Art + Botany
Join Rae and Séverine for seasonal explorations of plants in Manchester
Slow down, shift perspectives and appreciate another world that exists alongside our busy, preoccupied human realm. Through guided drawing exercises we will connect hand, head and heart to discover the miracle of our local plants.
Using close looking activities, we will introduce you to the variety of plants present in our city. Through drawing / mark making and the use of a hand lens, we will inspire you to slow down and go beyond the first glance to prolong and deepen your observations.
No drawing or art skills required. No botanical knowledge needed.
At the end of each session, you will have discovered a little bit more about nature and produce a small booklet with your notes and marks.
Please bring any art materials you would like to use, just a biro or ink pen is great. We will provide some pencils and paper on the day,
Tickets are £22 per person per event. Refund up to 2 weeks before the event and if we cancel due to adverse weather.
Three free places for people in financial difficulty (select at check out, no questions asked). 15 places available per event.
Join us for one or more events, to mark each season.
Each event is at a different outdoor location and at different times. All have public toilet facilities nearby.
*Boundary Botany at Bibby Lane - 31st March 2026 - 10 am til 12 pm, Bud Garden Centre, Burnage, M19
*Blooms and Blossoms - 12th May 2026 - 2 pm til 4 pm, Ardwick Green Park, Ardwick, M13
*Summer in the Shade - 28th July 2026 - 2 pm til 4 pm, Parrs Wood Environmental Centre, Didsbury, M20
*Seeds of Possibility - 29th September 2026 - 10 am til 12 pm, Birchfield Park, Rusholme, M14
*Buds and Branches - 15th December 2026 - 10 am til 12 pm, Victoria Park, Stretford, M32
Full details of the locations will be sent out once you have booked your place.
About the facilitators
Rae Story is an artist and QiGong practioner, with a long experience of running art-based nature workshops. https://www.instagram.com/verdant.city/
Séverine Cochard is a garden designer and botanist, with a passion for sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm about urban plants. https://www.instagram.com/severine.cochard/
https://grassrootsgardendesign.co.uk/
Any queries, contact Séverine at sev@grassrootsgardendesign.co.uk
Meeting Winter trees at Marie Louise Gardens in December 2025 (photo by Rae Story)
Location
Different locations, Manchester