Gardening

Learn to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. In person at Mt. Cuba

There are many ecological benefits to integrating vegetables into your native landscape. Whether you are new to vegetable growing or looking for ways to add edible plants to your ornamental landscape, this workshop will explain the essentials for success: site selection and preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Instructor Rob Medicus will also identify several great vegetables to incorporate into flower beds and borders for both an edible and ornamental reward. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. About the Instructor: Rob has served as a Delaware Master Gardener since 1994. He loves

The end of summer is traditionally seen as the end of the gardening season, but in the ecological garden, the gardening season is year-round. Perennial division, structural pruning, and invasive management are just a few of the tasks best performed in the cooler months. Learn and discuss approaches to fall and winter maintenance to keep your garden performing for years to come. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Saturday, August 24, 2024. About the Instructor: Olivia is a designer at GreenWeaver Landscapes, a design-build company providing ecological landscape design, construction, and gardening to southeastern Pennsylvania

Join Alice Waegel,PhD and Beth Castelletti as they presents examples from regional gardens to show how to mingle native perennials with mosses. The instructors will discuss how to select the best moss species for beauty, color, texture, and ease of maintenance. Visit Mt. Cuba’s moss bank, a luxurious carpet of soft green moss and unique plant community with the instructors. Enjoy a moss companion plant to take home. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. About the Instructor: Alice Waegel,PhD first became a moss enthusiast when she completed a sabbatical semester at

Learn to identify the most common annual and perennial lawn and garden weeds using leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. In person at Mt. Cuba

Harvesting seeds is a cost-efficient and exciting way to increase the number of plants in your garden. Learn the best techniques for collecting and storing seeds produced by our native trees, shrubs, and perennials. Following a brief lecture, participants will head out to the gardens for hands-on seed collecting. Take home a diverse array of samples from Mt. Cuba’s gardens. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Thursday, October 10, 2024 (Rain Date: Thursday, October 17). About the Instructor: Claire Zuidervliet is the Conservation Propagator at Mt. Cuba Center, where she propagates a variety of native

From spectacular seed heads to excellent exfoliating bark characteristics, Duncan Himmelman shares 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. Class will include a walk through the gardens making note of the notable plants with late fall and winter interest. Dress for the weather and hiking on steep paths and uneven terrain. This program takes place in person at Mt. Cuba Center on Friday, October 25, 2024. About the Instructor: Duncan Himmelman, PhD, is the

Discover how to craft a resilient native plant palette in alignment with the ecological clues of your land. Explore a practical template to guide the process of crafting a community of native plants that will bring ease to the wonkiness of wildlife habitat designing. Leave feeling empowered to take on your next lawn to lushy habitat project.This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, May 17, 2025. 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.

Learn how to choose the right plant for the right place based on environmental conditions, available space, and desired outcome.

Learn how you can turn just about anything that holds water into a low-maintenance water garden.

Kick back, grab a drink, and dig into creativity at our Thursday evening happy hour class! In this fun, hands-on session, you’ll learn how to design a beautiful container garden with three colorful selections of native plants, some soil and your imagination. Enjoy after-hours access to the gardens, a live demo, and everything you need to create your own take-home arrangement. Perfect for beginners, more experienced gardeners looking for a night out, and anyone who wants to practice conservation by addition throughout the seasons. Beer, wine, cocktails and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening. This program takes place

The genus Vernonia, commonly known as ironweed, is an often-overlooked yet beautiful aster relative replete with eye catching pink to purple late summer-to-fall blooms. Vernonia ranges from compact and tidy plants to towering behemoths topping out at over 13 feet in height, which are sure to make a statement in the landscape. Sam Hoadley, Mt. Cuba’s manager of horticultural research, will be your guide through the Vernonia trials, sharing the best Vernonia for gardens and for wildlife. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Thursday, August 28, 2025. About the Instructor: Sam Hoadley is the Manager of Horticultural

Master the techniques of plant division to grow your garden without constant trips to the nursery. Learn how to divide prolific perennials and propagate shrubs from cuttings and suckers. Explore seed starting and cold sow native seeds in milk jugs in this hands-on workshop. All materials included. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, October 4, 2025. About the Instructor: Leah Brooks is the Marketing Coordinator at Mt. Cuba Center. She has dual bachelor’s degrees from the University of Delaware in Environmental Science and Wildlife Ecology. She is a Delaware Master Naturalist and Vice Chair of the

Learn how to incorporate resilient native species into your garden. Discuss the merits of native plants and how they have adapted to their local habitats, including soil type, sun and shade patterns, moisture levels, and more. By planting the right plant in the right place, it should thrive with little extra care. 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, October 4, 2025. About the Instructor: Nancy Bell is the Education and Garden Coach Coordinator at Gateway Garden Center in Hockessin. She has Certificates of

