BELMONT, N.C. – This July, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will offer special continuing education classes that feature a variety of topics including: art, landscaping and health & wellness.

Upcoming classes in July include:

Garden Art & Design

Concrete Creations: Hypertufa Troughs, instructed by Barbara Albritton-Grant, Ed.D - Sunday, July 15, 2 – 4 p.m. Hypertufa is a manmade porous rock, created by mixing Portland cement with peat moss and vermiculite. Learn one technique to make a hypertufa container, and then create your own planter. The instructor will present techniques to encourage rapid weathering. Recommended Book: Concrete Garden Projects: Easy & Inexpensive Containers, Furniture, Water Features & More by Malin Nilsson and Camilla Arvidsson. Purchase it from The Garden Store at time of registration and receive a 20% discount. This class is $25 for members and $30 for non-members, and requires a $20 materials fee.

Artful Journals: Mixed Media Masterpieces, instructed by Nance Presson - Saturday, July 7, 9:30 a.m. – noon. Journals and collages can be used to keep notes, dreams, and plans about your garden, your artwork, or anything else you like! Explore creative journals made by artist Nance Presson, and then plan and create your own work of art. Suitable for beginners as well as experienced artists. This class is $18 for members and $24 for non-members, and requires a $10 materials fee.

The Organic Line: Mixed Media on the Go, instructed by Ellen Ward, Art Instructor - Friday and Saturday, July 13 – 14 (two day class), 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. each day. This class will help participants develop a mixed media approach to drawing on location. Using basic tools, you will be able to combine linear and tonal techniques in the field for compelling graphic renderings over the course of a two-day workshop. Plans to work outside require that participants bring portable stools/folding chairs for comfort. If weather is poor, class will be held in the orchid conservatory. A list of supplies will be sent with registration confirmation. Bring a snack or bag lunch. This class is $50 for members and $60 for non-members.

Piece by Piece: Mosaic Gazing Ball, instructed by Pat Groome - Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, July 22, 1 – 3 p.m. (two-day class). Learn basic techniques to design and apply mosaics on a round surface as you create your own 6” gazing ball to display in your garden. All materials are included along with step-by-step instruction. This class is suitable for beginners and returning students. This class is $30 for members and $36 for non-members, and requires a $30 materials fee.

Silk Painting Workshop, instructed by artist Jamie Kirkell - Friday and Saturday, July 27 - 28 (two day class), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Back by popular demand; Florida artist Jamie Kirkell returns for another intensive silk painting workshop! Learn to paint on silk using his teaching method that nurtures beginners and experienced artists alike. Through the workshop participants will collaborate on a group banner project, create several silk scarves, and gain the materials, and knowledge needed to create further work on their own. This class is $150 for members and $200 for non members, and requires a $75 materials fee.

Horticulture & Wildlife

Garden Ponds, instructed by Brian Hoagland of Hoagland Landscapes - Saturday, July 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Creating an oasis in your yard by adding a small lined pond is a great way to enhance your landscape. Ponds add movement, ambient sound and can also attract and foster wildlife, adding greatly to your home garden environment. Learn the basics of pond management and gain hands-on practice with the help of local pond experts from Belmont-based Hoagland Landscapes as you help install a small decorative pond in the Garden. Bring sunscreen, gloves, and a bag lunch to enjoy in the Garden. This class is $60 for members and $80 for non-members.

Health & Wellness

T'ai Chi in the Garden, instructed by Carol Feezell, Exercise Specialist, B.S., Kinesiology - Tuesdays, through September 18, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. (no class July 3 or 24) and Thursday evenings through August 30, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. (no class July 5 or 25 ). T'ai chi is characterized by slow, captivating movements. It is gentle on the joints, muscles and bones, yet gradually increases strength, improves balance and lowers stress levels. A great class to improve fitness while enjoying the Garden. Each class is $15 for Garden members and $18 for non-members. Register for any nine classes and receive the 10th free.

Herbal Pleasures: Herbal Baths and Teas, instructed by Barbara Swierszcz of Serenity Acres Farm - Thursday, July 19, 6 – 8 p.m. or Saturday, July 21, 10 a.m. - noon. Herbal baths and teas made fresh from your garden are a delight. Learn what to grow and how to prepare them to make your own herbal refreshments at home. This class is $22 for members and $28 for non-members, and requires a $15 materials fee.

For more information or to register for a class, please visit www.DSBG.org or call 704-829-1252.