Discover the magic of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, a radiant beacon of natural beauty and vibrant community spirit that invites all who yearn for a deeper connection with nature to explore its lush landscapes. Here, guests can experience an invigorating blend of nature, music, and creativity that captivates the senses and feeds the soul through a variety of monthly events and workshops. Whether you're a devoted member or a curious newcomer, Yew Dell nurtures a community of nature enthusiasts, inspiring budding horticulturists and celebrating the breathtaking beauty that flourishes just beyond your doorstep.
July: Music and Creative Workshops
July cranks up the excitement with the launch of the highly anticipated Bourbon &Botanicals music series on Thursday, July 10. This iconic event features live performances by eight local and regional bands, accompanied by dinner and cocktails available for purchase from Martha Lee's Café.
"We're very fortunate that Bourbon & Botanicals is a signature event because it has become a tradition for folks," explained Susan Lucas, event and program manager at Yew Dell. "During COVID, we were one of the very few places that had anything going on in the summer. And so now, for our returning folks, it's just become part of their summer plans."
Even if you are a long-time attendee of Bourbon & Botanicals, every year brings new and exciting acts to the lineup, so no two years are the same. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy great music under Yew Dell's gorgeous, covered outdoor Rounsavall Pavilion.
If you're looking for more family-friendly events that engage family members of all ages, July offers some fun-filled activities perfect for getting your little ones out into nature.
Children in the Dell takes place every Saturday in July and features nature and garden-themed crafts and projects that foster creativity and a lifelong interest in horticulture-related studies. The best part? Each weekend features a different project, so families are encouraged to come each week and spend some time together surrounded by Yew Dell's natural beauty and get creative with little ones engaging in July's theme: pollinators.
July also features a series of horticulture walks on Saturdays, as well as hands-on workshops, including DIY herbarium sheets, plus flower pressing and arranging classes led by Yew Dell's garden experts. Additionally, a sensory tea-tasting workshop will be held, where participants will savor the aromatic spice blends of herbal teas. Not only are these workshops and nature walks a great way to immerse yourself in Yew Dell, but they also teach guests valuable skills and introduce them to new hobbies that they can take back to their gardens at home.
Rounding out July's events is the Fabulous Friday monthly happy hour. This beloved event invites families to visit Yew Dell for live music, lawn games, seasonally themed drinks, and delicious creations from the garden's own culinary creationist, Chef Mike. Each month has a different theme that is revealed closer to the event, so the anticipation and excitement for the last Friday of each month is always high.
August: Crafty Workshops and Delectable Dining
If July's event wasn't exciting enough, August is serving up a delightful array of workshops and culinary adventures at Yew Dell to browse through.
The Nature's Bath workshop is always a highly anticipated opportunity to turn botanicals into beauty products, and August's workshop will teach participants how to make personalized scented rollerballs. It's the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and even make a unique gift for a loved one. Flower-arranging workshops continue, and a botanical dye class will show you how to use foraged materials to dye custom bags.
The Garden to Table Dinner Party on Sunday, August 17 promises a unique culinary journey with garden-fresh foods and cocktails curated by Chef Mike. This highly anticipated event has limited seating and fills up quickly, so don't wait to secure your tickets.
And, of course, don't forget August's Fabulous Friday happy hour at the end of the month!
September: Mindfulness and Autumn Festivities
As fall approaches, September at Yew Dell offers a blend of mindfulness and celebration to mark the start of the holiday season.
A mindfulness workshop on Saturday, September 13 invites participants to reflect on gratitude within the serene garden setting. Guests will have the opportunity to explore mindfulness and meditation while surrounded by nature and tranquility. It's the perfect opportunity to get into a peaceful headspace before the holiday rush begins.
Other highlighted events and workshops in September include the Fall Wreaths workshop and a special Girl Scouts event, where scouts can get hands-on experience in nature and earn a custom Yew Dell patch.
The month concludes with the Fall Plant Sale, a must for plant enthusiasts planning their spring gardens, and the September Fabulous Friday happy hour.
October and Beyond: Seasonal Festivities
Although we may still be in the midst of summer, be sure to mark your calendars for these exciting seasonal events at Yew Dell, which are the perfect way to immerse yourself in a unique holiday experience.
October brings the much-loved Boo-Dell Halloween event, featuring a trail of treats for trick-or-treating and a Halloween-themed happy hour. November kicks off with Pumpkin Chunkin', where pumpkins are catapulted into the pollinator meadow in a fun, eco-friendly composting method.
The year wraps up with the Yuletide Celebration, a post-Thanksgiving event that transforms Yew Dell into a winter wonderland featuring Santa, music, crafts, and more.
So, whether your interests, age, or level of horticultural experience, Yew Dell's distinctive and curated events and workshops are a perfect way to get acquainted with the garden for the first time or give you a reason to visit if you're a regular guest.
Why Get a Membership?
Yew Dell members enjoy a range of benefits, including discounted event tickets, early access to workshops, and reciprocal membership privileges at over 380 botanical gardens nationwide. The Family Plus membership, a new offering at Yew Dell, is a hit, allowing families to bring extra guests, like visiting grandparents or babysitters, and share Yew Dell's splendor with loved ones.
The best part about purchasing a membership isn't just the fun perks; it's the knowledge that each membership helps support the good work that Yew Dell is doing and fosters a place where generations of visitors can come, spend time in nature and develop a passion for new hobbies and activities.
"We love that members are making their experience their own here," added Carly Curry, the public relations and marketing manager at Yew Dell. "Members can come as many times as they want throughout the season. They can come every single day and stay as long as they want. The garden is always changing, so there’s something new to discover with each visit."
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is more than a garden; it's a lively community hub where nature, art, and culture converge. Whether grooving to a music series, crafting in a workshop, or leisurely exploring the gardens, each visit is a unique adventure. Dive into the magic of Yew Dell and consider becoming a member to unlock all the enchanting experiences this place has to offer.
Purchase tickets for workshops and events online, and visit their website for more information on the garden and grounds.
