Wellness Day at The Garden

Improve your overall wellbeing and your connection to nature through an inspiring day of wellness-inspired activities and programs at The Botanic Garden. From meditative arts to herbal teas to the therapeutic benefits of nature, you're sure to discover something new and leave feeling refreshed and full of healthful vitality.

FREE SESSIONS INCLUDE:

* Herbal Tea Basics * Seedballs for Kids * Experience The Labyrinth * Meditative Forest Walk * Qigong * Keynote Lecture Better Health with Houseplants * and more!

For your convenience and to provide the opportunity for more people to participate, most workshops are scheduled twice throughout the day. Sign up for one session or come all day!

Between events, be sure to stick around for a multitude of activities:

• Stop into the Gift Shop (open until 4:00 pm)
• Stroll through the Stable Garden & Secret Garden to explore the contemplative world of Bonsai and Ikebana floral arrangements. Members of The Sakura Bonsai Society of Northern Michigan and Ikebana International Chapter #165 will be on hand between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to chat about their respective art forms.
• Bring the family and pick up your Family Scavenger Hunt form at the registration table before exploring every corner of the Garden together
• BYOP (bring your own picnic) to enjoy around the Garden
• All Members will receive a free houseplant to bring some beauty into your own home

This is a FREE event and everyone is welcome to attend! Donations are always welcome and your support helps the Garden grow. Capacity is limited, so be sure to register today!

WELLNESS DAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00-10:30 – Qigong on the Firewise Garden

10:30-11:30 – Keynote Lecture | Herbal Tea for Kids

11:00-12:00 – Experience the Labyrinth

12:00-12:30 – Qigong on the Firewise Garden

12:00-1:00 – Meditative Forest Walk

1:00-2:00 – Experience the Labyrinth

2:00-3:00 – Meditative Forest Walk | Herbal Tea for All

Ongoing 10am-5 pm – Explore the Garden / Bonsai & Ikebana displays, Visit the Gift Shop (until 4pm)

ABOUT THE SESSIONS

Keynote Lecture: Better Health with Houseplants

It is well documented that nurturing your connection with nature not only stimulates your mind but provides us with much needed support and comfort. Explore the many ways in which houseplants aid us in our own mental health journey with Karen Roofe, the owner of I’m Planty AF and My Secret Stash. Karen will be sharing ways in which being a plant parent is beneficial and the best tips and techniques for creating your own living sanctuary in your home.

(This session is limited to 45 participants.)

Herbal Tea Workshops

Sandi Clark will demonstrate the process of making herbal tea blends and highlight the beneficial properties of the most popular herbs used in teas today. Participants will be invited to taste different teas and design their own personal tea blend, which Sandi will prepare into a tea bag to take home.

Sandi Clark is an Advanced Master Gardener and member of the Herb Society of America.

(Each session is limited to 20 participants.)

Native Seedballs for Kids

Join the environmental educators from the Grand Traverse Conservatiopn District as they help you make your own native seedball to enhance the landscape. We will have an opportunity to have them spread in our woods and also a few to take home too!

Experience the Labyrinth

Labyrinths have been in existence for over 4000 years, but a resurgence of interest in their use as a psycho-spiritual tool is taking place — as people seek calm in the midst of an increasingly fast-paced and noisy world. Walking the winding paths of a labyrinth offers individuals the chance to heal, grieve, meditate, pray, or seek insights to challenges they face. Join Marilyn Zimmerman as she shares the history of labyrinths, offers suggestions for more meaningful walks, and guides a meditative walk on the labyrinth in our Healing Garden.

Marilyn Zimmerman is a Veriditas Certified Labyrinth Facilitator.

(Each session is limited to 20 participants.)

Guided Meditative Forest Walk

Join ______ as she guides you on a meditative walk through The Gardens and trails of Historic Barns Park. Allowing your body to relax and immerse itself in the surroundings of the outdoors, she will guide your breathing and movement on an intentional walk as you deepen your connection with nature. Walks will be under 2 miles long and open to all fitness levels. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and meet at the pavilion. (This program is provided by Yen Yoga & Fitness; they offer a wide range of programming from yoga and fitness to mindfulness and inspiration.)

(Each session is limited to 20 participants.)

Qigong

Learn the meditative art and practice of Qigong with a stunning vista overlooking the Firewise Garden. Explore the coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation techniques used for the purposes of health and spirituality in this guided exercise. The session will be approximately 30-minutes in length.

Jessica Noe has been practicing qigong for 12 years and teaching it for 10 years, after retiring from 35 years as an educator. Many people are looking for ways to improve health and well-being and practicing qigong has incredible benefits.

(Each session is limited to 18 participants)

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Each session is FREE but since capacity is limited, registration is required. Sign up today for your desired workshop(s) and time(s).

On the day of the event, please come to the tent at the Visitor Center ahead of your first session.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, United States