Saturday, May 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  |  Poetry Writing Workshop: Blackout Poetry
Join instructor Julie S. Paschold for a morning creating blackout poetry, a form of found poetry where a poet selects words from existing text and "blacks out" part of the page to reveal a new poem. Review examples and discuss the meaning behind this art crossing into literature. Supplies will be provided, but bring your favorite markers or Sharpie, if desired, and your imaginative mind! Pre-registration is required.
Cost: $20  |  Garden members receive 20% off.

Saturday, June 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  |  Poetry Writing Workshop: That Bloomin' Poetry
Ever really looked at a flower as it blooms—noticed the petals, wondered what each part is called, and how the bloom plays a role in the life of the plant? What does that have to do with poetry? In this outdoor workshop, we’ll explore the many ways things “bloom,” both in nature and in our lives, using observation as a starting point for creative writing. Bring a notebook, something to write with, and come prepared to spend time outside as you find fresh inspiration in the garden. Dress for the weather, bring water, and use sun protection, if needed!
Led by Julie S. Paschold.
Cost: $20  |  Garden members receive 20% off.

Saturday, July 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  |  Poetry Writing Workshop: Writing About Small Worlds
Discover the hidden microworlds within the gardens at Lauritzen Gardens. While we often admire the flowers and greenery, this class invites you to look closer at the small creatures that live within, from fish in the pond to insects in the soil and bees among the blooms, and to find a critter to write about. Bring a notebook, something to write with, and a clipboard if needed for this outdoor experience. Dress for the weather, bring water, and use sun protection, if needed! Led by Julie S. Paschold.
Cost: $20  |  Garden members receive 20% off.

Saturday, August 8 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  |  Wonder in the Garden
We experience wonder spontaneously in the presence of grandeur or mystery—think of a total solar eclipse or a starling murmuration. But wonder can also be intentionally cultivated. In this workshop we’ll explore how to grow astonishment by listening to, and even conversing with, the many non-human voices in a garden. Led by author Colleen Morton Busch. Students will receive a signed copy of Smolder during the workshop. Pre-registration required.
Cost: $35  |  Garden members receive 20% off.

Saturday, August 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  |  Poetry Writing Workshop: Gathering Words
Do you have a favorite word? Ever been handed a smattering of words, been told “Here, write a poem with these”? Now is your time to be
challenged with the strange, the beautiful, the bizarre, the lovely. We will discuss the meaning behind certain words, how mixing them together changes their meanings, how some words have several definitions depending on how they are used. Bring a notebook, something to write with, and your pensive brain. Led by Julie S. Paschold.
Cost: $20  |  Garden members receive 20% off.

Saturday, September 12 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  |  Poetry Writing Workshop: Paying Homage to Families
Since the next day is Grandparents’ Day, we will be celebrating everything to do with families! Bring your gratitude, your funny stories, your tearful memories. Let’s get these down on paper, ready to share. Let’s discuss how to turn a story into a poem, a joke into verse. Bring a notebook and writing utensil. Led by Julie S. Paschold.
Cost: $20  |  Garden members receive 20% off.