Wild @ Duke Gardens (Session 3)

Flowers, so rich in symbolic meaning, are one of the best expressions of life on earth, symbols of openness and hope. The early spring bloomers, known as spring ephemerals, are special hallmarks of resilience and strength. They make it through the cold winter and their early appearance in spring delights us with their beauty.

As the spring season begins and wildflowers start to bloom, we invite you to find peace and delight in nature's beauty during this three-session workshop organized in partnership between the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Wild Ones. Psychiatrist Siham Muntasser and Psychologist Roger Vilardaga, landscape architect Preston Montague and Duke Gardens curator Annabel Renwick will lead you on a wellness walk through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants to highlight the many ways we can improve our health by slowing down and listening to nature.

This unique program embraces the notion that the quality of our environment is critical for our health and well-being. Nature, and particularly our native ecosystems, is very much tied to our health, including our mental health. Walking in the woods looking for wildflowers is very calming. Sharing the experience with someone else brings another level of joy. Drawing, writing and taking pictures are fun ways of solidifying these experiences. We can look at them years later and still feel some of those same feelings of warmth and connectedness.

This journey in nature is divided into three parts: mindful awareness (March 16), openness to new experiences (April 6), and values (May 4). Each part will focus on different sensory experiences. The program is designed to help us increase our awareness, solidify our values and open our minds to new experiences, mindfully, in the present moment, non-judgmentally and with kindness. It is recommended that participants attend the full series to achieve maximum benefit.

Dress comfortably, bring a towel, a pen or a pencil, a journal and join us on this incredible journey through the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants.

Participants will receive a free copy of our beautiful inspirational booklet, Spring Ephemerals: Beauty and Adaptation.

This event is free. However, registration is required due to limited space. To register please contact Siham Muntasser [email protected].

The program is held on March 16, April 6 and May 4, 2024 from 9-12 at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC.

Host or Publisher Wild Ones Central North Carolina