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. Classes are appropriate for adults 18+. Members receive 10 percent 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.
- Arts and Crafts Classeshighlight_off
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Introduction to Soap Making: Melt and Pour#
Dip your toe into the world of soap making without handling lye. Melt and pour is a great introduction! In this demonstration class with Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls, you'll learn the basics of melting, layering and adding items such as colorants. Each student will receive printed instructions as well as a bar of soap following the class.
Saturday, January 22 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | $25
Introduction to Watercolors#
This one-day workshop will start your watercolor journey. Learn from Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor, 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!
Note to students: Students will need to purchase their own materials. Material list will be provided upon registration.
Saturday, January 29 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | $80
Watercolors: Butterflies Gone Wild#
This one-day workshop will be a fun and expressive time of "capturing butterflies" in watercolor! Geared for the student that is already familiar with watercolors, learn different techniques that will allow for a more creative - impressionist approach to painting butterflies. Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor will provide photos to work from and some additional supplies.
Note to students: The student will need to be familiar with the watercolor medium and provide their own supplies, supply list will be provided upon registration.
Saturday, February 12 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | $80
Macrame Plant Hangers#
Yes, it's back, and better than ever! Join Melissa Venable, local crafter, for this beginning level macramé class. She will teach participants the basic macramé knots and techniques to create their own beautiful and trendy plant hanger. All materials will be provided including a pot and plant to take home.
Saturday, February 26 | 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. | $45
- Beekeeping Serieshighlight_off
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Introduction to Beekeeping#
This class will provide the student with an overview of beekeeping regulations in the community, the basics of bee biology, equipment needs and sourcing, hive placement criteria and the importance of pertinent note-taking.
Saturday, February 12 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Installing Bee Packages#
Bees will be here soon! This class will begin with a question and answer period and then proceed to a demonstration on how to install your bees into their new home.
Saturday, April 9 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $18
Post-Installation Hive Check-up#
Now that your bees are in their hive, this class will look to see how well they are doing. Participants will conduct a full hive inspection of the bee hives in The Gardens and will find the queen and verify growth. Participants should bring beekeeping gear. This workshop will also include discussion on foraging, pollen and nectar stores and mite management.
Saturday, June 4 | 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | $18
Beginning the Wind Down - Fall and Winter Management#
The end of the summer will be here before we know it! In this workshop, participants 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.
Saturday, August 20 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $18
- Cooking Classeshighlight_off
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Dairy Delight#
Homemade dairy items are a lost art. But here is a secret... they're easy to make! Discover the flavors and textures that our great grandparents enjoyed. In this demonstration-style class with Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls, students will see how to make their own cottage cheese and mascarpone using store-bought milk and cream. Once the items are made, everyone will get to sample them. Each attendee will receive recipes on how to make these items.
Saturday, February 5 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | $18
A Plant-Rich Trip to Provence#
Cooking is a great way to experience another country! In this virtual class, bring southern France to your home kitchen in this plant-based cooking class. Students will learn about the variety of dishes in the region including Mediterranean mix, Camargue rice, garlic, lentils, chickpea flour, paella and more. Lisa Boesen, Owner of ItsYourSeason.life will demonstrate several delicious recipes, focusing on using local ingredients whenever possible and discussing how to source or substitute hard to find ingredients.
Saturday, February 19 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | $10 Online Only
- Gardening Classeshighlight_off
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Native Plants for NoCo#
Native plants are a hot topic, and we’re here to help you choose the best ones for your yard! Join Sherry Fuller, Curator at the Gardens on Spring Creek to learn about why and how to plant natives, discuss what makes a plant native and debate a bit about cultivars of native plants. The bulk of the class will present information about specific native plants, arranged by season of interest, including trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses but focusing primarily on perennials.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, January 22 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Made for Dry Shade#
Finding plants that thrive in dry shade might be the toughest test for most gardeners. Join Alison O'Connor, Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Larimer County for options that can help these shady spots burst to life. Learn more about perennials, bulbs and woody plants. There will also be time for you to share your dry shade successes with other attendees for even more ideas.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, January 22 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual Only
Basics of Landscape Design#
Learn a brief history of design in the landscape and what you can do to bring harmony and interest to your garden, large or small. Deryn Davidson, Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Boulder County will discuss elements and principles of design, how to do an analysis of your site and how to start planning your outdoor space into a work of art.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, January 29 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
Botany for Gardeners#
Knowing how plants work will make you a more successful gardener. In this class, join Mason Vollmer, Horticultural Educator, to learn the basics of botany and how to practically apply it in your garden. Participants will be introduced to the basics of botany including plant identification, plant biology and useful science-based tidbits for home gardeners. The Science of Botany will enhance your understanding of nature making your garden a collaborative work of art and science.
