(5 ½ - 12 yrs.) Join Abrakadoodle to design wind sculptures, craft squishy paper toys and sculpt colorful hearts. Explore the works of world-renowned artists like Dale Chihuly, Yinka Shonibare and Maurizio Cattelan. This camp is perfect for those who enjoy imagining big and creating boldly. No camp June 19 and July 3.

(14-Adult) Challenge yourself with what you thought you knew about our nation’s past with an entertaining history quiz while enjoying afternoon tea. Discover fascinating facts and unexpected truths about our nation’s history, symbols, events and notable figures - including some former Green Spring residents.

The application fee and approval are required for this registration.

(6-Adult) Learn about the artifacts that tell us about Green Spring’s past. Do a hands-on artifact assembly with pottery shards using archaeology tools and tips. Decorate your own teacup based on historical styles before having tea and treats as you discuss what your cup’s patterns can tell you about the past. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

(16-Adult) Discover the Korean cultural art of Hanji in this creative, hands-on workshop led by Sophia Han from The Hanji Korea Association. Using torn pieces of vibrantly colored Hanji paper, an awl and glue, you’ll learn how to craft distinguished, textured images. Made from mulberry bark, Hanji’s unique balance of toughness and fragility allows for limitless artistic possibilities. No prior experience is required. Please register for the $44 class and $17 supply fee.

(7-11 yrs.) Let nature be your classroom as you experiment outdoors with different art media. Our colorful gardens, streams, ponds and woodlands provide creative inspiration. Each day features different artists and art forms, honing your creative skills as you create your own work of art.

(16-Adult) Learn how to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost for your garden. Discover the science behind composting and why it benefits your soil. We’ll cover tools, bins, and tips for success. Class will begin indoors before moving out to Green Spring’s Compost Station to illustrate examples of composting practices with help from the Extension Master Gardeners.

(16-Adult) Explore the basics of plant identification in this hands-on beginner-friendly class. Learn how to recognize key features that help you identify common plant families in our public garden.

(16-Adult) Join expert basket maker Sharon Shaeffer for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of basket weaving from start to finish. Sharon will guide you through each step of the process to creating your own multicolored tote perfect for the upcoming farmers market season. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this class offers inspiration, instruction and everything you need to get started. Class breaks for a half hour for lunch. Bring a lunch.

(16-Adult) Create your own botanical journal. Practice drawing exercises, take a seasonal walk for inspiration, and learn tips for layout and media options. Start with pencil and move to watercolor or colored pencil. A list of suggested materials will be sent prior to class start. Class meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

The application fee and approval are required for this registration.

(16-Adult) Capture the character and quiet grandeur of Virginia’s historic architecture in your artwork. Artist and instructor Caroline Hottenstein shows you how to use the media of your choice - a micron pen, watercolor, graphite or colored pencils to illustrate them. Bring photos of your favorite historic building or take a photo of Green Spring Garden’s Historic House to work from.  Previous drawing experience encouraged. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(7-11 yrs.) Dig deep into Virginia’s history, from the age of the dinosaurs and ancient plants through the revolutionary war to current times. Try your hand at archaeology while you handle artifacts found right here at Green Spring. Explore local geology and learn about the secrets of soil and the critters that live beneath our feet. Featuring daily nature walks, crafts, and experiments. This program links to the va250 and Fairfax250 commemoration.

(6-9 yrs.) Explore the enchanting lands of Green Spring Gardens with different activities, from daily scavenger hunts looking for magical creatures to fantastical nature-themed games, stories and crafts. Help us add homes to our fairy village in the forest.

(4-Adult) Learn about the incredible migration of monarch butterflies. Search the garden for caterpillars and butterflies, learn about their life cycle, and create a butterfly-themed craft to take home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

$50 administrative fee for vendors with payment plans or late payments

(Adults) Experience Green Spring Gardens with all your senses. Join Certified Forest Therapy Guide and co-founder of local nonprofit Capital Nature, Ana Ka’ahanui, to slow down and connect with nature on a peaceful walk inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku that will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and enhance mood and creativity. Bring something to sit on the ground, which may be damp, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather.

(5-Adult) Spring is a beautiful time for flowers. Enjoy a walk through the gardens and the native plant trail as we check out what's in bloom. Learn how different colors attract different pollinators. Then we will make a spring flower craft. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(8-Adult) Slow down, breathe deep and connect with nature. Take in the garden, using your senses to discover its sights, scents and sounds. Then settle into breathwork and gentle yogic movement to invite in grounding, and a deeper relationship with the Earth. All attendees must be registered.

(4-6 yrs.) Curious minds explore nature on “seek-and-find” walks and daily visits to the garden as they learn about plants, animals and food. Enjoy nature crafts, stories, games, puppets and songs. Children must be potty-trained. No camp June 19.

(16-Adult) Branch out and try something different in your garden. Extension Master Gardeners will introduce you to an incredibly diverse selection of spectacular native annuals and perennials that are sure to expand your gardening possibilities.

(16-Adult) Beatrix Farrand’s small-scale landscape at Green Spring is one of the few surviving gardens of this acknowledged master of twentieth century American landscape design. Hear about her unconventional life and brilliant career, why she designed a garden at Green Spring, and how we continue to protect her important legacy. Refreshments served. Meet at the Historic House.

(Adults) Join a special docent lead tour that explores both upper and lower gardens, including the Virginia Native Plant Garden and woodland stream valley. Please note: this tour includes a steep slope with loose gravel.

(Adults) Enjoy a docent-led tour of the vibrant summer demonstration gardens. Finish at the Historic House lawn to enjoy delicious ices, served with toppings and garnishes.

(Adults) Spend a refreshing early summer day at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Va. where vibrant roses, airy wildflowers, and lush greenery fill every path. Enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the seasonal blooms. Then enjoy a soup and salad buffet lunch in the Robins Tea House before exploring the gardens on your own. You will also have time to browse their one-of-a-kind Garden Shop. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Bus departs Green Spring Gardens at 8am and returns at 4pm. Cancellation deadline is May 26. Includes motor coach, entrance, lunch and tour.

(16-Adult) Enjoy a day steeped in beauty, tradition, and history. Begin the day with a tour of the newly renovated Gilded Age mansion of Maymont and the surrounding gardens, including the elaborate Italianate and sublime Japanese gardens. Enjoy an afternoon tea at the Jefferson Hotel. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Trip departs Green Spring Gardens at 8am and returns at 5pm. Includes motor coach, admission and tea. Trip cancellation deadline: May 13.

(16-Adult) Groundcovers can be a great accent in the garden with many flowering and evergreen options for sun or shade. Join Green Spring Gardens staff for a short lecture on how to use groundcovers to solve design challenges, followed by a walk around the grounds to view some of our gardeners’ favorites. Dress for the weather.

The application fee and approval are required for this registration.

(9-Adult) Visit the first floor of Green Spring Gardens’ 1784 Historic House and learn about the site’s 18th century origins, its early owners and the enslaved people who once lived and toiled here. Hear fascinating stories of past residents and discover how Green Spring became a horticultural and historical resource for visitors today.