Gardening & Horticulture - General
Classes & Workshops

Edible Garden Year: Water, Weeds and Pests

(150-06-21-18)
Thursday, June 21
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Laura Vogel, Arboretum Adult Education Programs Manager, and
Christy Marsden, Extension Master Gardener Education Manager

It's summer time and perhaps that vegetable garden is getting away from you... join Christy and Laura to learn some handy tips on how to best manage the hot, weedy, buggy part of the season. Prior to class, make sure to document (with notes, photos, or samples) any bug or disease problems you have noticed with your vegetable plants. Class will begin with an introduction to some common insect and disease damage and their solutions, then move into Q&A with your particular challenges. Afterward, you will learn some great techniques to suppress weeds and manage moisture. You will depart with a boost of knowledge that should carry you straight through to the harvest time!
Limit 36, Tashjian Bee and Pollination Discovery Center

FREE CLASS!

Planting for Pollinators

Master Gardener, University of Minnesota Extension

Extend your visit at the Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center with a FREE class! Are you interested in creating healthy pollinator habitats in your community, yard, or on your patio? Join other environmental enthusiasts as you dive into the science of pollination with U of M Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, and discover what types of flowers, plants, and habitat bring pollinators to the garden. You will learn how to identify the pollinators you will see in the neighborhood, and develop an understanding of the threat they face in our communities. At the end of the presentation, you'll leave feeling empowered and inspired to create pollinator-friendly habitats in your community!
Free; registration required.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT: pen and paper

This session is full. Register for a different session, below (150-06-23-18) Saturday, June 23 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Limit 25, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - Honey House Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-06-23-18-01) Saturday, June 23 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Limit 25, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - Honey House Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-07-28-18) Saturday, July 28 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Limit 70, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-07-28-18-01) Saturday, July 28 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Limit 70, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-08-25-18) Saturday, August 25 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Limit 25, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - Honey House Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-08-25-18-01) Saturday, August 25 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Limit 25, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - Honey House Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-09-22-18) Saturday, September 22 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Limit 70, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab Free, does not include Arboretum admission

(150-09-22-18-01) Saturday, September 22 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Limit 70, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab Free, does not include Arboretum admission

Wine Cap Cultivation and Bed Inoculation

(200-08-19-18)
Sunday, August 19
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cody Mastel, Owner, Designer and Educator at Land by Hand

A feast for the eyes as well as the palate, Wine Cap mushrooms have a beautiful burgundy cap and have a nutty flavor that works well for braising, grilling, and sautéing. It is also grows naturally on outdoor beds of woody debris. Learn how to properly locate a small bed in your own backyard (4'x4'), what substrates to use, how to prepare the site, and when to harvest. Cody will explain the biology and cultivation of this species as you and other mushroom enthusiasts watch demonstrations of techniques, and see the finished product. You will leave with wine cap inoculant to try at home, as well as a comprehensive handout.
Limit 18, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab

$65 member/$80 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Edible Garden Year: Harvest and Preservation

Select a session:

(150-08-23-18)
Thursday, August 23 
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.* 
*Edible Garden Year BUNDLE participants will attend this session

(150-08-30-18)
Thursday, August 30
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Laura Vogel, Arboretum Adult Education Programs Manager, and
Christy Marsden, Extension Master Gardener Education Manager

Successfully grown vegetable plants can often mean you now have bushels of beautiful produce on your hands- what to do with them? Christy and Laura will talk you through the basics of proper harvesting: when to pick, what to refrigerate, how to cure, and more. Then we'll be joined by University of Minnesota Extension experts to learn more about safe preservation techniques, from canning to drying. There will be samples, of course, and students are encouraged to bring surplus produce to share with one another at the end of class!
Limit 20, Marion Andrus Learning Center

1 Spot left! 
Thursday, August 23
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
$35 member/$47 non-member, includes Arboretum admission 

Thursday, August 30
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 
$35 member/$47 non-member, includes Arboretum admission 

Create Your Own Fall Container

150-09-08-18
Saturday, September 8, 2018
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Heidi Heiland, CEO: Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens and Heidi's GrowHaus, Professional Master Gardener, Certified Professional with the MNLA

Your containers greet friends and family to your home all year round- how do you make sure they're looking their seasonal best in autumn, after your summer plants start to tire? Join Heidi Heiland to learn the latest trends for fall planting. You will learn tips and tricks of container gardening including design, preparation and management. Then roll up your sleeves and begin repotting your own container (~14", or liners will be available for purchase) with a creative selection of cool season plants such as flowering kale, snapdragons, herbs, sedge and more! You'll leave with a beautiful finished container (or liner to place in your container at home), plus fascinating ideas for trying new tips and techniques with future containers! Bring garden gloves if desired.
Bring from home:
Your own decorative container (approx 14"), or simple liners will be available for purchase in-class.

