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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.

Adult classes are designed for learners +18, For questions or to request exceptions please email gardenseducation@fcgov.com. 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.

Winter and spring class registration is now open! Let's learn and grow!

Gardens Refund Policy

queen bee

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

Saturday, June 7 | 9:30–10:30 a.m. | $23 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

winter solstice

Embodied Climate Action Workshops
Instructor: Tamara Yakaboski, PhD

Saturdays | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $10 In-person per session

2025 Dates: June 21 | July 19 | Sept. 27 | Nov. 15

What to Expect:

  • Embodied Practices: Accessible guided activities to strengthen your joyful connection with nature and support eco-distress and climate grief.

  • Supportive Dialogue: Facilitated group discussions and space to share with others who also care deeply about the natural world.

  • Guided Reflections: Crafted writing prompts to explore your relationship with nature, your eco-emotions, and your role in a climate-impacted world.

  • Take Home Tools: Handouts, inspiration, and recommendations to deepen your understanding and sustain your growth after the workshop.

Register

melanie yazzie

Artist Conversation: Melanie Yazzie
Instructor: Melanie Yazzie, Contemporary Diné (Navajo) Artist, Professor of Art Practices and Head of Printmaking at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado

Saturday, June 14 | 2 – 3 p.m. | $25 In-person

Come spend an inspiring hour with artist Melanie Yazzie, as she expands on the inspiration and meaning behind her art and exhibit on display at The Gardens on Spring Creek. Melanie is Professor of Art Practices and Head of Printmaking at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado. Her works belong to many collections such as: the Denver Art Museum, Anchorage Museum of History & Art, the Art Museum of Missoulathe Institute of American Indian Arts, the Kennedy Museum of Art and the Rhode Island School of Design Museum. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and in countries such as, New Zealand, France, Russia, Canada, Estonia, Northern Ireland, Korea, China, United Kingdom, and Australia. She is known for organizing print exchange projects that connect communities across the world. She makes prints, sculptures, paintings, does surface design and jewelry design. She has been represented by the Glenn Green Galleries in Santa Fe, New Mexico since 1994.

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Melanie Yazzie Gelli Plate

Gelli Plate Printmaking with Melanie Yazzie: Story Making Through the Monotype Process       

Instructor: Melanie Yazzie, Contemporary Diné (Navajo) Artist, Professor of Art Practices and Head of Printmaking at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado

Sunday, July 20 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | $150 In-person (SOLD OUT)

Sunday, July 20 |2 p.m. – 6 p.m. | $150 In-person 

Discover the art of printmaking with exhibition artist Melanie Yazzie using Gelli plates, stencils, and meaningful symbols that reflect your life experience. This hands-on workshop invites you to explore self-expression through layered prints, each telling a personal story. Embrace the freedom of creativity and begin a journey of self-discovery, guided by an artist renowned for her storytelling through art. You'll leave with unique prints to take home—and, with time, the opportunity to create a small series of work that deepens your artistic voice.

Note to participants: All materials will be provided

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bonsai tree

Bonsai Basics 101
Instructor: Darrell Whitley

Do you have a “Bonsai Disaster” story?  This class will focus on successfully growing bonsai for the long term that you can be proud of.  The class will focus on Tiger Bark Ficus, which is a good indoor option when first starting in bonsai. There will be opportunities to work with traditional outdoor bonsai species like pine, spruce, or juniper.  The class will teach you how to develop a compact and healthy bonsai and we'll send you home with your own bonsai.

Note to Participants: All Materials will be provided

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Karen Ramsay watercolor

Introduction to Watercolor
Instructor: Karen Ramsey

Sept. 6 | 2 – 6 p.m. | $90

This one-day workshop will start your watercolor journey. You will learn the fundamentals of the watercolor medium and the exciting way of applying paint in a fresh and vibrant way. The day will be spent setting up our palette of paints, learning and painting varied techniques and applying them in a simple painting. This information will be the jump-start you need to become a watercolor artist indoors and out in nature!

Registration open soon!

compost pile with food scraps

Backyard Composting 101
Instructor: Jamie Blanchard-Poling

Sept. 6 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | $10 In-person | $5 Virtual

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.

Registration opening soon!

herbal mocktails

Garden to Glass Mocktails
Instructor: Taylar Stultz, Herbal Mocktail

Saturday, Aug. 9 | 2 – 3 p.m. | $35.00

Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks that are just as elegant as they are refreshing! Join Taylar Stultz from Fort Collins' Herbal Mocktails to craft refreshing, garden-fresh mocktails. Learn blending techniques, flavoring pairing, and enjoy some creations in the beautiful ambiance of the Gardens’ Outdoor Kitchen. 

Note to participants: All materials will be provided.

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Corn and Squash

Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Cooking with The Three Sisters

Dates:* Aug. 11 | Aug.12 | Aug. 13
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80

*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!

