Woodlands Garden

Watercolor Painting Workshop
2025-07-20 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-24 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-21 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | GA
Join us for watercolor painting classes with Jessica Lily, registration required. Come play with the magic of watercolors and join our community as we release expectations, and let the water do the work! Local artist Jessica Lily will guide the group through a step-by-step method.
No experience is necessary. This class is built to give beginners an easy process for a lovely, meditative painting. This class is also great for more intermediate and advanced painters, as we will all learn from each other and incorporate our own unique creativity into our paintings.
More details and required registration here – classes fill up so book now:
https://atlantawatercolorgroup.com/
• April 13: Blue Eyed Grass (sold out)
• May 18: Hummingbird (sold out)
• June 22: Frog
• July 20: Grasshopper
• August 24: Purple Spiderwort Flowers
• Sept 21: Building

Children's Bookclub: Storytime and Playtime
2025-07-23 15:00 - 16:30 | Woodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur, GA, 30030, United States
Join Selah’s Book Club, Bearings Bike Works and Woodlands Garden for a Summer Reading Party! **July’s book club will not be hosted at Woodlands Garden** It will take place at Monday Night Garage’s Courtyard on Wednesday, July 23 at 3pm. Click here for more details.

Singing Workshops: July Series
2025-07-24 18:15 - 20:00 | GA
Join Elise Witt for a singing workshop, Singing for Fun for Everyone! Singers of all levels of experience are welcome. Music reading is not a prerequisite. The cost for this 3-part series is a sliding scale of $45-90. Click here to register.
Arrive at 6:15pm for ab optional Quigong Warmup. The class will take place from 6:45-8:00pm.
Discover, explore, and expand your natural voice with Singing for FUN for EVERYONE. Singers learn songs that explore the vast expression of harmony from around the world. There are also lots of songs in English, including songs from the African American tradition, quirky rounds, food songs, Elise originals, and lots more! Singers of all levels of experience are welcome.
The singing workshop includes body and voice integration, calling in elements of Tai Chi, Yoga, and Alexander Technique, as well as dance, theater, and vocal improvisation to focus on breath and ease of movement.
All of the songs are broken down into easily learnable parts and become thrilling to sing in a group. Even people who think they “can’t carry a tune in a bucket” in no time find themselves part of an impromptu glorious chorus.

Community Yoga School
2025-08-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-19 10:00 - 11:30 | GA
Community Yoga School is like summer camp for your soul! Join Friendship Yoga for a monthly practice & study series rooted in yoga philosophy, gentle movement, breathwork, and meaningful connection.
📍 Woodlands Garden Pavilion, Decatur
🗓 Third Sundays | 10–11:30am
💛 Suggested Donation: $10–15
🍵 Includes iced tea + community
🌱 Class schedule & themes:
🪷 July 20 – Cultivating Connection: Yoga in Sanskrit means “to yoke”. In our practice, we connect the mind, body, and spirit. We’ll explore embodiment and develop a deeper relationship with our whole selves.
🪷 Aug 17 – Reclaiming Attention: Awareness practice is an essential component of Svadhyaya, or the practice of self-inquiry. We’ll explore the benefits of self-inquiry and put the practice into action with a walking meditation.
🪷 Sept 21 – Rooting into Love: Yoga Ethics: Fundamentally, yoga is an ethical practice before a physical one. We will define and discuss 3 of the “Yamas”: ahmisa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing).
🪷 Oct 19 – Get Grounded: Connecting with self is potent and there are methods to get you there. We’ll add a few tools to your meditation toolbox, including finding your mantra, practicing drishti and more.
What to bring:

Yoga mat
Water Bottle
Notebook
Come as you are!

