2024 Classes and Workshops for Adults
- We are using Eventbrite for a better ticket purchase experience. To access the current listing of all events, go to our Eventbrite page HERE, or click the Register buttons on this page to buy tickets.
- All sales are final, no refunds.
- THANK YOU for registering for our classes and workshops; they are an important way we raise money to restore the gardens.
Calendar: Click on any date to expand the calendar and see what is happening that day.
July 2024 Classes and Programs
SUMMER SUNSET TOUR - July 25
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens as the sun sets.
Experience the rare and magical time between the end of the day and the beginning of night, while the garden is closed to the public. Enjoy a guided evening stroll from golden hour to dusk, beginning in the Walled Garden, then taking in the view from the Vista, and ending at the Temple of Love. You'll notice changes in the light, lengthening shadows, and plants that look their best in the evening. There will be time for photographs and relaxation.
Thursday, July 25 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens as the sun sets.
Experience the rare and magical time between the end of the day and the beginning of night, while the garden is closed to the public. Enjoy a guided evening stroll from golden hour to dusk, beginning in the Walled Garden, then taking in the view from the Vista, and ending at the Temple of Love. You'll notice changes in the light, lengthening shadows, and plants that look their best in the evening. There will be time for photographs and relaxation.
Thursday, July 25 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY WITH JOHN JACONO - July 27
John takes gorgeous photos for our Instagram and newsletters, and he will teach you his tricks and techniques.
Join photographer/gardener John Jacono in the gardens on Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 AM for a morning of phone photography. John takes the gorgeous photographs for our Instagram, Facebook, and newsletters.
You'll learn to use your phone to take interesting and beautiful photographs, edit them to bring out the best in each, look at the gardens from new perspectives, and gain a new appreciation for what your phone can do.
John joined the horticulture staff after graduating from the New York Botanical School for Professional Horticulture. Previous to his career in horticulture, he spent fifteen years printing world renowned fashion photographers' photographs for exhibitions. He has BA in Visual Arts and Photography from SUNY Purchase.
Saturday, July 27 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
John takes gorgeous photos for our Instagram and newsletters, and he will teach you his tricks and techniques.
Join photographer/gardener John Jacono in the gardens on Saturday, July 27 at 10:00 AM for a morning of phone photography. John takes the gorgeous photographs for our Instagram, Facebook, and newsletters.
You'll learn to use your phone to take interesting and beautiful photographs, edit them to bring out the best in each, look at the gardens from new perspectives, and gain a new appreciation for what your phone can do.
John joined the horticulture staff after graduating from the New York Botanical School for Professional Horticulture. Previous to his career in horticulture, he spent fifteen years printing world renowned fashion photographers' photographs for exhibitions. He has BA in Visual Arts and Photography from SUNY Purchase.
Saturday, July 27 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
CHAIR YOGA WITH DAVID WETTER - July 30
Train your mind and body to be stronger, more easeful, focused, and aware, so as to lead calmer, less stressed, and more fulfilling lives.
Join us for an invigorating and rejuvenating chair yoga class INDOORS in the Cola Community Room at Untermyer Gardens, overlooking the Walled Garden. Our class focuses on gentle, yet comprehensive stretches and movements that progress towards more challenging poses. We'll explore a variety of seated and standing yoga poses, balances, breathing exercises, and brief meditations that train the mind and body to be stronger, more focused, and aware. By cultivating a sense of calm and reducing stress, our practice can lead to a more fulfilling and easeful life. Come join us for an uplifting and grounding yoga experience with no concern about the weather.
David Wetter has been teaching yoga since 1990. He received his Hatha yoga teacher training at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as stress management training, at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City. For the past five years, David has taught chair yoga at the Kittay Senior Apartments in the Bronx.
Tuesday, July 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Train your mind and body to be stronger, more easeful, focused, and aware, so as to lead calmer, less stressed, and more fulfilling lives.
