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Adult Classes

Lifelong Learning Begins Here#

Classes are categorized by theme, and full descriptions of each class can be found below. Click on the theme to explore the available options. A calendar view of classes can be found here.

Classes are appropriate for adults 18+. Members receive 10% off registration.

All in-person classes include admission to The Gardens, including the Butterfly House.

Online registration is open until 24 hours before the class. Within 24 hours, please call our Guest Services team to register 970.416.2486.

Gardens Refund Policy

pond

Backyard Pond Management: Introductory Overview
Bill Manci, President and Certified Fisheries Professional Fisheries Technology Associates, Inc.

Saturday, March 23 |1:30–3:30 p.m. | $18 In–person

During this class, we will focus on the basic processes of a healthy system. We will think about the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of your pond or stream including the use of instrumentation and measurement devices and kits. Class will include a visit to The Gardens’ pond to make observations.  

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pond with lily

Backyard Pond Management: Pond and Stream Physical Characteristics

Saturday, April 6 | 1–3 p.m.  | $18 In–person

During this class we will focus on the physical characteristics that impact the health of the system covering topics including dissolved gases (effects of elevation and temperature); clarity and color; sunlight, shade, and day length; temperature and seasonality—properties of water; sound and vibration; water flow (horizontal and vertical), aeration, and destratification; and control and stability—detritus and other solid material. Class will include a visit to The Gardens’ pond to make observations. 

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pond with leaves

Backyard Pond Management: Pond and Stream Chemical Characteristics

Saturday, April 13 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.  | $18 In–person

During this class, we will dive into the chemical properties that impact your water feature and how to balance them for health. We will discuss topics including pH and other aggregate qualities (hardness, alkalinity, salinity, TDS, conductivity), important specific compounds and ions (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, copper, zinc, phosphorus), and how to control and stabilize chemistry. Class will include a visit to The Gardens’ pond to make observations. 

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pond

Backyard Pond Management: Pond and Stream Biological Characteristics

Saturday, April 27 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.  | $18 In–person

During this class, we will dive into the living systems and managing their health in your water feature as a whole ecosystem. We will cover bacteria and microfauna, animal visitors, predators, diseases (viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites), and overwintering. We will also expand on the inclusion of fish and plants in your ecosystem including species choice, management, and health. Class will include a visit to The Gardens’ pond to make observations. 

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bee package

Beekeeping: Installing Packages
Beth Conrey, Bee Squared Apiaries 

Saturday, April 13 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $18 In–person

Bees will be here soon! This class will begin with a Q & A and then proceed to a live demo of how to install your bees into their new home.

Register Now

queen bee

Post-Installation Hive Check-up
Beth Conrey, Bee Squared Apiaries

Saturday, June 8 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | $18 In–person

Now that your bees are in their hive, we will be looking to see how well they are doing.  We will conduct a full hive inspection of the bee hives in the Gardens and will find the queen and verify growth. Please bring your gear.  We’ll discuss forage—and look for both pollen and nectar stores. Time to talk about mite management, too!

Note to Students: Bring your gear

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Preparation: Bring your journal or something to write on/with. Be prepared to explore outside in all weather conditions and temperatures - jackets, lap blankets and whatever allows you to be as close to nature as possible.

Note to participants: These workshops are containers to process, share, and witness individual and collective climate grief and emotions. These are not substitutes for therapy. They are not debates about climate crisis cause or existence or to develop agree upon collective action.

rocks

Embodied Climate Action Workshop: An Awakening to Climate Grief
Tamara Yakaboski, PhD

Saturday, May 11| 1–3 p.m. | $10 In–person

With the promise of spring’s return, we awaken to our work in climate through understanding what climate grief looks and feels like in our minds and bodies. This workshop will explore how to use grief processing to awaken your climate action and stay out of climate despair.

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Earth

Embodied Climate Action Workshop: With Earth's Support
Tamara Yakaboski, PhD

Saturday, June 15 | 1–3 p.m. | $10 In–person

To feel how Earth supports us offers a genuine sense of belonging. Just as the Earth breathes, in this workshop, we will explore how it feels to breathe with Earth. In experiencing this reconnection, we return the mind and body back to Nature’s natural cycles.

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Black and white sketchbook

Hidden Garden Concertina Journal
Paula Watson-Lakamp, Artist and Art Instructor  

Saturday, April 20 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $45 In–person

Let's explore nature in black and white using art journaling techniques that anyone can do! We will begin by making our journals and then fill them with whimsical nature patterns using a plethora of fun supplies! 

