Daily Archives: May 15, 2025

Thursday, May 29, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Eastern – Colored Pencil Techniques: Great Blue Heron, Online

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Join artist Emma Brittain as she guides you in discovering the art of identifying subtle colors and enhancing the vibrancy of your drawings. In this class, participants will learn to use artist-grade colored pencils to sketch a great blue heron. The primary emphasis will be on refining colored pencil techniques and honing the ability to perceive the myriad of colors hidden within the feathers of a common bird. A sketchbook or drawing grade paper and 24 or more pack of Prismacolor brand colored pencils is recommended. $29. Register at https://mtcubacenter.org/event/colored-pencil-techniques-great-blue-heron-online/. Emma Brittain is a studio artist and planning committee member for Black Birders Week. Her art often involves social commentary with animal or plant symbolism. She hopes to spread wonder and hope through her work.

Tuesday, May 20, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Eastern – Introduction to Matrix Planting, Online

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The Native Plant Trust will present a Zoom lecture with Meg Herndon on May 20 at 6 pm Eastern. Matrix planting originated in Germany after World War II, developed by urban planners seeking a simple, affordable, and low-maintenance way to restore nature and bring hope to war-torn cities. This technique uses small, densely planted species that grow together to form naturalistic “communities.” Researchers and city officials worked together to create this approach. Since then, garden designers and landscape architects in Europe and the US have embraced matrix planting for both its aesthetic appeal and its role in promoting biodiversity. Insights from German plant scientists and nursery owners, who have refined plant selection for sustainable, nature-inspired communities, are now sought after worldwide. Join us to explore the history of matrix planting and discover practical ways that developers, designers, and homeowners can apply these techniques to their own projects locally.

A recording of this class will be available to all registrants for two weeks after the class. $25. Register at www.nativeplanttrust.org. Image courtesy of Fine Gardening Magazine.