Gardening & Horticulture - General
Classes & Workshops

Create-Your-Own Kokedama: A Drop-in Mini Workshop

Laura Vogel, Adult Education Programs Manager, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Are you interested in enhancing your "Origami in the Garden" experience? Drop by the Great Hall Balcony on select Saturday afternoons for a mini workshop! Kokedama is a Japanese variant of bonsai, in which live moss is essentially used as a container for another plant. These moss balls can hold many types of houseplants, from ferns to orchids. They are equally beautiful displayed on a table or suspended by your window and are easy to care for. Join Arboretum staff to learn more about this unique display technique, and then follow along step-by-step in creating your own kokedama to take home.

The drop-in workshop will take a half hour or less and you can arrive anytime within the time frames listed below. 

$15 fee per 4" kokedama and includes a helpful care sheet. Does not include Arboretum admission.

First come first served- limit 12 participants at a time.

PURCHASE OPTIONS: 

Same-Day Walk-In
Walk-in and pay in person at the project location 
First come first served- limit 12 participants at a time.

Reserve Online
Pre-Register your spot online (select a session below) by 9am Friday prior to the workshop and arrive at workshop any time between 2 and 4pm

(150-05-12-18)
Saturday, May 12
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
$15 per Kokedama 
Does not include Arboretum admission
Limit 90 total, 12 participants at a time, Picnic Shelter Area by the Learning Center

(150-06-09-18)
Saturday, June 9
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$15 per Kokedama 
Does not include Arboretum admission
Limit 60, 12 participants at a time, Oswald Visitor Center - Visitor Center Balcony

(150-07-14-18)
Saturday, July 14
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$15 per Kokedama 
Does not include Arboretum admission
Limit 60, 12 participants at a time, Oswald Visitor Center - Visitor Center Balcony

(150-09-15-18)
Saturday, September 15
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$15 per Kokedama 
Does not include Arboretum admission
Limit 60, 12 participants at a time, Oswald Visitor Center - Visitor Center Balcony

(150-10-13-18)
Saturday, October 13
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$15 per Kokedama 
Does not include Arboretum admission
Limit 60, 12 participants at a time, Oswald Visitor Center - Visitor Center Balcony

Birdcage Succulent Planter

(150-05-17-18)
Thursday, May 17
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Theresa Mieseler, Mieseler, Herb Grower and Consultant, Shady Acres Herb Farm

We're obsessed with succulents! They require little water and can be planted almost anywhere. With little more than succulents, a birdcage (old or new), sphagnum moss and soil, you can add a unique, whimsical splash of greenery to your garden. Class will include an overview of succulents, proper care and maintenance, and then enjoy filling your birdcage with delightful succulents selected by Theresa. Take your completed birdcage home to hang outdoors in your garden or on your patio. You can even keep the door open and watch the black capped chickadees perch on it! Bring your own birdcage to class, preferably one that opens from the top, measuring 14" or less in height and 10" in diameter. Birdcages can be found in vintage shops, garage sales, on Amazon.com, eBay, Craigslist, orientaltrading.com, Michaels stores (call first to check) and Michaels.com, homedepot.com, to name a few. All supplies are provided except the birdcage.
BRING TO CLASS: your birdcage, pruning shears and optional gardening gloves. 
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Shed

Plant a Window Box of Herbs

(150-05-23-18)
Wednesday, May 23
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Mary Beth Gullickson, Cedar Brook Garden Center, horticulture Major in floral culture and landscape design.

Here's an easy way to garden even without a garden: Grow a good supply of tasty herbs in a window box! Filled with herbs, these containers are welcome partners for the kitchen, so you'll want to keep it nearby! Spend the evening creating and planting a movable garden using a window box--perfect for the balcony or an outdoor table. Receive care tips from a professional, and fill your window box with edible flowers and herbs including basil, rosemary, and thyme. Plants and planting materials will be provided, but not the containers.
BRING TO CLASS:
Your own favorite container, clay or plastic, measuring approximately 20"x8"
12" pot (make sure it has drainage holes), either clay or plastic
pruning shears
garden gloves (optional).

