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  • Mt. Cuba Garden History Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    This tour covers the 90-year transformation of Mt. Cuba Center’s landscape from its beginnings as a private country estate to a public botanical garden. Learn about the many people, ideas, and ecologically inspired vision that have contributed to the design and evolution of the gardens over time. One hour, $7 in addition to admission, free for members. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, October 4, 2025. GET TICKETS: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members  

    $7
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Expand Your Garden with Plant Division

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    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

    $64
  • Eco-Printed Silk Scarves

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Create stunning silk scarves using leaves and other natural materials in this one-day workshop. Learn how to bundle and wrap fabric and plant materials so that prints come out clearly and with maximum color. Discover how color-shifting occurs in the dye bath, how mordants assist the dye process, and how different fabrics and techniques affect the resulting color. Students will complete two full-length silk scarves. Bring your lunch. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, October 3, 2025. About the Instructor: Sara Setzer is a fiber artist who specializes in the art of felt work. Inspired by

    $105
  • Hybrid Native Plants of Fall

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Tours include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Dress for the weather. Classes are rain or shine. Six prerecorded online lectures available Monday 9/1. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Three garden tours Saturdays: 9/13, 9/27, & 10/11, Optional Exam 10/18. About the Instructors: Liz Allen is the horticulturist for the Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar as well as NCCL School. In addition

    $249
  • Native Plants of Fall

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials in each Native Plants course. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours

    $249
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Twilight on the Terrace

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Lineup and details for the entire series can be found here. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, August 29, 2025 (Rain Date: Following Friday). Music: Olivia Rubini (Pop) Food: Albie’s Burgers & Natalie’s Fine Foods GET TICKETS: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members  

    $12 – $20
  • Trial Garden Highlights: Vernonia (ironweed)

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    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

    $39
  • Hybrid Inviting Wildlife into the Garden

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Transform your landscape into a garden that attracts a wealth of wildlife and unlock the important connections between pollinators, plants, and habitats.

    $259
  • Lawn-less Yards

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Reducing the American lawn is good for everyone. We can add more native plants, reduce flooding in our watershed, attract pollinators, and bring balance to our ecosystems. Dive into some examples projects where native plant solutions have replaced lawns. Class will focus on a variety of site conditions such as sunny slopes, low wet spots, and wooded areas. View before/during/after images and learn the plant lists that made them successful as inspiration to transform your lawn into less. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, August 23, 2025. About the Instructor: Lucy Dinsmore is a horticulturist and

    $39
  • Designing Resilient Landscapes

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Late summer is a great time to make observations and devise a plan for the fall to improve your garden. Explore ways to create diverse, attractive, and functional landscapes using basic principles of naturalistic gardening design. Learn how to work with your site to solve problems and maximize its use. Discover ways to design pathways that have purpose, beds that create interest and variety throughout the year considering sun, shade, wind patterns, microclimates, existing conditions, and other factors. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, August 22, 2025. About the Instructor: Nancy Bell is the Education and

    $49
  • Golden Hour Gardening – Native Plant Container Design

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    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

    $55
  • Caterpillars 101

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Learn about the amazing adaptations of caterpillars from host specialization to defensive mechanisms. Discuss the critical role caterpillars play in food webs and how to promote them in your garden. Discover signs of caterpillar activity, tools to identify them, and explore outdoors to hone your search skills. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Thursday, August 21, 2025. About the Instructor: Ellen Lake, PhD, is the Director of Conservation and Research at Mt. Cuba Center. She taught environmental education and was the Education Director at the Brandywine and Red Clay Valley Associations. Ellen has a master’s degree in

    $49
  • The Pollinator Connection: How Your Garden Can Save Wildlife

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Protecting pollinators, and the essential ecological services they provide, requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. Be a part of the solution by contributing to pollinator conservation right in your own yard, neighborhood, town, or city through individual actions and collaborative efforts. Learn about pollinator diversity, Delaware native bees, how to make your local landscape pollinator-friendly by providing habitat, improving pesticide protection, engaging in community science, and educating others. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Wednesday, August 20, 2025. About the Instructor: Kelly Gill is a Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist with the Xerces Society and a Partner Biologist with USDA-NRCS.

    $49
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Twilight on the Terrace

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Lineup and details for the entire series can be found here. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, August 15, 2025 (Rain Date: Following Friday). Music: Kid Davis & the Bullets (Rockabilly) Food: Albie’s Burgers & Bivouac Pizza GET TICKETS: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members  

    $12 – $20
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics, including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Pond Container Gardening

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

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

    $49
  • Christina Cultural Art Center in the Gardens

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Dance to the beat of your own drum while students and staff from Christina Cultural Arts Center showcase their talents in our gardens. Create and express yourself with family-friendly activities as you unwind from the week and enjoy a variety of live dance, voice, and musical performances. Food and beverages available for purchase. Included with garden admission. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, July 11th, 2025 (Rain Date: 7/12). GET TICKETS: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members  

    included-with-garden-admission
  • The Beauty of Living Soil Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Join us on this special tour to learn the ways in which native plants rely on the work of an underground network for their vigor and beauty.

