Garden Classes in Chicago, IL

This class is going to focus on pine care, soil type, feeding, needle pruning, de-candling, wiring of trees and more! Bring in your pines to work on after an in-depth presentation on care.

In the colder months, the Garden’s Greenhouses brim with poinsettias and other holiday plants of many hues. Learn about propagation techniques, greenhouse environmental and computer systems, watering and fertilizing equipment, and how the growing space is managed throughout the year.

Experience a full season of a Chicago vegetable garden with the focus on what to do, why, and when. During the session, you will follow a successful home vegetable gardener from plant selection all the way through harvest (and everything in between). Join us for a great opportunity to sharpen existing gardening skills and, perhaps, learn some new ...

Start vegetables from seed in this hands-on workshop and go home with a tray of seeds -- all supplies included! Discover techniques and benefits of growing your vegetables from seed started indoors. Explore lighting, soil types, containers, sowing schedules, and plant selection with a gardening expert. Avoid common pitfalls and improve seed starting...

Learn the basics of beekeeping. Curious about honey bees?  Interested in starting your own hive and harvesting your own honey? Already have a hive and want to learn more about managing it? Join our experienced beekeeper and explore the history of beekeeping, bee anatomy, starting up a colony and managing it through the year, equipment basics,...

Learn tips and techniques used by professional gardeners through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. Acquire solid gardening skills and determine best management practices. Topics range from general grounds maintenance, winterization, plantings, and other horticultural practices. This is a pre-professional class designed for students...

If you are new to gardening or the Midwest, you’ll benefit from knowing how our climate and changing seasons can affect your garden. Learn solutions to address the ongoing challenges of temperature and moisture extremes, soil problems, and wind to have a successful garden in every season.

Do you think you lack a green thumb? Do you have trouble keeping plants alive? Justin Schmitz will introduce you to the captivating world of succulents.  He will discuss the needs and care techniques of common succulents and cactus, explain what succulence in plants really means, and give other examples of low-maintenance arid plants.

Not quite ready to let go of your Christmas tree after the holidays? In this demonstration workshop, learn how to upcycle your tree by breaking it down and creating beautiful containers or window boxes. You will also find out ways to use the branches to spruce up your flower beds in the winter months.

Learn to select the right plant for a particular indoor space and how to determine ideal lighting levels. Explore correct watering principles and know when to repot and prune your houseplants. Featured plants include Phalaenopsis orchids, bonsai, terrariums, and air plants.

Why, botanically speaking, is a tomato a fruit? What is the difference between a fern and a moss? Come join us in Botany 1 to learn the answers to these questions and more. We will explore the importance of plants to our lives; plant taxonomy and classification; and the life cycles, distinguishing features, and diversity of plants. Please Note: This...

Explore topics including the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of saving seeds. You will learn the different pollination processes and special practices for heirloom or single varietal plantings. Conversations will focus on the ecological relationships in seed saving, fundamental seed literacy, good food and good land practices,...

Learn all the basics needed to start keeping bees. This includes what to expect, how to put together equipment, how to get bees in your hive, finding the queen, feeding, what to look for after the bees are installed, and seasonal chores.

One of the secrets to gardening success is an understanding of soils. Join Glenn Grosch for a detailed discussion of soils, including structure, fertilizers, understanding and managing pH, soil amendments, and water management. This course will also highlight proper horticultural techniques for a healthy soil ecosystem.

Learn to identify plants without leaves or flowers. Explore the Schulenberg Prairie and adjacent woodlands to practice identifying native perennials and grasses in winter with a local expert. Notes: Includes winter hiking on dirt trails. Please dress for the weather. Limit 20 Recommended Text:  A Guide to Wildflowers in Winter – Herbaceous...