Adult Classes

This one-day workshop by Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor will be a fun and expressive time of "capturing butterflies" in watercolor!  Geared for the student that is already familiar with watercolors, we will learn different techniques, that will allow for a more creative / impressionist approach to painting butterflies.  The instructor will provide photos to work from and some additional supplies. If you have a your own, please bring along.

Saturday, February 27  |  10:30 am. - 4:00 p.m.  |  $80

Note to students: The student will need to be familiar with the watercolor medium and provide their own supplies.  A supply list will be provided upon registration.  This class will be indoors.  Capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing and masks are required.

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Paper quilling is a fun unique way of creating art -  like painting with paper.  The practice of paper quilling can be meditative and is a great way to destress.  In this virtual class with Lacey Walker of Rebel Unicorn Crafts, you will learn the basics of paper quilling, how to make the basic shapes, how to compose a piece and the tools you'll need to practice this art. 

Note to students: This class requires supplies that are provided in a kit, so that you will have everything you need.  Included in this kit is quilling paper, quilling tools, glue, scissors, templates, mounting paper and more. Kits will be available for pick-up at The Gardens the week before the class. 

Saturday, February 27  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $30

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Drawing on the remarkable beauty of the Gardens on Spring Creek, this workshop by Jodie Hollander, locally-based and internationally-published poet will offer participants an opportunity to take in the extraordinary beauty around them and turn their observations into powerful and vivid poems. Using celebrated examples of both traditional and contemporary poetry, discuss techniques such as metaphor, imagery, sound and allusion as well as introducing basic techniques for creating musicality within a poem.

Note to students: Participants will work either outside in nature (weather permitting) or inside in a classroom. This workshop is suitable for all ages and experience levels - please bring a notebook and pen or a laptop computer. No experience necessary. 

Capacity will be limited to help maintain social distancing.  Please wear masks, appropriate shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.

Saturday, May 1  |  9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

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Starting in spring and continuing through fall, flowers present great photo opportunities. In this class by Bob Dean, professional nature and travel photographer with View of Nature Photography, participants will look at the craft of photography and artistic aspects of making images of these gifts of nature. The class will start with using the camera’s (or a smartphone’s) creative controls to capture beautiful images of flowers from panoramic views to close up details. Participants will then spend time looking at using light and creatively composing images. If weather and safety concerns permit, attendees will venture into The Gardens to practice newly learned skills.

This class includes photography permits for attendees.

Saturday, June 12  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $18

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This class will provide 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 13  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

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Bees will be here soon!  This virtual class will begin with question and answers and then proceed to a video of how to install your bees into their new home.

Saturday, April 10  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

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Now that your bees are in their hive, we will be looking to see how well they are doing. This class will include full hive inspection of the bee hives in The Gardens, finding the queen and verifying growth.  We’ll discuss forage and look for both pollen and nectar stores.  Time to talk about mite management, too! 

To maintain small groups, this course will be featured at two separate times.

Note to students:  For outside classes, please wear masks, appropriate shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible. 

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:  For outside classes, please wear masks, appropriate shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring a water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible. 

Saturday, August 21  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $18

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Tired of boiled veggies? Need to perk up your potatoes, ramp up your carrots and add some glory to your grains?  Join Lisa Boesen, MAOM, CMC of MLC Associates LLC as she highlights area produce available at winter and summer markets as well as nods to and mentions of locally-owned food and spice business.  This series will review new cooking techniques, explore locally blended spices, and produce and demonstrate exciting plant-based recipes. 

Brewing your own deliciously-fermented Kombucha is easy!  In this virtual class by Rachel Walker, owner of Life’s a Buch Kombucha, participants will go through the step-by-step process to safely brew your very own kombucha including ingredients, keeping your SCOBY happy and healthy and adding unique and delicious flavors.  

Saturday, March 13  |  1:30 - 3:00 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

A fun introduction to making your own fresh, creamy homemade ricotta and mozzarella.  This virtual class with Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls will show you it's easier than you can imagine and so decadent, you will never go back to store-bought cheese.