Perilous Journey: Avian Migration Talk
2025-08-19 11:00 - 12:30 | Pavilion, 932 Scott Blvd, Decatur, GA, 30030-1302, United States
Avian Migration – This talk is free! No registration required.
This talk will introduce us to the mysteries, yet perilous journeys undertaken by several thousand bird species each year. The migration of birds has fascinated mankind for thousands of years. Long ago people did not know that birds would travel very long distances each year. Popularly held belief was that birds hid in the ground and spent their winters in hibernation much like bears. Aristotle in 350 BC postulated that birds migrated yet believed that one bird species transmuted into another. Bird Biology, also known as Ornithology, has given us considerable insights towards unlocking the secrets behind migration. We will start this talk with some facts akin to migration, followed by an in-depth discussion on several topics such as, defining bird migration, types of migration, the need for birds to migrate, how birds are able to navigate at night, and specific flyways used by birds, around the globe. We will also talk about the perilous nature of these long-haul journeys, and the consequences of climate change and large-scale conflicts in parts of the world. Before we conclude our discussion, we will demonstrate the use of radar science to track and predict migration and talk about the steps that each one of could take to help with bird’s safe passage.
Bio for Amurthur Ramamurthy
Ramamurthy, who goes my Ram was trained as a Scientist and served the first thirty years of his
career in the Chemical, as well as Automotive Industries. For little over a decade Ram spent time with
Amazon Corporation teaching, and training managers and shop floor associates in continuous
improvement methods.
Ram is now retired but serves as a Research Volunteer at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory at Oak
Harbor, OH. My current focus is to provide statistical analysis for Bird Banding Data.
In 1978 while completing his Graduate studies at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India, a
visiting professor from Georgetown University, USA encouraged Ram to start a hobby in addition to
focus on research in the laboratory. After collaborating with an ornithologist at a Tiger Reserve in
India, Ram chose to start birdwatching as a hobby.
After moving to the US in 1980, he spent the next few years learning bird identification mostly using
field guides. Over the past forty years, Ram’s journey in his spare time has focused on several areas
related to birds. Ram has taken several courses offered by Cornell Ornithology laboratory, on-line
courses on Ornithology from India. Currently Ram is enrolled in a Basic Ornithology Course
conducted by NPTEL (India Government’s online educational platform) India.
Ram has visited various birding festivals in the US, travelled to, UK, Poland, Costa Rica, Southern
Africa, Ecuador, Peru and extensively in India to observe birds in these diverse habitats. Ram
routinely visits National Parks which further offer opportunities to bird while hiking trails. He has
currently seen over 2300 birds.
Ram has co-directed a Young Bird Camp (December 2023) in Indian Institute of Science Education
and Research (IISER), Tirupati, India. A similar camp is being planned for December 2025 in IISER
Tirupati, India.

Children's Bookclub: Storytime and Playtime
2025-08-23 10:30 - 12:00 | Woodlands Garden, 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur, GA, 30030, United States
10:45am-12pm
Join Woodlands Garden and Nature Play Studio every month for Selah’s Book Club! This month we will read the book on the poster, followed by fun activities. Recommended for elementary aged children and their families. Bring a blanket to sit upon. You and your children will enjoy story time featuring a special book. Enjoy a hands on activity and light refreshments. Explore the trails and meandering paths throughout the Garden!
April 26: Thank you, Omu!
May 24: Run Wild
June 28: Jabari Jumps
Wednesday, July 23: Summer Reading Party with Bearings Bike Works

**July’s book club will not be hosted at Woodlands Garden** It will take place at Monday Night Garage’s Courtyard. Click here for more details.
July’s book club will take place on Wednesday, July 23 at 3 PM

August 23: A Walk in the Forest

Pollinator Picnic: Great Southeast Pollinator Census
2025-08-23 12:30 - 14:30 | GA
Join us to learn about the Great Southeast Pollinator Census and to celebrate pollinators and plants on August 23rd from 12:30-2:30 pm! This event is free and does not require registration.

Participate in community science, enjoy fun activities, and explore the beautiful gardens of Woodlands, a GNPS gold-level-certified native habitat. We will have light refreshments, and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy.

