Adult Education
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The Arnold Arboretum's continuing adult education program offers one-day and multisession horticulture, botany, and landscape-related courses for the beginner, avid amateur, and professional.
Members please login before registering for a class to get the discounted rate.
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 | Identifying the 25 Most Common Trees in Boston | Identifying the 25 Most Common Trees in Boston
Kyle Port, Manager of Plant Records, Arnold Arboretum
1 Session: Saturday, June 1, 9:00am–1:00pm
Location: Hunnewell Building
In just a few hours you can learn to identify 90 percent of the trees growing in Boston, both native and nonnative. Beginning in the classroom, you will briefly review the characteristics of the 25 most common trees and learn the botanical terminology necessary to describe them. You will then walk the grounds of the Arboretum to look at mature specimens of these trees.
Fee $45 member, $60 nonmember | |
 | Flash Night: Learning to Socialize with Fireflies | Flash Night: Learning to Socialize with Fireflies
Sara Lewis, Ph.D., Professor of Evolutionary nd Behavioral Ecology, Tufts University
1 Session: Wednesday, June 5, 7:30–9:00pm
Location: Hunnewell Building
Come learn to eavesdrop on and even converse with common New England fireflies. Anyone who's ever been mesmerized by the luminous flashes of these tiny insects will enjoy this evening talk and walk led by Sara Lewis, who has been studying the natural history and behavior of fireflies for more than 20 years. Wear shoes appropriate for walking in damp, muddy areas and bring along a headlamp or small flashlight.
Fee $10 member, $15 nonmember
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 | A Sensory Stroll | A Sensory Stroll
Kevin Schofield, Arboretum Docent
Sunday, June 16, 3:00-4:30pm
Location: Arborway Gate
Discover a world of wonder as you experience the fragrant and tactile aspects of woody plants at the Arnold Arboretum. Tour a world beyond the visual, focusing on your sense of smell and touch. This tour is suitable for blind or low vision visitors. Participants are welcome to bring sighted companions. This tour is free; however, attendance is limited, and pre-registration is required.
In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. | Sold Out |
 | Ericaceae Family Focus | Ericaceae Family Focus
Carol Govan, Botanist
1 Session: Tuesday, June 18, 9:30am–12:30pm
Location: New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods
Many different members of the Ericaceae, or heath family, thrive in New England’s acidic soils. Class begins with images and a description of the attributes of this family, including a demonstration of Go Botany to see the various genera. We will then walk outdoors to visit Garden in the Wood’s collection of azaleas, rhododendrons, blueberries, cranberries, leatherleaf, dog hobble, and more, also looking for evidence of nectar thieves and buzz pollination.
Fee $40 member, $48 nonmember
Offered with the New England Wild Flower Society
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 | In the Groves: A Summer Solstice Journey | In the Groves: A Summer Solstice Journey
Diane Edgecomb, Storyteller, and Margot Chamberlain, Celtic Harpist
2 Sessions (select one): Friday, June 21, or Saturday, June 22, 6:30–8:30pm
Location: Hunnewell Building
Join us for an enchanting evening of tree lore and summer-solstice legends. Diane and Margot spin tales of the human connection with trees and the deep meaning we have assigned to them through the ages. This unique performance, designed specifically for the Arnold Arboretum, travels through the Arboretum with story and music. Each story is told under a different tree or among a unique collection of Arboretum plants. The program begins under a grand Cedar of Lebanon, moves into the rosaceous collection, to the oaks of Bussey Hill, then onward to Hemlock Hill, culminating with the haunting Czech legend “The Wild Woman of the Birch Grove” told amid the birches at sunset. Appropriate for adults and for children twelve years and above. Bring a cushion to sit on if you wish. Registrants will walk approximately two miles on and off trails on uneven terrain. The performance takes place rain or shine. In the event of rain, it will be held in the Hunnewell Building lecture hall. Register early for this popular event.
Fee $20 per person through June 10; $25 per person after June 10 | Register |
 | Woody Vines for the Garden | Woody Vines for the Garden
Jen Kettell, Horticultural Technologist
1 Session: Rescheduled from Tuesday, June 11 to Tuesday, June 25 at 6:00–8:00pm
Location: Leventritt Garden, meet at Dana Greenhouse
Effective landscape design includes creative development of vertical space, and vines should be considered from the outset. While touring the Leventritt Garden of Shrubs and Vines, horticulturist Jen Kettell will introduce you to an array of woody vines. She will explain their various growth habits and attachment mechanisms which determine how they are best used in the garden. Focusing on floral, foliar, and fruiting characteristics, she’ll recommend vines for a variety of situations.