Note to Students: All supplies included: charcoal, ink, paint, pastels, graphite, neocolor, and more

 

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raised garden bed

Easy-on-the-Back Raised Bed Gardening
Connie Meyer, Urban Overalls

Saturday, April 6 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual, $18 In–person

Gardening is mentally engaging, but it does not have to be physically challenging. Raised beds are adaptive to mobility or accessibility issues for any age gardener. In this class, we will cover the basics of building and planting raised beds for a great harvest.

Register Now

partially eaten leaf

Guess Who Came to Dinner? Recognizing Signs and Symptoms that Plant-Feeding Insects Leave Behind
Whitney Cranshaw, Emeritus Professor of Entomology at Colorado State University  

Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $10 Virtual, $18 In–person

Diagnosis of insect injuries to plants can be difficult. Oftentimes, the insects are no longer present when the injury is noted, and many insects (and mites), perhaps present, are too small to see. However, clues that help us identify the culprit might be left behind. This topic will be discussed in two parts, the first involving those insects that feed using chewing mouthparts and the second, the insects and mites that feed on the fluids from plants.

Register Now

bees

Gardening For Insects – Or Not!
Whitney Cranshaw, Emeritus Professor of Entomology at Colorado State University  

Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $5 virtual, $10 In–person

The benefits of improving habitat for various “beneficial” or desirable kinds of insects has increasingly been recognized. While we may know how to do this for insects such as butterflies and some kinds of bees, we often miss the details on how to adapt these practices to local conditions. During this program, we will discuss how to build up populations of a wide range of “good bugs” that can be found around Fort Collins, from butterflies and hummingbird moths to various kinds of bees and natural enemies of insect pests. We'll also discuss how to avoid those that are less desirable, such as the miller moths. 

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

City Park tree

Notable Tree Bike Tour
Tim Buchanan, Urban Forester

Saturday, June 8 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $25 In–person

Notable, historic and interesting trees are growing right under our noses in Fort Collins. Hop on your bike and join urban forester Tim Buchanan, on a morning ride to visit each tree and stop to learn all about their identification, culture and natural history.

Note to students: Students will provide their own bicycles and helmets. Plan on riding ~5 miles on flat surfaces while obeying all traffic signals. The tour will begin and end at The Gardens on Spring Creek.

Register Now

trees at The Gardens

Trees of The Gardens Tour
Tim Buchanan, Urban Forester

Saturday, June 15 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $25 In–person

Rare, beautiful and interesting trees are growing at The Gardens. Join urban forester Tim Buchanan, on a morning stroll through the gardens to visit each tree and stop to learn all about their identification, culture and natural history.

Note to students: This is an outdoor class. Please wear appropriate shoes, hats, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.

Register Now

raised garden bed

Easy-on-the-Back Raised Bed Gardening
Connie Meyer, Urban Overalls

Saturday, April 6 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual, $18 In–person

Gardening is mentally engaging, but it does not have to be physically challenging. Raised beds are adaptive to mobility or accessibility issues for any age gardener. In this class, we will cover the basics of building and planting raised beds for a great harvest.

Register Now

bee package

Beekeeping: Installing Packages
Beth Conrey, Bee Squared Apiaries 

Saturday, April 13 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $18 In–person

Bees will be here soon! This class will begin with a Q & A and then proceed to a live demo of how to install your bees into their new home.

Register Now

eaten leaf

Guess Who Came to Dinner? Recognizing Signs and Symptoms that Plant-Feeding Insects Leave Behind
Whitney Cranshaw, Emeritus Professor of Entomology at Colorado State University  

Saturday, April 27 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $10 Virtual, $18 In–person

Diagnosis of insect injuries to plants can be difficult. Oftentimes, the insects are no longer present when the injury is noted, and many insects (and mites), perhaps present, are too small to see. However, clues that help us identify the culprit might be left behind. This topic will be discussed in two parts, the first involving those insects that feed using chewing mouthparts and the second, the insects and mites that feed on the fluids from plants.

Register Now

bee on an allium

Gardening For Insects – Or Not!
Whitney Cranshaw, Emeritus Professor of Entomology at Colorado State University  

Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $5 virtual, $10 In–person

The benefits of improving habitat for various “beneficial” or desirable kinds of insects has increasingly been recognized. While we may know how to do this for insects such as butterflies and some kinds of bees, we often miss the details on how to adapt these practices to local conditions. During this program, we will discuss how to build up populations of a wide range of “good bugs” that can be found around Fort Collins, from butterflies and hummingbird moths to various kinds of bees and natural enemies of insect pests. We'll also discuss how to avoid those that are less desirable, such as miller moths. 

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

compost

Composting 101
Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Owner of Compost Queen, PBC

Saturday, May 11 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $10 In–person

Join us for a dive into the compost pile. We will cover what composting is, why it is important, how to compost successfully, how to use it in your yard, the science behind it and finding the best composting type for your lifestyle both small and large. Class will include a visit to The Gardens Compost Demonstration Site, weather allowing.

