Gardening

Discover the extraordinary life cycle, beauty, and ecological power of our region’s native oaks—from a tiny acorn to an ancient canopy. Learn everything you need to know about integrating native oaks into your landscape, including which species thrive in different soil types and moisture levels across the eastern temperate forest, including adaptable oaks that flourish

What plants can tolerate constantly wet areas, or clay soil, or relentless sun, or deep shade? Turn problem areas into thriving garden spaces. Designed for gardeners of all levels, this class shows you how to select native plants for your most challenging conditions. You will learn how to: Select native plants for difficult site conditions

Non-native invasive plants, like multiflora rose and Asiatic bittersweet, damage our environment by invading natural areas and outcompeting native plants. Join instructor Leah Brooks as she discusses how to properly remove and manage common invasive species that pop-up in home gardens. This workshop includes a lecture as well as a guided outdoor component. Wear comfortable clothes,

Forget the food dye and messy sugar water; invite a bit of magic into your garden, naturally. This class celebrates the wonder of hummingbirds, those bright, winged sparks that stitch color and motion through our summer landscapes. Discover the native plants that nourish them, the quiet perches where they rest, and the subtle habitat features

Specialist pollinators need our help more than ever. While generalist bees and butterflies can use a wide range of plants, many caterpillars, bees, and other insects rely on very specific native species for food, shelter, and reproduction. When those plants disappear from our landscapes, the pollinators that depend on them disappear as well. In this

Specialist pollinators need our help more than ever. While generalist bees and butterflies can use a wide range of plants, many caterpillars, bees, and other insects rely on very specific native species for food, shelter, and reproduction. When those plants disappear from our landscapes, the pollinators that depend on them disappear as well. In this

Explore native plant allies that can help outcompete invasive species and bolster biodiversity. This interactive class will equip you with the confidence to confidently tackle tenacious introduced species without chemical sprays. One lucky participant will be gifted a “Native Plant Ally” kit, equipped with native landscape plants to help launch your next restoration project! This

Join Kathleen Elliot and other Mt. Cuba experts as they share design ideas and techniques behind our signature native plant displays.  Discover how stunning and sustainable a container garden can be when it’s designed with native plants. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own one-of-a-kind, vibrant container that supports local ecosystems while adding season-long beauty

Join Sam Hoadley, Mt. Cuba Center’s Manager of Horticultural Research, for a deep dive into the controversial and complicated world of nativars. Get a crash course on what makes a cultivar a cultivar and learn about which cultivars may, or may not, be beneficial for wildlife and where and when cultivars may be most appropriate

Step into the quiet magic of mosses; some of the most ancient, resilient, and enchanting plants on Earth. You will be introduced to the structure, life cycle, and ecological benefits of moss communities. Your instructor, Trevor Schulte, will lead you through best practices for identifying, selecting, ethically collecting, propagating, and caring for mosses in a variety