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
Fern Mounting Workshop
Saturday, January 24th at 10:00am
$35 / person
Grow your ferns in a way that mimics their natural environment and looks beautiful.
This workshop will provide everything you need to mount and grow a fern on a piece of wood. $35 class fee includes wood, mounting materials, 1 fern of your choosing, and instruction.
WORKSHOP IS FULL
Intro to Objective-Based Pruning Class
Thursday, January 29th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Presented by Lyle Feilmeier with Bartlett Tree Experts, come learn why we prune trees and shrubs with specific objectives in mind, and how to achieve those objectives. Topics include types of pruning cuts, how plants respond to those cuts, and the resulting effects on growth. We will also cover safety, fruit production, structural integrity, size control, and more.
Soil Health vs. Just Fertilizer Class
Thursday, January 29th at 1:00pm
FREE CLASS
Presented by Lyle Feilmeier with Bartlett Tree Experts, get a deeper look into soil science and plant-soil relationships. We will explain why fertilization alone cannot fix plant health problems, beginning with the importance of soil testing to understand the specific needs of the soil and the plants growing in it.
Gearing Up for Gardening
Tuesdays thru February 2026
12pm – 1pm
FREE LECTURE SERIES AT CORVALLIS-BENTON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
We’re excited that our team members will be giving talks within this series. Next one will be:
- Tues, February 3rd – Growing Cukes, Squash, and Melons: Success with Cucurbits! – Presented by Darren Morgan
We hope you’ll be able to make these free learning opportunities next year!
Insights into Gardening
Presented by Benton County Master Gardener Association
Saturday, February 7th, 9am – 4pm
Location: LaSells Stewart Center – OSU Campus, Corvallis
$45 Registration
A fun day of researched-based classes for new and experienced gardeners. Enjoy exhibits, bookstore, and raffle! Our Nursery Manager, Darren Morgan will be there giving a talk on ‘Regional Roots: Native Alternatives to Popular Plant’. Register soon as it fills up fast!
Getting into Beekeeping Class
Sunday, February 8th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
There is a lot to learn as a new beekeeper! In this class we’ll cover: how to build a beehive, hive components and vocabulary, tools, apparel, basic social organization of honey bees, and how to procure live bees in different ways.
Plants to Attract Birds to Your Garden – Public Seed Library Lectures
Thursday, February 19th, 1pm – 2:30pm
LOCATION: Corvallis Library Meeting Room
FREE LECTURE
The Public Seed Library provides donated free vegetable, herb & flower seeds for all to share! Our Nursery Manager Darren Morgan will be presenting this talk. Come learn some of the top picks of trees, shrubs, and flowers, native and introduced, to enhance your garden interest and ecosystem with flowers, berries, and birds.
Orchids for Beginners Class
NEW DATE – Saturday, February 21st at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Orchids are known around the world for their beautiful long lasting flowers, but caring for them is elusive to many people. Want to be a better orchid plant parent? Join this class to learn the basics around growing orchids in your home, including tips on repotting.
Mary’s Peak Orchid Society
Saturday, February 21st | 10AM – 2PM
Come in to meet members of the Mary’s Peak Orchid Society – admire rare orchids on display, ask questions, and learn more about the Orchid Society.
Big Foot Mycorrhizae
Saturday, February 21st | 11AM – 3PM
A small but mighty company started in 2016, Big Foot Mycorrhizae is based out of Grants Pass, Oregon. We’re excited to carry this new brand that specializes in microbial products for plants, specifically mycorrhizal fungi. With only 5 employees, Big Foot’s team has to wear many hats in order to run an internationally distributed retail line. Dan Mecum will be here and is excited to meet new gardeners, talk about fungi and how mycorrhizae should be a part of everyone’s growing ritual. Dan will have samples, literature, and stickers for all who stop by.
Starting a Vegetable Garden Class
Saturday, February 28th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Learn how to plan, select, prepare, and plant a backyard vegetable garden. We’ll be discussing seed starting, expected yields, layout, soil prep, planting, and care.
Native Plants for Shade Class
Sunday, March 1st at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
Spend your morning learning about the various PNW native species that flourish in the absence of direct sunlight. We will touch on the biological characteristics of these plants and delve into specific species we carry that will thrive in such conditions.
Creating a Terrarium Workshop
Saturday, March 7th at 10:00am
$45 / person
We will guide you through, and provide everything you need to make a 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.
Garden Plans for Busy Parents Class
Sunday, March 8th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
In this one-hour class, we’ll break down what actually works for busy families: snack gardens, fruits and berries, and low-effort systems that survive missed waterings and busy weeks.
Soil Health vs. Just Fertilizer Class
Thursday, March 12th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
A second chance to attend this important class! Get a deeper look into soil science and plant-soil relationships. We will explain why fertilization alone cannot fix plant health problems, beginning with the importance of soil testing to understand the specific needs of the soil and the plants growing in it.