Join us for an invigorating and rejuvenating chair yoga class INDOORS in the Cola Community Room at Untermyer Gardens, overlooking the Walled Garden. Our class focuses on gentle, yet comprehensive stretches and movements that progress towards more challenging poses. We'll explore a variety of seated and standing yoga poses, balances, breathing exercises, and brief meditations that train the mind and body to be stronger, more focused, and aware. By cultivating a sense of calm and reducing stress, our practice can lead to a more fulfilling and easeful life. Come join us for an uplifting and grounding yoga experience with no concern about the weather.
David Wetter has been teaching yoga since 1990. He received his Hatha yoga teacher training at beginner and intermediate levels, as well as stress management training, at the Integral Yoga Institute in New York City. For the past five years, David has taught chair yoga at the Kittay Senior Apartments in the Bronx.
Tuesday, July 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
August 2024 Classes and Programs
SUMMER SUNSET TOUR - August 8
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens as the sun sets.
Experience the rare and magical time between the end of the day and the beginning of night, while the garden is closed to the public. Enjoy a guided evening stroll from golden hour to dusk, beginning in the Walled Garden, then taking in the view from the Vista, and ending at the Temple of Love. You'll notice changes in the light, lengthening shadows, and plants that look their best in the evening. There will be time for photographs and relaxation.
Thursday, August 8 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens as the sun sets.
Experience the rare and magical time between the end of the day and the beginning of night, while the garden is closed to the public. Enjoy a guided evening stroll from golden hour to dusk, beginning in the Walled Garden, then taking in the view from the Vista, and ending at the Temple of Love. You'll notice changes in the light, lengthening shadows, and plants that look their best in the evening. There will be time for photographs and relaxation.
Thursday, August 8 from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
PRESIDENT'S TOUR - August 11
Discover Untermyer Gardens with Conservancy founder and President, Stephen F. Byrns.
Are you ready to experience the exquisite beauty of Untermyer Gardens like never before? Then join the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Stephen F. Byrns, on a 90-minute walking tour that will take you on a journey through the gardens as seen through his expert eyes.
As the driving force behind the restoration of Untermyer Gardens, nobody knows the gardens better than Mr. Byrns himself. With his vast knowledge of the history, design, and architecture of the gardens, he will provide you with a unique and captivating perspective that will leave you in awe.
During the tour, you will traverse down the 136 steps of the Vista and make your way up a woodland path to the Temple of Love. As such, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in some areas. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
If you're a lover of Yonkers history, architecture, or just appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully restored garden, this tour is a must. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the gardens with the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent treasure.
Sunday, August 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$25 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Discover Untermyer Gardens with Conservancy founder and President, Stephen F. Byrns.
Are you ready to experience the exquisite beauty of Untermyer Gardens like never before? Then join the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Stephen F. Byrns, on a 90-minute walking tour that will take you on a journey through the gardens as seen through his expert eyes.
As the driving force behind the restoration of Untermyer Gardens, nobody knows the gardens better than Mr. Byrns himself. With his vast knowledge of the history, design, and architecture of the gardens, he will provide you with a unique and captivating perspective that will leave you in awe.
During the tour, you will traverse down the 136 steps of the Vista and make your way up a woodland path to the Temple of Love. As such, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in some areas. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
If you're a lover of Yonkers history, architecture, or just appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully restored garden, this tour is a must. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the gardens with the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent treasure.
Sunday, August 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$25 per person plus Eventbrite fees
EASY WALKING TOUR - August 17
Experience the beauty and learn the history of this magnificent estate as you take a leisurely 1-hour tour of the Walled Garden.
This leisurely 60-minute walking tour led by one of our expert volunteer guides will cover the Walled Garden and Lower Terrace, including the newly-restored Persian Pool with its intricate sea creature mosaics and Temple of the Sky with its restored Medusa mosaic. All the paths are flat stone dust, and there are two short flights of steps. There are no hills to climb.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the rich history of Untermyer Gardens, beginning with its origin in 1862. The tour will take you through the estate's three owners, emphasizing its world-famous heyday during the Untermyer years, its decline after 1940, and the remarkable restoration efforts that have been ongoing since 2011 to the present day.
The tour will also highlight the remarkable architecture of the gardens, with an emphasis on Samuel Untermyer and his wife Minnie, and their place in early 20th century history. You will learn about their contributions to the gardens, which are regarded as some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. There will be some limited discussion of the horticulture but the magnificent plantings will mostly speak for themselves.