Take next steps with an exclusive opportunity to work with one of the landscape designers involved in Mt. Cuba’s Master Plan and Glade Entrance Garden. This hands-on workshop dives into the craft of landscape design and how to create unforgettable spaces in collaboration with your favorite plants. Through quick, creative exercises, explore space, composition, seasonality, and feeling to turn ideas into inspired, plant-driven landscapes using the gardens at Mt. Cuba for inspiration. Class is rain or shine. (Limited class size) Students will need to bring pencils for drawing (HB or 2B) and a ruler of their preference (ex. 12-inch ruler,

Trees are the backbone of any landscape. With current pest and disease threats and the predicted change in our climate, we must adapt our practices to protect our trees from these stressors. Please join Mt. Cuba staff as we discuss our strategies for preparing our garden’s tree canopy for a changing climate. We will share the thought process and models used to shape our current strategy, our ongoing data collection and tree monitoring tactics, and how we intend to use the information gathered to implement practices that will help nurture a resilient future tree canopy. This program takes place in-person

Come fall, fields are painted gold with goldenrods. In spite of their beauty, goldenrods all too often get a bad rap as weedy – certainly not desirable garden plants! But there is great diversity among goldenrods, with over 70 species in the eastern U.S. Many are stunningly beautiful, and it is possible to select species that will bloom from early July through the first frosts. Goldenrods are also critical nectar sources for a staggering array of insects and serve a vital role in ecological webs. Many interesting insects specialize on goldenrods, and the nutrient-rich seeds provide ample fodder for seed-eating

Whether you’re planning a complete garden overhaul or a new planting area, learn to navigate critical design principles that align with ecological gardening goals. By taking cues from local plant communities and environments, as well as considering the impact of garden inputs and maintenance, these principles aim to minimize common pitfalls associated with garden upkeep. This course is focused primarily on planting design, including assessing site conditions, bed layout, and plant selection. A list of required materials is provided upon registration. All are welcome. Class is designed for the seasoned home gardener. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba

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

Are you interested in building stone walls in your garden? This one-day workshop introduces you to basic mortar-free masonry techniques. Start with a classroom introduction to the fundamental steps involved in stacked-stone wall construction, then get some hands-on instruction in setting stones on site. Bring work gloves, safety glasses, a water bottle, and lunch. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, March 21, 2026 (Rain Date: Saturday, 3/28). About the Instructor: Charlie Reidinger is Grounds Manager at Mt. Cuba Center, where he has worked since 2019. Before joining the Mt. Cuba team, Charlie spent 7+ years leading

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

Botanizing is basically bird watching but with plants: The practice of going out to see cool, beautiful, and exciting native plants in their wild habitats. Spending time botanizing in parks, natural areas, and even roadsides, is not just fun, it is a great way to appreciate and celebrate the beauty of the natural world and can even make you a better gardener. Gather tips on how to get started botanizing both at home and when traveling, and how you can take lessons from natural plant communities and bring them back to your home garden. Join live to participate in our online learning

Gardens can quickly get away from us in the summertime, with elevated temperatures and rainfall causing many plants to grow in leaps and bounds. Learn and discuss approaches to early-summer maintenance to help you stay ahead of challenges experienced in the throes of the growing season, from simple techniques, like managing the size of those oft-flopping tall perennials with a simple “Chelsea Chop,” to more complex management strategies. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Sunday, April 26, 2026. About the Instructor: Olivia is a designer at GreenWeaver Landscapes, a design-build company providing ecological landscape design, construction, and

Learn how to incorporate resilient native species into your garden. Discuss the merits of native plants and how they have adapted to their local habitats, including soil type, sun and shade patterns, moisture levels, and more. By planting the right plant in the right place, it should thrive with little extra care. This class includes a tour with instructor Nancy Bell, through the Mt. Cuba gardens noting sun and shade patterns and discussing insights and advice for selecting resilient native species to incorporate into your space. Class is rain or shine. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday,

Extend the celebration of Arbor Day and join us for a fresh, practical introduction to caring for the trees in your own backyard. This new class reexamines what homeowners truly need to know— the fundamentals of tree care topics designed to address the real-world scenarios homeowners encounter but often feel underprepared to manage. Starting with a basic tree and site inspection, common problems with structure and health will be examined, and options for solving them will be presented. From understanding the significance of the observations made to knowing when to call a professional, this class equips homeowners with the confidence

Take next steps with an exclusive opportunity to work alongside one of the landscape designers involved in Mt. Cuba’s Master Plan and Glade Entrance Garden. This immersive, hands-on workshop explores the craft of landscape design and how to create unforgettable outdoor spaces in collaboration with the plants you love. Through quick, creative exercises, you’ll learn to analyze inspiring garden spaces and understand how your emotional response connects to plant selection, spacing, and seasonality. You’ll practice reading a site—its physical qualities, its opportunities, and the aesthetic or habitat goals you want it to achieve—and then translate those insights into measured drawings

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

Discover how to craft a resilient native plant palette, in alignment with the ecological clues of your land. Explore a practical template to guide the process of crafting a community of native plants that will bring ease to the wonkiness of wildlife habitat design. Leave feeling empowered to take on your next lawn to lush habitat project. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, May 9, 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,