Saturday, May 1  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Tired of flabby, nitrate-filled bacon from mega-chain grocery stores?  Well bacon lovers, this workshop from Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls is for you.  You will learn the steps to transform ordinary pork belly into flavorful bacon. Students will get to sample home cured bacon in class.

Saturday, June 5  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $10 Virtual  |  $18 In-Person

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This class will discuss the best heat-loving perennials for the Colorado Front Range.  In this virtual class by Alison O'Conner, Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Larimer County will teach about old favorites and new introductions that thrive in hot, dry conditions. This class is perfect for those wanting to create more water-efficient landscaping.

Saturday, February 20  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

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Nothing is more exciting than watching birds build nests and raise their young each spring.  In this virtual class by Lauren DeRose of Wild Birds Unlimited, participants will learn how to prepare their backyards to be an inviting and safe space for birds to raise healthy babies.

Saturday, February 20  |  10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Create your own food-producing gardens at home.  In this virtual class with Mary Miller of the Gardens on Spring Creek, get tips on garden size, site selection, container possibilities, choosing seeds and transplants.  Learn 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, February 27  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

In this virtual class by Mary Miller of the Gardens on Spring Creek, learn ways to extend the vegetable growing season in both the early spring and autumn to enjoy a greater bounty of fresh garden produce.  This class will cover useful and doable techniques, pros and cons of utilizing different materials and how to provide tender plants and seedlings protection from weather’s elements.  Face a cold snap knowing you protected your crops! 

Saturday, March 27  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Gardens are full of smells that inspire, heal and excite.  Join Rita Jokerst from the Gardens on Spring Creek in a virtual course to learn about the science behind flower scents and how smells attract pollinators during day and night. Be inspired to bring fragrance and beauty to your own space by the design and plant lists from our very own Fragrance Garden.

Saturday, March 27  |  1:30 - 3:00 p.m.  |  $10

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Gardens come in all shapes and sizes.  Join Selena Kunze from the Gardens on Spring Creek to learn how to make the most of your small space through vertical gardening, square foot gardening, container gardening, mixing veggies into annual and perennial gardens and building raised beds.

Saturday, April 10  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

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Enliven your sense of wonder for the world’s flora and its relationships with other organisms and deepen your understanding of how to carry out plant ID at home and in the wild.  This class offers a broad introduction to the world of plants from a self-proclaimed, lifelong plant nerd, Bryan Fischer with the Gardens on Spring Creek.  Participants will be exposed to the basics of botany including; plant identification (using taxonomy and morphology) in addition to various plant groups, botanical novelties and useful, science-based tidbits for home gardeners.

Note to students:  Local participants will receive a small flower bouquet for ID and dissection.

Saturday, April 10  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Learn uncommon yet easy-to-grow plants, including many that will be available at The Gardens' Spring Plant Sale.  Most are drought tolerant, and this virtual class by Sherry Fuller of the Gardens on Spring Creek will also take a look at varieties great for pollinators, with long bloom times, natives and species your neighbors will envy, and other themes.  Leave with a great plant list for your garden! 

Saturday, April 17  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Learn how to create a beautiful and ecologically beneficial garden to attractive all forms of pollinators from Kelly Kellow of the Gardens on Spring Creek.  This virtual class with cover basic Fort Collins pollinator identification, list of plant varieties that support pollinators and how to incorporate these plants and nesting structure into your existing garden design.  

Saturday, April 17  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  | $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Shrubs bring texture, height and dimension to a garden.  In this virtual class with Susan Bonsall, Master Gardener with Larimer County Extension, participants will explore different types of shrubs both deciduous and evergreen - their shape, color, flower and fruit, water requirements and adaptability.  Demystify the reasons to plant shrubs, the conditions for planting, proper planting techniques and proper care for newly planted shrubs.

Saturday, April 24  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  | $10

Register Now

Join us for a virtual dive into the compost pile!  Jamie Blanchard-Poling, the Compost Queen, will cover what composting is, why it is important, the basic skills, troubleshooting compost challenges and finding the best composting option for your lifestyle.  

