Class Schedule August – December 2023

Garden Through the Year with Peggy Singlemann Series

Join horticulturist and Virginia Home Grown host 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.

Winter Interest in the Garden | November 4 IN-PERSON

In our long autumn season, plants don’t necessarily pack it in at the end of October. Learn about hardy plants that provide interest in the winter landscape, including small trees and shrubs with colorfully vibrant berries and bark.

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Basic Residential Landscape Design | September 9, 16, 23, 24, 30, October 1 IN-PERSON

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, how to analyze climate and setting and how to incorporate design theory plant selection, soil analysis, material selection and ecological responsiveness into your landscape design.

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NEW! Philodendrons: Beyond the Basics | September 10 IN-PERSON

Learn everything you need to know about Philodendron care from the expert team at RVA Tropical & Exotic Plants. This interactive roundtable event is for beginners and experienced plant parents alike. You’ll have the opportunity to network with other plant lovers, see rare and unusual Philodendrons up close and learn how to confidently care for your Philodendrons.

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Creating a Backyard Wildlife Habitat | September 18, 19, 20 IN-PERSON

If you are looking for inspiration and guidance in creating a refuge for wildlife in your backyard, then you’re in the right place! This class will teach you how to incorporate native plants into your landscape while exploring how each plant interacts with nature and which wildlife it supports. You’ll also learn about the “right plant, right place” principle and how to identify invasive species growing in your yard.

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NEW! Power to the Pollinators: Gardening with Native Plants | September 23 September 30 IN-PERSON

Discover the incredible world of native plants and their vital role in supporting our local pollinators! Learn about native plant gardening, propagation and its positive impact on butterflies, bees and other essential pollinators. The class incorporates hands-on learning, including a walking tour of native plants in the Garden to observe pollinators in their natural habitat and a guided tour of Butterflies LIVE!

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NEW! Fall Curated Containers | October 7 IN-PERSON

This class will empower gardeners of any level to create beautifully 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. The instructor will demonstrate planting a sample container during class. You’ll be guided on an inspiring tour of stunning container plantings in the Garden.

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NEW! Cool Season Reblooming Bearded Irises | October 11 IN-PERSON

This class will focus on site selection, planting tips, maintenance, diseases and insect pests plus recommended varieties of cool season reblooming bearded irises for the Greater Richmond landscape. Experience a guided outdoor tour to discover cool season reblooming bearded irises growing at Lewis Ginter.

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Herb Garden Basics: Herbs in Winter | October 14 IN-PERSON

Learn techniques and tips for harvesting, preserving/drying and overwintering herbs in your garden for winter. Explore herbs like Rosemary, sage, basil, lavender, chives, dill, parsley, thyme, scented geraniums, bay, fennel, tarragon, oregano and more. You’ll also discover how to maintain your supply of fresh herbs through the cold months by growing herbs on your windowsill.

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NEW! Maker Night: Creating Cacti and Succulent Planters | October 20 IN-PERSON

Make your very own mixed planter using cacti and succulents and learn how to care for them. Experience an exclusive guided tour of the Garden’s cacti and succulent collection led by the Conservatory Horticulturist. As a rare treat, this class will be held in the North Wing of the Conservatory. Snacks and beverages, including wine and beer will be available for purchase during the class.

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NEW! Growing Microgreens | October 21 IN-PERSON

This workshop will equip you to grow a wide variety of microgreens at home, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh and flavorful greens. You’ll learn the art and science of what microgreens need to thrive, when to harvest them and some tips on how you can cook with them. You’ll take your own starter kit and seeds with you to grow your very own microgreens at home.

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Building Good Garden Soil | November 11 IN-PERSON

Everything starts with the soil! Find out how to build your soil for fall gardening. You’ll learn the characteristics of basic soil types and how to analyze your own soils including amendment techniques, drainage and more. A guided walk through the Garden will demonstrate how Lewis Ginter’s horticulturists remediate different parts of the Garden’s soil.

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If you are looking for succulent workshops with Melissa Tebbenhoff, please visit the Art in the Garden page. We have exciting new offerings!