Class Schedule July – December 2025

NEW! Is it an Open Top Terrarium or Self Watering Pot? | July 19 | IN-PERSON

We all know that plants help make a home, but keeping up with watering can be a lot. Did you know that the same concepts for making an open top terrarium can apply to making self-watering pots for your indoor plants? In this course we’ll have fun making an open top terrarium using plant material propagated from the Garden’s tropical plant collection and find out how this can help make your w indoor plants watering routine easier on you. Class includes a behind the scenes look at the Garden’s greenhouse facilities.

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Aquatic Plant Care Basics | July 19 | IN-PERSON

In this class taught by Danny Cox, the Garden’s Vice President of Horticulture, participants will be introduced to different aquatic plants that can be grown in water gardens. We will discuss different types of aquatic plants and how they can be used in water garden design. Danny will share tips on propagation and care. While a portion of the class will be indoors with a guiding slideshow for discussion, the class will utilize the Garden’s aquatic plant collection and water garden displays, so there will be outdoor time too.

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NEW! Worm Composting Like a Pro: Turn Scraps into Black Gold | August 2 | IN-PERSON

Ready to supercharge your garden with nature’s most powerful fertilizer? Worm composting is an easy, eco-friendly way to transform kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich “black gold” that will make your plants thrive! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to set up and maintain a thriving worm bin, keep your worms happy and productive, and harvest their incredible castings to boost soil health. Say goodbye to waste and hello to a self-sustaining, organic composting system that works for any home or garden. Each participant will leave with expert tips, a professional worm bin kit, troubleshooting skills, and the confidence to start composting like a pro!

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Mushroom Cultivation | August 2 | IN-PERSON

Mushrooms may be the most fascinating organisms on the planet. With over 2,189 types of edible mushrooms that grow around the world, there are so many unique varieties to explore. Join Will Nelson, gardener extraordinaire, in this class to learn how to cultivate your own gourmet and medicinal mushrooms at home. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious novice, this hands-on workshop will equip you with the skills to cultivate mushrooms both indoors and outdoors. During the workshop, participants will be able to examine and feel the variety of materials involved in growing mushrooms, including mycelium and substrate. Participants will receive a take-home grow kit of either Lions Mane or Reishi mushrooms to get started on your growing journey.

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Fall in the Kitchen Garden | August 9 | IN-PERSON

With grocery prices continuing to increase, interest in kitchen gardens and self-sufficiency is also on the rise. Kitchen gardens are made for intensive cultivation, so they are usually smaller than traditional vegetable plots, can easily be fenced to deter deer and other critters and they can look lovely! In this class, Mark Ragland helps you maintain your kitchen garden through harvest time, planting for fall cool weather crops and cleaning your garden out for winter. Tips on planning your garden for next year are included.

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NEW! Nightlife at Home: Creating Firefly Habitat | August 23 | IN-PERSON

A garden doesn’t stop being beautiful when the sun goes down– the nighttime brings a whole new dynamic! In this course we will discuss which flowers are pollinated by moonlight and why, what native plants create habitat for overnight “guests”, and ways you can create spaces at home for both you and these beautiful insects. Students will receive 1 native perennial (1 qt size) selected for firefly support, and a copy of the book “Silent Sparks: The Wonderous World of Fireflies” by Sara Lewis.

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Eco-Friendly Methods of Controlling Garden Pests | September 6 | IN-PERSON

Join horticulturist and Virginia Home Grown VPM/PBS host Peggy Singlemann at the Garden for an engaging and informative session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Discover how to work with nature—not against it—to manage pests in your garden using sustainable, eco-friendly strategies.

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Backyard Orchard: Fruit Cultivation | September 6 | IN-PERSON

Backyard Orchard: Fruit Cultivation prepares you for growing fruit trees, shrubs, and brambles right at home. Learn about techniques and practices starting from site and plant selection, exploring the diverse varieties of fruit trees and brambles suited for different climates and soil conditions. Gain insights into first-year care, learning how to nurture young plants along with pruning. Take a short tour through the Garden to observe mature fruit trees and shrubs.

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Container Gardening with Native Plants | September 13 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to use native plants in your container gardens! Join instructor Kaity Bevenour, native plant specialist & owner of Parallel Nursery, to examine what makes a native plant species a good container plant, how to create visually appealing plant combinations in the sun or shade. We will review some commonly available native perennials that would be best suited for pots in the central VA area. Once the lecture is concluded, participants will put their knowledge into action and create their very own custom container garden to take home.

