Chicago Botanic Garden
Classes in Chicago
The Chicago Botanic Garden is a world-renowned living museum and conservation science center that offers multiple unique nature courses spread throughout 26 gardens and four natural areas on 385 acres.
65 classes with availability
Unconventional Holiday Bowl
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Rethink traditional holiday décor with a modern, living centerpiece featuring unexpected seasonal plants. Learn how to combine multiple plant varieties into a stylish composition designed for a reusable decorative bowl, while gaining practical care tips to keep your plants thriving long after the holidays. Create a fresh, contemporary display that brings lasting greenery into your home.
Sat. Dec 5th, 1–2:30pm CT
(90 minutes)
Lightroom Classic: New Features and Essential Review
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Refresh your Lightroom Classic skills while mastering the latest AI-powered editing tools. Dive into new editing panels and advanced masking features while strengthening your ability to turn your photographic vision into polished results. Build on your existing experience with image organization and Develop Module editing through hands-on practice and practical techniques you can apply to your own workflow.
Dec 6th
9–11:30am CT
Meets 2 Times
$162
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Sun. Dec 6th, 9–11:30am CT
(5 hours over 2 sessions)
Hand-stitched Holiday Furoshiki Gift Wrap
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Combine Japanese-inspired textile traditions with festive creativity in this hands-on workshop. Learn fabric-wrapping techniques inspired by furoshiki while adding your own stitched patterns and decorative details. Create three reusable fabric wraps that are perfect for thoughtful holiday gifting or keeping for yourself. All supplies are included.
Sat. Dec 12th, 10am–1pm CT
(3 hours)
Seasonal Tree Walk
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Surround yourself with the beauty of nature on a captivating journey through the shifting landscapes of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Uncover the hidden stories and secrets of the distinctive trees that anchor each section of the garden during this enlightening morning walk.
Wed. Nov 18th, 9–10:30am CT
(90 minutes)
Winter Container Design Tips
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Learn how to design stunning winter containers with a focus on hardy perennials, evergreens, and seasonal accents. Explore key principles of container design, including balance, contrast, and effective use of height, filler, and trailing elements. Gain practical advice on troubleshooting and caring for your winter arrangements to keep them visually appealing throughout the colder months.
Thu. Nov 19th, 5:30–6:30pm CT
(1 hour)
Teas, Sweets, and Tropical Treats
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Explore the festive scents and flavors of edible plants from cultures around the world. Discover the plants behind beloved herbs, spices, teas, chocolate, and other seasonal favorites while learning about their cultural traditions. Create custom tea bags, mulling spice blends, hot chocolate, and other easy-to-replicate treats that can bring hands-on learning into the classroom.
Sat. Nov 21st, 9am–3:30pm CT
(6 hours & 30 minutes)
Classroom Gardening and Engineering
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Bring hands-on engineering and plant science into the classroom by building a simple grow-light stand with a light fixture for growing plants at school. Explore plant selection and care while investigating creative solutions to weekend and holiday watering challenges. Activities can be adapted to support NGSS and Early Learning Standards, making this a practical and engaging greening project for students.
Sat. Dec 5th, 9am–3:30pm CT
(6 hours & 30 minutes)
Hands-on Cooking: Holiday Brunch
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Hosting a weekend brunch is an extra-special way to celebrate the holidays. Recipes that combine the best of breakfast and lunch include brown sugar orange bourbon mustard ham, asparagus with béarnaise sauce, and oeufs brouillés with cognac mushrooms.
Sun. Dec 6th, 11am–1:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Pressed Floral Candles
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Celebrate the beauty of autumn through a nature-inspired collage workshop. Use found and foraged materials such as leaves, flowers, and bark to create layered designs on candles while exploring composition, texture, and form. Express your personal connection to the season and leave with two unique candles, perfect for gifting or adding a warm, natural touch to your winter home. All supplies are included.
Sun. Dec 6th, 3:30–6:30pm CT
(3 hours)
Hands-on Cooking: Pears and Chocolate
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Warm up winter with the elegant pairing of pear and rich chocolate. Learn to create a smooth chocolate, Frangelico, and pear tart with a crumbly shortbread crust, plus a tender Kahlua-poached pear filled with raspberries and dark chocolate. Discover how to balance delicate fruit with indulgent flavors in two impressive seasonal desserts.
Mon. Dec 7th, 2–4:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Holiday Centerpiece Garden Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Bring festive charm to your home with a living tabletop garden designed for the holiday season. Create a colorful centerpiece featuring blooming plants, vibrant foliage, and seasonal accents while learning about plant selection, care, and creative design. Discover how to refresh your arrangement for Valentine’s Day and beyond, keeping your living display beautiful long after the holidays.
Tue. Dec 8th, 6–8pm CT
(2 hours)
Dye Painting on Silk
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover the art of silk painting in this hands-on workshop. Transfer designs onto silk pocket squares, use a water-based resist for outlines, and add vibrant fiber-reactive dyes to create a stained-glass effect. All supplies included for a bright, lasting creation.
Thu. Dec 10th, 1–4pm CT
(3 hours)
Hands on Cooking: Enchiladas
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Master the comforting flavors of classic red sauce enchiladas in this hands-on cooking class. Learn the traditional technique for rolling tortillas, prepare a flavorful red chili sauce, and explore a variety of savory fillings with and without meat. Finish your enchiladas with creamy queso fresco and gain the confidence to recreate this satisfying favorite at home.