Top 10 Plant Diseases and Their Hosts Class
Thursday, March 12th at 1:00pm
FREE CLASS
Presented by Lyle Feilmeier with Bartlett Tree Experts, come learn an overview of the ten most common plant diseases and the trees or shrubs they affect. We will discuss signs, symptoms, and treatment options to proactively protect plants or reduce infection.
Native Plants for Pollinators & Birds Class
Sunday, March 15th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
The Willamette Valley hosts a diverse array of pollinators including bumblebees, leafcutters, sweat bees, mason bees, moths, beetles, hummingbirds and some bats! That’s a lot! However, we will cover the most beneficial and important plants for pollinators plus some of the more unique and interesting ones.
Growing Strawberries for Beginners Class
Thursday, March 19th 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.
Peoria Gardens – Favorite Spring Perennials Show ‘n Tell
SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST AT 11:00AM
FREE TO JOIN
This short class will spotlight the upcoming perennials that we’re bringing in from Peoria Gardens this spring.
Perennials are great for patio pots, hanging baskets, cut flowers, and beautifying the landscape! Presented by Shay Boga, Peoria Gardens Perennial Production Leader, you’ll also get the insiders scoop on Peoria’s perennial plant operation and how Shay plans the plant menu for the year.
Growing Root Crops Class
Sunday, March 22nd 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.
Ask a Master Gardener – Plant Clinic
Saturday, March 28th | 11am – 2pm
Visit us between 11am to 2pm on Saturday, March 28th when Benton County Master Gardeners will be here to answer your gardening questions. They’ll be happy to answer any plant questions you have!
Organic Vegetable Gardening for Beginners Class
Sunday, March 29th at 10:30am
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.
Hell-Strip Makeover Class
Saturday, April 4th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
That scrappy strip of land between the sidewalk and the street has a reputation—and it’s not a good one. In this idea-packed class, we’ll turn the so-called “hell-strip” into a resilient, good-looking garden space that works for tough conditions. These plant choices and techniques aren’t just for curbside strips—they’re perfect for any garden area that’s hot, dry, compacted, or downright stubborn.
Spring into Bloom – 42nd Anniversary Event Weekend
Fri, April 17th – Sun, April 19th
Our Spring into Bloom event is our chance to welcome you into our garden center when the joy of spring is in the air and the beauty of plants is all around.
More Details to Come!
Making an Herb Spiral for Your Kitchen Garden Class
Saturday, April 18th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
An herb spiral is a classic permaculture design that packs beauty, function, and efficiency into a small space. By using height, sun exposure, and drainage to create multiple microclimates, an herb spiral allows you to grow a wide range of kitchen herbs in one compact, easy-to-care-for garden.
We’ll cover design basics, material options, and herb selection for Corvallis’s climate, along with practical tips for building and maintaining a spiral that fits your space and cooking habits.
Ask a Master Gardener – Plant Clinic
Saturday, April 25th | 11am – 2pm
Visit us between 11am to 2pm on Saturday, April 25th when Benton County Master Gardeners will be here to answer your gardening questions. They’ll be happy to answer any plant questions you have!
Honeybee Health and Queens Class
Sunday, April 26th at 10:30am
FREE CLASS
In this 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.
Annual Planting Days
Fri, May 1st – Sun, May 3rd | 11am to 3pm
We’re here to help you grow a beautiful container garden!
Bring in your pots and containers, 14″ and smaller, and we’ll plant your purchased flowers, vegetables, and herbs using our new Espoma Organic Potting Soil, at no extra charge.
Native Garden – Q&A Walkaround
Saturday, May 30th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Come learn about our native plant display garden alongside a short instructional talk with our department lead Triston Nelson, and hear about the native plants we have growing on-site. This will be a great opportunity to ask questions, and see native plants in bloom.
Ask a Master Gardener – Plant Clinic
Saturday, May 30th | 11am – 2pm
Visit us between 11am to 2pm on Saturday, May 30th when Benton County Master Gardeners will be here to answer your gardening questions. They’ll be happy to answer any plant questions you have!
Intro to Objective-Based Pruning Class
Thursday, June 18th at 10:00am
FREE CLASS
Presented by Lyle Feilmeier with Bartlett Tree Experts, this is a repeat session covering the principles of pruning with clear objectives. We will discuss pruning cuts, plant responses, and practical applications such as safety, fruit production, structural improvement, and size control.
Top 10 Insects and the Plants They Affect Class
Thursday, June 18th at 1:00pm
FREE CLASS
Presented by Lyle Feilmeier with Bartlett Tree Experts, get an introduction to the most impactful insects and the plants or trees they target. We will review signs and symptoms, as well as treatment options to proactively protect or manage infestations. Approaches will include synthetic, natural, and biological control methods.