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NEW! Fall Pruning and Seasonal Gardening | September 13 | IN-PERSON

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to don their vibrant fall hues, it’s time for garden enthusiasts to turn their attention to an essential seasonal task: fall pruning. While autumn is often associated with garden cleanup, fall pruning, when done correctly, can significantly impact the health and vitality of your plants come spring. In this class, we’ll delve into the why, when, and how of fall pruning to ensure your garden thrives year-round. Explore the Garden and participate in hands-on pruning demonstrations with Jayton.

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Fall Planting For Pollinators | September 14 | IN-PERSON

In the fall, our pollinator friends are busy at work! Join entomologist and former Butterflies LIVE! Coordinator, Clara Aus, as she navigates how to best support the local Virginia wildlife with your fall plantings. You’ll learn pollinator flower preferences, fall-blooming keystone species, host plants, fall planting techniques, and how to create a fall garden that is attractive to both people and pollinators. Take home a fall-blooming native plant and a variety of native seeds, as well as handouts on gardening, pollinators, host plants, and more.

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Native Plants for Beginners | September 27 | IN-PERSON

Learn the basics of including native perennial plants in your home garden. Join instructor Kaity Bevenour, native plant specialist & owner of Parallel Nursery, for an introduction to the ornamental & environmental benefits of commonly available Virginia native plants. Participants will get an overview of a variety of native perennial species suitable for garden use, including different flowers, grasses, and sedges. We will review some “aggressive” species that can be difficult to manage in smaller settings. We’ll also dig into the pros and cons of using wild “straight” species compared with cultivated varieties (aka “cultivars” or “nativars”). At the conclusion of the lecture portion we will take a short walk to the Morton Native Garden to view examples of some of these native species growing in a garden setting. Students will be able to take home 6 native plants in a Parallel Nursery Mix & Match 6-Pack (landscaping plug size) + 1 book for continued reading.

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Seed Saving 101: Practicing the Art of Seed Saving | September 27 | IN-PERSON

Learn and practice the art of seed saving like our ancient ancestors. Begin with a visually interactive discussion around our deeply-rooted history with seed saving. Explore the current reality of seeds globally and opportunities to pick up where our ancestors left off. Participate in a hands-on seed saving activity where you’ll learn the process of seed saving from collection to proper storage. Each attendee will take home an array of seeds ready to plant in the spring to begin their seed-saving journey at home.

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NEW! Small Trees and Shrubs: Beauty and Biodiversity | October 4 | IN-PERSON

Discover the beauty and ecological value of small trees and shrubs native, plus a few not native, to Virginia in this engaging class. Designed for gardeners, homeowners, and nature enthusiasts, this course explores how to select, plant, and care for the right woody plants to enhance your landscape while supporting local wildlife. Peggy will include plants deer prefer to avoid. You’ll learn how native species like Eastern Redbud, Serviceberry, and Virginia Sweetspire offer year-round interest and habitat benefits with minimal maintenance. The class covers site assessment, soil and sunlight considerations, and practical tips on pruning, watering, and avoiding invasive species. Whether you’re creating a backyard retreat or enhancing curb appeal, this class will equip you with the knowledge to choose the right plants for your garden.

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NEW! Dahlias 101 with Harvest and Storage | October 4 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to grow stunning organic dahlias from tuber to bloom in this hands-on workshop! We’ll cover planting, feeding, harvesting for long vase life, and how to lift, divide, and store your tubers for next season. Perfect for gardeners of all levels, this class includes a live demo, Q&A, and take-home dahlia tubers so you can implement your new knowledge and start growing right away.

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Bonsai for Beginners | October 10 | IN-PERSON

In this workshop, West Section Lead Horticulturist Jayton Howard will dive into the origins and history of bonsai, how to care for and plant a bonsai and teach some basic bonsai training techniques. Learn these techniques through the planting and training of your very own starter bonsai that you will get to take home with you and grow into a mighty bonsai. This workshop is geared toward bonsai beginners and no previous bonsai knowledge is necessary.

