Gardening & Garden Design Classes

NEW! Desert Biomes in the Conservatory | June 20 | IN-PERSON

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for a close look at how true desert climates are interpreted inside the Conservatory. The class will explore the global diversity of deserts, what makes a true desert, and the requirements of desert plants. Clare will also discuss the planting process and maintenance considerations for the desert wing, ending the class with a guided tour. Each student will take home their own potted desert plant.

NEW! Deep Dive with Aquatic Plants — Explore, Learn, and Take Home Living Plants! | June 21 | IN-PERSON

Step into the world of aquatic plants with this immersive, hands on course led by the Garden’s aquatic expert Danny Cox. Whether you’re a water garden beginner or simply fascinated by ponds and plant filled ecosystems, this session delivers an insider’s view into the beauty and diversity of aquatic species. You’ll learn what makes aquatic plants unique, how different categories behave, and how to recognize them in the wild and in cultivated gardens. After a short lecture, head outdoors for a guided exploration through the Garden’s water features to see these plants up close. A major highlight: Participants will take home a curated packet of information AND cuttings from select aquatic plants in the Garden’s collections—perfect for starting or expanding a water garden of your own.

NEW! Xeriscaping for Central Virginia | June 27 | IN-PERSON

When most people hear the term xeriscaping, they might think of rocky landscapes or using only drought-tolerant plants. While these conditions aren’t common in Central Virginia, xeriscaping principals can be used to landscape for lower maintenance and more resilient gardens. Join Horticulturist Jayton Howard and learn practical ways to apply these techniques to support diverse, attractive plantings suited to our region, creating more diverse and sustainable gardens that everyone can enjoy. Explore areas of the Garden that showcase examples of these principles including the new Sunrise Gardens in front of the Conservatory. Take home a native plant to begin your own landscape at home.

NEW! Mediterranean Landscapes Under Glass | July 11 | IN-PERSON

Join Clare Reines, Conservatory Horticulturist, in an immersive exploration of the Mediterranean climate and how it is recreated inside the Conservatory. The class will focus on how five diverse regions of the world share the same climate and how that informs plant selection, environmental factors, and plant care factors. Clare will walk through her design process for the Mediterranean wing, focusing on key elements that shaped the final planting. The class will end with a guided tour of our Mediterranean collection, highlighting key plant adaptations and practical strategies for growing Mediterranean species in both controlled environments and outdoors. Each student will take home their own potted Mediterranean plant.

NEW! Tropical Landscapes Under Glass | July 18 | IN-PERSON

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for an in-depth exploration of how tropical rainforest ecosystems are recreated inside the Conservatory. This class covers the structure and diversity of tropical environments and how environmental factors are carefully managed under glass. Clare will discuss her design process behind the Tropical Wing and maintenance strategies for tropical plants. The class will end with a guided tour of the Tropical Wing, highlighting key adaptations, growth habits, and practical considerations for cultivating tropical plants. Each student will take home their own potted tropical plant.

Plant Propagation 101 | July 25 | IN-PERSON

Join Horticulture Section Lead Jayton Howard and explore a variety of plant propagation techniques while touring several garden spaces, including the Central Garden, Conservatory, Greenhouse, and Kroger Community Kitchen Garden. Along the way, participants will learn how plants are grown and propagated for the garden, observe these methods in action, and gain hands-on experience practicing them. Each student will also create and take home their own propagation station filled with cuttings.

NEW! Waterlilies 101 | August 1 | IN-PERSON

Discover the magic of waterlilies in this immersive, hands on workshop led by aquatic plant expert and Vice President of Horticulture Danny Cox. After a short introductory lecture and tour of the Garden’s stunning waterlily collections, you’ll roll up your sleeves for the highlight of the class: You’ll pot up your very own waterlily—then take it home to grow! Danny will guide you through the entire process, from selecting soil and containers to planting, positioning, and caring for your new waterlily. You’ll leave with a thriving plant, a detailed care handout, and the confidence to help it flourish.

NEW! Habitat to Houseplants: A History of Indoor Gardening & Greenhouse Technology | August 8 | IN-PERSON

Join us for a journey through the fascinating history of indoor plant cultivation as we trace the global journeys of the plants that now fill our homes and greenhouses. From early plant explorers and glasshouse innovations to the cultural trends that shaped our love of houseplants, discover the pivotal moments that made today’s “indoor jungle” possible. Explore the newly expanded conservatory on as you learn more. Students will take home a plant typically cultivated under glass.

NEW! No Soil Needed: Epiphyte Mounting, Care, and Display Design | August 22 | IN-PERSON

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for a hands-on introduction to epiphytic plants (think ferns, cacti, orchids and bromeliads to name a few). The class will include an overview of epiphyte ecology and care as well as commonly epiphytic plant groups. Participants will learn about practical display techniques, appropriate materials, and long-term care strategies. Each student will create and take home their own epiphyte display.

Meadow Creation for Beginners | August 22 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to successfully convert part of your yard into a thriving, manageable meadow. This course walks you step-by-step through the process: from evaluating your site and preparing the soil to selecting regionally appropriate plants and sourcing quality seed or plugs for your project. We’ll cover some practical design strategies for different landscape sizes, recommended plant combinations that perform well together, and common mistakes to avoid during installation and early maintenance. The program concludes with a guided walk through the newly expanded garden to observe real-life meadow examples and discuss what makes them successful. Students will take home a customized mix-and-match pack of six native perennial plants to begin their new landscape project.

