(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.

The application and approval are required for this registration.

The application fee and approval are required for this registration.

(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.

The application and approval are required for this registration.

The application fee and approval are required for this registration.

(14-Adult) Learn to crochet a beautiful scarf and discover essential self-care practices for winter. Whether you're a novice or a pro, enjoy a relaxing environment to enhance your skills and connect with others. Discuss self-care techniques and take a nature walk for inspiration. Create, connect and embrace the cozy spirit of the season.

(16-Adult) Explore the wonder of fungi and the secrets of ferns using your drawing skills. 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 specimens (non-poisonous mushrooms) or photos to work from. Previous drawing experience encouraged. A supply list will be emailed before class. Bring a lunch.

(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) 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.

(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.

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

(16-Adult) Create an eye-catching succulent plant and pumpkin arrangement with Green Spring horticulturist Parker Jennings. Mix balance, scale, proportion and contrast to add flair to your fall decor. Your guests will be impressed with this conversation piece. Please register for the program and supply fee.

(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.

(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) 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.