Class Schedule January – April 2024
NEW! | January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17 IN-PERSON
Trees are an essential and beautiful part of any healthy landscape, and they bring a multitude of benefits to homeowners (and the broader community!). In this course, landscape designer Janine Lester will discuss trees and how to care for them. Topics will include the benefits of trees, how to select quality trees, how to plant them and how to prune them.
NEW! Spring Planting for Pollinators| February 3 IN-PERSON
Spring is when the pollinators wake up and get back to work! Come learn about our amazing pollinator friends with entomologist Clara Aus. You’ll learn spring planting techniques, pollinator flower preferences, host plants and how to make an attractive spring garden.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL SERIES
We believe that all adults in our community should have access to plant-based, nature-focused learning opportunities. The learning opportunities in this series offer several pricing tiers so you can register at the amount you’re able to pay.
The History of the Black Garden| February 3 IN-PERSON
Since the founding of America, African Americans have planted crops for themselves that have cultural importance, particularly in Virginia and the greater South. Join Debra Freeman, host and creator of Setting the Table podcast, as she explores the fascinating history and relevance of fish peppers, watermelons, sweet potatoes, collards, peanuts and other legacy vegetables that still endure today.
For additional learning opportunities in this series, visit our Learning Opportunities for All page.
NEW! |March 1, 8, 15 IN-PERSON
Learn about the different flowering shrubs and trees that do well in the residential landscape in Central Virginia with landscape designer Christie Barry. Planting, pruning, watering and sun/shade needs will be discussed. After a pruning demonstration, students will be invited to demonstrate what they learned by practicing pruning in the Garden.
GARDEN THROUGH THE YEAR WITH PEGGY SINGLEMANN SERIES
Join horticulturist andVirginia Home Grownhost Peggy Singlemann at the Garden for information sessions on a variety of seasonal gardening topics. Peggy offers timely tips for your garden and all programs include a walk in the Garden with Peggy to illustrate examples.
NEW! Backyard Composting | March 2 IN-PERSON
The secret to a successful garden is the soil. Soil needs organic matter to sustain the organisms living within and the best source for the soil’s “food” is compost. Composting yard waste, vegetable food scraps and other organic materials diverts these resources from the landfill into the garden. In this class, Peggy Singlemann will provide all the information you need to manage an active compost system.
Creating a Kitchen Garden | March 9 IN-PERSON
Expert gardener Mark Ragland helps you start your kitchen garden in time for you to get your hands dirty and creative juices flowing for the spring thaw. Learn how to plan, prepare and select plants for your kitchen garden. Take a trip to the Garden’s Kroger Community Kitchen Garden for inspiration.
NEW! Orchid Care Unveiled | March 13IN-PERSON
Delve into the secrets of orchid care withRVA Tropical & Exotic Plants! In this engaging class, orchid experts from Chadwick Orchids and Virginia Orchid Society will demystify the world of orchids. Learn about orchid varieties, potting and repotting, watering and humidity, pest and disease prevention, common challenges and more! Tour of the orchids in the Conservatory.
NEW! Preparing Your Garden for Spring| March 16IN-PERSON
Horticulturist T.J. Oliver will cover topics including seed starting, spring garden preparation, choosing seeds for spring harvest, seeds that need to be started early and more. This class will include a walk to the Kroger Community Kitchen Garden for hands-on demonstrations showcasing what the Garden is doing to prepare for the spring and summer seasons.
NEW! Plant Propagation| April 24, May 1 IN-PERSON
Learn the principles and practices of plant propagation including cuttings, division, seed collection, stratification and germination with landscape designer and native plant horticulturist Beth Farmer. Work hands-on with cuttings, seeds and plants to learn propagation procedures for different species. By the end of the course, you’ll have knowledge to reproduce your own plants.
NEW! Grafting Fruit Trees| April 25 IN-PERSON
Using the North American Pawpaw as a focus, explore the what, why and how of grafting plants and trees with Mike Ferster, founder and head orchardist of Woodside Pawpaw. Learn the history and science of grafting, followed by a demonstration of two different grafting techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to graft your own Pawpaw tree to bring home.
NEW! Spring/Summer Curated Containers| April 27IN-PERSON
This class will empower gardeners of any level to create beautifully, seasonally curated containers for their outdoor spaces. You’ll learn how to choose a container and select plants that fit the needs of exposure, watering requirements and other considerations. Horticulturist Sunny McGann will demonstrate planting a sample container during class. Take a brief tour of stunning container plantings in the Garden.
For creative workshops where you can use live plants to make plant creations to take home, check out our new Plant Play: Make and Take Workshops learning category! Explore topics like living succulent wreaths, bonsai, terrariums and more while learning tips and techniques for plant care and maintenance.