Saturday, August 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
$15 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Experience the beauty and learn the history of this magnificent estate as you take a leisurely 1-hour tour of the Walled Garden.
This leisurely 60-minute walking tour led by one of our expert volunteer guides will cover the Walled Garden and Lower Terrace, including the newly-restored Persian Pool with its intricate sea creature mosaics and Temple of the Sky with its restored Medusa mosaic. All the paths are flat stone dust, and there are two short flights of steps. There are no hills to climb.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the rich history of Untermyer Gardens, beginning with its origin in 1862. The tour will take you through the estate's three owners, emphasizing its world-famous heyday during the Untermyer years, its decline after 1940, and the remarkable restoration efforts that have been ongoing since 2011 to the present day.
The tour will also highlight the remarkable architecture of the gardens, with an emphasis on Samuel Untermyer and his wife Minnie, and their place in early 20th century history. You will learn about their contributions to the gardens, which are regarded as some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. There will be some limited discussion of the horticulture but the magnificent plantings will mostly speak for themselves.
Saturday, August 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
$15 per person plus Eventbrite fees
SUNSET YOGA - August 25:
Relax and stretch in the magnificent setting of Untermyer Gardens at sunset during this all-levels Yoga class.
Join Sylvia Samilton-Baker in the Gardens on Sunday, August 25 from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM for an all-levels Yoga class in the peaceful lower terrace of the Walled Garden. Class will begin after the garden is closed, so this is your chance to have a calm and relaxing experience in the stunning setting of the Walled Garden at sunset. Please plan to arrive by 6:45 PM to allow time to park and walk to the Lower Terrace.
About Sylvia Samilton-Baker: Sylvia has been teaching yoga since 2000 when she received her 200 hour certification from Yoga Haven, owned and directed by Betsy Kase. She studied and was certified in Vinyasa Yoga by Shiva Rea in 2002. Sylvia has studied with master yoga teachers such as Rodney Yee; Erich Schiffman; Jeff Migdow and Seane Corn and a host of other teachers of note. She has delved deeper into anatomy, alignment, myofascial and connective tissue work while pivoting during the pandemic to teach classes which would incorporate classic yoga. Sylvia blends this with her training in trauma informed and trauma conscious yoga.
***Please plan to arrive at 5:45 PM to allow time to park and walk to the Walled Garden Lower Terrace by 6:00***
Sunday, August 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Relax and stretch in the magnificent setting of Untermyer Gardens at sunset during this all-levels Yoga class.
Join Sylvia Samilton-Baker in the Gardens on Sunday, August 25 from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM for an all-levels Yoga class in the peaceful lower terrace of the Walled Garden. Class will begin after the garden is closed, so this is your chance to have a calm and relaxing experience in the stunning setting of the Walled Garden at sunset. Please plan to arrive by 6:45 PM to allow time to park and walk to the Lower Terrace.
About Sylvia Samilton-Baker: Sylvia has been teaching yoga since 2000 when she received her 200 hour certification from Yoga Haven, owned and directed by Betsy Kase. She studied and was certified in Vinyasa Yoga by Shiva Rea in 2002. Sylvia has studied with master yoga teachers such as Rodney Yee; Erich Schiffman; Jeff Migdow and Seane Corn and a host of other teachers of note. She has delved deeper into anatomy, alignment, myofascial and connective tissue work while pivoting during the pandemic to teach classes which would incorporate classic yoga. Sylvia blends this with her training in trauma informed and trauma conscious yoga.
***Please plan to arrive at 5:45 PM to allow time to park and walk to the Walled Garden Lower Terrace by 6:00***
Sunday, August 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
September 2024 Classes and Programs
BIRD WALK WITH NELSON RODRIGUEZ - September 8
Meet our summer residents! Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk.
Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk: Sunday, September 8 at 9:00 AM. In addition to our year-round residents, we will encounter birds here for the breeding season. We may see finches, sparrows, warblers, and others. This walk is appropriate for beginners and experienced birdwatchers.