Limit 25, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab

ONE CONTAINER
$65 member/$80 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies to plant a 14" container

TWO CONTAINERS
$110 member/$140 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies to plant two 14" containers

Exclusive Access: The Vineyard at Harvest Time

150-09-20-18
Thursday, September 20, 2018
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
John Thull, University of Minnesota Grape Research
Jenny Thull, University of Minnesota Grape Research

Did you know that the University of Minnesota has been research wine grapes just down the road for over 30 years? Join John and Jenny Thull to learn more about Minnesota wine grapes at the Horticultural Research Center! You and other viticulture enthusiasts will start with a short presentation about how wine grapes are bred, what researchers are looking for, and some of the cold climate advances that have been made in recent years. If the timing is just right, you might get a taste of fresh pressed grape juice! Then venture into the vineyards as John and Jenny discuss more about their fascinating work, and share samples of freshly harvested wine grapes. You'll leave with an increased appreciation of University of Minnesota wine grape research, and an itch to go out and try some Minnesota wine!
Limit 30, Horticulture Research Center

$49 member/$64 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Seed Saving: Understanding, Collecting, Cleaning, & Storing Seeds

150-09-22-18-02
Saturday, September 22, 2018
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director at the MN Nursery and Landscape Association

Understanding seed biology and how to collect and store seeds is important horticultural knowledge for those interested in collecting their own seeds - whether they be seeds produced by trees and shrubs, herbaceous perennials, annual flowers, or garden vegetables - and germinating them successfully. Using seeds collected from the Arboretum's grounds and gardens, Jim Calkins will show you what seeds are worth collecting and demonstrate the proper techniques needed to collect quality seed and ensure you have healthy, viable seeds that will sprout and grow when you plant them next spring. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to collect seeds from a variety of unique species growing on the Arboretum grounds so be sure to dress accordingly.
Limit 24, Snyder Building - Fireplace Room

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

It's For the Birds: Inviting Migratory Birds into our Landscapes

150-10-11-18-01
Janet Sinner Endowed Horticultural Speaker Series
Thursday, October 11, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Doug Tallamy, author of "Bringing Nature Home," national speaker and researcher

Birding is a popular Minnesota pastime, and we see many migrating species in the fall. Unfortunately, a number of these species are in steep decline, in part because our gardens and managed landscapes occupy more space than natural areas and we have not designed them with birds in mind. Join us to learn more about this challenge, and how we can take action in our own backyard, from renowned author, speaker and researcher Doug Tallamy. Shift your perspective from ornamental to ecological landscape design as Tallamy discusses what birds need from the land for food, shelter and breeding. Landscaping in this crowded world carries both moral and ecological responsibilities that we can no longer ignore.You will leave inspired and motivated to make real change in your landscape- because, after all, it's for the birds!
Limit 200, Oswald Visitor Center - MacMillan Auditorium

$10 member/$25 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Growing Garlic: From Field to Fork

150-10-11-18
Thursday, October 11, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
AND
Thursday, April 4, 2019
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
AND
Thursday, June 6, 2019
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Frank Meuschke, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Staff/Photographer

Are you interested in expanding your garlic options? There's no better way than growing your own! Join Frank to discover the many varieties that are just not available at the grocery store. In the fall, learn the basics of garlic culinary uses, taxonomy (variety and strain), soil preparation, choosing healthy seed stock, popping cloves, planting, and more. When spring comes, you will cover what to do when you see the first shoots, fertilization and watering, weeding, and diseases to watch for. Finally when summer comes, you'll discuss how and when to harvest, labeling and bundling, curing and storage, and best of all- when to eat your garlic! By the end, you will have experienced a full season of garlic growing and be motivated to try it again!
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Inside a Plant Lab

