Gardens and their visually rich flora have served as sources of inspiration for artists throughout history. Great artistic explorations of the garden abound in collections across the world, from Monet’s paintings of Giverny, Audubon’s botanical works, Cezanne’s fruit still lifes, and Paul Strand’s photographic studies of the plants in his backyard.

This spring, Fleisher will present Garden Aesthetics, a series of lectures and workshops that will explore the connection between the outdoors and the creative impulse. From building terrariums and painting in Fleisher’s Bootsie Weiss Children’s Garden, to turning invasive species into hand-made paper and exploring South Philadelphia’s open spaces, this selection of workshops and tours will reconnect students with the outdoors and examine the creative possibilities it contains.

Garden Aesthetics will begin with a number of lectures and demonstrations this month as part of Fleisher’s Sanctuary Series and will continue into the spring term with a range of classes and workshops.

February Sanctuary Series events:

Pressed Flower Arrangements with Rob Stauffer
Wednesday, February 17, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
With winter storm Jonas behind us and spring just around the corner, we invite you to escape into the world of flowers and their delicate beauty. Learn more …

Urban Garden Design with Ben Cromie
Wednesday, February 24, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Get ready for spring with Master Gardener Ben Cromie. He’ll discuss the basics of garden layout, bed construction, soil quality, urban forests, native plants, composting, and general care. Learn more …

Hand Papermaking from Invasive Plants with Mary Tasillo and Nicole Donnelly
Wednesday, March 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Since its invention over 2,000 years ago, relatively little has changed in the process, but the application of papermaking has transformed to include not only a writing surface but a versatile artistic medium. Learn more …

Spring classes and workshops:
Registration for Fleisher’s spring classes and workshops will open on Monday, February 22, at 8:00 a.m. Take a peek at the Garden Aesthetics offerings, as well and the full slate of classes, over at our online class listings.