Most Arboretum Adult Classes & Programs Canceled through July 31

Please check the COVID-19 Arb Classes Updates Webpage for the latest updates.

Programs that remain on this page are still open for registration!

Minnesota Plants: A Webinar Series

Live every Thursday, May 14 - September 10, 7-8 p.m. CST
Register & Join at this link: https://z.umn.edu/MNPlantWebinarSeriesJOIN

Calling all gardeners, landscapers, and nature enthusiasts- this FREE weekly webinar series is for you! Join local horticultural experts for a closer look at the plants that grow in Minnesota. You'll get to explore collections, backyards and gardens from your armchair as you learn more about trees, perennials, edible plants, houseplants and more! Each expert will have a unique perspective to share, from ecological to commercial. You'll gain a greater appreciation of the green that makes Minnesota so beautiful, and get tips and tricks for your own garden.

Bee Lawns
Thursday, July 9, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Mary Meyer, Extension Horticulturist and Professor

Pines for Minnesota
Thursday, July 16, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Pete Moe, Director, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Gardening for Pollinators
Thursday, July 23rd, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Elaine Evans, University of Minnesota Extension Educator and Bee Researcher

Plants for Specific Landscape Uses: Groundcovers and low-growing plants
Thursday, July 30, 7-8 p.m. CDT
Julie Weisenhorn, UMN Extension Educator, Horticulture

Webinar Details, Descriptions & Schedule

Special Access Tour Behind-the-Scenes: What's "Growing On" at the Farm?

• Learn more about the specially-selected edible crops that are growing
• Discover what the Arboretum does with all this food when it is harvested
• Tour the market garden and other areas of the Farm with Tim as he points out special highlights
• Get an overview of the Arboretum's brand new Sustainable Horticulture Certificate, which offers hands-on training in market gardening

Wednesday, August 19, 10-11:30 a.m. $10 member/$25 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Walk with Mary: Ornamental Grasses

• View the 200+ species in the Arboretum's collection- one of the largest in the country!
• Get an overview of the seasonal peaks of beauty for various cultivars
• Understand the importance of habitat and forage that grasses provide for local birds and insects
• Learn how to select varieties or cultivars for your home landscape

Dr. Meyer's book, Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates, is available in the Arboretum Gift Store.

Watch an interview with Dr. Meyer on Kare11 (1min 45sec)
NOTE:  Be sure to come dressed for the weather and ready to spend time outdoors!

Limit 25, Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Discovery Center - McVay Learning Lab

$20 member/$35 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Online Module: Soils, Fertilizers and Compost

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2020
Laura Vogel, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Adult Education Manager

Soil is an incredibly important part of gardening, providing our plants an anchor, water, and nutrients. Because soil type and quality varies based on our location, topography, and many other variables, knowing how to make the most of your soil will help you to succeed as a gardener! Learn content online at your own pace starting in September, with the ability to ask your instructors questions along the way. Learning objectives include:

• The basics of how soil is formed and what this means for Minnesota soils
• Soil composition, texture, structure, soil organic matter and relate these properties to soil quality
• Define pH and its significance to plants and soil health
• Essential nutrients required by plants for growth and the significance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• Fertilizer options available to gardeners and best management practices for application
• How to get a soil test and interpret soil test results
• Benefits of using compost and the basic requirements for creating compost

• Login information for the online course will be sent after the registration deadline, Monday, September 14
• Course is self-paced and will begin anytime after you receive the login information
• As available, live Q&A sessions with the teaching assistant (Laura) and an expert will be included
• Online course materials will be available for six months after the course begins

$41 member/$56 non-member

Online Module: Introduction to Botany and Horticulture

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2020
Laura Vogel, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Adult Education Manager

Whether you love houseplants, growing vegetables in your community garden, or maintaining a beautiful flower garden, understanding the basics of plants can help you succeed! Developed through the University of Minnesota Extension, this online class will teach you about the science of plants (botany) and gardening (horticulture). Learn content at your own pace starting in September, with the ability to ask your instructors questions along the way. Learning objectives include:

