Garden Classes in Chicago, IL

Come and join us and learn how to create you own Terrarium! You will learn how a terrarium works! How these self-contained ecosystems survive so well on their own and how to look after them. We will help you guys to get your hands in there and build your own! We will supply you with all the plants you need and an arrangement of pebbles and...

Summer is the best time to work on your tropical bonsai trees. This comprehensive workshop will cover all aspects of tropical tree care, styles, grafting, air layering, and soil types. Bring your trees in for critique, styling, and repotting, and set a course for the future of your bonsai tree.

Learn the how and why of saving seeds for thrifty gardening and farming, biodiversity preservation, and food sovereignty. In this course, you will receive open-pollinated seeds to take home with you as well as information to help you feel confident saving seeds for future farm and garden seasons.

Proper garden care in the fall helps ensure healthy plants the next spring. Learn techniques for taking care of your lawn, trees, shrubs, and perennials, including fall fertilizing, mulching, cutting back plants, and protecting plants from winter winds and animal damage. Pointers will be given for fall planting of woody plants and spring-flowering...

Take a Garden walk to view the Garden’s fall containers. Then create a cool-season mixed container with a variety of plants suitable for a full-sun or partial-shade location. Your container may include annuals, perennials, herbs, decorative foliage, cool-season vegetables, ornamental grasses, a decorative vine, and gourds.  Please bring gl...

Minor bulbs are among the most useful groups of bulbs because they are excellent in naturalistic gardens and in ground cover plantings, and they provide a blanket of color amid emerging perennials in early spring. You will explore many varieties including those that deer resistant.

Growing on a rooftop presents its own challenges and rewards. Learn from a seasoned rooftop farmer about what the city requires for a rooftop buildout. Participants will be guided through the many decisions you’ll make as you begin or expand your own rooftop farm or garden. 

Bungalows and Arts and Crafts-inspired houses are typically charming smaller homes found in cities and suburbs across the country. These popular style homes are appealing because they were often designed to be in harmony with nature and outdoor living. Discover how plants, hardscape, and other elements can enhance your own bungalow garden.

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.

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. We will cover fall planting, bulbs, turf care, plant wildlife protection, garden maintenance, and winterization.  Dress for the weather. A supply list will...

This course is for individuals seriously considering or already in the process of aquaponic food production on a commercial scale. This three-day course is a comprehensive look at the design and build-out of a system, water quality, controlled environment growing, daily operations and growing techniques. Instruction will include hands-on work and lectures....

Soil is an irreplaceable natural resource that affects plant selection and growth. Learn to maintain healthy soil; use compost, fertilizers, soilless and potting mixes, and other amendments. Discover how water cycles through a garden and affects soils and plants. Begin to appreciate the circle of life within our soils. Required text:  Secrets...

Discover the basics of backyard composting and composting with worms. Compost is that dark crumbly material—the result of decomposed organic materials—that improves the structure and texture of the soil enabling it to better retain nutrients, moisture, and air around plant roots. You can buy it in bags, but it’s easy and cheaper to make your...

Capture the graceful curve of an unfolding bud, the surprise of new leaves, or the lightness of a cloud through Ikebana -- the art of Japanese flower arranging. The instructors will demonstrate several techniques and then help you create your favorite version. All plant materials will be collected fresh from the Arboretum grounds. Each student will...

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...