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

beehive

Post-Installation Hive Check-up
Beth Conrey, Bee Squared Apiaries

Saturday, June 8 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | $18 In–person

Now that your bees are in their hive, we will be looking to see how well they are doing.  We will conduct a full hive inspection of the bee hives in the Gardens and will find the queen and verify growth. Please bring your gear.  We’ll discuss forage—and look for both pollen and nectar stores. Time to talk about mite management, too!

Note to Students: Bring your gear

Register Now

fall beehives

Beekeeping: Beginning the Wind Down—Fall and Winter Management
Beth Conrey, Bee Squared Apiaries

Saturday, Aug. 24 |  10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.  |  $18 In–person

Hard to believe the end of summer is near!  We will test for mites, verify stores and discuss feeding options.  Did your bees produce excess honey?  We will discuss how to harvest and extract as well as preparing your hives for the winter. 

Note to Students: Bring your gear

Register Now

watercolor flower painting

Watercolor Journaling Series

Introduction to Watercolor Journaling: Beginning Watercolor
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor

Saturday, March 30 | 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | $85 In–person **New Date**

This one-day workshop will kickstart your watercolor journey. You will learn the fundamentals of the watercolor medium and explore exciting ways to apply paint freshly and vibrantly. The day will be spent setting up your palette of paints, learning and practicing various techniques, and applying them to create a simple painting. This information will give you the jump-start you need to become a watercolor artist, both indoors and outdoors in nature!

Note to students: Students will need to provide their own supplies; the supply list will be provided upon registration.

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tropical watercolor

Watercolor Journaling Series: Tropical Flora
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor

During this class, students will focus on capturing the beauty and textures of tropical flora

Saturday, April 13 |  9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.  |  $65 In–person

Register Now

watercolor catus

Watercolor Journaling Series: Cacti
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor

During this class, students will focus on capturing the beauty and textures of cacti.

Saturday, June 8 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $65 In–person

Register Now

drip irrigation

Converting your Irrigation System: Spray to Drip
Eric Olson, Irrigation Specialist City of Fort Collins Utilities 

Saturday, April 20 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.| $5 Virtual, $10 In–person

Have you considered converting a turf spray zone to a drip system? Do you have grass on the side of your house? How about that awkward patch of turf next to the driveway? Learn how to convert an existing sprinkler turf zone into a drip system to save up to 20,000 gallons of water annually, support pollinators and create an attractive landscape. During this class, you will explore how to convert your existing turf to a drip garden, from design through installation. You'll also learn what technology is available to assist you in the process.

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

xeric landscaping

Waterwise Landscaping
Susan Bonsall, Master Gardener, Larimer County Extension 

Saturday, April 20 | 1:30–3:30 p.m.| $5 Virtual Only

Join us as we explore the ins and outs of waterwise gardening. Through this class, you will learn all about the seven principles of waterwise landscaping and gardening: planning, turf, soil, water, plant placement, mulch and maintenance. You will also learn about resources for transforming your yard, including governmental and non-governmental organizations that have programs, classes, starter kits and more. 

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Susan Bonsall, Master Gardener, Larimer County Extension

 

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drip irrigation

Just Drip It!
Jason Brown, Owner, Simple Leaf Consulting, LLC

Saturday, April 27 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $10 In–person

This class covers the basics of drip irrigation. Learn the components, tools and fundamentals for creating a simple watering system for your patio, vegetable garden or flower beds. This class will cover residential applications for our climate.

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

bee on allium

Gardening For Insects – Or Not!
Whitney Cranshaw, Emeritus Professor of Entomology at Colorado State University  

Saturday, May 11 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $5 virtual, $10 In–person

The benefits of improving habitat for various “beneficial” or desirable kinds of insects has increasingly been recognized. While we may know how to do this for insects such as butterflies and some kinds of bees, we often miss the details on how to adapt these practices to local conditions. During this program, we will discuss how to build up populations of a wide range of “good bugs” that can be found around Fort Collins, from butterflies and hummingbird moths to various kinds of bees and natural enemies of insect pests. We'll also discuss how to avoid those that are less desirable, such as the miller moths. 

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

rotary irrigation

Rotate to Rotary
Eric Olson, Irrigation Specialist City of Fort Collins Utilities 

Saturday, May 11 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $10 In–person

Learn how to improve your watering efficiency with a twist of the wrist. Replace your spray nozzles and enjoy the improved coverage and less water waste from high pressure. Rotary nozzles handle high water pressure better and the water is less affected by wind. This class will review the steps to determine the correct nozzles for the zone, then move outside to install and adjust these nozzles with live water.