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Floral Design Classes

NEW! Botanical Escape: Designing with Tropicals | July 22 | IN-PERSON

Enjoy a tour of the tropical wing of the newly expanded Conservatory followed by a demonstration and hands-on lesson in the classroom. Participants will use a combination of exotic, unique and beautiful cut tropical flowers and foliage to create a lush, stunning, contemporary arrangement to take home. Instructor: David Pippin

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Mind, Body, Spirit Classes

Botanical Incense: Summer Scents | August 8 | IN-PERSON

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for hands-on workshops where you learn to make your own seasonal-scented incense using natural ingredients! She will cover the science and rich history behind incense making, and teach you how to work with resins, herbs, oils, and wood to create your own unique blend that celebrates the season.

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Food & Drink Classes

Edible History: Plants of the Mediterranean | August 12 | IN-PERSON 

Transport yourself to the sun-soaked landscapes of the Mediterranean and discover the plants that thrive in its signature climate of hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Join expert Mark Ragland and explore the history and unique characteristics of these resilient plants and discover many of the herbs and ingredients that define Mediterranean cuisine.

Then, indulge your senses with a delicious buffet lunch incorporating these iconic ingredients, and experience firsthand the aromas and tastes that make this region’s cuisine so beloved. Savor the fragrant oils, fresh herbs, and vibrant flavors and experience the connection between garden and table. Fee includes presentation with Mark, buffet lunch, all taxes, fees and gratuity.

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Garden Tours

NEW! Paths Around the Glass: A Tour of Resilient Beauty | May 26, May 28, June 3, June 11, June 23, July 21 OR August 4    

Step beyond the Conservatory and tour the new garden areas added as part of the Conservatory expansion. “Paths Around the Glass” is a guided outdoor tour that showcases the plants that can not only thrive in Richmond’s climate, but are designed to provide food and shelter for insects and wildlife. You will discover the adaptive design techniques used to create the varied areas around the conservatory, including: a hillside garden, a parterre meadow, a new courtyard for gatherings, and aquatic plants and paths around the new lake area. As you go through the spaces, you will discover a rich variety of plants that are primarily native and are well-suited for this environment from evergreens to hardy perennials that return each year. The landscape is designed for resilience, transitioning from formal irrigated garden beds to more natural environments that rely on drought-tolerant and self-sustaining plantings that can thrive throughout the year.   

NEW! Worlds Under Glass: Desert to Rainforest Tour | June 16, June 25, July 7, July 23, August 6 OR August 18 

Take an immersive journey through Earth’s diverse plant biomes – each distinct in climate, flora, and visual impact. Wander through the stark beauty of the desert, where resilient plants thrive with little water. Step into Mediterranean climates known for food, wine, and fragrances. View the layers of the hot humid tropical rainforest filled with lush foliage, fruit trees, and orchids. Then, enter the subtropical house where nectar-rich plants and shrubs support the living butterflies. Each space reveals how plants adapt, survive, and flourish in different conditions, offering a vivid, global celebration of plant life. 

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Beekeeping, Birding and Bugs Classes

NEW! Creating a Backyard Butterfly Oasis | June 7 | IN-PERSON

If you’re looking to build a beautiful and functional butterfly habitat in your own backyard, this class will provide all the necessary tools to get you started. We will cover how to support butterflies in all life stages, with a focus on how to attract them with plants. To support the adult butterfly feeding on nectar plants, each participant will receive a packet of native nectar flower seeds, collected directly from Clara’s garden. To support the adults basking in the sun and puddling (drinking water to get important minerals and salts), we will create a colorful ceramic bowl puddling station with stones that are perfect for perching and taking a sip. Finally, to support the eggs and caterpillars, each participant will take home 1 native butterfly host plant- like milkweed, for example, that hosts monarch caterpillars, or golden alexander that hosts black swallowtails.

Butterfly Pinning 101 | August 16 | IN-PERSON

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the delicate art of butterfly pinning — a timeless method of preserving these stunning insects for display. In this class, you’ll be guided through each step of the process, from rehydration of the specimens to proper pinning techniques. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this class combines elements of entomology, art, and natural history. All materials will be provided, and you’ll leave with your own beautifully preserved butterfly and the knowledge to continue the craft at home. Conclude the class with a guided visit to Butterflies Bloom with Butterfly Exhibit Manager, Clara Aus. Note: All butterfly specimens are ethically and sustainably sourced!

NEW! Butterflies Bloom Backstage Pass

Step behind the scenes of the new Butterflies Bloom exhibit for an exclusive backstage tour. Join Butterfly Exhibit Manager Clara Aus for a look inside the exhibit to learn more about adult butterflies and then explore the back of house spaces to see how we care for butterflies at all life stages. Offered on select Sundays in 2026, this action-packed tour is sure to give you a once-in-a-lifetime experience in our Conservatory’s new Subtropical House and Butterflies Bloom exhibit!

Early July Backstage Pass | July 12 | IN-PERSON

Late July Backstage Pass | July 26 | IN-PERSON

Early August Backstage Pass | August 9 | IN-PERSON

Late August Backstage Pass | August 23 | IN-PERSON