Botanical Ramble: Learning to Notice Plants
Class Date: Thursday 21st January
Class Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
With Tutor: Melanie Newfield
What might you discover if you spent two hours really looking at the plants around you?
Join botanist and nature lover Melanie Newfield for a gentle ramble through the grounds of The Learning Connexion. We’ll slow down, use our senses, follow what catches our attention and explore the relationships between plants and the places where they grow.
Melanie will share some of the features botanists look for when getting to know a plant. You’ll then have time to respond in your own way, through drawing, written notes, conversation or quiet observation. We’ll finish indoors, looking more closely at what we noticed and reflecting on what changed when we gave the plants our attention.
This is an invitation to be curious, rather than a lesson in how to draw or a test of plant identification. You can work with the skills and materials you already have.
What You'll Explore:
- Ways to observe plants using sight, touch, smell and sound.
- Features that can help you recognise and remember a plant.
- Connections between plants and their wider environment.
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How drawing and description can help you look more closely.
You may leave with sketches, notes and descriptions to return to later. The main thing you’ll take away is a fresh way of noticing the living world around you.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Bring an unlined notebook and any drawing tools you enjoy using, such as a pencil, pen or pastels. Melanie will provide loose paper for the indoor exercises.
Meet Your Tutor:
Melanie has an MSc in Biological Sciences and spent ten years working as a professional botanist. She has taught adults about botany, invasive species and the natural world. Now a freelance writer, science communicator and biosecurity contractor, she enjoys helping people feel more confident observing the plants around them. She also draws plants, insects and birds for the joy of connecting with nature.
Can Anyone Do This Class?
Yes! No botanical or drawing experience is needed. This workshop is suitable for all levels, and absolutely beginner-friendly. If you love being creative, you’ll fit right in.
This workshop is eligible for our ongoing Creative Immersion Offer!
If you wish to cancel, email us at least 14 clear days before your class begins. You'll receive a full refund less an admin fee of $20 via the same payment method (e.g., credit card or Afterpay) if you cancel within this timeframe.
Unfortunately, refunds aren't available for cancellations with less than 14 days' notice, nor for missed classes within a series.
If you are required to bring specific supplies to this class you will be sent full details via email. Please make sure you keep the receive emails ticked at checkout to ensure you do not miss out on this information.
This class will be held on campus at The Learning Connexion located at 182 Eastern Hutt Road, Lower Hutt. Specific details of where on campus your class will be held will be sent to you the week prior to the commencement of your class
All our tutors are qualified and practicing artists who are skilled in specific art forms and regularly teach to support others in their own art practices.
Botanical Ramble: Learning to Notice Plants