Sat. Dec 12th, 11am–1:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
Nature-Inspired Ornaments
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Add a personal touch to your holiday décor with handmade ornaments crafted from velvet, decoupage, glitter, paper, and more. Create elegant velvet acorns, sparkling pinecones, and custom decoupage wood slices while exploring a variety of festive techniques. Leave with at least six unique ornaments and three William Morris-inspired gift tags, with multiple color palettes available. All supplies are included.
Sat. Dec 5th, 10am–12:30pm CT
(2 hours & 30 minutes)
The Business of Gardening & Landscaping
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Transform your passion for gardening and landscaping into a thriving business. This course offers essential insights into operating a successful landscape design and installation business, from accurate project pricing and estimating costs to sourcing materials and avoiding common pitfalls. Gain practical knowledge on managing overhead expenses and developing profitable operations.
Tue. Dec 8th, 6–9pm CT
(3 hours)
Demonstration Cooking: Winter Vegetables
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Embrace the flavors of winter with vegetable-focused dishes that are both comforting and versatile. Learn to prepare ratatouille, crispy polenta cakes, and maple-roasted rainbow carrots and cauliflower. Gain expert tips for make-ahead techniques, making your winter meals both effortless and delicious.
Wed. Dec 9th, 1–3pm CT
(2 hours)
Demonstration Baking: Lower-Sugar Baking
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Discover how to create delicious baked treats with less sugar without sacrificing flavor or texture. Explore the role of sugar and sugar substitutes in baking while learning how to choose the right type and amount for different recipes. Sample satisfying lower-sugar favorites, including gooey chocolate chip cookies, warmly spiced gingerbread, and chewy oatmeal date cookies.
Thu. Dec 10th, 11am–1pm CT
(2 hours)
Holiday Greens Wreath
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Design a festive holiday centerpiece using fresh flowers and mixed evergreens in this hands-on workshop. Learn simple techniques to create a long-lasting arrangement that can be refreshed throughout the season. All materials are provided—just bring your creativity and pruners if you have them. Perfect for adding natural charm to your holiday table.
Fri. Dec 18th, 10–11:30am CT
(90 minutes)
Beginner Bird Walk Main Island
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Embark on an evening adventure through the garden as we search for songbirds, waterfowl, and raptors. Whether you're a seasoned bird-watcher or just starting out, this guided walk promises a delightful and educational experience. Binoculars are recommended but not required—come and enjoy the natural beauty and diverse birdlife.
Tue. Dec 1st, 3–4:30pm CT
(90 minutes)
Bonsai: Bring Your Own Tree Workshop
Chicago Botanic Garden See all classes by this school @ 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL
Do you have a bonsai tree you’re just not sure what to do with? Bring your tree of any species for consultation with the Garden’s bonsai curator and learn new techniques for style and design in this studio-style workshop.
Wed. Dec 9th, 5–8pm CT
(3 hours)
Reviews of Chicago Botanic Garden
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Demonstration Baking: Challah Making and Shaping
Excellent class from a knowledgeable baker. Exceeded my expectation as I'm hard of hearing and she wore a device so I was able to hear the demonstration. Pick up some good information for different challah shapes. -
Demonstration Baking: Challah Making and Shaping
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Spring Containers at the Garden
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Embroidery Basics: Onsite
The instructor was great. Good pace. -
Painting the Natural World
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Needle-Felted Halloween Friend
This is the second time I’ve taken a class with this instructor. She provides plenty of materials to fit everyone’s tastes and preferences and is positive, supportive and respectful in how she leads the group in learning new skills. The only reason that I have not given 5 stars is because she can be a little too soft spoken making it hard to hear everything she is saying. Otherwise, very fun, and her classes attract fun folks to spend a few hours with creating felted treasures. -
Beginning Digital Photography
Exceptional! The instructor was inspiring and being in the Chicago Botanic Gardens was inspiring and a perfect setting to hone my photo skills. I highly recommend this course and I will be taking the intermediate. -
iPhone Photography
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Spring Containers at the Garden
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Painting the Natural World
Judith was great! Can’t do next session, but will be back! M -
Wet-Felted Rose Workshop
Enjoyed learning the art of wet felting. Will definitely sign up for another class. -
Introduction to Houseplant Care
I loved the class, I learned a lot of things because I am a new learner in this subject, but I needed more time to take more notes -
Fiber Arts: Winter Bird Ornament
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iPhone Photography
I definitely learned from this class, although it was a bit disorganized. The instructor covered how to use the editing tools within the Camera app on the iPhone as well as an app called Snapseed. He also recommended a variety of other editing apps. He showed us examples of photos he had edited. The class was listed as 6 PM - 8:30 PM and actually was 6:30-8:30 PM. For the first class, I waited on Zoom from 6 PM wondering what was going on. The instructor would benefit from a planned curriculum. He seemed to meandered through tools and his own photos with a lot of repetition. -
Hands-on Baking: Cake Decorating
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Hydrangeas for the Home Garden: Online
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Creating a Garden Sanctuary: Online
Helpful. Good intro but not what I expected. -
Needle-Felted Pumpkin
The course was fun! Well organized, clear instructions and positive feedback. I love the pumpkin I made. My only criticism is that there is insufficient handicap parking at the learning center. In my opinion, all of the spaces right at the learning center should be reserved for handicapped people. -
Forest Bathing Experience
Loved this class! -
Elements of the Garden: Patios
It was a good class. I learned a lot. The instructor was quite informative and obviously an expert in this field of study.
