Classes & Events
We are passionate about education and enjoy giving opportunities for all to develop their growing skills. Our mission is to support the interests of gardeners and beekeepers at every level by providing meaningful knowledge and inspiring ideas. How we do this is by offering classes, most of which are free.
Classes are hosted in our on-site classroom at the Garden Center, and led by an expert staff member or field expert. Class fees may apply for guest speakers or for hands-on experiences, others are free.
We add new classes throughout the season, so be sure to check back for new learning opportunities.
Upcoming Classes & Events
Residential Beekeeping Basics
Saturday, February 22nd at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
This class is based around the “Residential Beekeeping” booklet produced by OSU. In this class you will learn proper hive placement, watering practices, the importance of swarm management and more!
Fruit Tree Care – Master Gardener Plant Clinic
Saturday, February 22nd, 11am to 3pm
Come ask a Master Gardener! Visit us between 11am to 3pm on Saturday, February 22nd when Benton County Master Gardeners will be here to answer your fruit tree care questions, including pruning guidance. They’ll be happy to answer any garden questions you have, fruit tree related or not!
Growing Root Crops
Sunday, February 23rd at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
This talk will provide general planting, growing, and yield information for all of the major (and a few minor) root crops, as well as tips and tricks, harvesting and storage, and companion plant suggestions for these garden staples.
Blueberry Varieties, Find the Right Fit For Your Garden
Sunday, March 1st at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
This class is for those who are already comfortable with blueberry care, and are looking to expand their orchards. Different blueberry varieties will be discussed in terms of growth habit, yield, berry size, storage life of fruit, and seasonality of harvest.
Creating A Mini Terrarium Workshop
Sunday, March 2nd at 10:30am
$30 per person
We will guide you through, and provide everything you need to make a small terrarium to take home. Choices for plants and decorations can be personalized to your own style and preferences. We will also provide care instructions to keep your creation healthy and happy.
Introduction to Growing Native Plants
Sunday, March 9th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
We will cover a range of native species of shrubs and perennials, including whether they are suitable for planting in traditional irrigated landscapes or are better in less managed settings, and how they can help solve some of the tricky planting situations our local sites and soils create.
Growing Strawberries for Beginners
Thursday, March 13th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
We’ll discuss the strawberry varieties that are available this year and when they’ll be ready for picking. Learn the basics on planting and care to produce the best crop this season.
Organic Vegetable Gardening for Beginners
Saturday, March 15th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
This class goes over the basics of starting an organic vegetable garden from the soil up, and caring for it over the entire year.
Fern Mounting Workshop
Sunday, March 16th at 10:30am
$35/person
This workshop will provide everything you need to mount and grow a fern on a piece of wood. You will have a few epiphytic fern species to choose from on the day of the class.
Starting a Vegetable Garden
Saturday, March 22nd at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Learn how to plan, select, prepare, and plant a backyard vegetable garden. We’ll be discussing expected yields, layout, soil prep, planting, and care.
Getting into Beekeeping
Sunday, March 23rd at 10:30am – DATE UPDATE!
FREE CLASS
There is a lot to learn as a new beekeeper! In this class we will cover a brief history of beekeeping, how to build a beehive, beekeeping vocabulary, how to get started, and much more!
Carnivorous Indoor Rock Garden Workshop
Saturday, March 29th at 10:00am
$45 per person
This workshop will guide you through making and caring for your own butterwort rock garden.
Dry Edible Gardening
Saturday, April 5th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Many vegetable crops need less water than you think, and some can be grown without any water input at all. Learn about appropriate sites and crops, as well as some tips and tricks for successful un-irrigated gardening.
Kokedama Workshop
Sunday, April 6th at 10:30am
$30 per person
Our workshop will guide you through the process of making and caring for your own kokedama. These moss balls can be beautiful as stationary or hanging decorations.
Mixed Carnivorous Plant Bog Workshop
Saturday, April 12th at 10:00am
$50 per person
Learn how to repot, and take care of these amazing plants. These planters make great mixed pots for your porch or near an outdoor dining area during summer to lure away yellow jackets, wasps, and more.
Gentle Hive Inspections
Sunday, April 13th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
Learn how and when to inspect your hives and what to look for to perform seasonal tasks such as feeding, adding brood and honey boxes, and harvesting honey!
Spring into Bloom – 41st Anniversary Event
Fri, April 18th – Sun, April 20th
FREE EVENT
Join us for a weekend of springtime joy – store specials, raffle prizes & more!
More Details to Come!
Easy to Grow Dye Plants for Your Garden
Saturday, April 19th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Intended for the true beginner, this class will introduce you to the world of natural plant dyes, including plant recommendations and how to grow them from seed.
Honey Bee Pests & Diseases
Sunday, April 27th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
You will learn how to gauge the health of your queen and what to do if she is struggling. You will also get a closer look at disease identification, prevention, and treatment.