Gardening

Sharp, well-maintained gardening tools help you get more work done in less time and with less effort. Using professional-grade techniques, learn how to clean and safely sharpen pruning shears, loppers, shovels, spades, and trowels. Get a jump-start on spring now! Bring what tools you need to sharpen and a pair of work gloves. Spend the day learning at Mt. Cuba and check out the workshop on pruning the same day! This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, February 20, 2026 (Rain Date: Friday 2/27). About the Instructor: Thomas A. Mestre works on the Grounds team at Mt.

Keep your trees and shrubs healthy, attractive, and long-lived using expert pruning techniques. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic pruning principles including how to make the correct cuts, the best times of year to prune various plants, and how to select and use the right tools. Gain the confidence to prune your plants in a more naturalistic, appealing, and professional way. Bring work gloves and hand pruners. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, February 20, 2026 (Rain Date: Friday 2/27). Spend the day learning at Mt. Cuba and check out the workshop on tool sharpening the same

Take a rare winter walk through Mt. Cuba Center’s gardens and learn the skill of tree identification along the way. Recognize species based on subtle seasonal characteristics and develop observational techniques to assess bark, buds, bud scales, fruit and seed remnants, fallen leaves, and overall tree form. An introduction to key botanical terminology will build confidence in identification methods specific to winter. Through this experience, gain a new appreciation for trees and their role in the winter landscape. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, February 21, 2026 (Rain Date: Saturday 2/28). About the Instructor: Andrew Conboy

Keep your trees and shrubs healthy, attractive, and long-lived using expert pruning techniques. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic pruning principles including how to make the correct cuts, the best times of year to prune various plants, and how to select and use the right tools. Gain the confidence to prune your plants in a more naturalistic, appealing, and professional way. Bring work gloves and hand pruners. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, February 21, 2026 (Rain Date: Saturday 2/28). About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and certified arborist who loves learning and teaching

Scientific names offer precision and accuracy when identifying plants, but they can also intimidate even the most seasoned gardener. Élan Alford, Mt. Cuba’s conservation scientist, breaks down the various components in a Latin binomial, including why plants are named in this way and what a Latin name can teach us about a plant. This introductory course leaves you well prepared for any magazine article, nursery catalog, or class with a strong Latin component. Join live to participate in our online learning community or watch after as your schedule allows. All registrants will receive a recording of the class with access

Disregard traditional design rules and adopt a new approach to garden design. Look to nature for your inspiration. What clues can you take from your landscape to help your site thrive? Learn to evaluate sunlight, moisture, soil and other factors to encourage a successful garden that does not require many inputs in the way of watering, fertilizing, extra coddling on your part. Learn how you can create a low maintenance garden that actively supports the environment and provides beauty for all – people and pollinators alike. Join live to participate in our online learning community or watch after as your