Walks, Talks & Workshops
Art & The Ecosystem
Saturday, Dec. 6 | 2-4 PM | $5 per person, register here. Or $6 at the door.
Frances Plecker Education Center
Come join us at a gallery viewing, concert, and talk about ecological conservation at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum at JMU in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Featuring art and music from JMU's College of Visual Arts and Media, and talks from faculty from JMU's Biology Department.
Christmas Kokedama Workshop
Sunday, Dec. 7 | 1-2 PM | $40 per person, register here.
Frances Plecker Education Center
Learn the art of creating unique and festive Japanese moss ball planters while surrounded by the serene beauty of the Arboretum. This in-person event is perfect for plant lovers of all skill levels! All materials will be provided. Don't miss this opportunity to get creative and make your own stunning kokedama to take home in time for the holidays!
Master Gardeners: Tea Time
Master Gardeners Talk Series: December 13 | 10:30 AM | FREE
Location: Frances Plecker Education Center
Tea Time!
If gardening is your cup of tea, join us and learn how to identify edibles -- wild and landscaped -- and turn them into your daily brew.
Please register for this free event.
Members' Wreath-Making Workshop
Members' Wreath-Making Workshop | Saturday, Dec. 13, Noon-1:00 p.m. | $10
Location: Ernst Tree Terrace
Join us for an Arboretum members-exclusive Wreath-Making Workshop at the Arboretum on Saturday, Dec. 13, from noon-1 p.m. We plan to have the workshop on the Arboretum’s Ernst Terrace so dress for outdoor weather. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, we will move inside the Education Center.
Cost is $10 per wreath to cover cost of materials. Members, register here.
We will provide:
- Instruction and inspiration
- A space to get messy (outdoors on the terrace)
- Live greenery
- Wire wreath frame (18-20”)
- Floral wire
- Wire-edged ribbon
- Required tools
- Hot cocoa
You should consider bringing warm clothes to be outside, work gloves (optional), your own wire cutters and/or pruners (optional), special accessories like ornaments (optional) - and a festive spirit!
We look forward to seeing you!
Members, register here.
Recurring Programs
Native Plant Social
With the Shenandoah Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society
Second Sundays | 1:30 PM-3:00 PM
Location: Frances Plecker Education Center
Bonsai Club Meeting
1st Tuesdays | 6-8 PM | FREE
Location: Frances Plecker Education Center
Join presenters, Clark Driver and Simon Jilg for a short lecture, bonsai displays, and door prizes!
Evenings With Bats | Monitoring Program
1st & 3rd Fridays | Dusk | FREE
Next Meeting: 2026 dates are forthcoming
Location: Pond
Gather around the Pond and marvel at bats as they emerge for their evening hunt. The VA Master Naturalists return for their bat emergence monitoring program.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before sunset.
Wellness and Soundscape Programs
Sound Bathing
Tuesdays, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. | $25 Register here
Using gongs, crystal and Tibetan bowls, voice, drums, shakers, and chimes, Connie Magee will take you on a sound journey that will relax and de-stress you and bring your whole being back into a state of harmony on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Connie Magee is a multi-modality massage therapist, medicine woman, Yoga Instructor, and meditation teacher.
Registration and communication are now directly with Sacred Valley Healing Arts.
Harrisonburg Songtuary
Select "RSVP Here" for times and locations.
Harrisonburg Songtuary is a community song circle that seeks to propagate co-enchanting cohorts of contemplayful singers, sponsored by the Arts Council of the Valley and the Office of Creative Propulsion.
On the Songtuary website, you may find more details and RSVP for upcoming gatherings; receive email updates, add to your calendar, or share on social media. We appreciate when you let us know you’re coming, and we hope the web RSVP is convenient for you as well!
ANNUAL EVENTS
|
February April May |
June - August September October - December |
May - September | Private Greenhouse Shopping by Appointment
$50 Minimum purchase required, call (540)-568-3194 to schedule
Grounds: Free to the public
Dawn to dusk | 365 days a year
Frances Plecker Education Center:
M-F | 8 AM - 4 PM