Saturday, February 5 | 10:30 am. - 12:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Daylilies: A Worthy Addition to Your Perennial Garden#
Join us to explore the colorful world of daylilies (Hemerocallis). In this comprehensive class, Jonathan Poulton Ph.D., Plant Biochemist, will discuss the process for successful daylily cultivation, potential pests and diseases, an introduction to daylily diversity and how to cross-breed daylilies to obtain new varieties. Participants will also learn about the American Daylily Society's Display Garden at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Saturday, February 5 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Seven Simple Steps to Save Songbirds#
Join Lauren DeRosa of Wild Birds Unlimited Fort Collins to learn how to help protect your songbirds. Participants will cover some statistical information about the loss of songbird species over the past 50 years, learn why they are an important part of the ecosystem and discuss simple actions we can take to help birds thrive in our communities. Both product choices and behavior changes will be reviewed.
Saturday, February 19 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Plants and Pollinators: A Symbiotic Relationship#
Pollinators and plants developed amazing and inspiring relationships over millions of years. These relationships provide the food we eat, the air we breathe and stabilize the soil we walk on. In this class, Kelly Kellow, Horticulturist with the Gardens on Spring Creek will explore how this process works, the amazing ways flowers and pollinators communicate and how different flowers attract different kinds of pollinators in our home gardens.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 12 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Plant Propagation Made Simple#
Learn the tricks of propagation that can be done inside your home. Ted Schaaf, Horticulture Educator will cover plant botany, germination of seeds and how to root cuttings. Potting soils and containers used in propagation will be discussed, and participants will learn how to successfully grow plants indoors under lights.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 19 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Turning Your Brown Thumb Green#
If you are new to gardening or just want to learn more of the basics, this is the class for you! Sherry Fuller, Curator with the Gardens on Spring Creek will discuss the fundamentals of many different gardening topics including soil, compost, mulch, watering, fertilizer and pests and give participants pro tips for making gardening easier and more successful. This class will cover the essentials of vegetable gardening, and consider how, where and when to plant and provide information on a few of the easiest plants to grow here including trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables and annuals.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 26 | 1:30-3:30 | $5 virtual or $10 in person
Structure Pruning 101: Deciduous Trees#
Structure pruning helps to shape the tree for health, appearance and to prevent damage from heavy snow loads / bad weather. It is especially important for young trees to help them into maturity. In this class, learn the basics of structure pruning and why it is crucial for overall tree health. Jacob Mares, Horticulturist and Arborist with the Gardens on Spring Creek will discuss safety, using the correct tools, how to make a proper pruning cut and pruning for structure and mitigation of storm damage. This class will start indoors and finish outside with pruning demonstrations.
Saturday, April 2 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $18 In Person
Composting 101#
Join Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Owner of Compost Queen, for a dive into the compost pile. Participants will learn what composting is, why it is important, how to compost successfully, how to use it in their yards, the science behind composting and finding the best type for your lifestyle both small and large. Class will include a visit to The Gardens Compost Demonstration Site, weather permitting.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 9 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
Pet Friendly Landscaping#
Love your garden and your pets? Wish they could get along? Deryn Davidson, Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Boulder County will explore the elements of pet friendly landscaping. Learn techniques and materials that create a landscape that is beautiful, resilient and safe for pets (mostly dogs).
Saturday, April 23 | 10:00-11:00 | $10 virtual
Uncommon and Underused Perennials#
Learn about uncommon yet easy-to-grow plants including many that will be available at The Gardens Spring Plant Sale. Most are drought tolerant, and the class will also cover varieties great for pollinators, with long bloom times, natives and species your neighbors will envy, among other themes. Leave with a great plant list for your garden from Sherry Fuller, Curator with the Gardens on Spring Creek!