• How a plant grows, including photosynthesis, transpiration, energy storage, and respiration
• Identify and label the parts of a plant
• Plant life cycles, including seed germination, plant development, and reproduction
• Plant classifications according to botanical characteristics, life cycle, use and growth characteristics

• Login information for the online course will be sent after the registration deadline, Monday, September 14
• Course is self-paced and will begin anytime after you receive the login information
• As available, live Q&A sessions with the teaching assistant (Laura) and an expert will be included
• Online course materials will be available for six months after the course begins

$41 member/$56 non-member

Creating a Home Landscape You Can Love and Enjoy

Select a session
Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon: September 19, October 3, 17 & 31, November 14, 2020
Saturdays 1:30-4:30 p.m.: January 9 & 23, February 6 & 20, March 6, 2021
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn

Do you dream about having a beautiful home landscape or have a specific landscape project in mind, but don't know how to get started? In this progressive, five-session workshop, your own yard is your class project! Learn in class and through take-home assignments:

• Theory and principles of landscape design
• How to analyze soils
• Proper plant selection for your site
• How to develop a functional, manageable, environmentally sound, cost-effective, and visually pleasing design unique to your home setting

In addition to class group learning, there will be time for the instructor to check-in and provide advice specific to each participant's project.

Limit 16, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab

Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon: September 19, October 3, 17 & 31, November 14, 2020 $200 member/$250 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies Couples price! $225 member couple/$280 non-member couple, for couples working together on the same project

Saturdays 1:30-4:30 p.m.: January 9 & 23, February 6 & 20, March 6, 2021 $200 member/$250 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies Couples price! $225 member couple/$280 non-member couple, for couples working together on the same project

Seed Saving: Understanding, Collecting, Cleaning, & Storing Seeds

Saturday, September 26, 2020
9 a.m.-noon
Jim Calkins, landscape and production horticulturist, Research Information Director - MN Nursery & Landscape Assn

• Which seeds are worth collecting
• Proper techniques needed to collect quality seeds
• How to store seeds to ensure they are healthy and viable when you are ready to plant
• How to germinate your own seeds successfully

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Apple Breeding in Minnesota
Janet Sinner Endowed Horticultural Lecture Series

• A quick history of apple evolution and domestication
• How and why the apple breeding program began over a century ago
• The current apple breeding process and how new varieties are developed
• Some exciting new up and coming research

Based on seasonal availability, apples from the Apple House may be available for sale.

Limit 300, Visitor Center

$10 member/$25 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Seasonal Evergreen Make-and-Take: Winter Wonders Wreath

Saturday, November 14, 2020
9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Laura Vogel, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Adult Education Manager

Level: No experience necessary!
Supplies: All supplies are included in the fee for a ~14" diameter wreath (varies slightly based on the wreath maker)

Where better to create a show-stopping evergreen wreath than an Arboretum? Enjoy a fun, casually-festive Arboretum atmosphere as you custom create your own wreath...great for your own seasonal decor, or as a gift!

• Learn why evergreens are so well-suited for winter outdoor display
• Follow step-by-step guidance to create a full, botanically diverse wreath on a wire frame
• Add unique botanical touches such as cones, pods, fruit, and perhaps even citrus!

$75 member/$90 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Plant Selection: Right Plant, Right Place, Right Purpose!

Select a session
Saturday, January 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Julie Weisenhorn, Horticulture Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

After a long, cold winter it's easy to go a bit wild at the garden center, but proper plant selection is critical to sustainable landscapes and the overall success of a design. Learn proper plant selection by:

• Understanding the site itself - its soil, light, moisture, exposure, size, etc.
• Choosing plants that will thrive in your specific site
• Work in Extension's Plant Elements of Design plant selection database to try out your new knowledge on your own landscape

• How to find sources for specific species and cultivars, from local garden centers to mail in catalogs
• Tips and tricks for choosing healthy plants
• Leave with a list of resources so you can plan your garden with confidence

Saturday, January 16, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m Class Only $41 member /$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission Class + Plant Sourcing Add-on $56 member/$71 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Saturday, February 20, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Class Only $41 member /$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission Class + Plant Sourcing Add-on $56 member/$71 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Science of Plant Propagation: Seeds

• Biology and practice of sexual propagation through seeds
• Basic seed collection and storage methods
• How to overcome seed dormancy
• Tried-and-true techniques to grow a wide variety of plants from seeds
• You will take home several seed-based projects for spring growth!