Sip on wine and garden infused water as we introduce you to our Three Sisters: corn, squash, and beans. This magical trio will shine as we prepare cornmeal fried squash blossoms stuffed with hummus, followed by a black bean burger with elote corn relish and summer squash. We’ll finish the meal with a delicious sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

Berries and Stone Fruits

Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Berries and Stone Fruit: Bursting with Flavor

Dates:* Aug. 18 | Aug.19 | Aug. 20
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80

*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!

Sip on wine and garden infused water as we savor the sweet berry and stone fruit harvest. These treasures of summer will be the star of the show as we create a Berry Spinach Salad, followed by a Duck Breast with Quinoa tabbouleh with fresh and dried fruits, herbs, and a berry vinaigrette then we’ll finish with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

kimchi pancake on a plate

Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Chilies: Sweet and Spicy

Dates:* Aug. 25 | Aug. 26 | Aug. 27
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80

*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!

Sip on wine and garden infused water as we meet new sweet and spicy chilies and learn how to incorporate their flavors into our dinner for the evening. We will cook Kimchijeon (Korean Kimchi Pancake) with a chili soy dipping sauce, followed by Grilled Gochujang Chicken and Steamed Bao and then we’ll finish the night off with a sweet pepper treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

a variety of tomatoes

Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Tomatoes: Sweet and Savory

Dates:* Sept. 2 | Sept. 3 
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80

*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!

Sip on wine and garden infused water as we celebrate summer’s sweet bounty, tomatoes. We will explore different shapes, colors and flavors of tomatoes as we relish Bruschetta with tomato salad, pine nut coulis, and goat cheese followed with Bouillabaisse, a French sea food stew. We’ll finish the night with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

an array of root vegetables

Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio

Rich and Robust Roots

Dates:* Sept. 8 | Sept. 9 |  Sept. 10
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80

*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!

Sip on wine and garden infused water as we discover the sweet flavors hidden beneath the soil. We will explore the unique personalities of root vegetables as we cook Samosas with tamarind chutney and cilantro chutney followed by Kandamool, a root vegetable curry, and grilled naan. We’ll finish the night with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

raw kohlrabi

Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Brassicas: Brilliant and Bright

Dates:* Sept. 15 | Sept. 16 | Sept. 17
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80

*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!

Sip on wine and garden infused water as we explore the beautiful colors, textures and flavors of the brassica family. Packed with flavor this delicious menu will feature Salad of Shave Kohlrabi, Apples, Toasted Hazelnut followed by Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. We’ll finish the night with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.

Registration will open on Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

Let's get outside and explore our surroundings! Join us for guided walks in and out of The Gardens. 

trees in northwest grove

Trees in The Gardens Tour
Instructor: Tim Buchanan, Urban Forester

Saturday, June 14 | 9:30 a.m.– 12 p.m. | $30 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 on the tour and stop to learn all about their identification, culture and natural history.

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

Register

two people biking on a path

Notable Tree Bike Tour
Instructor: Tim Buchanan, Urban Forester

Saturday, June 28 | 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $30 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 on the tour and stop to learn all about their identification, culture and natural history.

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

Register

woman putting her head back and arms out in the woods

Forest Bathing
Instructor: Maria Fenty. A.A.S, C.M.T., Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Nature and BodyWork Therapies

Select Saturdays | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $30 In-person
2025 Dates:
 May 10 | June 14

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 you refreshed and relaxed. During this experience, you will be guided mindfully around the Gardens. You will be invited to unplug, engage your senses, talk less and listen more. Take a quiet, contemplative walk that integrates gratitude, reflection, and creativity. Note to students: We will walk through the Garden during this class please wear appropriate shoes and/or clothing. Paths are ADA accessible. Wavier must be signed by all participants.

Register

Undaunted Garden

Cultivating Connections Garden Tour: Get to know your Gardens and Community

Select Wednesdays | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $25 In-person
2025 Dates:
June 18 | July 16 | Aug. 20

Welcome to Fort Collins! Join us at The Gardens on Spring Creek for a relaxed tour especially designed for newcomers, visitors, and anyone eager to connect with their community. Stroll through The Gardens as your guide shares the beauty of living in the Front Range, explores sustainable landscapes, and gives you some insight into The Gardens on Spring Creek. Whether you're putting down roots or just passing through, this is your invitation to dig into the community. 

The cost of this tour includes admission to The Gardens and Butterfly House, so stick around to explore the gardens or chat with new friends.

Note to participants: This is an outside tour. Please wear appropriate shoes, hats, sunscreen, and water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible. There will also time for a hand on activity. Please contact gardenseducation@fcgov.com if you have questions about accessibility.

Register Now

watercolor catus

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

Saturday, June 21 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $70 In–person

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

Register

asdf

Watercolor Journaling Series: Mid-Summer Gardens
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor

Saturday, July 19 |  9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.  |  $70 In–person

During this class, students will focus on capturing the beauty and textures of mid-summer gardens.

