Class Schedule July – December 2026

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.

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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.

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Nightlife at Home: Creating Firefly Habitat | July 25 | 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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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.

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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.

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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.

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Fall in the Kitchen Garden | August 22 | 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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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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NEW! Creating a Resilient Garden: Growing Landscapes in a Changing World | September 12 | IN-PERSON

Discover practical strategies for creating beautiful, adaptable gardens that thrive in the face of changing environmental conditions. In this class, students will learn how to apply sustainable design principles to create landscapes that can withstand challenges such as extreme weather, invasive pests, and shifting climate patterns. We’ll explore drought-tolerant plant selection, tools for evaluating your landscape’s strengths and vulnerabilities, strategies for enhancing local biodiversity, and sustainable maintenance practices that support long-term resilience and recovery. Ticket includes a customizable mix-and-match six pack of drought-tolerant, native perennial plants

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Fall Planting for Pollinators | September 20 | IN-PERSON

In the fall, our pollinator friends are busy at work! Join entomologist and Butterflies Bloom Manager 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

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NEW! Prepping Your Fall and Winter Vegetable Garden | September 20 | IN-PERSON

Want a winter harvest in your vegetable garden? You don’t need a heated greenhouse to have fresh vegetables during the cold months. But if you want tasty, fresh greens in January, the time to start those plants is now! Learn what to grow, when to start it, and how best to protect your veggies from the freeze. We’ll take a look at season extension techniques and tools and get some hands-on installation experience. Participants get a starter pack of winter plants with instructions.

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Bonsai for Beginners | September 25 | IN-PERSON

In this workshop, Horticulture Section Leader Jayton Howard will dive into the origins and history of bonsai, how to care for and plant a bonsai, and basic bonsai training techniques. We’ll 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 — no previous bonsai knowledge is necessary.

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Designing a Four-Season Perennial Garden | September 26 | IN-PERSON

Do you dream of a perennial garden that delights in every season? Learn how to create a dynamic, low-maintenance perennial garden that provides color, texture, and interest year-round, specifically tailored for USDA Zone 7. This class explores the principles of four-season perennial garden design with a focus on plant selection, bloom succession, textures, and sustainable gardening practices. You’ll gain the tools to design a garden in both sun and shade that evolves beautifully, from spring’s first blooms to winter’s striking silhouettes.

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Native Plant Propagation | September 26 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to grow your own native plants from a professional propagator! Join Kaity Bevenour, horticulturist and owner of Parallel Nursery, a Richmond native perennial nursery, for a journey through the fascinating world of plant propagation. During this class, you’ll be introduced 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. Ticket includes “Growing and Propagating Wild Flowers” by Harry R. Phillips + 1 pack of native plant seeds for fall/winter prop and 1 bundle of live native plant cuttings.

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Seed Saving 101: Practicing the Art of Seed Saving | September 26 | 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! Dividing Perennials: A Hands-On Fall Propagation Workshop | September 27 | IN-PERSON

Learn how to expand your garden the natural way in this hands-on fall workshop focused on dividing perennials and selecting small, woody plants. Autumn is one of the best times to rejuvenate established plants and create new ones — and this class will show you how. We’ll begin with a brief, practical overview covering the principles behind plant division, including when and why to divide, which plants respond best in each season, and the tools and techniques that lead to successful results. From there, participants will observe live demonstrations of dividing herbaceous perennials and smaller, woody plants. Those who want to get their hands dirty will have the opportunity to practice dividing a variety of plants with guidance. Participants are welcome to take home a selection of divisions to start or expand their own garden.

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NEW! Gardening in the Shade: Unlocking the Hidden Potential of Your Landscape | September 30 | IN-PERSON

Think a shady garden has to be green and boring? Think again. Discover how to transform low-light spaces into vibrant, four-season landscapes filled with color, texture, and ecological value. In Gardening in the Shade, you’ll learn how to evaluate different types of shade, select outstanding plants for Zone 7 conditions, and which plants create depth, contrast, and year-round interest. Beyond the basics, we’ll explore how trees influence soil moisture, why some shade gardens thrive while others struggle, and how to use foliage, form, and seasonal succession to create memorable garden experiences.

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Building Healthy Soil | October 3 | IN-PERSON

We all know that soil is fundamental for life, but did you know that soil itself is a living ecosystem? When it is healthy, soil performs many critical functions. Join instructor Karin Stretchko, Assistant Professor at Reynolds Community College, to learn about core principles and best management practices to enhance and promote soil health in your garden. Learn how to analyze your own soils with amendment techniques, drainage, and more. A guided walk through the Garden will demonstrate how Lewis Ginter’s horticulturists remediate the Garden’s soil to flourish for years to come.

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NEW! Scarecrow Making for the Modern Garden | October 3 | IN-PERSON

Celebrate the playful side of the fall garden in this creative, hands-on scarecrow workshop designed for adults. Once a practical tool for protecting crops, the scarecrow has evolved into a whimsical and expressive garden feature—and in this class, you’ll design one that reflects your own style. All basic materials will be provided, giving you a strong foundation to build your scarecrow. Participants are encouraged to bring their own clothing, accessories, or personal touches to make their creation truly unique. The workshop will begin with a brief look at the history and evolution of scarecrows, along with design tips and inspiration drawn from a curated collection of images. From rustic and traditional to quirky and artistic, you’ll explore different styles before creating your own garden character.

