NILES — Fernwood Botanical Garden has scheduled several events to kick off the summer.

Established in 1964, Fernwood is a unique property located in southwest Michigan on 105 acres of cultivated gardens and natural areas with woodlands, ravines, wetlands, and river frontage on the St. Joseph River.

The property is minutes from Lake Michigan, north of the University of Notre Dame, and 90 minutes from Chicago. The garden opened its new Sims Education Center in October 2018.

Fernwood follows its mission to enrich people’s lives by awakening and deepening their appreciation of nature and the possibilities of harmony between people, plants, gardens, and wildlife. Fernwood is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and the American Alliance of Museums. The garden is open year-round, and is located in Buchanan Township at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. For more information, visit fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491.

Summer Night Hike

9 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 21

The summer solstice offers the longest daylight of the year and is the astronomical start of summer. Guests can celebrate with an exploration of Fernwood under the cover of dark. Those in attendance will call for screech owls, look for bats, watch for fireflies, enjoy the stars overhead, and discover the magic of nature at night. Please bring a flashlight. Children 8 and under are free. Register by June 19.

$12 (Members $10)

Pastel Art in the Garden

10 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Cathy McCormick, president of the Northern Indiana Pastel Society, will lead a pastel art workshop featuring the vibrant summer landscape in soft (dry) pastels. A supply list is available upon registration or by contacting Cathy at camccorm@aol.org. Those attending are asked to bring a lunch or dine in the cafe. Register by June 5.

$55 (Members $44)

Vin-Nidra

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22

Guests will Vinyasa flow for the first hour in the garden, then enjoy a forest bath down to the wooden platform by the river for a deeply restorative Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep).

$24 (Members $20)

Kokedama: A Centuries-Old Garden Art

2 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23

All are invited to visit the Education Center to create two Kokedama, utilizing simple and easy-to-care for plants and herbs. Participants will learn about the technique and history of this centuries-old Japanese art and create their very own tabletop garden Kokedama, or hang Kokedama in a window using string or wire. Instruction on taking cuttings to start new plants as well as care and maintenance are also provided. All materials and plants are included.

$35 (Members $28)