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Gardening Classes Chicago

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Learn the secrets to successful urban gardening in Chicago with classes on container gardening, rooftop gardening, and sustainable gardening practices.

9 classes have spots left

Garden Design for a Changing Climate (Online)

The Morton Arboretum

Set your garden up for success with plants and design techniques that can withstand changing conditions. The Midwest is experiencing more weather extremes, with an increase in intense storms, severe cold snaps, hotter summers, and prolonged periods of rain followed by long stretches with no rain at all. These conditions are tough on plants and wildlife. In this class, you will learn: how climate change is impacting our region; how the changing...

(15) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Garden Walks and Paths

Chicago Botanic Garden

Garden walks not only get you from point A to point B, but they are usually a visitor’s first impression of the garden. Whether formal or informal, walks create the style and overall mood of the garden. In this class, we will discuss the design and construction of garden walks and paths. Many paving options will be explored, such as concrete pavers, bricks, gravel, and natural stone. And we will learn the pros and cons of each material and which...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Introduction to Plant Families, Weekend Gardener

Chicago Botanic Garden

Knowing something about plant families can help us with plant identification. Plants that belong to the same family share some of the same characteristics, especially floral characteristics. Knowing families can also help us diagnose disease problems, since the same disease may strike several members of the same family. Join Sharon Yiesla and learn about some basic terminology needed for plant identification.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
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Inspirations from Great Gardens

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Join Jeff Epping in an exploration of some of the finest public gardens in the United States, from the High Line and Battery Park in New York City to the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. Gorgeous gardens in the Netherlands, France, and England are also on the docket. Epping will illustrate how innovative designers and gardeners have showcased great plants and garden elements in public gardens across the globe, as well as some great examples at Olbrich...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

The Seven Deadly Hazard Signs of Trees

Chicago Botanic Garden

A sure way to add value for your clients is to have a basic understanding of the hazard signs of trees. Even professionals in the green industry are not always aware of the warning signs that trees give us that they need our help and care.  When we live and work near trees, it is important to be able to recognize the hazards that could kill us or damage property. Benefit from the combined experience and knowledge of these life-long arborists...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Gardens in Winter

Chicago Botanic Garden

Winter is the forgotten season in the garden, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning, our winter gardens can be beautiful. Proper plant selection can make the garden a wonderful place even in the coldest season. Find out which plants can provide winter interest.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Summer Preserving - Tomato Canning

Peterson Garden Project @ 5917 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL

It's harvest time, and nothing beats a home-grown tomato fresh off the vine! But when you have more fresh tomatoes than you can eat, it helps to know how to preserve them so you can enjoy them in the winter months.  In this hands-on class, we'll cover the basics of boiling-water-bath canning, including information on food safety and recommendations on how to store your newly canned goods. You'll make and can your own jar of tomato sauce during...

(10) All levels 18 and older
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Summer Preserving – DIY Giardiniera Pickles

Peterson Garden Project @ 5917 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL

Giardinera, that ubiquitous Chicago condiment, is a perfect pickle to take advantage of the best peak-summer produce. Come learn how easy it is to make your own, whether you like it spicy or mild, topping an Italian beef or as part of a picnic pickle platter. Join us for this hands-on class designed for the novice canner as well as the seasoned pickler looking for inspiration. We’ll discuss the difference between “quick” pickles and canned...

(10) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Garden in Miniature Container Workshop

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Shrink your perspective and see just how rewarding creating miniature gardens in containers can be. Inspired by the work in the Gardening in Miniature books by Janit Calvo, this special workshop includes all of the instruction and materials needed to create a living, miniature garden in an outdoor container. With proper care and placement, your container should live outside for several years. Learn how to apply standard design practices to create...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Plants From Cuttings

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Propagating plants by using cuttings is an economical and exciting way to supply plants for the garden. Learn how to propagate annuals, perennials, and even woody plants from cuttings. Cathy Thomas will discuss timing, supplies, and the environment needed, and demonstrate techniques to help you achieve success. Note: Please refer to this Map for more details on the class venue.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

The Magic of Minor Bulbs

Chicago Botanic Garden

Minor bulbs are among the most useful groups of bulbs because they are excellent in naturalistic gardens and in ground cover plantings, and they provide a blanket of color amid emerging perennials in early spring. You will explore many varieties including those that are deer resistant. Note: This class will be taught online via Zoom.  All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts.  Registered students will...

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Podando para Professionales

Chicago Botanic Garden

Este repaso de prבcticas de podar para jardineros profesionales incluirב tיcnicas, tiempo, y cףmo escoger las mejores herramientas. Debido a que parte de la clase estarב afuera se requiere que traigan tijeras y serrucho para practicar. Una discusiףn de cףmo tartar con sus clientes y quי informaciףn debe compartir con ellos antes de empezar un trabajo tambiיn serב incluido.  This review of pruning practices will be taught in Span...

(127) Advanced 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Welcome to your Midwest Garden

Chicago Botanic Garden

If you are new to gardening or the Midwest, you’ll benefit from knowing how our climate and changing seasons can affect your garden. Learn solutions to address the ongoing challenges of temperature and moisture extremes, soil problems, and wind to have a successful garden in every season.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

English Gardening Styles

Chicago Botanic Garden

Historic English gardens used beautiful plants in amazing compositions. Discover exciting gardening styles with a strong focus on examining relevant plants and combinations for your own garden.  Explore specific examples of gardening success at gardens such as Great Dixter, Sissinghurst, Gravetye Manor, RHS-Wisley, and the Royal Botanic Garden-Kew.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Soil Science and Fertilizing (Online)

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Your trees health starts below the pot line. Take an in-depth look at a multitude of soil components, organic versus chemical fertilizers, mycorrhiza, and root health. Maximizing growth and maintaining tree health is key to creating quality bonsai. This class will be taught online via Zoom. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Advanced Pruning Techniques

Chicago Botanic Garden

This class is ideal for those interested in pruning topiaries, espalier, and some of the more challenging plants such as arborvitae, yew, juniper, and other conifers.  A Garden walk will be included to view how best to prune some of the more interesting plants in the Garden. 

(127) Advanced 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life: Online

Chicago Botanic Garden

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 taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts....

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Vertical Gardening: Vines and Climbers

Chicago Botanic Garden

Vines add dimension, soften walls, dampen noise, and provide screening. Vertical plants work for any size space from woodlands to urban balconies. Review the merits of several varieties of vines, lianas, and ramblers in the landscape. Support structures, methods of attachment, and cultivation will also be discussed.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Hands-On Gardening: Staking

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL

Learn why staking is necessary, which plants benefit from staking, when to implement this technique, and materials needed to do so. Then, head outside for some hands-on practice staking plant material around the Garden. Please dress for the weather.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Perennials for Fall Color

Chicago Botanic Garden @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Chicago, IL

Usually when we think of fall color, flame-like maple trees or scarlet burning bushes come to mind. Discover the world of perennials and grasses for fall color. We’ll look at options for sun and shade that will add tones of butterscotch, pumpkin, and burgundy wine to your late-season gardens. Review plants in lecture and then go outdoors to see examples in the gardens. Dress for the weather.

(127) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
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