Bring your own binoculars (8 x 42 are the best for birding but others can work). Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and woodchip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Your guide, Nelson A. Rodriguez, has been birding since he was a student at Montclair State University and continues to practice bird photography, which can be seen on his Instagram page @birdnerd1001 and the bird pictured here.
Sunday, September 8 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Meet our summer residents! Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk.
Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk: Sunday, September 8 at 9:00 AM. In addition to our year-round residents, we will encounter birds here for the breeding season. We may see finches, sparrows, warblers, and others. This walk is appropriate for beginners and experienced birdwatchers.
Bring your own binoculars (8 x 42 are the best for birding but others can work). Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and woodchip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Your guide, Nelson A. Rodriguez, has been birding since he was a student at Montclair State University and continues to practice bird photography, which can be seen on his Instagram page @birdnerd1001 and the bird pictured here.
Sunday, September 8 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
PRESIDENT'S TOUR - September 8
Discover Untermyer Gardens with Conservancy founder and President, Stephen F. Byrns.
Are you ready to experience the exquisite beauty of Untermyer Gardens like never before? Then join the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Stephen F. Byrns, on a 90-minute walking tour that will take you on a journey through the gardens as seen through his expert eyes.
As the driving force behind the restoration of Untermyer Gardens, nobody knows the gardens better than Mr. Byrns himself. With his vast knowledge of the history, design, and architecture of the gardens, he will provide you with a unique and captivating perspective that will leave you in awe.
During the tour, you will traverse down the 136 steps of the Vista and make your way up a woodland path to the Temple of Love. As such, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in some areas. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
If you're a lover of Yonkers history, architecture, or just appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully restored garden, this tour is a must. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the gardens with the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent treasure.
Sunday, September 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$25 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Discover Untermyer Gardens with Conservancy founder and President, Stephen F. Byrns.
Are you ready to experience the exquisite beauty of Untermyer Gardens like never before? Then join the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, Stephen F. Byrns, on a 90-minute walking tour that will take you on a journey through the gardens as seen through his expert eyes.
As the driving force behind the restoration of Untermyer Gardens, nobody knows the gardens better than Mr. Byrns himself. With his vast knowledge of the history, design, and architecture of the gardens, he will provide you with a unique and captivating perspective that will leave you in awe.
During the tour, you will traverse down the 136 steps of the Vista and make your way up a woodland path to the Temple of Love. As such, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven in some areas. Please note that strollers are not advised for this walking tour.
If you're a lover of Yonkers history, architecture, or just appreciate the beauty of a wonderfully restored garden, this tour is a must. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the gardens with the President of the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of this magnificent treasure.
Sunday, September 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$25 per person plus Eventbrite fees
SUNSET TOUR WITH TIMOTHY TILGHMAN
Experience the gardens at sunset with Untermyer Head Gardener, Timothy Tilghman.
You've seen him in our YouTube series, Garden Walks With Timothy, now you can have an after-hours tour of the gardens with Timothy in person. As Untermyer Gardens' Head Gardener since 2011, Timothy is a wealth of knowledge about gardens and garden design, plants, and of course, Untermyer Gardens! You'll move through the garden while Timothy relates his vision of this monumental space and his many fascinating and entertaining stories of its restoration. You'll end the evening with a beverage and sweets at the Temple of the Sky while watching the incredible view of the sun setting behind the Palisades.
During the tour, you will walk up and down stairs and along uneven paths, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes and dressing for the weather.
Timothy Tilghman leads the garden’s ambitious restoration effort. Head Gardener at Untermyer Gardens since June 2011, he possesses more than 25 years of horticultural experience, with 19 years devoted to public horticulture.
Thursday, September 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$100 per person plus Eventbrite fees
*The registration fee includes a $50 donation to the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, for which you will receive a donation receipt.
Experience the gardens at sunset with Untermyer Head Gardener, Timothy Tilghman.
You've seen him in our YouTube series, Garden Walks With Timothy, now you can have an after-hours tour of the gardens with Timothy in person. As Untermyer Gardens' Head Gardener since 2011, Timothy is a wealth of knowledge about gardens and garden design, plants, and of course, Untermyer Gardens! You'll move through the garden while Timothy relates his vision of this monumental space and his many fascinating and entertaining stories of its restoration. You'll end the evening with a beverage and sweets at the Temple of the Sky while watching the incredible view of the sun setting behind the Palisades.
