recycled on November 1. Please note: All scarecrows become property of The Botanic Garden.
Participation is limited. Reserve your spot early!
Friday, October 16: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hands-On Landscape Design Workshop in the Upper Peninsula
Marquette Dept. of Public Works
1100 Wright St, Marquette, MI 49855
Are you headed north to take in the foliage this fall, and are you interested in enhancing your landscape design skills? Matthew will be leading a fall design workshop in Marquette for members of the Northern Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association (NMNLA). If you are interested and are not yet a member, please reach out to Matthew at: matthew@thebotanicgarden.org and he can share how you can register to attend.
There is no charge to attend but registration is required.