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 23 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Landscape DIY Field Day#
Practice landscape skills in this hands-on class. The in-class portion will cover activities on plan drawing, measuring and materials sourcing. Instructor Katie Collins with City of Fort Collins Utilities will help participants get familiar with effective water management by programming real irrigation controllers and practicing simple irrigation upgrades and repairs. Go outside to get to know common hand tools as well as heavier equipment that helps you work smarter, not harder such as a sod cutter and a mini skid steer.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 30 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
Bonsai Care and Spring Repotting#
Spring is the perfect time to start anew. Explore the art of bonsai practice. During this class, participants will learn the basics of bonsai care and maintenance. It will also feature a repotting demonstration. Participants have the option to observe, bring their own trees or have a tree provided. If you choose to have a tree provide, The Gardens will supply small indoor trees species, such as Ficus, schefflera or dwarf jade, and small ceramic pots.
Saturday, April 30 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | $18 (No Tree) or $50 (With Tree)
From the Garden to the Bottle: Growing Grapes and Hops#
The best beers and wines start in the soil. Learn from Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulturist Selena Kunze how to grow, train, prune and harvest hops and grapes for home brewing. This class will start indoors and then finish with a visit to the grapes and hops growing at The Gardens.
Saturday, May 21 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon | $18
From the Garden to the Bottle: Fermentation of Plant Materials#
Join Scott Dorsch, Brewer, Agronomist and Co-owner and Travis Green, Winemaker and Co-owner with Odell Brewing Company as they explore the historical exploitation of the plant kingdom, taking a closer look into the original agri-business of creating fermented beverages. Human beings and plant based fermented food products have evolved together over thousands of years. Specific plants of interest will include grapes, malted barley and other cereal grains as well as hops and other bittering plants historically used in the production of wine and beer.
Saturday, May 21 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $18
Walking Garden Tree Tour#
Rare, beautiful and interesting trees are growing at the Gardens on Spring Creek. Join Urban Forester Tim Buchanan on a morning walk 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 outside class. Please wear appropriate shoes, hats, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.
Saturday, June 4 | 10:30 - 12:30 p.m. | $18
Notable Tree Bike Tour#
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, helmets and plan on riding about five miles on flat surfaces while obeying all traffic signals. The tour will begin and end at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Saturday June 11 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon | $18 Meet at The Gardens
- Poetry in The Gardens Serieshighlight_off
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Poetry in The Gardens Series#
Drawing on the remarkable beauty of the Gardens on Spring Creek, this workshop series will offer participants of all ages and experience levels an opportunity to take in the extraordinary beauty around them and turn their observations into powerful and vivid poems. Participants will join Jodie Hollander, Local Poet and International Teacher, to work either outside in nature (weather permitting) or inside in a classroom. These workshops are suitable for all ages and experience levels- please bring a notebook and pen or a laptop computer. No experience necessary.
- Urban Homesteading Classeshighlight_off
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Dairy Delight#
Homemade dairy items are a lost art. But here is a secret... they're easy to make! Discover the flavors and textures that our great grandparents enjoyed. In this demonstration-style class with Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls, students will see how to make their own cottage cheese and mascarpone using store-bought milk and cream. Once the items are made, everyone will get to sample them. Each attendee will receive recipes on how to make these items.
Saturday, February 5 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | $18
Introduction to Soap Making: Melt and Pour#
Dip your toe into the world of soap making without handling lye. Melt and pour is a great introduction! In this demonstration class with Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls, you'll learn the basics of melting, layering and adding items such as colorants. Each student will receive printed instructions as well as a bar of soap following the class.
Saturday, January 22 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | $25
Rain Barrels: Conserving Water in the Garden#
Rain barrels are the perfect way to take the next step in rainwater harvesting at your home. In this class, Jessica Thrasher, Education and Outreach Manager for Colorado State University's Colorado Stormwater Center will provide an introduction to rainwater harvesting and step-by-step instructions on how to install your own rain barrel. You will even have an opportunity to win a rain barrel for your home!
Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation
Saturday, February 19 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Seven Simple Steps to Save Songbirds#
Join Lauren DeRosa of Wild Birds Unlimited Fort Collins to learn how to help protect your songbirds. Participants will cover some statistical information about the loss of songbird species over the past 50 years, learn why they are an important part of the ecosystem and discuss simple actions we can take to help birds thrive in our communities. Both product choices and behavior changes will be reviewed.