Limit 24, Marion Andrus Learning Center - Garden Lab

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission and all supplies

Science of Plant Propagation: Cuttings

• Basics of asexual propagation and biology
• How and when to divide plants, take cuttings, use layers, and more
• How cuttings are used for commercial production
• You will prepare your own cuttings and take home a personal "greenhouse-in-a-pot"

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

The New Perennial Movement

• The origin and inspiration for this style
• How to find beauty in natural plant communities, patterns and rhythms found in nature
• How landscapes in this style require less inputs and create habitats that benefit all fauna
• Appreciate structural, architectural, seasonal qualities
• Explore functional use of perennials for green infrastructure

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Science of Plant Propagation: Grafting

• Biology of grafting as asexual propagation
• Different grafting techniques used to propagate plants
• Appreciation for the skill and experience grafting takes
• How to make a graft through hands-on practice
• How to take care of the grafted plants you get to take home!

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Creating Habitat for Birds and Butterflies in your Yard & Garden

• Food, water and shelter
• Which plants will best fit your location to provide food or shelter
• Which species are attracted to different plants
• Simple non-plant additions are helpful to meet the needs of birds and butterflies

$25 member/$40 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Science of Plant Propagation: Soils

• How soil is formed
• What you need to know as a gardener about soil texture and structure
• Role played by organic content like compost
• How to maintain good drainage, aeration, and fertility
• What you need to know about the differences between soil in the field and in containers and how to choose container soils
• Recommended (but optional): Have your home soil tested prior to class for additional insight during class. See testing information and fees online (link: http://soiltest.dl.umn.edu/sites/soiltest.dl.umn.edu/files/media/lawn_and_garden.pdf)

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Growing and Repotting Orchids at Home

• Basic growing conditions needed, from light and water to fertilizer and growing medium
• Popular orchid species that adapt well to growing indoors, and are readily available
• How to get your orchids to rebloom
• Demonstration of when and how to repot your orchid
• Troubleshooting pests and common problems

$20 member/$35 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Growing Tillandsias and Bromeliads at Home

• The interesting growing habits of epiphytic plants (plants that commonly do not require soil to grow)
• Some of the most beautiful species and cultivars that you can grow indoors
• Tips and tricks for insuring your tillandsias and bromeliads stay healthy and blooming
• Troubleshooting pests and common problems

$20 member/$35 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Pruning Essentials: Deciduous & Coniferous Trees

• Learn when and how to prune and train these types of trees
• Learn how to avoid common mistakes that can cause damage
• Learn how to train newly planted trees
• Visit the Arboretum collections for on-site demonstrations of proper pruning techniques (weather permitting)
• Be sure to come dressed for the weather (layers are recommended for indoor classroom time) and ready to spend time outdoors!

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Pruning Essentials: Shrubs, Woody Vines, & Herbaceous Species

• Learn when and how to prune and train these landscape plants
• Learn how to avoid common mistakes that can cause damage
• Visit the Arboretum collections for on-site demonstrations of proper pruning techniques (weather permitting)
• Be sure to come dressed for the weather (layers are recommended for indoor classroom time) and ready to spend time outdoors!

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Promise of Spring: Forcing Branches to Bloom Indoors

• Learn how to successfully coax tree and shrub branches to bloom indoors months ahead of normal
• Learn where to get branches for forcing, or how to wisely harvest them from your own plants
• Take home some branches from a variety of woody species to force at home
• Admire spring bud-break and the blooming process more than ever!

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission

Houseplant Patrol: Basic Care, Problem-Solving & Resources

• How to grow flowers, tropicals and herbs inside
• The basics of seed starting How to refresh overwintering plants in time for spring
• Best practices of indoor gardening and the science behind it
• Explore the Greenhouse as you talk about pests, repotting, fertilizing and more
• Take a few cuttings from our Greenhouse to start at home!

$41 member/$56 non-member, includes Arboretum admission