24" plastic window boxes will be available for purchase at the class for  $15.99

Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Shed

Make Your Own Fairy Garden

(150-06-07-18)
Thursday, June 7
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Noelle Mortensen, Southview Garden Center, Owner

Enjoy gardening in miniature! Once you've mastered the art, you can continue the fun at home as you explore nature and engage your imagination. Noelle is an expert in the fairy world since she has been conducting fairy classes and festivals for many years. She will walk you through the basics of making and caring for a fairy garden, then guide you step-by-step as you make a garden of your own. Included in the fee are the raw materials you need to make an approximately 12" diameter container fairy garden, including miniature plants and garden accessories. With proper care your fairy garden will continue to grow and last a long time enjoyed outdoors or indoors by a sunny window. See link for all that is included in this fairy garden project! As an option there will be fairies for sale and if you choose to do so you can purchase your own fairy ($9.99).
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Shed

BRING TO CLASS: your own favorite fairy garden container, clay or plastic, measuring approximately 12" (make sure it has drainage holes)

SUGGESTED (optional): pruning shears, garden gloves, trinkets, fairies, or other miniature accents from your own collection

View included supplies

$65 member/$80 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies except for the container ($9.99 fairy purchase optional)

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

Growing Mushrooms Outdoors via Log Inoculation

(200-06-24-18)
Sunday, June 24
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cody Mastel, Owner, Designer and Educator at Land by Hand

If you have ever taken a walk in the woods, chances are you've seen fungi growing on fallen logs. Wood is a natural medium to grow mushrooms, and has been used for centuries! Cody will start with an introduction to the biology and historical background of this cultivation method. Then you and your fellow mushroom aficionados will inoculate your own hardwood logs by drilling holes and introducing mushroom mycelium, such as shiitake and oysters, to the openings. Once the wood is fully colonized after 5-10 months, the log will begin to fruit naturally. Cody will discuss ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and harvest. You will leave with an inoculated log and 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

Bundle and Save!
Fungi Cultivation 3-class bundle (200-FUNGI-18)
$180 member/$216 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

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

(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

Floral Foraging: Creating Arrangements from Local Sources

(150-07-21-18)
Saturday, July 21
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Nina Wiskus and Channing Baker, Co-owners, Bloomfield Floral Designs

It's the peak of bloom-time in your garden; so ditch those high carbon-footprint exotic flowers from the grocery store in favor of local, more sustainable blooms! Join other floral aficionados for a class on Minnesota cut flowers- from the ground up! Robin Trott, owner and grower at Prairie Garden Farm, will start by discussing her local cut flower business, and share a few tips and tricks for growing your own. Then you will learn how to create spontaneous, innovative arrangements from your own backyard, while working with Channing and Nina of Bloomfield Floral Design, and cut material from Prairie Garden Farm and the Arboretum! Flowers may include amaranthus, bells of Ireland, zinnias, and celosia, but will depend on the season. You will leave with new ideas to enjoy your garden's blooms, a comprehensive handout, and a vibrant summer table arrangement (~24" long x 18" wide) in a container to keep. 
SUGGESTED: gloves, floral snips, and a box to carry the arrangement home in.
Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab

Photo: Frank Meuschke

Growing Mushrooms Indoors with Buckets

(200-07-22-18)
Sunday, July 22
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Cody Mastel, Owner, Designer and Educator at Land by Hand

Growing mushrooms inside allows you to have better control over the environment, and grow these delicious fungi year-round in our Minnesota climate. Cody will start with an introduction to the biology of mushrooms and the theory of indoor mushroom cultivation. You will then drill holes in a five gallon bucket, sterilize and prepare the straw medium, and inoculate with oyster, reishi, or lion's mane mushrooms. Cody will discuss ongoing maintenance, troubleshooting, and harvest. You will leave with an inoculated bucket and 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

Bundle and Save!
Fungi Cultivation 3-class bundle (200-FUNGI-18)
$180 member/$216 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

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

Bundle and Save!
Fungi Cultivation 3-class bundle (200-FUNGI-18)
$180 member/$216 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

2 Spots 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