Events by this organizer

Gardening is good for the soul, and like any physical activity, it can leave your body sore. Adding regular yoga sessions can help build strength in your body’s most-used areas, develop mindfulness of the body to prevent injury, and release tension — especially in the neck, shoulders, wrists, hips, and back. This class provide the routine care your body needs to keep up with your garden’s growth throughout the season.

Classes are open to beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. All yoga mats and props are provided; please bring your own water and sunscreen. Classes are held in the garden on the back lawn. In inclement weather, they will be moved into the Barn.

Benevolent spirit, teacher, artist, and creator of the Fully Alive Method and Breakthrough Breathwork, Julie Haesche has taught yoga and meditation for many years. Certified in several styles of yoga, her offerings are an eclectic mix of Hatha Flow, Kundalini, and Restorative Yoga with specialties in Yoga Nidra, Pranayama, Yoga Therapy. As a fifth generation Usui Reiki Master, she infuses her work with healing, depth, and care. Julie uses her passionate energy to share her craft with others, both internationally and locally within her community, recently winning her an award from Litchfield Magazine as one of the best yoga teachers in the county.

Advanced registration is recommended. On-site payments must be made in cash.

Hollister House Garden Members $20 |Non-Members $25

REGISTER HERE

Presented by Agnes Wnuk

Learn how to capture the light and shadow, colors and the structure of a garden. An initial classroom lesson will be followed by an extended drawing and painting session, with plenty of drawing and watercolor tips for managing painting outdoors. Participants will explore the many different materials available to artists for ease of painting in the field, and will experience the joy of painting surrounded by the beauty of nature that Hollister House Garden provides!

This plein air workshop at Hollister House Garden is taught by Agnes Wnuk. Her work has been exhibited in Connecticut and New York, and several pieces have been awarded prizes. She is the latest recipient of the annual Connecticut Historic Gardens Poster Contest. She has painted Hollister Garden on many a Wednesday morning over the past several years.

Open to all skill levels. Participants must bring all items on the Plein Air Painting Materials List and are strongly encouraged to bring a watercolor easel and a camping chair to facilitate a comfortable painting experience. Participants should also bring sun protection. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

In the event of rain, the workshop will be rescheduled for Wednesday, July 13 from 3:00-6:30 pm.

Advanced reservations are required, as capacity is limited.

Hollister House Garden Members $70 | Non-Members $85

REGISTER HERE

Presented by Betsy Rogers-Knox

True lilies are in the genus Lilium and they grow from true bulbs, unlike daylilies which grow from tubers. With their beautiful scents and often unique curved petals they are a delight in the garden. With careful observation learn to portray these beauties in watercolor with step- by-step demonstrations and plenty of personal attention. All skill levels welcome!

The watercolor workshops at Hollister House Garden are taught by Betsy Rogers-Knox. Betsy received a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from NYBG in 2006. Her work has been widely exhibited in the United States and at the Royal Horticultural Botanical Art Show in London where she was awarded the Silver Gilt Award.

Open to all skill levels. Participants should bring their own lunch, as well as all materials included in the Watercolor Basic Material List.

Hollister House Garden Members $95 |Non-Members $120

REGISTER HERE

Presented by Jeanne Reiner

Poppies are a perfect example of opposing textures. The translucent petals emerge from a tiny capsule covered with hairs while the heads bob perilously atop spindly stems. The remarkable contrasts of this plant will be highlighted using numerous colored pencil techniques to capture its unique traits.

Jeanne Reiner is co-founder of the Tri-State Botanical Artists, a chapter of over 70 members of the internationally renowned American Society of Botanical Artists. She is a nationally recognized botanical artist who holds a certificate in botanical art from and teaches at the New York Botanical Garden.

Open to all skill levels. Participants should bring all items included in the Poppies Materials List.

HHG Members $95 | Non-members $120

REGISTER HERE

Hollister House Garden offers many creative photographic opportunities for knowledgeable users of smartphone/tablet cameras. This photo editing class, taught by Thad Kubis, will begin with an overview of basic in-camera systems operations, and will address a range of editing platforms: including, third party editing apps, Lightroom and Photoshop. This class is suitable for users of iPhone models 6 to 13 Pro Max and related updated tablets, and could be helpful for DSLR system users as well.

Following this overview, participants will practice their new skills in the garden. Thad will be present throughout for questions and consultation. The session concludes with a review and discussion and editing of selected images from the time in the garden.

Thaddeus Kubis is an editorial, documentary and fine art photographer and instructor with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of photography.

Participants should bring their own lunch, as well as a fully charged phone or tablet. Water, soft drinks and snacks will be provided.

HHG Members $95 | Non-members $120

REGISTER HERE

Presented by Betsy Rogers-Knox

As summer ebbs Hollister House Garden continues to provide many colorful plants and flowers to draw and record in a garden journal. Whether you’re just starting or have been journaling for some time, class demonstrations will provide plenty of drawing and watercolor tips from both inside and outside in the garden.

The garden journaling workshops at Hollister House Garden are taught by Betsy Rogers-Knox. Betsy received a Certificate in Botanical Illustration from NYBG in 2006. Her work has been widely exhibited in the United States and at the Royal Horticultural Botanical Art Show in London where she was awarded the Silver Gilt Award.

Open to all skill levels. All participants must purchase a Stillman & Birn Zeta Series 5.5 x 8.5 hardcover sketchbook and a Sakura Pigma Micron 03 black pen. All other required items are included in the Garden Journaling Materials List.

Hollister House Garden Members $95 | Non-Members $120
Notebook & pen $25

REGISTER HERE

As the light fades and day turns to evening enjoy the company of friends and neighbors and see the beauty of the garden in a different light. Come, have a glass of wine and delight in the intimate outdoor spaces, bordered by dramatic hedges and overflowing with exuberant plantings. A perfect start to a summer weekend. Reservations are not required.

Admission: $10 per person donation is requested, which includes a glass of wine.