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 the Ancient Art of Bonsai#
Come explore the beautiful and ancient art of Bonsai with practitioner Brian Scott Adams and how the United States has adapted the art form. Participants in this class will go over the best species to use, indoor vs. outdoor trees, the techniques to train your tree and specifics about soil and care. Beautiful examples of trees will be available for viewing.
Saturday, October 9 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
In-Person SOLD OUT | $10 Online Still Available
Juniper Wood Ornaments#
Join Mountain Wildwoods artist Tom Benedict to create your very own Rocky Mountain juniper holiday ornaments. Each participant will get to design and use a wood burner to burn their pattern into a sustainably-harvested piece of wood from the mountains of Montana. All supplies will be furnished and each participant will be able to make up to five ornaments.
Saturday, October 16 | 1:30– 3:00 p.m. | $35
Festive Pumpkin Centerpieces#
Build your very own garden centerpiece for the holiday season. Using pumpkins from the garden, we will adorn it with dried flowers and leaves, seed pods and silk items, creating a focal point that will elevate your table.
Note to Students: All supplies will be provided; however, you are welcome to bring items to add to your creation. Examples, instructions, assistance and materials will be provided.
Saturday, October 30 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $30
Natural Lip Balms#
Looking for an alternative to highly processed, over-the-counter lip balms? Join Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls as she steps you through the process of how to make several lips balms, using natural ingredients. Not only are they easy to make, but they also make great gifts. Each student will receive one lip balm made during class.
Saturday, November 6 | 10:00– 12:00 p.m. | $25
Homemade Lotion Bars#
In the world of natural beauty products, skip the store and learn how to make lotion bars home. Instructor Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls will teach you the ratios and have you creating your own unique bars in no time, using natural ingredients. And with the holidays coming up, lotion bars make great presents! Each student will receive recipes and a lotion bar made during class.
Saturday, November 20 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $25
Holiday Wreath Making#
Join in the fun of creating your own natural holiday wreath from scratch on a 14-inch frame. You will attach evergreens and embellishing with a wide variety of natural materials and a bow if you wish.
Note to Students: All supplies will be provided. However, you are welcome to bring items to add to your creation. Examples, instructions, assistance and materials will be provided.
Saturday, December 4 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $35
Private wreath making classes are available on a limited basis for groups of 10-15. Contact akrueger@fcgov.com to schedule a private class.
- Cooking Classeshighlight_off
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Homemade Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese#
Homemade cheese is in a league of its own. The texture and flavors are sublime. But even better, they are easy to make at home. All you need are a few simple ingredients, a set of recipes and Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls to show you the steps. Students will get to sample cheeses made in class.
Saturday, October 30 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $25
- Gardening Classeshighlight_off
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Bonsai Show#
Bonsai is an ancient Japanese living art created by training trees using horticultural techniques and Asian aesthetics in unique and beautiful ways. Come view a collection of more than 20 inspiring trees during your visit to The Gardens. Bonsai practitioners will be on sight to talk about their art and answer questions.
Saturday, October 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Included with Gardens Admission
Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai#
Come explore the beautiful and ancient art of Bonsai with practitioner Brian Scott Adams and how the United States has adapted the art form. Participants in this class will go over the best species to use, indoor vs. outdoor trees, the techniques to train your tree and specifics about soil and care. Beautiful examples of trees will be available for viewing.
Saturday, October 9 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. |
In-Person SOLD OUT | $10 Online Still Available
Gardening Myths and Mysteries - Learn the Truth#
Not everything you have heard is true! Based on university research, this class exposes myths that will help you grow more productive plants and save dollars and labor (time) by avoiding purchasing products and / or ingredients that are ineffective for growing plants. Learn numerous best practices for gardening from Roger Heins, Horticulture Industry Consultant
Saturday, November 13 | 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. | $18 In-Person | $10 Virtual
- Urban Homesteading Classeshighlight_off
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Homemade Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese#
Homemade cheese is in a league of its own. The texture and flavors are sublime. But even better, they are easy to make at home. All you need are a few simple ingredients, a set of recipes and Connie Meyer with Urban Overalls to show you the steps. Students will get to sample cheeses made in class.
Saturday, October 30 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $25
Natural Lip Balms#
Looking for an alternative to highly processed, over-the-counter lip balms? Join Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls as she steps you through the process of how to make several lips balms, using natural ingredients. Not only are they easy to make, but they also make great gifts. Each student will receive one lip balm made during class.
Saturday, November 6 | 10:00– 12:00 p.m. | $25
Homemade Lotion Bars#
In the world of natural beauty products, skip the store and learn how to make lotion bars home. Instructor Connie Meyer of Urban Overalls will teach you the ratios and have you creating your own unique bars in no time, using natural ingredients. And with the holidays coming up, lotion bars make great presents! Each student will receive recipes and a lotion bar made during class.
Saturday, November 20 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | $25
- 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.
Watercolor Journaling: Capturing the Fall Gardens#
Saturday, October 9 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $60
Watercolor Journaling: Holiday Inspiration#
Saturday, November 13 | 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | $60
- 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.