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Fall Pruning and Seasonal Gardening | October 3 | 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 improve 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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NEW! Best Pest Management Practices in an Organic Veggie Garden | October 10 | IN-PERSON

Have you ever grown what looks like the perfect strawberry only to find a slug inside? Learn growing methods that reduce pest pressure, attract beneficials, and keep weeds at bay without herbicides. This crash course in pest management will discuss identifying and treating common pests and diseases in popular vegetable plants. We’ll learn what treatments to use and how to apply them in safe and effective ways.

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NEW! Plant, Design & Grow: Fall Container Garden Workshop | October 10 | IN-PERSON

Create a professionally designed fall container in this hands-on planting workshop, perfect for gardeners of all skill levels. Each participant will build a custom seasonal arrangement using a curated selection of fall plants chosen for color, texture, and longevity. We’ll begin with a brief overview of container design principles, including plant combinations, spacing, and how to create balanced, eye-catching arrangements for the fall season. From there, you’ll be guided step-by-step as you plant your own container insert using provided soil, fertilizer, and high-quality plant material. You’ll leave with a finished arrangement ready to drop into your favorite pot—making it easy to refresh your porch or garden with minimal effort.

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Native Plants for Beginners | October 16 | 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”). Ticket includes a customizable mix and match 6 pack of native perennial plants (landscaping plug size).

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NEW! Dahlias: Harvesting, Dividing & Storing for Seasons of Blooms | October 17 | IN-PERSON

Join former flower farmer Conner Parrish of Bloomistry for a hands-on workshop focused on growing and storing beautiful dahlias year after year. Participants will learn proper harvesting techniques for longer vase life and continuous blooms, as well as how to dig, divide, label, and store dahlia tubers through the winter for successful replanting in spring. We’ll also discuss when and how dahlias can be successfully overwintered in the garden without digging them up. Each attendee will actively process dahlia tubers during class and take home their own divided dahlia roots to grow in their garden.

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NEW! Post-Harvest Handling of Veggies: Washing, Curing, and Storing | October 18 | IN-PERSON

To wash or not to wash, that is the question. Greens, winter squash, and tomatoes all require different techniques for best eating; learn the rules so you know which ones to break! We will discuss when to harvest, how to manage our bounty, making curing cabinets, ideal storage conditions and DIY solutions.

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Container Gardening with Bulbs | October 24 | 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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NEW! Exploring Conifers: Selection, Planting & Garden Highlights | October 24 | IN-PERSON

Discover the beauty, structure, and surprising science of conifers in this engaging workshop for home gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Unlike most plants, conifers are ancient, non-flowering species that reproduce by cones and rely on wind pollination—adaptations that have helped them thrive for millions of years. We’ll begin with a practical overview of selecting conifers suited to our region, along with insight into the traits that make them so effective in the landscape—from needle structure to growth habit. A live planting demonstration will cover proper installation techniques and early care for long-term success, followed by a discussion of maintenance and common challenges. The class concludes with a guided exploration of the garden’s conifer collection, showcasing how these plants provide year-round structure, texture, and visual interest. Participants will take home a curated bundle of fresh conifer clippings, and a regional conifer guide.

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NEW! A Taste of the Tropics | October 25 | IN-PERSON

Explore the incredible diversity of tropical fruit trees now growing in our new conservatory spaces! Discover how and why we developed this unique collection, and learn the fascinating stories behind these plants. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste a variety of tropical fruits you may never have experienced before. Come ready to explore, learn, and sample—and leave with a deeper appreciation for the world of tropical fruits.

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Daffodil, Jonquil, or Narcissus? | November 7 | IN-PERSON

We’ll unravel the proper answer to this age-old question by describing the 13 distinct botanical divisions that comprise the genus Narcissus. Traditional harbingers of spring, daffodils are among the easiest flowers to grow, and in central Virginia you can enjoy 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 50 daffodils (out of 30,000+ registered cultivars) that are American Daffodil Society Wister Award winners, recognized for their outstanding performance in the garden. Late fall is ideal for planting, and so each participant will take home a special assortment of Wister Award winning bulbs donated by members and friends of the Virginia Daffodil Society.

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African Violets 101 | November 7 | 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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NEW! Ecological Garden Cleanup and Fall Preparation | November 14 | IN-PERSON

Curious how you can clean up your garden this fall to create a pleasant, presentable space that is sustainable for your local wildlife? Join instructor Kaity Bevenour, native plant specialist & owner of Parallel Nursery, for a review of landscape management techniques for wildlife support! We’ll go beyond “leave the leaves” and discuss exactly how to structure your clean-up to meet your aesthetic & ecological goals. Ticket includes: Garden notebook & tool sharpener + 3 native perennial plants that are suitable for fall planting.

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Orchids 101 | November 14 | 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. Class includes a visit to the newly expanded Conservatory to view Orchids in the collection.

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NEW! Propagating Plants as Gifts | December 12 | IN-PERSON

Love receiving plants as gifts? Even better—love sharing your own? In this workshop-style course, you’ll learn simple and effective propagation methods to grow and share your favorite plants with others. We’ll create a succulent propagation wreath, build a take-home propagation station, and explore easy techniques for growing new plants. Leave inspired and ready to share your plants as thoughtful, living gifts—just in time for the holiday season!

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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!