Saturday, May 8  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

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 must provide their own bicycles and 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 5  |  9:00 a.m. - Noon  |  $18

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Rare, beautiful, and interesting trees are growing at The Gardens. 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:  You will walk through The Gardens during this class.  Capacity has been limited to allow for social distancing.  Please wear masks, appropriate shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring a water bottle.  Paths are ADA accessible. 

Saturday, June 12  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $18

Register Now

As summer heats up there is much to do in the garden to keep your harvest healthy and abundant. This mid-summer veggie gardening class with Andrea Vanderbilt of Teach Me to Grow will cover pest and disease prevention, fertilizer basics, harvesting essentials and planting for a fall harvest. Included during this virtual class will be an open discussion around garden challenges and trouble-shooting recommendations for your home garden.

Saturday, June 19  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Rain Barrel workshops are the perfect way to take the next step in rainwater harvesting at your home.  Through this virtual class by Jessica Thrasher of Colorado Stormwater Center, Colorado State University, you will receive an introduction to rainwater harvesting and instructions on how to install and maintain your rain barrel at home. 

Saturday, February 20  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

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 from Eric Olson with the City of Fort Collins Utilities Xeriscape program on 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 virtual class, participants will explore on how to convert your existing turf to a drip garden from design through installation and what technology is available to assist you in the process.

Saturday, April 17  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Learn how to create your own rain garden oasis!  Rain gardens are beautiful gardens, full of native plants, that are watered only with the rain. During this virtual class class by Jessica Thrasher of Colorado Stormwater Center, Colorado State University, participants will cover design, sizing and plant choice to conserve water and save money on your water bill!

Saturday, May 1  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

This virtual class by Jason Brown of Summit Lawn and Landscape covers the basics of drip irrigation.  Learn the components’ functions and how they fit together to create a simple watering system for your patio, vegetable garden or flower beds.  This class will cover residential applications for our climate and plant materials.  

Saturday, May 8  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Rain Barrel workshops are the perfect way to take the next step in rainwater harvesting at your home.  Through this virtual class by Jessica Thrasher of Colorado Stormwater Center, Colorado State University, you will receive an introduction to rainwater harvesting and instructions on how to install and maintain your rain barrel at home. 

Saturday, February 20  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Create your own food-producing gardens at home.  In this virtual class with Mary Miller of the Gardens on Spring Creek, get tips on garden size, site selection, container possibilities, choosing seeds and transplants.  Learn 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, February 27  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Brewing your own deliciously-fermented Kombucha is easy!  In this virtual class by Rachel Walker, owner of Life’s a Buch Kombucha, participants will go through the step-by-step process to safely brew your very own kombucha including ingredients, keeping your SCOBY happy and healthy and adding unique and delicious flavors.  

Saturday, March 13  |  1:30 - 3:00 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

In this virtual class with Mary Miller of the Gardens on Spring Creek, learn ways to extend the vegetable growing season in both the early spring and autumn to enjoy a greater bounty of fresh garden produce.  This class will cover useful and doable techniques, pros and cons of utilizing different materials and how to provide tender plants and seedlings protection from weather’s elements.  Face a cold snap knowing you protected your crops! 

Saturday, March 27  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes.  Join Selena Kunze from the Gardens on Spring Creek to learn how to make the most of your small space through vertical gardening, square foot gardening, container gardening, mixing veggies into annual and perennial gardens and building raised beds.

Saturday, April 10  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Learn how to create a beautiful and ecologically beneficial garden to attractive all forms of pollinators from Kelly Kellow of the Gardens on Spring Creek.  This virtual class with cover basic Fort Collins pollinator identification, list of plant varieties that support pollinators and how to incorporate these plants and nesting structure into your existing garden design.  

Saturday, April 17  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  | $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Concerned about what you put on your skin?  Homemade lotion bars are the perfect solution!  In this virtual class by Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls, learn how to make lotion bars using natural ingredients. They help soothe dry, chapped skin and they are one of the simplest DIY projects you can make at home.

Saturday, April 24  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

A fun introduction to making your own fresh, creamy homemade ricotta and mozzarella.  This virtual class with Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls will show you it's easier than you can imagine and so decadent, you will never go back to store-bought cheese.

