Class Schedule July – December 2026

Succulent Wine Bottle Arrangement | July 18 | IN-PERSON

Discover the art of living design in this Succulent Wine Bottle Centerpiece Workshop at the beautiful Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. In this hands-on course, participants will create a one-of-a-kind arrangement using a vintage wine bottle, hand-cut and prepared by Rusted Rabbitt Living Designs, transformed into a unique vessel for homegrown succulents. This experience blends artistry with horticulture, offering in-depth guidance on succulent care, long-term growth, and the natural rhythms of these resilient plants. Students will also explore design principles—balance, texture, and composition—while arranging their living centerpiece. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with both a finished piece and the knowledge to confidently care for and design with succulents, making this an enriching experience for plant lovers and creatives alike.

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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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NEW! Living Succulent Candlestick Topiary | August 29 | IN-PERSON

Discover the beauty of living design in this Living Succulent Candlestick Topiary Workshop at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. In this hands-on experience, participants will work with a hand-turned wooden candlestick, thoughtfully crafted as the base for a sculptural topiary created from their choice of homegrown succulents. This course blends artistry with horticulture, guiding students through the fundamentals of succulent care—including light, watering, soil, and long-term maintenance—while introducing design principles that bring balance, height, and natural flow to a vertical arrangement. Participants will select and compose their own living topper, creating a one-of-a-kind piece that reflects both personal style and the beauty of organic form. Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike, this workshop offers a meaningful way to learn, create, and take home a lasting piece of living art.

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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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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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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! 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!