(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) 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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(4-10 yrs.) Harvest herbs from the garden to make teas and other treats.

(14-Adult) Discover fascinating plant properties—fragrant herbs, colorful petals, and more—that have inspired magical stories. Then create your own “magical potion” using real plant elements in a creative activity

(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.

(4-Adult) Join us at Green Spring Gardens each month for a nature-themed scavenger hunt and discovery walk. Explore different aspects of the garden while searching for seasonal blooms and monthly-themed objects hidden throughout the park. All attendees, including parents, must be registered for the program.

(All Ages) Celebrate Pride Month with Green Spring Gardens at the Pride Family Picnic. Pack your favorite picnic foods, bring a blanket or chairs, and enjoy games, crafts, scavenger hunts, and activities with everyone in the community. This event is free, and registration is encouraged

(Adults) Tour Green Spring's beautiful demonstration gardens with a master gardener docent. Enjoy some standout plants of spring and find inspiration in our garden designs. Hear about our 18th century origins and our mission today.

(21 yrs.+) Each season features a thoughtfully chosen novel with botanical or garden themes. This season’s book is The Orchid Thief by Susan Orlean. Meet twice—first for a welcome circle and later for a lively discussion and a hands-on activity making your own vanilla extract. Class meets July 1 and August 5.

(16-Adult) Take an early morning docent-led tour of our vibrant summer gardens. Learn about Green Spring’s history, see beautiful plant combinations, and gather ideas for your own garden. Garden tours run rain or shine.

(4-10 yrs.) Join local children's author Marcie Flinchum Atkins to learn about animals that are most active at dawn or dusk. Listen to an interactive read-aloud from her book When Twilight Comes, take part in a scavenger hunt, and complete an activity about crepuscular animals. Books will be available for purchase, and you’ll have a chance to get your copy signed. Each child must be accompanied by an adult.

(Adults) Spend an evening in the Horticulture Center. Explore the glasshouse and art exhibit while sipping a refreshing mocktail made with herbs grown at Green Spring Gardens. Then learn about the calming and restorative properties of plants and how to blend them into a relaxing bath soak, using scents and dried flowers that mimic the colors and fragrances butterflies love. Leave with a custom blend of botanical bath salts. Includes entry, mocktail, garden tour and all supplies.

(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. Then create a butterfly-friendly garden in this hands-on mini potting workshop. Learn about nectar and host plants that support local butterflies before planting your own mini butterfly garden to take home. Includes entry, mocktail, garden tour and all potting supplies.

(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. Then paint your own small butterfly using watercolors. Green Spring staff will walk you through creating your own watercolor masterpiece. Includes entry, mocktail, garden tour, and all watercolor supplies.