NILES, Mich. — Fernwood has planned a number of events for the end of summer, including a tour of rooftop gardens in Chicago. Find out about how to take advantage of this activity and many more below:

 

Garden Volunteer Opportunity

Wednesday evenings at 5 p.m.

Guests can have fun and make new friends while helping Fernwood maintain its garden collections. On Wednesday evenings, join the Wine and Weed Wednesday volunteers for an hour or so of light work, followed by time to enjoy good company and a local vintage on the Café decks. For more information about becoming a Fernwood volunteer, call (269) 695-6491 or just stop in.

 

Summer Yoga

Wednesdays and Saturdays

12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

Practice the fundamentals of yoga at Fernwood with instructors Deirdre Guthrie, Greta Hurst, and Krista Kotlarz, on Wednesdays and Saturdays this summer. Class will be held in the garden, weather permitting. Walk-ins are welcome. $10 (Members $8) Look for new yoga offerings in Fernwood’s fall newsletter.

 

Tile Two

Open through Sunday, Sept. 13

After the great success of our tile show two years ago, Fernwood and curator Kathee Kiesselbach welcome back the rich colors and shine of handmade ceramic tiles, this time expanded to include the works of Midwest tile makers. Handmade ceramic tiles glazed with beautiful blues, greens, browns, reds, and more—many Arts & Crafts style tiles—and decorated with garden themes. Frogs, herbs, turtles, birds, and patterns will adorn the walls of the Clark Gallery. Tiles will be for sale throughout the show.

 

Introduction To Seed Saving

Sunday, Aug. 30

2 to 4 p.m.

Learn the basics of harvesting, processing, cleaning and storing a variety of seed types in this hands-on workshop. Topics include determining ripeness, methods of seed collection, processing techniques, storage, and seed viability. $12 (Members $10) Register by Aug. 28.

 

Chicago Rooftop Bus Tour

Wednesday, Sept. 2

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Chicago Green Roof Tour is back and with some fantastic new locations! We are privileged once again to get on the world-famous green roof of Chicago City Hall and Lurie Garden, designed by Piet Oudolf. After lunch, we head to the Shedd Aquarium for a guided garden tour, and our last stop, the 20,000-square-foot rooftop garden at McCormick Place! Lunch of your choice will be provided by Fernwood.

As an effort to reduce plastic, we encourage you to bring your own refillable water vessel. Tickets are very limited, so call today for this rare opportunity! Register by Aug. 28.

$125 (Members $100)

 

Waus Second Sunday Concert

Sunday, Sept. 13

4 p.m.

Join us for the final WAUS Radio Second Sunday Concert of the season, featuring Symphony Brass Quintet performing on the Green. Admission is free after 3:30 p.m.

 

On Contested Ground: The Changing Nature of the Prairie Forest Ecotone by Joel Greenberg

Saturday, Sept. 19

2 to 4 p.m.

When the first Europeans arrived at the southern end of Lake Michigan in the 1670s, they encountered a rich and diverse landscape largely carved by the last great push of the glaciers. The entire area was a great ecotone where the prairies competed with forests.

Joel Greenberg, author of A Natural History of the Chicago Region and Of Prairie, Woods, and Water, takes a look at how this area has changed over the course of the last 300 years. Much has been lost, some has been saved, and there are steps that can be taken to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the natural beauty that remains. $25 (Members $20)

Register by Sept. 11.

 

About Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

Fernwood is a special place where nature blends with gardens and art to create an experience of wonder for all ages. Fernwood comprises 105 acres on the St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Michigan, at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, and Sunday, noon to 6:00 pm. Café hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. Call (269) 695-6491 or visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org for more information and to confirm status of classes.