(16-Adult) Join Kathy Jentz, Editor and Publisher of Washington Gardener Magazine, for a festive and informative workshop on caring for classic seasonal plants. Kathy will share expert tips on nurturing holiday favorites and introduce a few unique plant varieties that make thoughtful gifts and charming additions to your home décor. You'll also learn the basics of bulb forcing—a fun technique for coaxing spring bloomers to flower early, brightening your home just when you need it most in the gray days of late winter. As part of the workshop, you'll decorate a pot and plant a bulb to take home—perfect for holiday gifting or bringing a touch of green to your own winter space. Please register for the class and the supply fee.

(16-Adult) Stop feeling guilty about leftover food scraps - learn how to transform your scraps, yard debris and other organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments for your garden. GSG staff will provide all the information you need to manage an active compost system. We’ll discuss the basic principles behind the science of composting, why compost benefits the soil and the different compost bins and tools needed for successful composting. Class will begin indoors before moving out to Green Spring’s Compost Station to illustrate examples of composting practices.

(16-Adult) Join us for a tale of rewilding a Blue Ridge mountaintop that is entirely relatable to anyone who has fallen in love with native plants. Bad Naturalist: One Woman’s Ecological Education on a Wild Virginia Mountaintop is a memoir about Paula Whyman’s attempts to restore native meadows on a mountaintop in the foothills of the Blue Ridge, about the obstacles she encountered, the (many) mistakes she made, the failures and—important—the successes and the discoveries she made along the way. Douglas Tallamy, founder of the Homegrown National Park movement, calls the book “self-deprecating, humorous and thoroughly engaging.” Paula Whyman will share her story and answer questions.

(16-Adult) Explore the bounty of Green Spring’s Edible Garden with an Extension Master Gardener docent who showcases many food plants – from vegetables to fruit trees – suitable for home landscapes. See how edibles can grow in containers and small spaces and discover their ornamental value in the garden.

(16-Adult) Join Green Spring Gardens’ horticulturist Brenda Skarphol on a walk to look at the variety of colors and forms of beloved plants with fall interest, including bloom, fruit and colorful fall foliage. See a mix of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs that grow well in small spaces, from containers to gardens. Get plant recommendations tailored to your garden. Dress for the weather.

(3-Adult) Fallen leaves aren’t just litter to rake. They are also important habitat for native insects like luna moths, bumblebees and tiger swallowtail butterflies. Go on a nature walk to learn more about why these insects need the leaves. Create an autumn leaf suncatcher with materials collected on the walk to take home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(6-Adult) Come backyard birding at White Gardens. Learn about different birds and their songs, then take a walk around the gardens with a naturalist and see which feathered friends you can spot. Binoculars provided. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(6-Adult) Learn about the wonderful world of evergreen trees and plants that really stand out this time of year. Enjoy a seasonal walk through the gardens and make an evergreen craft to decorate your home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(4-Adult) Learn about the amazing migration of the monarch butterfly as we search the garden for caterpillars and butterflies. Discover the secrets of this butterfly's life cycle, from egg to flight and beyond. Take home a monarch-themed craft. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(7-Adult) Our ancestors were masters of gardening and agriculture. Walk in their footsteps and explore how they created medicinal herb gardens, magical oases, and edible gardens full of life. Plant your own mini edible garden to take home and grow. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(7-Adult) Cultures around the world have legends and myths dedicated to rain, the bringer of life and hope. Listen to our storytellers and take home a craft. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(Adults) (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, for a slow, meditative walk around the gardens. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, this contemplative walk inspires interaction with the surrounding nature in a way that will help reduce blood pressure, boost immunity and enhance mood and creativity. Decompress and feel a deeper connection with the natural world. The experience concludes with a soothing spot of tea, offering a moment to reflect and savor the essence of nature. Bring something to sit on the ground, which may be damp, and a water bottle. Dress for the weather.

(6-Adult) Hummingbirds are a beautiful treat to see in the gardens. Enjoy making a hummingbird craft. Go on a walk to spot hummingbirds and learn which flowers to plant at home to attract them. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(5-Adult) Spend a relaxing day together surrounded by nature’s beauty. In this guided family painting class, you’ll create your own garden-inspired masterpiece while enjoying the peaceful setting of Green Spring Gardens. No experience needed—just bring your creativity. All supplies are provided. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(9-Adult) Explore nature and spark your creativity. Walk through the garden, discovering hidden poems, then work on putting your own thoughts down on paper. Learn about different poetry forms, from sonnets to limericks to haiku. Whether you love to write or are just starting, this adventure will inspire you and help you feel closer to the world around you. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(5-Adult) Chill out from the busy holiday season with a relaxing seasonal walk around Green Spring. Create your own wrapping paper out of natural materials collected on your walk, then spend some time getting your holiday wrapping done. Attendees may bring a few small gifts to wrap or bring your wrapping paper home. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(3-5 yrs.) Your preschooler enjoys nature-themed toys and puzzles while you meet other playgroup parents one Monday a month. Through games, songs, activities and a garden walk we will explore seasonal topics. Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who does not need to register for the program. Siblings under 3 welcome to accompany parent without registering.

(16-Adult) Fall is the best season to get your lawn in shape. Take the luck out of lawn care and learn the tips and tricks you need to keep your lawn healthy, thick and green. Extension Master Gardeners discuss fertilization, seeding and weed prevention.

(16-Adult) Planting a fall vegetable garden extends the gardening season so you can continue to harvest fresh produce. Many cool-season vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts produce their best flavor and quality when they mature during cool weather. Extension Master Gardeners share tips and recommendations.

