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Tour the Garden’s spring containers and collect ideas for your own. Then create a container with plants that can tolerate the varying spring temperatures and a full-sun to partial-shade location. Pansies, forced bulbs, and other spring treasures may be used. Dress for the weather, and bring gloves if desired.

Soil is an irreplaceable natural resource that affects plant selection and growth. Learn to maintain healthy soil; use compost, fertilizers, soilless and potting mixes, and other amendments.  Discover how water cycles through a garden and affects soils and plants. Course fee includes a professionally analyzed test of your garden soil. ...

Apply knowledge and skills developed in previous design courses to understand spatial properties of landscape materials and their application to design principles. Discover the components of three-dimensional spaces and how they can refine your concept design plans and construction-level drawings.  A supply list will be sent with your confirmation....

Learn all the basics needed to start keeping bees. This includes what to expect, how to put together equipment, how to get bees in your hive, finding the queen, feeding, what to look for after the bees are installed, and seasonal chores. There will be hands-on exercise in the field. All participants are required to bring their own bee-suit. No extra...

Explore the fascinating history of one of our favorite garden bulbs. From the poems of Omar Kayam to the tulipomania in the Netherlands, we’ve been fascinated with this evocative flower for centuries.  Dive into the history, and then explore the gardens to examine the myriad varieties of tulips planted throughout.

Join us on an evening bird walk through the display gardens as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors.  No prior bird-watching experience is required, and binoculars are recommended but not necessary! 

Do you have shade in your garden? With 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.

There are 28 gardens and four natural areas within the 385 acres of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Join our horticulturists for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Garden areas they oversee.  Explore plant varieties and combinations, design elements, garden features, and fun stories as you soak up a wealth of knowledge from their years of experience...

Most people know the weeping willow tree, but it’s not the only weeping form of a tree. Many species of shade trees, conifers, and several shrubs have weeping forms. Through a lecture and Garden walk, explore various sizes of weeping trees and weeping shrubs. Dress for the weather. The School’s CEUs = 3 hours OPC elective

Enjoy a tour featuring the summer containers at the Garden. Then prepare a warm-season mixed container suitable for a sun or partial shade location. Your container may include annuals, perennials, herbs, and decorative foliage. Please bring gloves.

If you want to become a birder, join this class to learn the basics. Learn about binoculars, how to use a field guide, and the field marks used to identify common birds of the Chicago area. Then we’ll go out for a bird walk and try out your newly acquired skills. Bring binoculars if you have them. Dress for the weather. 

Join Roy Diblik for an exclusive walk and talk as he discusses the concepts of plant communities, the best performing perennials for our region, and the importance of proper planning to ensure a successful garden experience. Please dress for the weather. Class size will be limited. Note: Class will meet at the Visitor Center.

How do seeds germinate and develop into mature plants? How do plants move water up through their roots to their topmost branches?  Explore subjects such as the plant cell; anatomy and growth of roots, stems, and leaves; photosynthesis; and the symbiotic association of plant roots with beneficial fungi and bacteria.  A supply list will...

Proper watering, fertilizing, pruning, edging, deadheading, staking, and mulching practices can make the difference between a healthy, well-kept garden and a landscape that gets ahead of you. You will have a hands-on opportunity to practice what you learn, so bring along a pair of pruners, and dress for the weather.

Learn tips and techniques used by professional gardeners through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. Acquire solid gardening skills, learn a variety of techniques, and determine best management practices in the field of horticulture. Gain applicable skills in plant selection, perennial and annual care and maintenance, pruning techniques,...