During the tour, you will walk up and down stairs and along uneven paths, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes and dressing for the weather.
Timothy Tilghman leads the garden’s ambitious restoration effort. Head Gardener at Untermyer Gardens since June 2011, he possesses more than 25 years of horticultural experience, with 19 years devoted to public horticulture.
Thursday, September 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
$100 per person plus Eventbrite fees
*The registration fee includes a $50 donation to the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, for which you will receive a donation receipt.
TEA CEREMONY - September 15:
Explore tea as meditation and a daily practice. Come together to spend some time in silence and enjoy warm bowls of tea to greet the day.
Join Eszter Tóth for a unique and meditative morning Tea Ceremony in the Temple of the Sky at Untermyer Gardens, on Sunday, September 15 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM, in the quiet of the early morning, beginning before the garden is open to the public. During the ceremony you'll explore tea as meditation and a daily practice. We come together to spend some time in silence while we share warm bowls of tea, with 8 rounds of expertly-curated teas.
The tea ceremony is an ancient Chinese practice that honors tea as a spiritual elixir for calming the mind and connecting us back with nature. Tea as a plant medicine, awakened by hot water, helps us to listen to our body and heart, see extraordinary in ordinary, and feel in harmony and presence. The ceremony connects us back to what we already know by simply breathing and being alive. It is non-verbal, non-religious, while resonating with many religions. You don’t need to believe in anything or be someone specific. Tea meets you where you are and reminds you of who you are. Every ceremony is unique, giving you exactly what you need.
After over a decade of curating unique experiences as a personal concierge, Eszter Tóth's journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered her passion for tea. Now, just over a year into her dedicated daily tea exploration, Eszter finds joy in sharing the enchantment of tea rituals with others.
In a deeper sense, serving tea transcends mere hospitality; it embodies a form of wellness and true healing, where every encounter is cherished as a unique and irreplaceable experience.
All Ceremonies will be performed in silence, with a floor seating arrangement (please wear comfortable loose clothes). No phone use is allowed during the Ceremony. We will dedicate time after the Ceremony to answer all questions and take pictures.
***Please plan to arrive at 7:45 AM to allow time to park and walk to the Walled Garden Temple of the Sky by 8:00***
Sunday, September 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
$40 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Explore tea as meditation and a daily practice. Come together to spend some time in silence and enjoy warm bowls of tea to greet the day.
Join Eszter Tóth for a unique and meditative morning Tea Ceremony in the Temple of the Sky at Untermyer Gardens, on Sunday, September 15 from 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM, in the quiet of the early morning, beginning before the garden is open to the public. During the ceremony you'll explore tea as meditation and a daily practice. We come together to spend some time in silence while we share warm bowls of tea, with 8 rounds of expertly-curated teas.
The tea ceremony is an ancient Chinese practice that honors tea as a spiritual elixir for calming the mind and connecting us back with nature. Tea as a plant medicine, awakened by hot water, helps us to listen to our body and heart, see extraordinary in ordinary, and feel in harmony and presence. The ceremony connects us back to what we already know by simply breathing and being alive. It is non-verbal, non-religious, while resonating with many religions. You don’t need to believe in anything or be someone specific. Tea meets you where you are and reminds you of who you are. Every ceremony is unique, giving you exactly what you need.
After over a decade of curating unique experiences as a personal concierge, Eszter Tóth's journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered her passion for tea. Now, just over a year into her dedicated daily tea exploration, Eszter finds joy in sharing the enchantment of tea rituals with others.
In a deeper sense, serving tea transcends mere hospitality; it embodies a form of wellness and true healing, where every encounter is cherished as a unique and irreplaceable experience.
All Ceremonies will be performed in silence, with a floor seating arrangement (please wear comfortable loose clothes). No phone use is allowed during the Ceremony. We will dedicate time after the Ceremony to answer all questions and take pictures.