Saturday, February 19 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Plants and Pollinators: A Symbiotic Relationship#
Pollinators and plants developed amazing and inspiring relationships over millions of years. These relationships provide the food we eat, the air we breathe and stabilize the soil we walk on. In this class, Kelly Kellow, Horticulturist with the Gardens on Spring Creek will explore how this process works, the amazing ways flowers and pollinators communicate and how different flowers attract different kinds of pollinators in our home gardens.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 12 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Backyard Chickens for Urban Areas#
Are you thinking about getting chickens for your backyard, but not sure where to start? Join Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls to learn the benefits of keeping chickens, selecting best breeds for urban areas, best egg laying breeds, things to consider before getting chickens, tips for raising healthy chicks, critical coop components and complying with city ordinances.
Saturday, March 12 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Composting 101#
Join Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Owner of Compost Queen, for a dive into the compost pile. Participants will learn what composting is, why it is important, how to compost successfully, how to use it in their yards, the science behind composting and finding the best type for your lifestyle both small and large. Class will include a visit to The Gardens Compost Demonstration Site, weather permitting.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 9 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
From the Garden to the Bottle: Growing Grapes and Hops#
The best beers and wines start in the soil. Learn from Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulturist Selena Kunze how to grow, train, prune and harvest hops and grapes for home brewing. This class will start indoors and then finish with a visit to the grapes and hops growing at The Gardens.
Saturday, May 21 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon | $18
From the Garden to the Bottle: Fermentation of Plant Materials#
Join Scott Dorsch, Brewer, Agronomist and Co-owner and Travis Green, Winemaker and Co-owner with Odell Brewing Company as they explore the historical exploitation of the plant kingdom, taking a closer look into the original agri-business of creating fermented beverages. Human beings and plant based fermented food products have evolved together over thousands of years. Specific plants of interest will include grapes, malted barley and other cereal grains as well as hops and other bittering plants historically used in the production of wine and beer.
Saturday, May 21 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $18
- Vegetable Gardeninghighlight_off
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Growing Your Own Veggies#
Create your own food-producing gardens at home. Get tips on garden size, site selection, container possibilities, choosing seeds and transplants. Learn from Mary Miller, Community Garden Outreach Coordinator with the Gardens on Spring Creek how and when to plant, tend and harvest your garden. The Gardens Spring Plant Sale list of veggies will be provided with some fan favorites highlighted.
Saturday, March 12 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In Person
Plant Propagation Made Simple#
Learn the tricks of propagation that can be done inside your home. Ted Schaaf, Horticulture Educator will cover plant botany, germination of seeds and how to root cuttings. Potting soils and containers used in propagation will be discussed, and participants will learn how to successfully grow plants indoors under lights.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 19 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Turning Your Brown Thumb Green#
If you are new to gardening or just want to learn more of the basics, this is the class for you! Sherry Fuller, Curator with the Gardens on Spring Creek will discuss the fundamentals of many different gardening topics including soil, compost, mulch, watering, fertilizer and pests and give participants pro tips for making gardening easier and more successful. This class will cover the essentials of vegetable gardening, and consider how, where and when to plant and provide information on a few of the easiest plants to grow here including trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables and annuals.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 26 | 1:30-3:30 | $5 virtual or $10 in person
Tomatoes or Wolf Peaches? What Gives?#
Tomatl? Pomme d’amor? Wolf peach? Does a tomato by any other name taste as sweet? This course will explore the origin, domestication, and cultural uses / interactions with the ubiquitous tomato through the lens of ethnobotany. Bryan Fischer, Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulturist will discuss its origin, domestication by humans, the historical scandals and public perception of the plant and its uses, both as food and otherwise. Other plants will be touched on, particularly to help build context and broaden understanding in the topics discussed.
Saturday, April 2 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual or $18 In person
Tiny Victory Gardens#
This is a great class for beginning or seasoned gardeners looking to produce high quality food without a yard or garden. Susan Bonsall, Master Gardener with Larimer County Extension will discuss how to maximize your space including selecting appropriate container sizes and types; how to select and improve your soil; how and when to plant, water, fertilize and mulch; insects and disease; succession planting and end of season clean-up for 20 different vegetable types.
Saturday, April 9 | 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. | $10 Virtual Only
Veggie Growing in Containers#
You can grow a wonderful array of veggies in containers! Whether you wish to grow a couple of plants on a balcony or as many plants as possible in the space you have, Mary Miller, Community Garden Outreach Coordinator with the Gardens on Spring Creek will explore the best methods to achieve full productivity. Students will learn useful and functional ways to successfully garden in above ground pots and containers for an abundant harvest through the growing season.
