This 8-week course (2.5 hrs/session) will give you a wide and deep understanding of the biology of plants. This course will suit anyone interested in learning about plants or simply curious about the natural world. Tanya's aim is to make it easy for people to understand botany, so that they can follow their interests and apply scientific knowledge to practical purposes, such as gardening, plant conservation, propagation.

You will gradually get introduced to plant structure and physiology so as to really understand the biology of plants. We will use a combination of lectures and practicals to cover a wide range of content, including the following topics:

Flower structure, pollination, life cycle & reproduction; Fruits, seeds, dispersal and germination; Leaf, stem & root structure; Plant requirements, nutrients, photosynthesis; Cells and tissues, growth, development, regeneration; Surviving in extreme environments.

Expectations: Participants will be encouraged to take notes and make simple drawings based on observations. Lecture notes will be supplied, when necessary. No previous scientific or practical gardening experience required. Class size is deliberately small to give participants time for questions and to work with Tanya individually.

Materials: Participants will need to bring the following items supplies: notebook, writing implements.

About your instructor

Dr Tanya Scharaschkin is a botanist and artist, with over 35 years of teaching experience. Tanya has a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Zoology and a Master’s degree in Zoology from Pakistan. She has a Master’s degree in Vertebrate Paleontology and a PhD in Plant Systematics from the US. Much of her academic career was spent in Brisbane, Queensland. She is now a free-lance botanist and artist, living and working in Collinsvale, Tasmania.

Tanya is an enthusiastic and well-organised instructor. Her lectures, talks and workshops enable the general public to understand scientific concepts. Tanya conducts a variety of workshops as a way of sharing her enthusiasm for plants and bringing art and science together.

Dates: 8-week course (2.5 hrs/session)
February (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th)

March (7th, 14th, 21st, 28th)

Time: 10am to 12:30 pm

Venue: Apple Blossom Farm is an inspiring location for botanical classes. This amazing garden was featured in Gardening Australia Magazine April 2023 edition. We will have access to the garden during our classes and will be able to examine and draw plants on site. You can find out more about Apple Blossom Farm and can subscribe to their gardening newsletter here:
https://www.goodgardeningways.com/about
Parking: Street parking on Hellessey Road and Glenlusk Road, outside Collinsvale Primary School.

Conditions: A minimum of 6 participants are required for this class to go ahead. No refunds after the 21-day minimum notice period has expired or for missing classes once the course has started. Please do not attend if you are unwell.
Payment: Payment in full is required to secure your place. If you would prefer paying by direct bank transfer to avoid fees, please contact Tanya to make arrangements.