Fernwood is a favorite of all who love nature – flora and fauna. Call (269) 695-6491 to confirm status of classes. Fernwood is located near Buchanan at 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. The Fernwood Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Fernwood is closed on Mondays.
Upcoming events include:

Get Ready for Spring Gardening with Fernwood Master Gardener Training
Registration is now open. Classes begin Jan. 16 and run through March 27.
Master Gardener training returns to Fernwood on Saturday mornings beginning Jan. 16. This popular program is provided by Michigan State University Extension and is an excellent way to improve your horticultural knowledge. You may enroll in the entire weekly series or select individual classes that meet your personal needs. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the complete program is $265.

Contact the Berrien County Extension office at (269) 944-4126, or e-mail msue.berrien@county.msu.edu to learn more. Individuals interested in attending single sessions of the Master Gardener training program are welcome.

The cost of individual sessions is $18 ($14 for Fernwood members). Register for single sessions by calling Fernwood at (269) 695-6491.

Sunday Journey: The Botanical Garden: Past, Present & Future Role in Society
From the comfort of the Art Gallery, explore the world in the first of our new series of exciting and diverse presentations this Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This presentation will feature “The Botanical Garden: Past, Present & Future Role in Society” and will be given by the renowned Dennis W. Woodland, botany professor, Andrews University.

Woodland teaches courses in the areas of environmental science, biogeography, botany and medical botany.

Consider an early arrival to enjoy a delicious warm lunch in the Fernwood Cafe. Fee is $10 (members $8). Registration required.

Wine pARTy! with Whitney Ferré
Join artist and wine connoisseur Whitney Ferré Friday, Jan. 29 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a different kind of wine tasting at our Wine pARTy! Originally from Chicago, Ferré is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor of general studies degree, a perfect degree considering Whitney also co-owns a wine bar – Rumours Wine Bar – in Nashville; leads corporate creativity workshops; teaches art and creativity classes; and is a mother of three. Ferré says she has learned that “wine making is an art, the wine makers are true artists, and the process of creating fine wine parallels both the painting and creative process.”

Share four wines to compare to the creative process and discuss her book, “The Artist Within: A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit” (copies will be available for purchase).
Register by Thursday, Jan. 28. Fee is $12 (members $10).

The Artist Within Workshop: Painting Made Easy
If you desire to re-create an element in your life; if you have ideas that you would like to see come to fruition; if there is change you would like to see in your world then you need to tap in to your “artist within.” Whitney Ferré, author of the book, “The Artist Within: A Guide to Becoming Creatively Fit,” will lead this workshop Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to take you through a selection of her “creativity workouts” designed to empower you to create change.

Through paint, collage, “scribbling” and collaborative exercises, Ferré will introduce you to your right brain voice, your artist within. Ferré’s technique is easy and takes you step-by-step through the painting process, layering colors to create a fun and interesting piece. Ferré’s classes are so popular because her motivation for teaching is to introduce you to the relaxing and stress-eliminating benefits of painting.

Bring your sketchbook; all other materials will be supplied. Ferré’s book is not required for the workshop, but you can preorder a copy for $15.95. Book and kits also available in the gift shop and at the Wine pARTy Friday, Jan. 29. Register by Thursday, Jan. 28. Workshop fee is $100 (members $85).