Garden Classes in Chicago, IL

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 ...

Are you interested in organic gardening? This fresh approach to organic gardening will focus on fundamental horticultural practices as they apply to a successful organic garden experience. The presentation will cover the “what and why” of organics followed by a detailed discussion of specific horticultural practices both in the area of plant nutrition...

Participants will learn the fundamental principles of aquaponics production, as well as tips and tricks for building an at-home or small-scale aquaponics system. This course will include hands-on work with the nursery system and the 52,000-gallon aquaponics production system.

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.

For one cold winter month only, the Regenstein Center and the Garden’s Greenhouses are filled with more than 10,000 orchids for our annual Orchid Show. Join Wade Wheatley to learn about the various varieties of orchids, watering and growing techniques, and a behind-the-scenes perspective on how the Orchid Show was created.  A short tour of the...

Orchids are great houseplants with long bloom times, and they are even more fantastic when presented as part of a miniature landscape in a shallow container. Create your own “tropical” oasis to enjoy this winter and all year long. Please bring gloves, an apron, and pruning shears. Alcohol will be served in this class; participants must be 21 years...

Join us for the annual Edible Gardening Workshop Series held each spring at The Morton Arboretum! Each week, gardening experts will share practical tips on growing your own food and inspire you with new ways to create beautiful, productive, edible gardens. This series has something for everyone. Whether you are new to gardening or you are an experienced...

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...

In this class, we will discuss the ecology and biology of honeybee swarming. We will also cover how to make and use bait-boxes, where to start hunting for feral bees, and how to get them to stay put once you have them.

Students will be introduced to professional gardening through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. They will focus on acquiring solid gardening skills, learning a variety of techniques, and developing the ability to determine best practices.  Prerequisite: Botany 1.  A supply list will be sent with your confirmation. Please...

Learn how easy it is to grow orchids right in your own home! This includes selecting orchids best suited to your growing conditions, how to grow and maintain orchids on windowsills and under artificial lights, how to keep your plants healthy, and how to avoid common mistakes encountered by new growers.  This class is great for beginners and those...

Learn techniques on how to avoid buying bees for your apiary every spring. We will cover how to select good stock to start your hive, easy ways to make a few queens to propagate stock that winters in your area, and how to make splits from your own bees to increase hive counts or replace dead colonies.

These stalwarts of the landscape are hardy, easy to care for, and with proper siting and selection, can remain attractive for many years.  Learn about the many options available from this great group of plants. Dress for the weather. 

Home gardens in the 1920s celebrated and welcomed nature. Birdhouses, birdbaths, fish ponds, and rock gardens were the rage. Cottage-garden perennials, such as Canterbury bells, irises, foxglove, phlox, pyrethrum, coreopsis, hollyhocks, roses, columbine, and poppies were just some of the flowers that adorned the front and back gardens.

Design a stunning front garden that integrates seamlessly with your house and neighborhood. Work with an experienced landscape designer to create a custom drawing for your new front garden, and go home with the information you need to successfully transform your landscape. In this class, you will assess sunlight for plant selection, design curves and...