Home » Adult ProgramsAdult ProgramsSign up for our many nature-themed classes, programs for kids and families, or wellness and horticultural programs for adults. Children/Family ProgramsView our Fall Brochure * If financial assistance would help make participation possible, or you have difficulty registering, please reach out to michellew@montclairfoundation.org for more information. Yoga Classes: Weekly yoga classes are held from September through June in the living room of the Van Vleck house (hybrid-virtual option available). In addition, seasonal Garden Yoga classes are offered outdoors in the early evenings or on weekends. All levels from beginner to experienced yogis are welcome. Monday Morning Yoga Hybrid(in-person and virtual options) Mondays, 9:30 – 10:45 AM Early Fall Session: September 14th – October 26th (no class 10/12) Late Fall Session: November 2nd – December 14th Yoga in the GardensTuesday Evenings 6:00 – 7:00 PM September 8, 15, 22 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM* September 29 October 6, 13 Autumn Equinox Mini Retreat Saturday, September 19 (rain date: Sunday September 20) 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Meditation: Join contemporary spiritual teacher and author Ramananda John E. Welshons for a series of evening mindfulness meditation classes in the comfort of your home via Zoom. Classes focus on practices for reducing fear and anxiety, and finding inner peace in everyday life. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners. Virtual MeditationWednesdays 7:00 – 9:00 PM August 12, 19 September 9, 16, 23 October 7, 14, 21, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9, 16 Mindfulness in the Garden Classes: This weekly class includes very gentle stretching and breathwork followed by a contemplative garden walk. Slow down and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Mindfulness in the GardenFall Session: Tuesdays 9:30 am – 10:30 am September 8, 15, 22, 29 Series October 6, 13, 20, 27 Series November 3, 10, 17, 24 Series *Series and Individual Class Registrations available Horticulture and Nature Classes: Throughout the seasons our knowledgeable staff offers horticulture, birding and other nature-related classes that educate and encourage a lifelong learning of the outdoor world. In addition, small groups can arrange a private tour or program with our Director of Horticulture, Laura Roberts. Birding ClassesSeptember Seed Eaters Friday, September 11 9:00-10:00 AM World Migratory Bird Day Saturday, October 10 9:00-10:00 AM Sunset Nature Walk Thursday, November 19 4:00-5:00 PM Morning Tea with the Birds Wednesday, December 9 10:00-11:00 AM Pinecone Wreath Making ClassDecember 8 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Creative Arts Classes: Van Vleck offers a variety of creative arts classes throughout the year from painting to natural decorating. Plein Air ClassesGarden Inspirations: Late Summer Blooms Plein Air Watercolor Class with Sharon Pitts Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM September 8, 15, 22, and 29 Creating with NatureNEW ADULT CREATIVITY SERIES: Paper Collage Art Wednesday, September 23 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Journal Making Wednesday, October 14 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Nature Mosaic Wednesday, November 4 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Nature Prints Wednesday, December 16 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Partner Programs: Van Vleck partners with Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning (MILL), Montclair Art Museum (MAM), The Adult School of Montclair and The Judy Weston Garden to offer a variety of classes throughout the year. MILL Classes* Partner Montclair Institute for Lifelong Learning MILL Summer at Van Vleck Thursdays, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Aug 13 – Drought Resistant Plants Aug 20 – Guided Nature Walk MILL Fall at Van Vleck September 17 – Flower Pounding on Fabric Squares September 24 – Fantastic Foliage October 1 – Clay Imprints October 8 – Paper Collage Art October 15 – Wildflower Meadow Exploration October 22 – Tree ID: Fruits and Seeds Adult School of Montclair: Garden QigongMondays: September 14, 21, 28 October 5, 19, 26 (no class 10/12) 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM * Partner Program with the Adult School of Montclair. Please register at www.adultschool.org Adult School of Montclair: Eco Printing at Van VleckWednesday, September 23rd 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM * Partner Program with the Adult School of Montclair. Please visit the Adult School of Montclair Website at: www.adultschool.org. Private Adult Group Programs Small groups can arrange a private tour or program with our Director