Garden Classes in Washington, DC

Enjoy painting botanical illustrations in the super easy to learn and forgiving medium of gouache, also known as opaque watercolor. This class is designed for both inexperienced students and those who wish to improve their skills. We will cover basic as well as more advance gouache techniques to paint a beautiful flower in a style I like to call "soft...

This class will take place online. Registered students will receive login instructions. Explore the basic principles underlying successful, environmentally friendly gardening, including the structure and physiological processes of plants and their relationships to the settings in which they grow. Students learn not only what to do, but why. Topics...

Including and engaging children in the garden can be extremely rewarding and has the potential to create gardeners for life. Explore a wide range of activities and ideas for getting children involved and excited to be part of the joy of home gardening. Many examples for successful engagement with children along with myriad gardening projects and fun...

This class will take place online. Registered students will receive login instructions. Container gardening know-how is in high demand. Learn how to create a container garden for your patio, terrace, or entryway that is at once functional and gorgeous—and discover techniques for ensuring that your plants thrive in all four seasons. 

The Netherlands is known for an amazing flower bulb industry, but this country also has a long gardening history and many amazing gardens. Virtually visit some of the most amazing Dutch gardens including Keukenhof, Het Loo Palace, and Hortus Botanicus. See highlights of the 2010 Floriade event, which only occurs every ten years. Beautiful images of...

This class will take place online. Registered students will receive login instructions. Farms and edible gardens are popping up on rooftops across the country. But rooftop spaces have their own unique challenges for soil maintenance, watering, crop management, installation, and more. Annie Novak, co-founder of Eagle Street Farm (pictured here),...

Roses dazzle, delight, and romance us in many ways. Explore the world of roses as we dive into the commonly available varieties and touch on heirlooms, species, and exciting new selections. Learn which rose to match with your space and expectations.

This class will take place online. Registered students will receive login instructions. Make a great first impression by creating a welcoming entry garden for your home. Learn how to design a stylish front garden. Review examples that work for different architectural styles, and develop plant lists that fit the specific needs of every type of front...

In addition to writing poetry, Emily Dickinson also gardened. She cultivated flowers on her father's property and in the glass conservatory that he added to the family’s home in Amherst, Massachusetts. Explore Dickinson's gardens through excerpts from her letters and poems, as well as historic and modern images of her garden. This class will be...

This class will take place online. Registered students will receive login instructions. Study the entire cannabis growing cycle, including best practices for critical harvest and post-harvest procedures and how artificial lighting and carbon dioxide enrichment can help maximize production. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different grow sites and...

Hydrangeas are popular garden shrubs, but not all species grow well in northern Illinois. We will take a closer look at hardy hydrangeas—which are the best, how to grow them, and how to use them in the garden. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s 20-year trial of Hydrangea paniculata cultivars will be highlighted. This class will be taught online via...

Grow healthy, abundant tomatoes this summer. Nothing compares to the flavor and freshness of a homegrown tomato. In this online class, Arboretum horticulturist Kat Haberman will cover everything you need to know to have a successful tomato crop this summer. Learn what tomato plants need to thrive. Get tips on selecting varieties and choosing healthy...

This class will take place online. Registered students will receive login instructions. Knowing a little mycology (the study of fungi) can make you a better mushroom cook. This illustrated talk teaches basic mycology through the lens of your kitchen. It explores the intersection of mycology and the selection, storage, preparation, and nutritional...

Do you have shade in your garden? With the correct knowledge, the challenges of shade gardening can be overcome. Learn what to look for when selecting plants beyond hosta and how to evaluate the shade in your garden to manage it successfully. Turn your shade into a garden asset!

Quality tools are helpful and essential in the garden. Discover a wide range of the most popular and durable tools, as well as some new selections on the market. Explore the realm of adaptive and ergonomic tools, which minimize stress and strain on the body, particularly as we age. Proper tool care will also be discussed. This class will be taught...