Saturday, April 23 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $18
From the Garden to the Bottle: Growing Grapes and Hops#
The best beers and wines start in the soil. Learn from Gardens on Spring Creek Horticulturist Selena Kunze how to grow, train, prune and harvest hops and grapes for home brewing. This class will start indoors and then finish with a visit to the grapes and hops growing at The Gardens.
Saturday, May 21 | 10:30 a.m. - Noon | $18
From the Garden to the Bottle: Fermentation of Plant Materials#
Join Scott Dorsch, Brewer, Agronomist and Co-owner and Travis Green, Winemaker and Co-owner with Odell Brewing Company as they explore the historical exploitation of the plant kingdom, taking a closer look into the original agri-business of creating fermented beverages. Human beings and plant based fermented food products have evolved together over thousands of years. Specific plants of interest will include grapes, malted barley and other cereal grains as well as hops and other bittering plants historically used in the production of wine and beer.
Saturday, May 21 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $18
- Watercolor Journaling Serieshighlight_off
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Watercolor Journaling Series#
Join Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor as she leads students in filling their watercolor sketchbooks during the different seasons at The Gardens. Students need to be familiar with watercolor as this is not a beginning class.
This series is perfect for the:
- Journal-keepers who want to add illustrations to their writing
- Artists who want to fill their sketchbooks
- Gardeners and naturalists who want to learn about the world around them
- Travelers who want to record their journeys
Through instruction, demonstrations and free exploration time, students will be able to capture the beauty The Gardens offers.
Note to students: For courses in this series, students will need to purchase their own materials. A material list will be provided upon registration. Classes will be outdoors, as weather allows and with limited capacity to allow for social distancing. For outside classes, please wear masks, appropriate shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.
Introduction to Watercolor Journaling#
Saturday, April 2 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $60
- Waterwise Landscapes and Irrigationhighlight_off
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Native Plants for NoCo#
Native plants are a hot topic, and we’re here to help you choose the best ones for your yard! Join Sherry Fuller, Curator at the Gardens on Spring Creek to learn about why and how to plant natives, discuss what makes a plant native and debate a bit about cultivars of native plants. The bulk of the class will present information about specific native plants, arranged by season of interest, including trees, shrubs and ornamental grasses but focusing primarily on perennials.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, January 22 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Made for Dry Shade#
Finding plants that thrive in dry shade might be the toughest test for most gardeners. Join Alison O'Connor, Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Larimer County for options that can help these shady spots burst to life. Learn more about perennials, bulbs and woody plants. There will also be time for you to share your dry shade successes with other attendees for even more ideas.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, January 22 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual Only
Basics of Landscape Design#
Learn a brief history of design in the landscape and what you can do to bring harmony and interest to your garden, large or small. Deryn Davidson, Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Boulder County will discuss elements and principles of design, how to do an analysis of your site and how to start planning your outdoor space into a work of art.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, January 29 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
Rain Barrels: Conserving Water in the Garden#
Rain barrels are the perfect way to take the next step in rainwater harvesting at your home. In this class, Jessica Thrasher, Education and Outreach Manager for Colorado State University's Colorado Stormwater Center will provide an introduction to rainwater harvesting and step-by-step instructions on how to install your own rain barrel. You will even have an opportunity to win a rain barrel for your home!