of Horticulture, Laura Roberts at laura@montclairfoundation.org Private Group Horticulture Topics Walking Tours TopicsWhat’s in Bloom (1 hour) See the garden from a horticulturist’s point of view. Join Laura Roberts, Director of Horticulture at Van Vleck, for a refreshing stroll through the grounds to discover the beauty of the season. Tour will feature all that is exciting right now from enchanting details to majestic specimens. Tree Identification (1 hour) Join Laura Roberts, ISA certified arborist and NJ licensed tree expert, for an exploration of trees on the Van Vleck grounds. Sharpen your observation skills as you gain a deeper understanding of characteristics that distinguish one species from another Fragrance Beyond Flowers (1 hour) Let’s experience the garden in a new way. Laura Roberts invites you to engage your senses and explore the numerous fragrant plants throughout the Van Vleck Gardens. Let your nose lead the way to roots, stems, leaves and flowers with distinct scents. Lecture Topics Tree Planting and Maintenance – Avoiding Common Mistakes (2 hours) Let’s explore the cause of many tree problems: ourselves! Learning to recognize common errors made by those of us who purchase, install and care for trees in the landscape is a first step toward enhanced beauty and better survival. Here’s your chance to get it right from the very beginning. Participants will learn from examples of “tree care gone wrong” and awaken to a greater awareness of what they should be doing instead. Garden Invaders (1 ½ hours) You can be a garden hero. Learn to spot insects and diseases that have escaped their native habitats and now pose a threat to our gardens, forests, and farms. Let’s equip ourselves with the knowledge to fight for the safety of our plants. In Good Taste (2 hours) Whether incorporating edible elements into an existing landscape or creating a space dedicated to food production, these plants offer an exciting palette for the adventurous gardener. Explore some delicious options for achieving beautiful design. Demos & Hands-On Topics Shadow Drawing in Nature (1 hour) Creative fun for all levels of artistic talent… explore the garden to find your favorite shadow and transform it into a watercolor masterpiece. Inspiration and supplies provided for your use. *This program is weather-dependent. We will need a sunny day. Garden How-To (2 hours) Join Van Vleck’s Director of Horticulture for a behind the scenes look at how we keep the garden beautiful. Discussion, demonstration, and some hands-on participation…Details vary by season. Natural Decorating Demo – Assorted Ornaments and More (2 hours) Bring nature indoors for the holidays. Plants provide us with a wide variety of beautiful pods, seeds, leaves, branches and berries. Laura Roberts will demonstrate a wide variety of decorations that can be created from natural materials. Learn how you can turn some unlikely materials into ornaments, centerpieces, swags and wreaths. You will never look at your garden the same way again! Demonstration only. Natural Decorating Demo – Pinecone Wreath (1 hour) Add a touch of nature to any home. Laura Roberts will demonstrate the process of creating a pinecone wreath from frame to fabulous. Decorating ideas will focus on the wide assortment of natural items collected from the Van Vleck grounds. Demo only. Natural Decorating – Ornament Making (1 hour) Learn how to turn ordinary items from your garden into a collection of ornaments that will add beauty to your holiday decor. Laura Roberts, Director of Horticulture, will guide your group in the creation of unique nature-inspired items. Choose two from our list of available ornament designs. Natural Decorating – Pinecone Wreath Making (2 hours) Add a touch of nature to any home. Create and decorate your own wreath made from pinecones. Laura Roberts will guide your group through the process. Choose decorations from a wide assortment of natural items collected from the gardens of Van Vleck. Includes one wreath per person. Browse our Calendar Cancellation Policy TMF cancellation – A refund or credit will be offered if a program is cancelled or rescheduled by The Montclair Foundation – Van Vleck House & Gardens (ex: insufficient enrollment or inclement weather). Participant cancellation – If a participant cancels their registration refunds depend on when the cancellation is received: Notice of 48 hrs. or more of the class or series start date – full refund Notice within 48 hrs. of the class or series start date – no refund, but a credit is offered. Notice during or after the class – no refunds or credits are offered Cancellation of 1 class within a series – no refund or credit provided. Credits are valid for 1 year of the date issued.
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