***Please plan to arrive at 7:45 AM to allow time to park and walk to the Walled Garden Temple of the Sky by 8:00***
Sunday, September 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
$40 per person plus Eventbrite fees
DRAWING & PAINTING IN THE GARDEN WITH SHELLEY HAVEN - September 17:
Join artist Shelley Haven for an open-air drawing/painting class and experience nature anew with artist’s eyes. Rain or shine!
Join Shelley Haven and experience nature anew with artist’s eyes. First, you'll tour the garden with Shelley and gain insights into selecting and framing your subject, then you'll create an artwork with her guidance and encouragement during the working session. Finally, the class will share a positive and encouraging review of participants’ artworks.
This class is appropriate for beginning and experienced students alike. Bring art supplies of your choice. Graphite or charcoal, pencils or sticks, erasers and a drawing pad are recommended for less experienced participants. Or bring what you have on hand! Dress for the morning weather -- Sun visor and sunscreen recommended. Bring your portable stool if you have one. If not, you will find seating on a bench or in the Amphitheater. This class is limited to twelve people.
*** RAIN OR SHINE - in case of rain, class will be held indoors in the Cola Community Center. ***
About Shelley Haven: Shelley Haven‘s paintings and drawings are inspired by time spent in nature and advocate for environmental awareness and sustainability. She works in her Yonker’s Yoho studio or onsite at Untermyer and other gardens and parks here, across the U.S. and abroad. See her artworks at www.shelleyhaven.com
Tuesday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$50 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Join artist Shelley Haven for an open-air drawing/painting class and experience nature anew with artist’s eyes. Rain or shine!
Join Shelley Haven and experience nature anew with artist’s eyes. First, you'll tour the garden with Shelley and gain insights into selecting and framing your subject, then you'll create an artwork with her guidance and encouragement during the working session. Finally, the class will share a positive and encouraging review of participants’ artworks.
This class is appropriate for beginning and experienced students alike. Bring art supplies of your choice. Graphite or charcoal, pencils or sticks, erasers and a drawing pad are recommended for less experienced participants. Or bring what you have on hand! Dress for the morning weather -- Sun visor and sunscreen recommended. Bring your portable stool if you have one. If not, you will find seating on a bench or in the Amphitheater. This class is limited to twelve people.
*** RAIN OR SHINE - in case of rain, class will be held indoors in the Cola Community Center. ***
About Shelley Haven: Shelley Haven‘s paintings and drawings are inspired by time spent in nature and advocate for environmental awareness and sustainability. She works in her Yonker’s Yoho studio or onsite at Untermyer and other gardens and parks here, across the U.S. and abroad. See her artworks at www.shelleyhaven.com
Tuesday, September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
$50 per person plus Eventbrite fees
EASY WALKING TOUR - September 21:
Experience the beauty and learn the history of this magnificent estate as you take a leisurely 1-hour tour of the Walled Garden.
This leisurely 60-minute walking tour led by one of our expert volunteer guides will cover the Walled Garden and Lower Terrace, including the newly-restored Persian Pool with its intricate sea creature mosaics and Temple of the Sky with its restored Medusa mosaic. All the paths are flat stone dust, and there are two short flights of steps. There are no hills to climb.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the rich history of Untermyer Gardens, beginning with its origin in 1862. The tour will take you through the estate's three owners, emphasizing its world-famous heyday during the Untermyer years, its decline after 1940, and the remarkable restoration efforts that have been ongoing since 2011 to the present day.
The tour will also highlight the remarkable architecture of the gardens, with an emphasis on Samuel Untermyer and his wife Minnie, and their place in early 20th century history. You will learn about their contributions to the gardens, which are regarded as some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. There will be some limited discussion of the horticulture but the magnificent plantings will mostly speak for themselves.
Saturday, September 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$15 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Experience the beauty and learn the history of this magnificent estate as you take a leisurely 1-hour tour of the Walled Garden.
This leisurely 60-minute walking tour led by one of our expert volunteer guides will cover the Walled Garden and Lower Terrace, including the newly-restored Persian Pool with its intricate sea creature mosaics and Temple of the Sky with its restored Medusa mosaic. All the paths are flat stone dust, and there are two short flights of steps. There are no hills to climb.
