Classes & Events

Interested in hosting a gardening event or class series? Email us —we would love to work with you!

IN-PERSON CLASSES

Grow Wild for Beginners

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)

Level: Beginner
Where: in-person Albany Park, Chicago, 60625 (location announced soon)
Price: $140 for the 4-class series

Course Topics

Wk1: Habitat Design (why and how to plant for bees, butterflies & birds) 
Wk2: Plant Species (good plants for home gardens)
Wk3: Planting Design (choosing plants, design & layout)
Wk4: Techniques (planting & stewardship)
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What: Native Seed Starting at CPL - FREE

Registration for this event is full
(join our email list and get updates on new classes!)

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

    March 5: Garden Design I: Designing habitat
    March 12: Plant ID I: Wildflowers, grasses & sedges
    Guest speaker Monica Buckley Red Stem Native Landscapes
    March 26: Garden Design II: Design process, composition and aesthetic
    March 19: Techniques I: Planning, prepping, planting
    April 2: Techniques II: Permaculture practices
    Guest speaker Annamaria Leon Love Blooms Here
    April 9 (no class)
    April 16: Plant ID II: Trees & shrubs
    Guest speaker Allison Sloan Shady Grove Wildflower Farm
      
    When: Sunday, March 5 - April 16, 2-4pm (no class April 9)
    Level: Beginner-intermediate
    Where: in-person at Complimentary Cafe (4933 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60077)
    Price: $282 for the 6-class series

     

     Meadow-Garden-with-Verbena-and-Zizia

    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