The more you draw from reality the easier it will be to develop your own style and compositions. Using the garden and greenhouses as our starting point Karin will give creative prompts to get us started and introduce new materials and techniques each week. Looking carefully at plants and drawing from observation will be our starting point, gradually introducing elements of imagination, memory and found materials. A sketchbook is a place to experiment and develop ideas.
Alpines are sometimes thought of as fussy plants that are difficult to grow well, but the truth is these ‘brave’ plants cope brilliantly with extreme conditions; you just need to understand the growing conditions they are used to. Join Simon Wallis, senior horticulturist here at the Garden, for a myth busting introduction to growing alpine plants. With Simon as your guide there will also be the chance to see the beautiful and diverse collection of alpine plants we cultivate and care for here at the Garden.
Essential oils extracted from plants are a rich source of medicinal compounds which are harnessed in aromatherapy. This course will introduce aromatherapy and essential oils, look at some of the commonly used oils and explore the plants they come from. We’ll see how the oils are extracted and what they contain and consider their different modes of use – internally, on the skin and by inhalation. How to stay safe when using essential oils and how you can ensure that you’re getting the oil you expect will be explained.
During this one day class Jemma will guide you through getting started on the embroidery, by first tracing the pattern and securing the hoop. She will then take you through threading a needle, securing your thread and show you how to create the embroidery stitches. Depending on your experience and speed of stitching, you will be able to complete two or three of the allotment blocks. You will then have the knowledge to continue to follow the instructions and finish the embroidery project in your own time.
Learn how to tackle weeds in your garden in the most time efficient and productive way. Attendees will be introduced to some common garden weeds, their life cycle, method of spreading, and the best approach to dealing with them. The workshop will cover different tools and techniques, as well as many useful tips including how to pick the best day for weeding.
History is written by the conquerors – and the Romans conquered other peoples from Africa to the middle East to ancient Britain. But what was it like to live on the fringes of the empire, under Roman rule? For one evening, grab a glass of wine and try to find your way through the porticoes of power – can you subvert your imperial overlords? Unravel your story in our choose-your-own adventure.
Ever wondered how women supported polar expeditions before they were allowed to travel to the poles themselves? Join the Polar Museum and a team of student costume designers who have recreated one of the most eccentric and beloved items in the museum's collection: Dorothy Irving Bell's polar-themed party costume. Learn about a woman whose self-proclaimed mission in life was to imbue the young with a love of polar exploration and try on the replica costume for yourself!
Part of the Cambridge Festival Student Creatives project.
Think of a platypus: they lay eggs, produce milk without nipples and venom without fangs, and can detect electricity. Or a marsupial: their babies can climb themselves into a pouch after just a couple of weeks in the womb, and some species can produce young like an endless conveyor belt of reproduction. From platypuses to kangaroos, Australia has some truly astonishing mammals, with incredible, unfamiliar features. But how does the world regard these creatures? And what does that mean for their conservation?
Book your ticket for a fun animal themed board games evening at the Museum. Grab a drink, play strategy games with Heffers Games, create canine chaos or battle to be the best at Hungry Hungry Hippos.