Learn more about the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census at https://gsepc.org/

This event is co-hosted by Food Well Alliance, Intown Atlanta Chapter of GNPS, and Woodlands Garden of Decatur.

Native Plant Foraging Walk
2025-08-27 11:00 - 12:00 | GA
As we gear up for our annual Fall Plant Sale, we will host two guided plant walks! This free walk will start outside of the Visitors Center, it does not require registration. The walk will highlight native edible plants that will be for sale at the Plant Sale. We hope to see you there!
About the guide: Cornelia is an enthusiast of the natural world. She has spent the last 10 years studying the plants around her and learning skills that allow her to be in direct relationship with them – foraging, herbal medicine, basketry, natural dyeing, and folklore. She loves to share this knowledge with others. She also runs a home organizing business – when she’s not outside, she’s probably inside decluttering someone’s house!

FREE: Guided Native Plant Walk
2025-09-06 10:00 - 11:00 | GA
Join Woodlands Garden and Steve Sanchez for a free, native plant walk! This guided walk will highlight native plants that will be available at our annual Fall Plant Sale. We hope to see you there!

Fall Plant Sale
2025-09-13 - 2025-09-14 | GA
Shop our unique selection of plants: Saturday, September 13 & Sunday, September 14. Registration required. Visit this page to register and for more important information about this annual event.

FREE: Paint a Pot
2025-09-14 10:30 - 13:30 | GA
On Sunday, September 14th during this year’s Fall Plant Sale, stop by the free Paint a Pot table – no registration required! We’ll bring the pots and paints, you bring the creativity! Your pot can dry while you finish shopping, afterwards, you can bring your new pot home for your new plants from the sale.

Music in the Garden - Fall
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | Pavilion, 932 Scott Blvd, Decatur, GA, 30030-1302, United States
Music in the Garden at Woodlands takes place in the screened-in Pavilion, rain or shine. Performances are free to the public on select Sundays in the spring and fall between 2-4 pm. Our performers are local musicians who donate their time and talents!
***Please keep in mind that off-site parking may be required for Music in the Garden. Off-site parking options can be found here. Contact annie@woodlandsgarden.org or 404-373-2222 with questions.
The Fall schedule kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 28 and details about the performances can be found by scrolling down on this page: https://www.woodlandsgarden.org/music-in-the-garden/

Fairies in the Garden
2025-10-04 - 2025-10-18 | GA
Stroll the trails at Woodlands Garden during the magical, free, 2-week exhibit from October 4-18 and find all the fairy homes on display. Open during daylight hours. Click and scroll down on this page to view the full calendar of activities.

Fairies Opening Celebration
2025-10-04 13:00 | GA
Join us for the opening day of Fairies in the Garden! Live fairies will lead fun activities for families. Stop by between 1-4 pm for fairy crafts, stories, bubbles and more. Story time will take place at 2 pm. If it rains, we will move the event from outdoors to the covered pavilion. This event is free and open to the public.

Guided Fairy Walk
2025-10-05 12:00 - 13:00 | GA
Grab your fairy wings and join a fun stroll through the garden from 12-1 pm, rain or shine! We will highlight fairy homes and other fun garden sights. The fairy walk will be led by garden fairies and wizards. No registration required. Meet by the Visitor’s Center for this free guided walk.

World Mental Health Day Fair
2025-10-10 11:00 - 13:00 | GA
Celebrate World Mental Health Day at Woodlands Garden! Visit the garden from 11am-1pm to relax and reset, learn more about local wellness organizations, enjoy refreshments and more. This event is free and does not require registration!

Rock Out at the Garden
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 | GA
Join Woodlands Garden and L’Arche Atlanta from 1-3 pm on the lawn for a relaxing drop-in afternoon of rock painting! Paint a magical rock and enjoy the fairies around you.This event is free and doesn’t require registration

Farewell to Fairies
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:00 | GA
Visit Woodlands Garden and say Farewell to the Fairies! Pack a picnic, put on your fairy wings one last time, and come celebrate with music, crafts, and other fun activities from 10am-noon.