Saturday, May 1  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Join us for a virtual dive into the compost pile!  Jamie Blanchard-Poling, the Compost Queen, will cover what composting is, why it is important, the basic skills, troubleshooting compost challenges and finding the best composting option for your lifestyle.  

Saturday, May 8  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Tired of flabby, nitrate-filled bacon from mega-chain grocery stores?  Well bacon lovers, this workshop from Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls is for you.  You will learn the steps to transform ordinary pork belly into flavorful bacon. Students will get to sample home cured bacon in class.

Saturday, June 5  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $10 Virtual  |  $18 In-Person

Register Now

As summer heats up there is much to do in the garden to keep your harvest healthy and abundant. This mid-summer veggie gardening class with Andrea Vanderbilt of Teach Me to Grow will cover pest and disease prevention, fertilizer basics, harvesting essentials and planting for a fall harvest. Included during this virtual class will be an open discussion around garden challenges and trouble-shooting recommendations for your home garden.

Saturday, June 19  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $10

Register Now

Rain Barrel workshops are the perfect way to take the next step in rainwater harvesting at your home.  Through this virtual class by Jessica Thrasher of Colorado Stormwater Center, Colorado State University, you will receive an introduction to rainwater harvesting and instructions on how to install and maintain your rain barrel at home. 

Saturday, February 20  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Learn how to create a beautiful and ecologically beneficial garden to attractive all forms of pollinators from Kelly Kellow of the Gardens on Spring Creek.  This virtual class with cover basic Fort Collins pollinator identification, list of plant varieties that support pollinators and how to incorporate these plants and nesting structure into your existing garden design.  

Saturday, April 17  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  | $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Learn uncommon yet easy-to-grow plants, including many that will be available at The Gardens' Spring Plant Sale.  Most are drought tolerant, and this virtual class by Sherry Fuller of the Gardens on Spring Creek will also take a look at varieties great for pollinators, with long bloom times, natives and species your neighbors will envy, and other themes.  Leave with a great plant list for your garden! 

Saturday, April 17  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

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 from Eric Olson with the City of Fort Collins Utilities Xeriscape program on 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 virtual class, participants will explore on how to convert your existing turf to a drip garden from design through installation and what technology is available to assist you in the process.

Saturday, April 17  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Learn how to create your own rain garden oasis!  Rain gardens are beautiful gardens, full of native plants, that are watered only with the rain. During this virtual class class by Jessica Thrasher of Colorado Stormwater Center, Colorado State University, participants will cover design, sizing and plant choice to conserve water and save money on your water bill!

Saturday, May 1  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

This virtual class by Jason Brown of Summit Lawn and Landscape covers the basics of drip irrigation.  Learn the components’ functions and how they fit together to create a simple watering system for your patio, vegetable garden or flower beds.  This class will cover residential applications for our climate and plant materials.  

Saturday, May 8  |  10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation.

Register Now

Join us for a virtual dive into the compost pile!  Jamie Blanchard-Poling, the Compost Queen, will cover what composting is, why it is important, the basic skills, troubleshooting compost challenges and finding the best composting option for your lifestyle.  

Saturday, May 8  |  1:30 - 3:30 p.m.  |  $5

Note:  The price for this class is reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation

Register Now

Stretch your limbs and your mind in the early morning garden light. 

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese system of body movement that has been cherished over the centuries for its beneficial impact on health of the heart, bones, nerves, muscles, immune system and the mind.  Often referred to as “meditation in motion”, Tai Chi is widely practiced around the world, preferably in a beautiful outdoor setting. 

Learn More

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. This quiet, slow paced, contemplative walk integrates gratitude, individual reflection, and creative group process. The Guide opens the door, the Forest is the therapist.  This series is lead by Maria Fenty. A.A.S, C.M.T., Certified Forest Therapy Guide with Nature and BodyWork Therapies.

Note to students:  You will walk through The Gardens during this class.  Capacity has been limited to allow for social distancing.  Please wear masks, appropriate shoes, hats and sunscreen and bring a water bottle.  Paths are ADA accessible.