(16-Adult) Groundcovers are a great alternative to the traditional lawn. Learn how to use them in areas your lawn just won't grow. They are low maintenance, spread quickly and can return each year. Come hear from Extension Master Gardener on how to select, grow and maintain different groundcover options.

(16-Adult) Native plants provide beautiful fall foliage, color and berries. Extension Master Gardeners show you perennials, shrubs and trees in vibrant colors to add glorious colors of fall to your existing plantings. With a colorful palette that’s so warm and inviting, fall is a magical time.

(16-Adult) Colorful bulbs can turn an ordinary garden into extraordinary. Planted in mass displays, small groupings or containers, they are a welcome sight. Now is the time to plant bulbs for bright, beautiful color next spring. Learn how to plant and care for them from Extension Master Gardeners.

(16-Adult) Cleaning up your garden beds and pruning this fall can make your spring tasks lighter and improve the overall health of your garden. Learn from Extension Master Gardeners what you need to do to ensure that your plants are prepared for winter, from pruning, transplanting and mulching.

(Adults) Extension Master Gardener docents lead a special “Grand Tour” of Green Spring! View some upper demonstration gardens, then take the garden path less travelled to explore the naturalistic lower garden areas: the Virginia Native Plant Garden, woodland stream valley and ponds. Tour involves a steep slope with loose gravel.

(16-Adult) Learn how to grow edible plants in a small yard or sunny balcony. Start now for a spring edible garden in containers. GSG staff will teach you which vegetables, herbs and fruits grow well in pots and containers, how to prepare the soil and the light and watering requirements. Soon you’ll be serving up delicious meals from your own garden.

(11-Adult) Turn your old jeans and t-shirts into tail-wagging fun. In this hands-on craft workshop, learn how to make durable, eco-friendly tug toys your dog will love—no sewing required. Using recycled denim and soft t-shirt fabric, we’ll guide you step-by-step to braid and twist the perfect playtime toy. All materials provided, or bring your own worn clothes for a personal touch. Workshop for humans only, please leave dogs at home.

(8-Adult) Treat your furry friend to something homemade. Learn how to make healthy, simple and tail-waggingly tasty dog treats using wholesome ingredients. No baking required. Perfect for pet parents who want to spoil their pups with love (and snacks). Recipe is easy to recreate at home and customizable for your dog’s dietary needs. Leave with a handful of treats and a new recipe to keep the goodness going. Workshop for humans only, please leave dogs at home.

(13-Adult) Learn how to grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round. Perfect for beginners and apartment dwellers, this hands-on course covers everything from choosing the right containers and soil to lighting, watering and plant care. Discover easy-to-grow edible plants that thrive indoors and gain the confidence to start your own windowsill or balcony garden. Supply fee payable at first class.

(16-Adult) Explore how nature, metaphor, and deep listening can enhance connection—with yourself, others and the world around you. This immersive garden-based class combines guided reflection, emotional awareness practices, and practical tools for mindful communication. Learn to tune into your inner landscape while engaging with the natural one. End with a relaxing sound bathing experience to help you integrate, unwind and return to your day grounded and refreshed. Class goes outside, weather permitting.

(16-Adult) Join Smithsonian Gardens horticulturist, Christine Price-Abelow for a fascinating lecture on the garden surrounding the National Museum of the American Indian. Learn about the carefully selected native plants, their cultural significance, and the stories they tell about the land and Indigenous traditions. Discover how the landscape honors the connection between plants and the American Indian community.

(16-Adult) Many plants species are common in horticulture through legal propagation, but are rare, endangered or even extinct in the wild. Led by Green Spring's head of horticulture, Adam Bucher, take a tour of the gardens to learn about several of these “rare” plants, their ecological history and growing conditions for their care at home.

(16-Adult) Beat the heat with an early morning tour of the vibrant demonstration gardens, led by a Master Gardener Docent who will dazzle you with stunning plant combinations and tales of Green Spring past and present. Hear about our 18th century origins and our mission today. Find inspiration in our horticulturists’ plant choices and garden bed designs and take their ideas home to try in your own landscape. Garden tours run rain or shine.

(Adults) Join us after-hours in the Horticulture Center. View the glasshouse tropicals in the light of the setting sun and peruse the art exhibit while enjoying a refreshing mocktail made with herbs grown at Green Spring Gardens. In this workshop, learn about the calming and restorative properties of plants and how to blend them into a relaxing bath soak. Leave with a custom blend of botanical bath salts and the knowledge to make more at home. Bring your favorite glass jar for storage (12 oz or less) or use one that will be provided. No prior experience needed; all materials are provided. Includes entry, mocktail and all supplies for bath salt mix.

(Adults) Join us after-hours in the Horticulture Center. View the glasshouse tropicals in the light of the setting sun and peruse the art exhibit while enjoying a refreshing mocktail made with herbs grown at Green Spring Gardens. In this workshop, plant your own mini kitchen herb garden. Learn the basics of growing herbs at home—whether on a sunny windowsill or small patio—and get tips on care, harvesting, and how to use your herbs. No green thumb needed—just come ready to dig in. Includes entry, mocktail, and herbs with all the needed potting supplies.

(6-12 yrs.) Join us for a magical nature walk to explore the witchy folklore of our native American Witch Hazel. Learn its enchanting history and then create a themed craft to take home. Feel free to wear your favorite witch or wizard costume and let your imagination run wild.