(Adults) Modern medical and scientific knowledge is often used to investigate ailments and causes of death of historical figures and ordinary people. Hear what we do and don’t know about the long-ago demises of past residents of Historic Green Spring as we consider the practice of retrospective diagnosis. Discover potential pitfalls in attempting to diagnose “historical patients.”

(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.

(Adults) Learn how to plan, plant and grow your food in an environmentally friendly way. Extension Master Gardeners show you how to get the most out of your spring kitchen garden and enjoy home grown vegetables before the heat of summer.

(Adults) Enjoy a memorable day trip to Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. Explore the beautifully preserved estate, gardens and exhibits that offer insight into Jefferson’s life and legacy. Savor a delicious lunch at the Monticello café, featuring fresh, locally inspired fare. Afterwards, browse the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants, where you’ll find unique seeds, herbs and garden gifts inspired by Jefferson’s horticultural interests. Bus departs Green Spring Gardens at 7 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Cancelation deadline: April 7. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax250 commemoration.

(Adults) Immerse yourself in the elegance and simplicity of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging, in this three-class series. Guided by Alice Buch, 1st Degree Master of the Ohara School, you'll progressively build your skills, starting with foundational techniques and advancing to more intricate arrangements. Each session will focus on a different aspect of Ikebana, allowing you to deepen your understanding and mastery of this timeless art form. All supplies are included. Participants are encouraged to bring their own flower scissors. No prior experience is necessary. Please register for both the program fee and the $65 supply fee. Class meeting dates are April 18, 25 and May 9.

(2-6 yrs.) Explore the ever-changing landscape of the garden. Each week, participants will explore and discover the changes in the garden. This program will feature seasonal activities that can include planting seeds, pollinators, harvesting vegetables, digging in the soil and exploring plant parts. Adults must attend with a registered child. 

(Adults) From the Revolutionary War to the mid-twentieth century, some former residents of Green Spring had connections to England that reflected the changing relations between America and its former adversary. Since declaring independence from the tyranny of British rule 250 years ago, the two nations have formed an enduring alliance. Consider the history of the “Special Relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K. and the rocky road towards our close ties and cultural affinities today. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax250 commemoration.

(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.

(Adults) Learn how trees pinpointed a construction date for Green Spring’s 1784 Historic House through the fascinating science of dendrochronology. Hear all about the exciting process that solved a long-standing mystery and revealed more about Green Spring’s history. Discover that tree-ring dating has been used to date many things, from a Stradivarius violin to a portrait of Mary Queen of Scots, and that it can interpret long-ago environmental events and help to predict future trends.

(Adults) This class features a gentle introduction to the Vinyasa method which helps participants increase the strength, flexibility and endurance necessary for gardening. Class held indoors.