Throughout the tour, you will learn about the rich history of Untermyer Gardens, beginning with its origin in 1862. The tour will take you through the estate's three owners, emphasizing its world-famous heyday during the Untermyer years, its decline after 1940, and the remarkable restoration efforts that have been ongoing since 2011 to the present day.
The tour will also highlight the remarkable architecture of the gardens, with an emphasis on Samuel Untermyer and his wife Minnie, and their place in early 20th century history. You will learn about their contributions to the gardens, which are regarded as some of the most beautiful and intricate in the world. There will be some limited discussion of the horticulture but the magnificent plantings will mostly speak for themselves.
Saturday, September 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
$15 per person plus Eventbrite fees
SPRING FUNGI WALK - SATURDAY, September 21
Walk through the wilder areas of Untermyer Gardens searching for fungi.
Our world would not be the same without fungi! There are a vast variety that inhabit our ecosystem and provide us with many things including food, decomposers, and even bioluminescence. They have a profound effect on our landscape. During this fungi walk we will discuss major specimens that can be found in the northeastern landscape during the fall. Furthermore, we will discuss major tree specimens where foraged fungi can be easily found and harvested, because if you know your trees, you'll know your fungi!
Instructor Vincent Galatolo is the Director of Plant Health of the Horticulture Division at New York Botanical Garden. He started his journey in horticulture at Clemson University and completed a fellowship at Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France and Morris Arboretum in PA. Prior to arriving at NYBG, Vincent worked at Rock Cobble Farm in CT. One of Vincent’s biggest passions aside from plant health is fungi production and foraging. He has spent over a decade cultivating a wide variety of fungi and foraging in the northeast.
Saturday, September 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$20 per person, plus Eventbrite fees
Walk through the wilder areas of Untermyer Gardens searching for fungi.
Our world would not be the same without fungi! There are a vast variety that inhabit our ecosystem and provide us with many things including food, decomposers, and even bioluminescence. They have a profound effect on our landscape. During this fungi walk we will discuss major specimens that can be found in the northeastern landscape during the fall. Furthermore, we will discuss major tree specimens where foraged fungi can be easily found and harvested, because if you know your trees, you'll know your fungi!
Instructor Vincent Galatolo is the Director of Plant Health of the Horticulture Division at New York Botanical Garden. He started his journey in horticulture at Clemson University and completed a fellowship at Claude Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France and Morris Arboretum in PA. Prior to arriving at NYBG, Vincent worked at Rock Cobble Farm in CT. One of Vincent’s biggest passions aside from plant health is fungi production and foraging. He has spent over a decade cultivating a wide variety of fungi and foraging in the northeast.
Saturday, September 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
$20 per person, plus Eventbrite fees
BIRD WALK WITH NELSON RODRIGUEZ - September 29
Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk.
Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk: Sunday, September 29 at 9:00 AM. In addition to our year-round residents, we will encounter birds here for the summer and some who have begun their fall migration. We will look for hawks, finches, sparrows, warblers, and others. This walk is appropriate for beginners and experienced birdwatchers.
Bring your own binoculars (8 x 42 are the best for birding but others can work). Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and woodchip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Your guide, Nelson A. Rodriguez, has been birding since he was a student at Montclair State University and continues to practice bird photography, which can be seen on his Instagram page @birdnerd1001 and the bird pictured here.
Sunday, September 29 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees
Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk.
Join Nelson Rodriguez for a morning of birdwatching at Untermyer Gardens on this 90-minute bird walk: Sunday, September 29 at 9:00 AM. In addition to our year-round residents, we will encounter birds here for the summer and some who have begun their fall migration. We will look for hawks, finches, sparrows, warblers, and others. This walk is appropriate for beginners and experienced birdwatchers.
Bring your own binoculars (8 x 42 are the best for birding but others can work). Dress appropriately for the weather. We will be walking on uneven ground, flights of stairs, grass, gravel, and woodchip paths, so WEAR STURDY SHOES. Consider wearing a hat and sunscreen and bringing water with you.
Your guide, Nelson A. Rodriguez, has been birding since he was a student at Montclair State University and continues to practice bird photography, which can be seen on his Instagram page @birdnerd1001 and the bird pictured here.
Sunday, September 29 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
$20 per person plus Eventbrite fees