Gardening

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 of settings. Then journey through the garden to see moss in the formal garden, Mt. Cuba’s unique moss bank, where a velvety green carpet reveals a world of micro-ecosystems beneath your feet, and then to our ponds to see how moss grows in a variety

Native annuals are rewarding yet often-misunderstood groups of plants in ecological horticulture. In this engaging class, uncover the beauty, versatility, and ecological value of these short-lived garden gems. Explore how native annuals contribute vibrant seasonal color, support specialist pollinators, and fill unique design niches that perennials can’t always reach. Perfect for gardeners, designers, and native plant enthusiasts looking to expand their plant palette and deepen their ecological knowhow. Learn practical tips for sourcing, growing, and incorporating native annuals into your own landscape for maximum impact. Join instructor Wylie Lapp for an inspiring tour of Mt. Cuba’s gardens, where you will

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 in the modern landscape. This engaging open discussion is designed for intermediate to advanced gardeners who already have experience growing native plants and cultivars. Join the collective conversation, register today. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Wednesday, June 10, 2026. 🥬 Certificate of

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 to your home. You will be guided through design principles, plant selection, and care tips tailored to Mid-Atlantic conditions. Bring your favorite gardening gloves and leave with a professionally inspired container full of life, color, and purpose. Plants and container included. This program takes place in-person

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 program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, June 13, 2026. About the Instructor: Elyse Jurgen, owner of Waxwing EcoWorks Co., rebuilds ecological literacy and biodiversity through hands-on ecological gardening experiences for all ages. She is CBLP Certified, Ecological/Permaculture Certified Designer, Mt. Cuba Center

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 class, you’ll learn how to make a meaningful difference right in your own backyard. Discover the essential trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that support specialist pollinators—and how even small additions to your garden can create vital habitat. Instructor Leah Brooks will introduce a diverse selection of

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 class, you’ll learn how to make a meaningful difference right in your own backyard. Discover the essential trees, shrubs, and wildflowers that support specialist pollinators—and how even small additions to your garden can create vital habitat. Instructor Leah Brooks will introduce a diverse selection of