Class Schedule December 2025 – April 2026

NEW! Succulent Propagation Wreath and Growing Techniques Workshop | December 13 | IN-PERSON

For this exciting holiday course, we’ll be making a small wreath out of mixed succulent leaves to explore how to propagate succulents from leaves and cuttings. Students will create their propagation wreaths from plant material from the Garden and experience a behind-the-scenes look at the Garden’s Greenhouse collections. Each student will get to take home their wreath and succulent propagation stations along with succulent hanging propagation chains. We’ll explore as many methods of propagation as possible and find new ways to build the succulent collections of your dreams.

Bonsai for Beginners | March 13 | 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 teach some 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. Come to learn the basics and leave feeling like you’re ready to take on the world of bonsai! Jayton will provide all information needed to successfully maintain and care for your starter bonsai.

NEW! Wooden Mushroom Succulent Arrangement | April 11 | IN-PERSON

Create a unique piece of living art! In this course, you’ll learn all about succulents and their hands-off maintenance for indoor growing. A handmade wooden mushroom sculpture will be the home for a nest of moss that continues an assortment of homegrown succulents. You’ll choose from a wide variety of rare succulent species, as well as dried native Virginia florals. Each arrangement will be specific to your own style and creative perspective. There will be many ways to create your own piece of living art with the hands on step by step guidance of a succulent designer.

Container Gardening with Native Plants | April 25 | 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.

NEW! Flower Crown Workshop | April 25 | IN-PERSON

Join Conservatory Horticulturist Clare Reines for a day of flower crowns! Learn to make your own flower crown using real flowers. Clare will teach you how to choose flowers that will hold their color while also holding their shape as they dry into a forever-lasting flower crown.