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, February 19 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Converting Your Irrigation System: Turf to Drip#
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 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 a create an attractive landscape. During this class with Eric Olson of City of Fort Collins Utilities, participants will explore on how to convert their existing turf to a drip garden from design through installation and what technology is available to assist you in the process.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, February 19 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | $5 Virtual Only
Plants and Pollinators: A Symbiotic Relationship#
Pollinators and plants developed amazing and inspiring relationships over millions of years. These relationships provide the food we eat, the air we breathe and stabilize the soil we walk on. In this class, Kelly Kellow, Horticulturist with the Gardens on Spring Creek will explore how this process works, the amazing ways flowers and pollinators communicate and how different flowers attract different kinds of pollinators in our home gardens.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 12 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Plant Propagation Made Simple#
Learn the tricks of propagation that can be done inside your home. Ted Schaaf, Horticulture Educator will cover plant botany, germination of seeds and how to root cuttings. Potting soils and containers used in propagation will be discussed, and participants will learn how to successfully grow plants indoors under lights.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 19 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Turning Your Brown Thumb Green#
If you are new to gardening or just want to learn more of the basics, this is the class for you! Sherry Fuller, Curator with the Gardens on Spring Creek will discuss the fundamentals of many different gardening topics including soil, compost, mulch, watering, fertilizer and pests and give participants pro tips for making gardening easier and more successful. This class will cover the essentials of vegetable gardening, and consider how, where and when to plant and provide information on a few of the easiest plants to grow here including trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables and annuals.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, March 26 | 1:30-3:30 | $5 virtual or $10 in person
Just Drip It!#
Learn from Jason Brown with Simple Leaf Consulting, the basics of drip irrigation. The class covers the components, tools and fundamentals to create a simple watering system for your patio, vegetable garden or flower beds. Participants will also learn residential applications for our climate.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 9 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Composting 101#
Join Jamie Blanchard-Poling, Owner of Compost Queen, for a dive into the compost pile. Participants will learn what composting is, why it is important, how to compost successfully, how to use it in their yards, the science behind composting and finding the best type for your lifestyle both small and large. Class will include a visit to The Gardens Compost Demonstration Site, weather permitting.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 9 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
Uncommon and Underused Perennials#
Learn about uncommon yet easy-to-grow plants including many that will be available at The Gardens Spring Plant Sale. Most are drought tolerant, and the class will also cover varieties great for pollinators, with long bloom times, natives and species your neighbors will envy, among other themes. Leave with a great plant list for your garden from Sherry Fuller, Curator with the Gardens on Spring Creek!
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 23 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Virtual or $10 In Person
Landscape DIY Field Day#
Practice landscape skills in this hands-on class. The in-class portion will cover activities on plan drawing, measuring and materials sourcing. Instructor Katie Collins with City of Fort Collins Utilities will help participants get familiar with effective water management by programming real irrigation controllers and practicing simple irrigation upgrades and repairs. Go outside to get to know common hand tools as well as heavier equipment that helps you work smarter, not harder such as a sod cutter and a mini skid steer.
Note: Price reduced by City of Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.
Saturday, April 30 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $10
- Wellness Classeshighlight_off
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Yoga and Tai Chi in The Gardens#
Embrace the natural setting of our botanical gardens with weekly tai chi and yoga classes.
Forest Bathing#
You are invited to experience the healing and wellness promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Join Maria Fenty. A.A.S, C.M.T., Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Nature and BodyWork Therapies for a quiet, slow paced, contemplative walk integrating gratitude, individual reflection and creative group process. The Guide opens the door, the Forest is the therapist.
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.
Saturday, April 23 | 1:00- 3:00 p.m. | $18
Forest Bathing#
You are invited to experience the healing and wellness promoting effects of Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of bathing the senses in the atmosphere of the forest. Join Maria Fenty. A.A.S, C.M.T., Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Nature and BodyWork Therapies for a quiet, slow paced, contemplative walk integrating gratitude, individual reflection and creative group process. The Guide opens the door, the Forest is the therapist.
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.
Saturday, May 21 | 1:00- 3:00 p.m. | $18
Inner Awakening Spring Workshop#
Spring is a time for blooming, growth and re-birth. Surrounded by the beautiful gardens, this workshop is designed to awaken the body, breath and spirit through yoga, breath work, meditation and journaling. Get ready to shed past limiting beliefs...the best version of your life is waiting to bloom. Each participant will receive a goodie bag full of items to support your wellness from instructors Celine Burgett and Amanda Shannon.
Awaken possibilities, start a new path, connect with self, invite a breakthrough, invite creativity, manifest in your life, remove limits, celebrate life, celebrate nature and just be.
Note to Students: Please wear comfortable clothes for practice indoors and out, bring a yoga mat, blanket, water bottle and yoga props if you use them.
Saturday, June 4 | 9:30 a.m. - Noon | $45
Walking Garden Tree Tour#
Rare, beautiful and interesting trees are growing at the Gardens on Spring Creek. Join Urban Forester Tim Buchanan on a morning walk 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 outside class. Please wear appropriate shoes, hats, sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.
Saturday, June 4 | 10:30 - 12:30 p.m. | $18
Notable Tree Bike Tour#
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, helmets and plan on riding about five miles on flat surfaces while obeying all traffic signals. The tour will begin and end at the Gardens on Spring Creek.
Saturday June 11 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon | $18 Meet at The Gardens