$79 member/$95 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Celebrating the Squash Harvest

150-10-20-18
Saturday, October 20, 2018
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
John Thull, University of Minnesota Grape Research
Jenny Thull, University of Minnesota Grape Research

John and Jenny Thull love squash... and we mean REALLY love squash. Just last year, they harvested 10 tons of over 200 varieties! Join them for an exploration of this fascinating vegetable from field to table. You'll begin with an introduction to some of the Thull's favorite cultivars, freshly harvested from the Horticultural Research Center. They will share a bit of history and cultivation tips. Then watch, taste and learn as Jenny demonstrates a few new and different ways to cook squash, from Asian to spicy to savory dishes. You will leave with cultivar information, recipes, and a motivation to buy and cook healthy, vibrant squash!
Limit 30, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Harvest Kitchen

$49 member/$64 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Botanical Latin

150-11-10-18
Saturday, November 10
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Alex Eilts, Ph.D., greenhouse collection curator and research associate, University of Minnesota Department of Biological Sciences

Ever wonder why we use those often tongue-twisting Latin binomial names for plants? Though common names often seem easier, Latin names are the standard - and yes, there is a method to the seeming madness. Learn the reasons why Latin names are used along with some of the common elements of those names. Practice your knowledge by building your own Latin names, and deciding what you would have named plants instead. Make the foreign familiar with some basic Latin - i.e., with a vocabulary that will translate to the similarly pesky names of any living creature.
Limit 50, Snyder Building - Snyder Auditorium

$20 member/$35 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Plant Selection: Right Plant, Right Place, Right Purpose!

150-01-12-19
Saturday, January 12
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Julie Weisenhorn, Horticulture Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

After a long, cold, winter it's easy to go a bit wild at the garden center, but proper plant selection is critical to sustainable landscapes and the overall success of a design. University of Minnesota Extension educator, Julie Weisenhorn, will teach you proper plant selection starting with understanding the site itself - its soil, light, moisture, exposure, size, etc. - and the importance of choosing plants with that will thrive in your site. Then you will work in the new Plant Elements of Design plant selection database, developed by Extension, to try out your new knowledge on your own landscape. You will leave the class with increased confidence to make plant choices in your 2019 garden, and an understanding of tools such as the Plant Elements of Design. Required Equipment: a wifi-ready device, such as a laptop or tablet. Smartphones will also work, but not preferred!
Limit 12, Oswald Visitor Center - Teaching Classroom

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Grow and Maintain Your Own Apple Trees

150-01-26-19-01
Saturday, January 26
1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Annie Klodd, Horticulture Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

Just imagine picking delicious apples from your own backyard- for eating, baking or applesauce. Growing your own apple tree is rewarding, but takes a little know-how. Annie will guide you through all the aspects of growing apple trees, starting with a tasting sampler of apples that can be grown in Minnesota. Then you will learn how to select the right site in your yard, choose a variety, what to look for when buying a sapling, and proper planting. Annie will cover maintenance as well: from pruning to pests and watering. You will leave with the confidence to select and plant your own apple tree this spring.
Limit 40, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - MacVay Learning Lab

$41 member/ $56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Houseplant Patrol: Basic Care, Problem-Solving and Resources

150-02-09-19-03
Saturday, February 9
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Julie Weisenhorn, Horticulture Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

Long winters encourage outdoor gardeners to also be indoor gardeners! Flowers, tropicals, herbs, seed starting and overwintering plants keep gardeners in the upper Midwest engaged in growing things indoors while snow covers our landscapes. University of Minnesota Extension educator, Julie Weisenhorn, covers best practices of indoor gardening and the science behind it. In the second half of class, explore the Learning Center Greenhouse as you talk about pests, repotting, fertilizing and more. Finish up the class by taking a few cuttings to start at home!
Limit 12, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Tree Place

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Perennial Possibilities: Looking at New Perennials and Exciting Combinations for Minnesota Gardens

150-02-09-19
Saturday, February 9, 2019
1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mike Heger, Lecturer and Author of "Perennials A to Z", Retired Owner Ambergate Gardens

