Gardening

Transform your garden beds by replacing traditional mulch with a vibrant layer of native groundcovers that provide both beauty and ecological function. Learn how selecting the right mix of hardy, regionally appropriate species can reduce maintenance, suppress weeds, support wildlife, and create a dynamic spring and early summer display. Explore attractive, durable, and versatile groundcovers that thrive in a variety of conditions and contribute to healthier soil and more resilient garden systems. Gain practical strategies for designing and establishing groundcover plantings that enhance both aesthetics and ecological value. You will leave with actionable planting ideas and renewed confidence in creating

Shaded gardens can be some of the most captivating spaces—when planted with species that truly thrive beneath mature trees. Learn how to assess the different degrees of shade in your landscape so you can confidently select plants that will flourish in these often-underused areas. Join renowned Ornamental Horticulturist, Duncan Himmelman to discover a diverse palette of colorful spring perennials and uniquely textured native shrubs that bring seasonal brightness, structure, and ecological value to shady spaces. Mt. Cuba’s perspective emphasizes natives that support wildlife, enhance soil health, and contribute to resilient garden design. Virtual class ends at 2:15, as the instructor

Discover how to garden in harmony with nature and select the best native plants for your yard. Spring is a season of beauty and conservation. Join us for the day and attend all four classes or register for individual sessions. Supporting Your Plants with Garden Structures: 10 – 11 am Planting Native for All Seasons: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Supporting Living Soil to Support Your Plants: 1:30 – 2:30 pm Creating Habitat by Planting the Woodland Edge: 3 – 4 pm This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center 4 sessions on Saturday 4/4.   REGISTER NOW: General

From spectacular seed heads to excellent exfoliating bark characteristics, hear about the plants that continue the garden highlights through the late fall and into the winter. Be inspired to go beyond the blooms and add plants to your garden that provide interest throughout the year. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 4, 2026. About the Instructor: Duncan Himmelman, PhD, is the former Education Manager at Mt. Cuba Center. He earned his doctorate in Ornamental Horticulture at Cornell University, taught college for 24 years, and has contributed to a number of horticultural publications. REGISTER NOW: General

The secret to beautiful gardens is buried in the soil. Learn ways in which native plants rely on the work of an underground network for their vigor and beauty. Discover how to revitalize your garden by supporting important bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms-creating happy, healthy, living soil! This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 4, 2026. About the Instructor: Jay Kratz is on the outdoor horticulture team at Longwood Gardens, where he helps maintain Peirce’s Park. Jay holds a certificate in ecological gardening from Mt Cuba and is currently working toward a second certificate at the Barnes

The woodland edge is crucial for protecting forests and providing habitat to wildlife. With increased fragmentation due to development, these habitat islands are now a common feature of suburbia. Discover what plants stabilize the woodland edge and maximize value to wildlife, and how we can use our own backyards to resemble this important habitat. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 4, 2026. About the Instructor: Leah Blanton is a planting designer and horticulturist, using her artistic eye and plant knowledge to create functional urban landscapes for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, where she designs a diverse

Think of what gardening would be like without the world of weeds. Learn to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. Focuses on early season weeds and ecologically friendly methods of managing weed infestations. Join the instructor on a walk through the gardens. Class is rain or shine. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, April 11, 2026. About the Instructor: In his role as an educator at Mt. Cuba Center, Michael draws from a diverse background in environmental planning, ecological design, resource interpretation, horticulture, and conservation