Fee $20 member, $25 nonmember | Register |
 | Reveal the Hidden Forest: Fungi at the Arboretum | Reveal the Hidden Forest: Fungi at the Arboretum
Susan Goldhor, Biologist and President, Boston Mycological Club (BMC);
Joel Kershner, Arboretum Field Studies Guide and BMC member
Saturday, June 29, 2:30-4:00pm
Location: Bussey Street Gate
Turn your attention to the fascinating world of fungi at the Arboretum. Discover and identify some of the fungi that interact in complex ways with other organisms under the soil, within leaves, on bark and rocks. Rain date: June 30
In case of inclement weather, contact 617.384.5209. | Sold Out |
 | Introduction to Plant Families | Introduction to Plant Families: Rosaceae, Liliaceae, Violaceae, Ericaceae
Carol Govan, Botanist
3 Sessions: Saturdays, July 13, 20, 27, 10:00am–2:00pm
Location: New England Wild Flower Society's Garden in the Woods
Rosaceae, Liliaceae, Violaceae, Ericaceae. . . Expand your understanding of New England’s wild plants by learning interesting clues about their family relationships. Use microscopes and walk the Garden in the Woods to study live plants and find diagnostic characteristics. We examine woody and herbaceous plants belonging to several families to observe their similarities and differences. Learn basic formulas for plant structure and how to apply these to other families encountered. Handouts will be provided before class begins so novices can become familiar with basic botanical terminology included in Go Botany and Newcombs Field Guide to Wildflowers, which will help you enjoy looking at plant structure. Bring lunch and a hand lens to class.
Fee $180 member, $216 nonmember
Offered with the New England Wild Flower Society
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 | The Drunken Botanist | The Drunken Botanist: The Plants that Create the World's Greatest Drinks
Amy Stewart, Award-winning Author
1 Session: Wednesday, July 24, 6:30–8:30pm
Location: Weld Hill Research Building
Who knew that horticulture was such an intoxicating subject? In this follow-up to the New York Times bestsellers Wicked Bugs and Wicked Plants, Amy Stewart explores the odd, unusual, and surprisingly common plants that have produced the world’s greatest spirits. The Drunken Botanist uncovers the enlightening botanical history and the fascinating science and chemistry of over 150 plants, flowers, trees, fruits, and even a few fungi. Join Amy for a fun and enlightening lecture, followed by a tasting of locally crafted beverages (must be 21 or older).
Fee $30 member, $40 nonmember
| Register |
 | Shrubs across the Seasons: July | Shrubs across the Seasons: July
Michael Dosmann, Curator of Living Collections
1 Session: Wednesday, July 10, 6:30–8:30pm
Location: Hunnewell Building
Walk the landscape with Michael Dosmann to learn about shrubs, both common and lesser-known species. Michael will focus on those that display outstanding characteristics in summer. You’ll learn cultural requirements and see full-size specimens so you can determine which shrubs might suit your needs. See additional session in September.
Fee $20 member, $27 nonmember
| Register |
 | Art Talk: The Arboretum-BTU School Partnership | Art Talk: A Closer Look at the Arboretum-BTU School Partnership
Ana Maria Caballero, Arboretum School Science Specialist
1 Session: Wednesday, July 17, 6:00-7:30pm
Location: Hunnewell Building
Learn about the unique partnership between the Arnold Arboretum and the Boston Teachers Union School to enhance science learning for students from Kindergarten through fifith grade. Gain a deeper appreciation for the work behind the art exhibition, "Through a Child's Eyes," on display through September 1. Both teachers from the BTU School and Arboretum children's educators will present at this special talk.
Free, registration requested.
Note: The Hunnewell Building lecture hall is often used for meetings and classes. Please call 617.384.5209 for exhibition availability, and refer to Hunnewell Visitor Center hours. | Register |
 | Introduction to Botany | Introduction to Botany
K. N. Gandhi, Botanist, Harvard University Herbaria
8 Sessions: Tue Sep 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov 5, 12 6:30–8:30pm
Location: Harvard University Herbaria
Learn botany from dedicated instructor and plant nomenclature specialist Kanchi Gandhi. Among the topics to be explored: plant cells and tissues, anatomy and morphology, reproduction, nutrition, growth and development, plant diversity, evolution, classification, and nomenclature. This course, offering both lecture and laboratory activities, introduces botany to new students or serves as a refresher course. Required text: Botany for Gardeners by Brian Capon.
Fee $225 member, $270 nonmember
Credit MCLP: 1ceu; MCA: 1ceu
Offered in collaboration with the New England Wild Flower Society | |
 | Shrubs across the Seasons: September | Shrubs across the Seasons: September
Michael Dosmann, Curator of Living Collections
1 Session: Sunday, September 29, 10:00am–Noon
Location: Hunnewell Building
Walk the landscape with Michael Dosmann to learn about shrubs, both common and lesser-known species. Michael will focus on those that display outstanding characteristics in early autumn. You’ll learn cultural requirements and see full-size specimens so you can determine which shrubs might suit your needs.
Fee $20 member, $27 nonmember
| Register |
 | Chainsaw Use and Safety | Chainsaw Use and Safety
John DelRosso, Head Arborist, Arnold Arboretum
1 Session: Saturday, October 5, 9:00am–3:00pm
Location: Hunnewell Building
"Make the cut" with Arboretum arborist John DelRosso in this practical workshop. John will first emphasize chainsaw operation, maintenance, and safety. He will then demonstrate sawing techniques and guide you in felling and cutting using practice logs in the Arboretum’s wood recycling area. Bring your saw, if you have one. If you don’t own a saw but intend to purchase one, wait until you’ve attended the class to learn which styles and features are best for your size and needs. Participants should bring safety goggles, gloves, and ear protection. Dress for the outdoors and bring a lunch and beverage. Registrants must sign an Assumption of Risk and Release to participate.
Fee $75 member, $95 nonmember
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