Featured Programs for Adult Learners
Explore our featured classes and tours for adult learners! To view all of our upcoming classes, visit our Garden Course Finder or use our Programs by Date tool.
HOW TO GROW AND PRUNE
ROSES
Saturday, February 8, 2025
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Growing roses should not be intimidating. In this course you will learn the ins and outs of caring for and pruning roses. Begin in the Cochrane Rose Garden where Peggy Singlemann and Garden Assistant Horticulturist, Harley Robbins will demonstrate rose pruning practices. Participants will gain hands on experience as they are guided through the steps of rose pruning. Reconvening in the classroom, Peggy will then share month by month steps in caring for these lovely queens of the garden. A review of the different classifications of roses will enable attendees to choose the proper type of rose for their garden. Included will be the lessons learned over Peggy’s career managing the care of hundreds of roses in one of Richmond’s most famous rose gardens.
Learn More & RegisterEDIBLE GARDENS:
REGENERATIVE SEED STARTING FOR THE VEGETABLE GROWER
Saturday, February 8, 2025
2 – 4 p.m.
In this dynamic course, you’ll dive into the most sustainable seed-starting practices that will make your garden eco-friendly, pest-resistant, and bursting with nutrient-dense produce! We’ll explore everything from innovative soil blocking techniques to regenerative and organic tips and tricks, along with expert advice on seed sourcing and much more. But that’s not all—you’ll walk away with an exciting starter kit that includes seeds, pre-made soil, and essential amendments to kick off the 2025 growing season in style! Join us and cultivate your gardening skills while nurturing a thriving, sustainable ecosystem. Get ready to sow the seeds of success!
Learn More & RegisterProduce Aisle Botany
FOR BOTANICAL ILLLUSTRATION
Starting Thursday, February 20, 2025
10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Explore the botanical structure and artistic potential of common food items from the produce aisle of a grocery store. The first session will focus on foods that come from the soil, i.e., modified roots or rootstocks. The second session will address fruits, definable as any food item that encloses seeds. Each session will include pertinent botanical information and ample time for drawing and painting. Students are asked to bring their own plant materials to each session as the subject for a watercolor painting; a list of suggested possible produce items will be provided to registrants. Prerequisite: Introduction to Watercolor for Botanical Illustration.
Learn More & RegisterBirding
FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, February 22, 2025
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Want to learn more about birding? Join Barb and Buz Sawyer, both birdwatchers since childhood, for a fun-filled and informative morning exploring this enjoyable hobby. We’ll talk about where to go, what to take, which birds are likely to be seen at which time, how to identify birds and how to help birds with conservation techniques. Birding is gaining in popularity—there are many apps now available to assist you, which we’ll review. This class will touch on habitat, identification, behavior, and diet of the birds you are likely to see in our area, and equipment that can aid in your enjoyment of this hobby. Class begins inside and continues into the Garden to spot any birds that happen to be visiting. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Learn More & RegisterSPRING PLANTING
FOR POLLINATORS
Sunday, February 23, 2025
1 – 3 p.m.
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. Take home a spring blooming native plant and a variety of native seeds, as well as handouts on gardening and pollinators. Complete with an excursion into the Garden to see the pollinators in action, this class is sure to be educational AND fun!
Learn More & RegisterGARDEN TO GLASS:
SAVORY COCKTAILS
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Join local mixologist Beth Dixon, owner of Salt and Acid Beverage Consulting, as she demonstrates the nuances of how to create expertly balanced savory craft cocktails that will wow your palate and impress your friends. She’ll highlight amazing flavor combinations in three delicious cocktails: a Mexican Martini using olive brine, mezcal and citrus, a Bell Pepper Gimlet with lemon and gin, and a Carrot Whiskey Buck showcasing carrot, ginger and whiskey. During the demo, sip samples of each cocktail as you enjoy expertly paired small plates. Fee includes demonstration, cocktail samples and food pairings.
Learn More & RegisterLearning for All
We believe that all adults in our community should have access to plant-based, nature-focused learning opportunities. Each season, we offer adult classes with several pricing tiers to enable you to register at the amount you’re able to pay.
A Garden for All
We are committed to offering diverse adult learning opportunities that are inclusive and accessible to all learners. If you would like to request an accommodation to support your participation in an adult learning opportunity at the Garden, please contact [email protected] or call 804-262-9887 x320 and we will make our best effort to help.
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