    $7
  • Mt. Cuba Garden History Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    This tour covers the 90-year transformation of Mt. Cuba Center’s landscape from its beginnings as a private country estate to a public botanical garden. Learn about the many people, ideas, and ecologically inspired vision that have contributed to the design and evolution of the gardens over time. One hour, $7 in addition to admission, free for members. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, July 5, 2025. GET TICKETS: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members  

    $7
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics, including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Working with Natural Dyes

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Create a table runner or a set of napkins made using dyes extracted from natural sources like indigo. Diane Keesee discusses historic uses of dyes and how to identify and responsibly harvest local dye-producing plants. Preparation and dyeing techniques using natural mordants and modifiers are presented. Try your hand at these heritage skills and share them with your friends and family this year. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, June 7, 2025. About the Instructor: Diane Keesee has a passion for creating interesting signature cocktails, spirit infusions, shrubs, and bitters, using unique seasonal ingredients. She has

    $79
  • Hybrid Native Plants of Summer

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Our highly popular Native Plants Series is available in a new course format. View the prerecorded lectures at your own pace prior to joining Mt. Cuba staff for scheduled onsite 2-hour garden tours. Tours include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. Dress for the weather. Classes are rain or shine. Six prerecorded online lectures available Monday 5/26. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Three garden tours Saturday: 6/7, 6/21, & 6/28, Optional Exam 7/12. About the Instructors: Kathy Elliot works as an Educator at Mt. Cuba Center. She has bachelor’s degrees in Plant Science and English

    $249
  • Ecosystems and Plant Communities

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Learn how ecology, geology, hydrology, plants, and animals all interact to create healthy ecosystems through classroom study and field trips. Understand the complexities of these communities and how this information influences your home landscaping decisions by exploring the dynamic and diverse plant communities present in our area. Enrich your learning with resources including the Flora of Delaware Online Database and a guide to Delaware Vegetation Communities. Note: Lunch is provided on Day 1 and Day 2. The third class consists of a field trip from 8 am – 4 pm. Please bring lunch and prepare for a full day of

    $369
  • Ecosystems and Plant Communities

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Learn how ecology, geology, hydrology, plants, and animals all interact to create healthy ecosystems through classroom study and field trips. Understand the complexities of these communities and how this information influences your home landscaping decisions by exploring the dynamic and diverse plant communities present in our area. Enrich your learning with resources including the Flora of Delaware Online Database and a guide to Delaware Vegetation Communities. Note: Lunch is provided on Day 1 and Day 2. The third class consists of a field trip from 8 am – 4 pm. Please bring lunch and prepare for a full day of

    $369
  • Right Plant, Right Place

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

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

    $39
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics, including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Botanical Sun Printing: Section A

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Cyanotype, also known as sun prints, is a camera-less photographic printing process that allows the artist to explore shape, light, and an appreciation of nature. In this class, students will learn the history of this process, use the sun as a UV light source, and create cyanotypes using plant materials harvested from Mt. Cuba. No prior experience is necessary, and all supplies will be provided. This class includes walking in and out of the classroom to expose prints to sunlight and using chemicals that may stain clothes. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Saturday, May 31, 2025

    $79
  • Bats and Your Backyard Habitat: Section A

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    These little flying mammals are great hunters of insects, eating more than 600 mosquitoes per hour! Learn about the eight species of bats native to Delaware, where they live, and how to include suitable shelters and landscape elements for bats in your yard. Then walk Mt. Cuba’s property to scout locations where bats are likely to roost and use a small acoustic monitor to listen for bats as well as see them. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, May 30, 2025 (Rain Date: Friday, June 6). About the Instructor: Kesha Braunskill is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator

    $39
  • Native Plants of Summer

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest are beautiful, inspiring, and critically important for healthy landscapes. From the subdued colors and fragrances of spring wildflowers to the exuberance of summer perennials and the captivating hues of fall foliage, discover a wealth of plants to satisfy your gardening needs throughout the seasons. Using Mt. Cuba’s stunning gardens, learn to identify 60 trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials in each Native Plants course. Examine their key identifying characteristics, preferred growing conditions, overall size, and ecological significance. Students seeking the certificate must pass the onsite exam. One hour garden tours follow weekly lectures. Tours

    $249
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics, including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Section B: Managing Invasives

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Is your landscape being invaded by overly aggressive plants? Examine the problems caused by invasive plants and discover management strategies for controlling them. Learn how to identify common invasive weeds and how to distinguish them from similar-looking native species. See invasive-plant management techniques and restoration strategies in practice in Mt. Cuba’s natural lands. Outdoor learning may include walking over rolling terrain and mulched paths. These classes are rain or shine.This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Wednesday 5/21 through 5/23. About the Instructor: Ellen Lake, PhD, is the Director of Conservation and Research at Mt. Cuba Center. She

    $299
  • Creating Native Plant Communities

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    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.

    $39
  • Gardening for Ecological Resilience Tour

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Take an in-depth look at the gardens, discover how to create sustainable landscapes with native plants, and learn effective techniques for gardening for ecological resilience. This 2-hour tour expands on concepts covered in the introductory Welcome Walk, exploring topics, including systems thinking, climate change impacts, drought-resistant landscapes, and invasive species management. Learn Practical Solutions to Modern Challenges Gardening for Ecological Resilience emphasizes practical solutions to modern environmental challenges. Explore how native plants contribute to ecosystem stability, act as carbon sinks, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and enhance soil health. Discover Innovative Research and Techniques This tour also highlights Mt.

    $7
  • Twilight on the Terrace

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Lineup and details for the entire series can be found here. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Friday, May 16, 2025 (Rain Date: Following Friday). Music: Sug Daniels & The Chosen Family Band with Lauren Kuhne Duo as the opener (Folk, R&B) Food: Albie’s Burgers & Natalie’s Fine Foods GET TICKETS: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members  

  • Fantastic Fungi

    Mt Cuba 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Hockessin, DE, United States

    Learn about the important identifying features of our local fungi and discover some of the crucial roles they play in our ecosystems. Discuss what you can do to preserve fungal diversity in your area through community science and land stewardship. The lecture and discussion will be followed by a guided exploration of Mt. Cuba’s natural areas. Scout and learn about the fungal diversity in the area. Be prepared for a lengthy hike through hilly (sometimes steep) and uneven terrain. Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Tuesday, May 13, 2025. About

    $49