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

compost

Composting 101
Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Owner of Compost Queen, PBC

Saturday, May 11 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $10 In–person

Join us for a dive into the compost pile. We will cover what composting is, why it is important, how to compost successfully, how to use it in your yard, the science behind it and finding the best composting type for your lifestyle both small and large. Class will include a visit to The Gardens Compost Demonstration Site, weather allowing.

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

foothills garden

Waterwise and Native Plant Gardening
Jessica Clarke, Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulturist

Saturday, June 8 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | $10 In–person

Join us for an introduction on how to plan, grow, manage, and upkeep a waterwise native landscape. We will go over what plants work best in our climate, where to purchase such plants, how to make a management plan and more.

Note to students: At the end of class, we will be walking through the Foothills Garden. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather. ADA paths are available if needed.

Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

people doing yoga

Yoga and Tai Chi in The Gardens

Embrace the natural setting of our botanical gardens with weekly tai chi and yoga classes.

Learn More

dandelion close-up

Exploring the Seasons with Yoga & Breathwork: Spring Equinox Workshop
Instructors: Amanda Shannon and Celine Burgett 

Saturday, March 23 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | $55 In–person

In this series, we will dive into the highest potential for healing and growth as it pertains to each season. This Yoga and Radical Breathwork workshop is designed with themes around the seasons to enlighten, heal, and connect you to who you truly are. 

Register Now

bird and flowers

Mindful Birding
Barb Patterson, Fort Collins Audubon

Saturday, April 6 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m. | $20 In–person

Winter is a beautiful time of year to slow down and enjoy the wonders of nature. There is no better mindfulness teacher than the birds. Come join us for a morning observing birds in the gardens while incorporating mindfulness techniques. You will learn new bird species while receiving the amazing health benefits spending time in nature can give you.

Note to Students: This class will be taught both inside and outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Paths used for this program are ADA-accessible.

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person looking at galaxy

Chakra Journeys Insight + Sound Workshop
Cate Jones, Claircognizant + Sound Healer of Violet Feather Alchemy

Saturday, April 6 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | $55 In–person

Join us for a morning of divine channeling, meditation and sound healing at The Gardens. We will start the morning’s journey with a group intuitive reading, discussion of the chakras and journaling, then venture into a meditative soundscape and divine message channeling through the chakra system. Crystal singing bowls and various other instruments will be used. Previous meditation experience is not required.

Note to Students: Please bring your yoga mat, blanket, water bottle and anything else needed to be comfortable in both seated and lying positions.

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city park tree

Notable Tree Bike Tour

Tim Buchanan, Urban Forester

Saturday, June 8 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $25 In–person

Notable, historic and interesting trees are growing right under our noses in Fort Collins. Hop on your bike and join urban forester Tim Buchanan, on a morning ride to visit each tree and stop to learn all about their identification, culture and natural history.

Note to students: Students will provide their own bicycles and helmets. Plan on riding ~5 miles on flat surfaces while obeying all traffic signals. The tour will begin and end at The Gardens on Spring Creek.

Register Now

forest

Forest Bathing Series

Forest Bathing is based on the Japanese practice of “Shinrin Yoku.”  It is a multi-sensorial, nature mindfulness experience that uses grounding exercises to connect with nature leaving participants refreshed and relaxed. During this experience, students will be guided mindfully around The Gardens and invited to unplug, engage the senses, talk less and listen more.  Maria Fenty. A.A.S, C.M.T., Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Nature and BodyWork Therapies will take participants on a quiet, contemplative walk that integrates gratitude, reflection and creativity. 

Note to students:  Participants will walk through The Gardens, so please wear appropriate shoes and clothing.  Paths are ADA accessible. Wavier must be signed by all participants.

Saturday, April 6 | 1 - 3 p.m. | $25 In–person

Saturday, May 25  | 1 - 3 p.m. | $25 In–person

Register Now

trees at The Gardens

Trees of The Gardens Tour
Tim Buchanan, Urban Forester

Saturday, June 15 | 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $25 In–person

Rare, beautiful and interesting trees are growing at The Gardens. Join urban forester Tim Buchanan, on a morning stroll through the gardens to visit each tree and stop to learn all about their identification, culture and natural history.

Note to students: This is an outdoor class. Please wear appropriate shoes, hats, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.

Register Now

person meditating

Exploring the Seasons with Yoga & Breathwork: Summer Solstice Workshop
Instructors: Amanda Shannon and Celine Burgett 

Saturday, June 22 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | $55 In–person

In this series, we will dive into the highest potential for healing and growth as it pertains to each season. This Yoga and Radical Breathwork workshop is designed with themes around the seasons to enlighten, heal, and connect you to who you truly are.

Register Now