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NEW! Meadow Creation for Beginners | October 11 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to turn your garden into a thriving meadow! This course will cover different aspects of home meadow creation, including design techniques, steps for preparation, how to choose plants appropriate for our area and your specific project, how to actually find the plants for your projects, and some troubleshooting tips to avoid common issues. We will also cover some commonly recommended plant combinations for different sizes of landscape. At the conclusion of the lecture we will take a 30 minute walk through the garden to view examples of some of our selected plant species growing together. Students will be able to take home a customized Mix & Match 6 Pack of native plants from Parallel Nursery (landscaping plug size, compostable container).

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NEW! Native Plant Propagation (Fall & Winter Edition) | October 25 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to grow your own native plants from a professional propagator! Join Kaity Bevenour, horticulturalist and owner of Parallel Nursery, a Richmond VA native perennial nursery, for a journey through the fascinating world of plant propagation. During this class students will receive an introduction to the history of the horticulture trade and plant creation for landscape uses. We will review different methods of growing “propagules” such as seeds, cuttings, or root divisions, and cover other techniques to help induce successful plant propagation.

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NEW! Daffodil, Jonquil, or Narcissus? Learn Classification, Outstanding Cultivars, and More | November 1 | IN-PERSON

We’ll set the record straight on the many types of daffodils by describing the 13 distinct divisions. These harbingers of spring are among the easiest flowers to grow, and in central Virginia you can enjoy daffodil blooms from early February on through April by mixing early, mid, and late season varieties. Insider tips will be shared on selecting, planting, and caring for bulbs. Also covered will be the elite 49 daffodils (out of 30,000+ registered cultivars) that are American Daffodil Society Wister Award winners, in recognition of their outstanding garden performance. Late fall is ideal for planting, and so each participant will take home a special assortment of Wister Award winner bulbs donated by the Virginia Daffodil Society.

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NEW! African Violets 101 | November 1 | IN-PERSON

Step into the vibrant world of the Gesneriaceae family- a diverse group of plants known for their beautiful blooms, unique foliage, and fascinating growth habits. In this class, we will explore what makes the African violet family so unique. You will learn how to best care for these beauties and keep them alive for years to come. Students will propagate their own gesneriad and learn to repot one, taking home two freshly-potted plants.

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Bonsai for the Intermediate Grower | November 7 | IN-PERSON

In this workshop, West Section Lead Horticulturist Jayton Howard takes a deep dive into the art of bonsai. If you want help with your bonsai or you’ve learned the basics and want to take your skills a step further, this is the class for you! New techniques will be demonstrated that are certain to elevate your bonsai to the next level. Learn new terminology and try your hand at new pruning and training methods. You’re invited to bring one bonsai from home that you’d like help with during class and photos of bonsai you have questions about. Each student will also get the opportunity to pot up and take home a bonsai so no one is leaving empty handed!

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NEW! Container Gardening with Bulbs | November 8 | IN-PERSON

No Space? No Problem. Fall is for planting – prepare for your spring display today! Join Lauren Hwang-Finkelman, Living Collections Manager at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, to learn how to build a layered container display of spring-blooming bulbs that will flower for weeks. Begin with a discussion of the cultivation requirements of traditional springtime flowering bulbs, including daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and grape-hyacinths. Learn what classifies as a true bulb and discover some uncommon bulbs that will thrive in our region. Following time in the classroom, students will get the opportunity to create their own layered bulb container in our Massey Greenhouse on-site. Mix and match different bulb combinations to create your own springtime display.

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Plants & Spices for the Holidays | November 15 | IN-PERSON

Why are holly, evergreens, poinsettias, and spices like cinnamon and ginger so tied to modern holiday traditions? Mark Ragland explores the mythology and botany of traditional holiday plants, including the ingredients of the seasonal favorite, fruitcake! He also includes instructions and tips for the proper care of the most common holiday plants.

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NEW! Orchids 101 | November 22 | IN-PERSON

Orchids are an incredibly fascinating plant group – and they’re easier to care for than you might think. In this class, Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines will introduce you to the care, history, and unique features of multiple orchid genera. We’ll cover the basics of orchid care and walk you through repotting an orchid of your own. With practical tips and plenty of guidance, this course is perfect for anyone looking to build a stronger foundation in orchid care.

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For creative workshops where you can use live plants to make plant creations to take home, check out our Plant Play: Make and Take Workshops learning category!