Register Now

watercolor painting

Watercolor Journaling Series: Late Summer Gardens
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor

Saturday, Aug. 16 |  9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.  |  $70 In–person

During this class, students will focus on capturing the beauty and textures of late summer gardens.

Register Now

people doing yoga

Tai Chi in The Gardens

Saturdays | 8 – 9 a.m. | $15 per session or purchase a punch pass

Tai Chi, the traditional Chinese system of mind and body training, is widely practiced around the world by people of all ages for betterment of health and well-being. 

This class focuses on Yang style Tai Chi, the most widely practiced style, recognized by its gentle and flowing movements.  Tai Chi, when practiced with a supportive community of fellow students among nature, whenever possible, can bring tremendous benefits to one’s overall health and disposition. It is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness. The instruction will focus on the Tai Chi for Health 8-form

Class instruction is by John Broderick. John has been a practicing the 8 and 24-form with Min Fan since 2020.  John began his study and practice of the Long Form of the Yang Style Tai Chi with Mark Posey of Colorado Tai Chi in Grand Junction, Co. in 1995.  He continues this practice today.

Class Cancelation: Class will be canceled if there is heavy precipitation or temperatures below 20 degrees.

New: Get a Tai Chi class punch card! Click the register button to learn more.

Register

yoga in The Gardens

Yoga in The Gardens

Most Saturdays |  June – September | 9:15 – 10 a.m.  |  $15

Breathe. Stretch. Ground.

Join us for a rejuvenating Hatha Yoga class set amidst the serene beauty of The Gardens on Spring Creek. This all-levels class focuses on mindful movement, breath awareness, and foundational postures to help you build strength, increase flexibility, and find balance—both on and off the mat.

Surrounded by nature’s tranquility, you’ll experience a slower-paced flow perfect for beginners and seasoned yogis alike. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice or simply take a moment to reconnect, this class offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the gardens.

Please bring: A yoga mat, water, sunscreen, and any props you enjoy using (blocks, straps, etc.) 

Register Now

person stretching on a yoga mat

Instructor: Amie Kane-Lee- PeakMVMT Fitness & Wellness

Register Now

forest

Create Your Reality Insight + Sound Workshop
Instructor: Cate Jones, Divine Sound Channeler of Violet Feather Alchemy

Saturday, June 7 | 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. | $55

Join Violet Feather Alchemy for a morning of shifting perspectives at the Gardens.

Are you feeling stuck or uninspired on your journey? In this experiential workshop, we will uncover the three main keys to creating your highest existence.  We will journey through an intuitive card reading to define the themes for the class, center ourselves through a guided meditative soundscape, learn about popular creation misconceptions, understand creative actions we can take right now, become aware of things that are holding us back, and finish with a full sound bath to include Divine Sound Channeling.

You will leave this experience with a renewed sense of empowerment, and simple actions to support your journey. Our passion is creating safe + nourishing experiences for your expansion + ascension.

Please bring your yoga mat, blanket, journal + pen, water bottle and anything else needed to be comfortable in both seated and lying positions.

Register

woman putting her head back and arms out in the woods

Forest Bathing 
Instructor: Maria Fenty. A.A.S, C.M.T., Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Nature and BodyWork Therapies

June 14 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $30 In-person per session

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 you refreshed and relaxed. During this experience, you will be guided mindfully around The Gardens and invited to unplug, engage your senses, talk less and listen more. Take a quiet, contemplative walk that integrates gratitude, reflection, and creativity.

Note to students: We will walk through The Garden during this class please wear appropriate shoes and/or clothing. Paths are ADA accessible. Waiver must be signed by all participants.

Register Now

trees at The Gardens

Exploring the Seasons with Meditation & Breathwork
Instructor: Celine Burgett 

Four Equinox Sessions | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | $50 In-person per class

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

Summer Solstice Workshop | Saturday, June 14

Fall Equinox Workshop | Saturday, Sept. 27

Winter Solstice Workshop |Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026

Register

woman in a downward dog position with a puppy in the background

Rescue Pup Yoga

Sunday, June 22 | 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. | $35

Combine the calming energy of The Gardens with the joy of adorable puppies in this special Rescue Pup Yoga session! Get your daily exercise while meeting  the adoptable dogs from Until They're Home. After the 45 minute class you're invited to take pictures, play, and fill out adoption applications.

Note to Participants: Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes early with your yoga mat, water, and sunscreen.

Register Now

Cancellation Policy#

The Gardens on Spring Creek requires 72 hours for a full refund of class fees. If you are unable to attend, please consider your class payment as a tax-deductible donation. If class is cancelled by The Gardens on Spring Creek for any reason, a full refund will be issued. If you do need to cancel your registration, please contact the Education Team at gardenseducation@fcgov.com.