Wednesday Walk & Talk
2026-01-21 11:15 - 12:30 | GA
Visit Woodlands Garden for our monthly Wednesday Walk & Talk! Each month, we will share a morning beverage while we walk through the Woodlands. We will meet on the porch of the Visitors Center at 11:15 am and begin walking at 11:25 am. This program is free and does not require registration. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming walk and talks!

February 18th: Celebrate Georgia Arbor Day with a Tree Walk and Talk led by Edward Morrow, local arborist.
March 18th: Learn about Air Quality in the garden with former Woodlands intern, Emily Clarke

Birding Lecture Series: Joy of Birding Talk
2026-02-05 10:30 - 12:00 | GA
Birds have fascinated humankind for centuries. Ancient texts, and journals kept by emperors have vivid descriptions of birds and their behavior. This talk is a gentle introduction to the hobby of Bird Watching, also referred to as Birding. This talk targets first-time birders, or those who like to learn more about the avian species. Topics covered in this talk will include what it takes to be a birder, startling facts about birds, why we care about birds, studies in mental health benefits associated with this hobby, an overview of bird anatomy, bird song, and bird conservation. We will finish our discussion with a review of both apps and resources which help us to practice mindfulness and learn at the same time.
This talk is free and open to the public. No registration required.

Watercolor Class
2026-02-08 13:00 - 16:00 | GA
Join us to explore watercolor as we paint with local artist, Jessica Lily. Jessica will guide you step-by-step in a relaxed indoor setting; all levels are welcome. We’ll learn techniques, ask questions, and paint together at an easy pace. Classes fill up so book now via the Atlanta Watercolor Group website. Click here to learn more.
• Jan. 11 at 1pm: Tufted Titmouse (sold out)
• Feb. 8 at 1pm: White Hydrangea (sold out)
• March 8 at 1pm: Japanese Maple (sold out)
• April 4 at 2pm: Blue-eyed grass (sold out)
• May 3 at 2pm: Sunlit Azalea
• June 14 at 2pm: Tiger Lily
• July 12 at 2pm: Eagle

All About Trees Scavenger Hunt
2026-02-16 10:00 - 14:00 | GA
Celebrate Georgia Arbor Day with a visit to Woodlands Garden! Drop in any time between 10am and 2pm on Monday, February 16th for a self-guided All About Trees Scavenger Hunt! We will provide scavenger hunts, clipboards, markers and over 800 trees to explore! This program is free, open to all ages and does not require registration. We look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday Walk & Talk
2026-02-18 11:15 - 12:30 | GA
Visit Woodlands Garden for our monthly Wednesday Walk & Talk! Each month, we will share a morning beverage while we walk through the Woodlands. We will meet on the porch of the Visitors Center at 11:15 am and begin walking around 11:20 am. This program is free and does not require registration. Stay tuned for more details on upcoming walk and talks!

February 18th: Celebrate Georgia Arbor Day with a Tree Walk and Talk led by Edward Morrow, local arborist.
March 18th: Learn about Air Quality in the garden with former Woodlands intern, Emily Clarke

Birding Lecture Series: Visualizing Bird Song, Seeing What We Hear
2026-02-19 10:30 - 12:00 | GA
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine a morning walk. You may not see many birds, but you hear them
everywhere—chirps, whistles, trills, buzzes. For most of us, birds are first noticed not by sight, but by sound. Birdsong has fascinated humans for centuries. Long before field guides or binoculars, people identified birds by their voices. Today, thanks to technology, we can go one step further—we can see bird song. This talk is about how we take something fleeting and invisible, like sound, and turn it into something we can look at, study, and even enjoy as art.
This talk is free and open to the public. No registration required.
