Classes & Events
Interested in hosting a gardening event or class series? Email us —we would love to work with you!
IN-PERSON CLASSES
What: Grow Wild for Beginners
This is a shortened version of our Grow Wild Native Gardening Series, where beginning gardeners will get some hands-on experience with Illinois native plants, along with instruction on how to design and implement a new garden.
Each week will start with a 1-hour discussion before moving outdoors to get some practical experience using tools, learning to plant, weeding and caring for a native garden in all seasons. We will share plants and seeds for you to experiment with at home.
When: Saturdays, May 6-May 27, 9:30-11:30am (missed classes can be made up during another session)
Course Topics
What: Native Seed Starting at CPL - FREE
Registration for this event is full
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Join fellow gardeners for this quick and fun event to learn how to germinate seeds to grow native plants for your garden. We will talk about the function of various species that are good for bees and butterflies and that provide flowers from spring through fall.
Seeds, soil, growing tray and instructions will be provided to make it easy for you to get in on the native gardening fun. Let’s grow together!
When: Tues, April 4, 6:30-7:30pm.
Where: Albany Park Branch, Chicago Public Library,
3401 W Foster Ave, Chicago
Who: ages 6+
Cost: FREE
Seeds we will be sowing at this event:
- Zizia aurea (golden alexanders): blooms Jun-Jul, grows to 3’ in height, full to part sun
- Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower): blooms Jul-Aug, grows to 3’ in height, full to part sun
- Sporobolus heterolepis (prairie dropseed): blooms Aug-Sept, grows to 3’ in height, full to part sun
- Symphyotrichum oblongifolium (aromatic aster): blooms Sep-Nov, grows to 2’ in height, full to part sun
What: Grow Wild Native Gardening Series
The Grow Wild Native Gardening Series is SOLD OUT (add your name to the wait list)
This is a 6-part garden course where beginning and intermediate gardeners will learn the basics of native gardening design & techniques and a whole lot about awesome species that are sure to make you and your neighbors happy.
This is a small informal conversation-style class with limited seats (but plenty of time to ask your important questions).
Course Topics
Guest speaker Monica Buckley Red Stem Native Landscapes
Guest speaker Annamaria Leon Love Blooms Here
Guest speaker Allison Sloan Shady Grove Wildflower Farm
What: Meadow Gardens Learn at Lunch
Close your eyes and picture the buzz and sway of a meadow in the warm summer sun, the smell of prairie dropseed and purple coneflower, and the sound as a breeze whispers through the leaves.
Awaken your senses and join us for a look at how to plant and care for a meadow garden. We will bring seeds to share and some great info on how to sow them.
When: Thursday, February 16, 12-2pm
Level: Beginner-intermediate
Where: Perkolator (6032 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60634)
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT
ONLINE CLASSES
What: Habitat Gardening for Pollinators
Discover ways to up your environmental impact by gardening for pollinators. What does a butterfly need to reach maturity? Where do bees go in winter? How do you attract hummingbirds to your garden? We answer these questions and many more in this class.
Level: Beginner-intermediate
When: Now! The recording is available immediately
Where: Online
Price: Free
Click here to get the recording