One of the most enjoyable things about designing with perennials is the myriad of combination possibilities in the landscape. Be inspired as Michael walks you through his selection process, including flower shape, foliage color and texture along with plant form. You will see exciting examples that illustrate these principles to get you thinking about other possible combinations in your garden. This presentation includes new and recent perennial introductions that have proven to be good performers in the North. You will leave with a comprehensive list of new perennials and combinations to try.
Limit 40, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Sustainable Lawn & Turf

150-02-23-19
Saturday, February 23, 2019
1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Sam Bauer, Horticulture Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

Are you ready to give up serving your tyrannical lawn with what seems to be constant watering, chemical treatments, and mowing? There are many alternatives to those traditional Kentucky bluegrass varieties! Examine plant specimens from the greenhouse and learn to identify them. Discuss the best practical products to use for fertilizer, seed, and pest control, and consider other possible ground covers. Learn about the benefits of creating a sustainable lawn, and leave the session with a variety of tools to implement environmentally sound practices.
Limit 40, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Online Module: Growing Vegetables in Minnesota

150-03-19-19
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, March 19, 2019 (course login will be sent after the registration deadline)
Christy Marsden, Extension Educator, Extension Master Gardener Education Manager

If you've ever been daunted by the idea of growing vegetables, or have tried in the past but become overwhelmed with weeds, then the new Growing Vegetables in Minnesota online module is for you! Developed through University of Minnesota Extension, this brand new hybrid class- including online instruction and optional in-person activities- will teach you how to plan, plant, and manage your vegetable garden for success throughout the growing season. Learn the online content at your own pace starting in March, with the ability to ask your instructors questions along the way.
Learning objectives include:
Site
Preferred components including light requirements, soil, and soil preparation
Varieties
Successful vegetable varieties and cultivars for growing in Minnesota
Growing Practices
Proper planting and plant management practices for vegetable growing including: crop rotation, mulching, pruning, water, pest scouting, soil nutrient management
Harvesting
Proper harvesting time and techniques, as well as post-harvest management of produce
Pests & Diseases
Best management practices in the garden to prevent pest and disease problems
Unique spaces
Vegetable gardening basics for containers, raised beds, and other non-traditional growing locations

You also have the option to add an in-person class to your experience (Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. - noon, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum) to meet with the instructor and fellow students. You can bring your own vegetable garden plans and learn how to best bring them to life through group exercises and Q&A.

How it Works:
Login information for the online course will be sent after the registration deadline, Tuesday March 19. Course is self-paced and will begin anytime after you receive the login information. The optional in-person session is April 13, and registrants who have elected this option should have the course completed by this time. Online course materials will be available for the duration of the 2019 growing season.

Limit 60

$35 for online-only registration
$50 online registration PLUS in-person April 13 session

Creating Habitat for Birds and Butterflies in your Yard & Garden

150-03-09-19
Saturday, March 9
1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Julie Boden, Gardener and Nature Enthusiast

Are you interested in attracting more birds and butterflies to your garden or patio? Just like people, birds and butterflies require food, water and shelter and they prefer that it be close to where they live. Join other wildlife enthusiasts as Julie shares everything you need to know to invite a stunning variety of these winged visitors into your own backyard sanctuary. You will learn what plants will best fit your location and what species they might attract for food or shelter. You will also learn what simple non-plant additions are needed to cover all the needs of these species.
Limit 50, Snyder Building - Snyder Auditorium

$25 member/$40 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Grow and Maintain Your Own Grapevines

150-03-30-19
Saturday, March 30, 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Annie Klodd, Horticulture Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

In the spring, grapevines are at the entrance of every big box store- are they difficult to grow? Find out by joining us to learn the basics of grape growing! Annie will start with a sample of regionally grown grape products, and chat with the class about the first decision of grape growing: intended use. Whether you plan to make wine, eat fresh grapes, make jam, or just have a bit of shade impacts how you plant and manage your vines. Then the class discussion will move on to how you site the plants in your yard, where to find good quality grapevines and select the cultivar, how to properly plant a grapevine, and trellis options. Annie will end by discussing maintenance such as pruning, pest control, and steps to take in the first and second year. You'll leave with a grapevine to plant at home, and the knowledge you need to plant and maintain it for shade, fresh grapes, wine, or jam!
Limit 40, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - MacVay Learning Lab

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies