Gardening and Garden Design Classes

Learn basic gardening skills, brush up rusty skills, or learn something new. Learn to design your home landscape and care for it.  Look for unique workshops, multiple-session classes, and inspiring lectures.

Classes are offered in-person, as synchronous (live) online programs, or using hybrid methods with both in-person and virtual content.  Class delivery methods are denoted next to each listing as VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON, or HYBRID.  Please note Covid-19 related requirements for in-person classes.  All guidelines are subject to change.

Class Schedule August-December 2022

Plant it Now! Fall Vegetable Gardening | August 6 IN-PERSON

Virginia’s long autumn makes this the perfect time to plant a late vegetable garden. Horticulturist Michael Partusch describes how to plan a fall garden and which plants work best in our climate. Michael describes organic gardening techniques and provides pointers for those who want to grow vegetables year-round.  Instructor: Michael Partusch

Fall in the Kitchen Garden | August 13 IN-PERSON

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.  Instructor: Mark Ragland

Basic Residential Landscape Design | September 10, 17, 24, October 1, Studios September 25, October 2 HYBRID

This comprehensive course enables you to thoughtfully and responsibly plan a landscape enhancing the architecture of your home and reflecting your personality. Learn the basics of site and structure then proceed with analyzing climate and setting.  Instructor: Sharon Baum

Native Plants for Pollinators: Fall | September 14 IN-PERSON

Learn how to support honey bees and other important pollinators in your own yard using native plants, companion planting and pesticide-free practices. Instructor: Beth Farmer

All About Perennials | November 4, 11, 18 IN-PERSON

Learn how to design, select, plant and care for perennial plants in a year-round garden. Correct selection of plants is as important as care in creating a successful environment. Learn which plants thrive in the Richmond area and which are more challenging. Instructor: Christie Barry

Building Good Garden Soil | November 12 IN-PERSON

Everything starts with the soil! Find out how to build your soil for spring gardening. Learn the characteristics of basic soil types, and how to analyze your own soils, including amendment techniques, drainage, and more.  Instructor: Karin Stretchko

Plants and Spices for the Holidays | December 10 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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