Merrifield - Find Your Garden Style
Merrifield Garden Center Design Team
Get an overview of various garden styles, such as Formal, English Cottage, Modern, Japanese, Southern, Naturalistic, etc. Pick your favorite style and learn how to achieve the look with plants and construction.

Fair Oaks – How to Grow Houseplants
Regina Lanctot, Merrifield Tropical Plant Specialist
If you want to grow beautiful houseplants but don’t think you have a green thumb, this seminar is for you. Regina will supply you with all the confidence and knowledge you’ll need to grow beautiful flowers and lush foliage inside your home. It’s easier than you may think. With proper lighting, watering and a little TLC, anyone can have success.

Gainesville - A Gardener’s Calendar
David Yost, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Planning ahead is the key to keeping your garden looking its best throughout the year. This seminar will focus on landscape maintenance, including weeding, pruning and mulching. David also will suggest plants for a four-season palette of color and interest.

Merrifield - Cozy Winter Meals
Lilienne Conklin, Chef, Alice & Louise
Chef Lilienne will show you how to create hearty stews and delicious soups that are satisfying and inexpensive. She’ll share her secret techniques and recipes so you can wow your family and friends with your culinary skills. Registration is greatly appreciated, but not required. Click here to register

Fair Oaks - Color and Interest in the Winter Garden
Merrifield Garden Center Design Team
Winter offers its own special charm in the garden. Learn how to create color and interest with berries, seed heads, branching structure, garden accents – even flowers. Yes, some plants bloom in the winter!

Gainesville – The Art of Bonsai
Chuck Croft, Northern Virginia Bonsai Society
Learn all about bonsai, the ancient Japanese art form. We’re thrilled to bring back Chuck, who has been growing and exhibiting bonsai for years, to demonstrate how fun and easy it is to train these miniature plants, such as evergreens, jasmine, boxwood, hibiscus and much more, into intriguing shapes and forms. This is a fun way to show your artistic side!

Merrifield - Basics of Orchids
Jonathan Kavalier, Horticulturist, Smithsonian Institution
We’re proud to bring back Jonathan, a former MGC Plant Specialist who now works for the Smithsonian Institution. This seminar is a great opportunity to learn how to grow these glamorous divas in your home. Jonathan will show you the different types of orchids and give you sound advice about proper care and maintenance.

Fair Oaks – Dramatic Garden Makeovers
Merrifield Garden Center Design Team
With remarkable before and after photos, you’ll learn how to take your garden from average to astounding. Think you don’t have much space? Is there limited sunlight in your garden? Learn how to overcome obstacles to achieve amazing results.

Gainesville - Cooking with Wine
Lilienne Conklin, Chef, Alice & Louise
Are you looking to add flavor to your dishes without adding a lot of fat and calories? If so, this seminar is for you. Chef Lilienne will introduce you to some red and white wines that will take your cooking to a new level. Registration is greatly appreciated, but not required. Click here to register

Merrifield - Sensational Terrariums
Regina Lanctot, Merrifield Tropical Plant Specialist
Terrariums are a fun and easy way to garden inside your home. Whether you want to design a miniature world of finger-sized trees and knuckle-sized boulders or you’re simply interested in placing an orchid or bonsai inside or under a glass container, Regina will show you how to create a masterpiece.

Fair Oaks – Just for Kids
Laura Hawthorne, Children’s Education Specialist
If you’d like to introduce your children to gardening, this seminar is perfect. Each child will create their own Valentine’s gardening project to bring home. Parents must be present. Registration is greatly appreciated, but not required. Thanks for your interest in this seminar. We’re sorry, but due to overwhelming response this class has been filled.  If you have any questions, please call Laura at 703-968-9600.

Gainesville - Basics of Orchids
Jonathan Kavalier, Horticulturist Smithsonian Institution
We’re proud to bring back Jonathan, a former MGC Plant Specialist who now works for the Smithsonian Institution. This seminar is a great opportunity to learn how to grow these glamorous divas in your home. Jonathan will show you the different types of orchids and give you sound advice about proper care and maintenance.

Merrifield – Perennials with Personalities
Karen Rexrode, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Without a doubt, this seminar will change the way you think about gardening. Think perennials with personalities. When you understand the intentions of these plants, you’ll be able to manage them better. Not only will this seminar help with your overall garden design, but with plant selection, placement and maintenance.

Fair Oaks – Boxwood, Rhododendrons & Other Evergreens
Robert Saunders, Boxwood Specialist, Saunders Brothers Nurseries
Offering structure and permanence in the garden, evergreens serve as a wonderful backdrop for colorful flowers. Boxwood has been hybridized for use in almost any landscape, making these deer resistant plants a popular choice. Robert also will take the mystery out of growing rhododendrons.

Gainesville – Eating the Fruits of Your Labor
Robert Woodman, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Enjoy your garden with all your senses, including taste! In this seminar, you’ll learn about the many different varieties of wonderful berries and fruit trees that thrive in our mild mid-Atlantic climate. You’ll also learn the best way to take care of these delicious plants to achieve a bountiful harvest. Bon appétit!

Merrifield – Attracting Birds and Butterflies
Michael Fahey, Merrifield Plant Specialist and ISA Certified Arborist
One of the joys of gardening is watching beautiful birds and butterflies in the garden. Attend this seminar to learn what plants to grow to create a natural habitat that’ll encourage these delicate beauties to visit your garden – and perhaps extend their stay!

Fair Oaks – Walks, Walls & Patios
Renatta Holt, Merrifield Landscape Designer
A well-designed landscape integrates the “hardscape” elements of walks, walls and patios with your home and garden for a beautiful and functional result. This seminar will energize and educate you with wonderful ideas you can incorporate into your own landscape. Learn about the beauty, wide selection and durability of hardscape materials that are now on the market.

Gainesville – Evergreens
Wayne Boyland, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Evergreens play an important role in the landscape. While offering year-round beauty, they provide privacy, block undesirable views and define specific areas. Wayne will introduce you to some of our most beautiful needled and broadleaf evergreens.

Merrifield – Prune Like A Pro
Larry Shapira, Merrifield Plant Specialist, Professor Emeritus (Ret.), NVCC
There is an art and a science to pruning. Professor Larry will show you the techniques and the equipment to successfully trim your trees and shrubs. Weather permitting, Professor Larry will bring you outside so bring leather work gloves and a pruner.

Fair Oaks - New Perennials
Paul Westervelt, Annual & Perennial Production Manager, Saunders Brothers Nurseries
Some people line up to get the latest cell phone when it hits the market. Gardeners look forward with great anticipation to new plant varieties. Be the first to hear about exciting new plants that are guaranteed to expand your gardening possibilities.

Gainesville – Garden Design
Karen Rexrode, Merrifield Plant Specialist
If you want to learn how to design a beautiful garden, don’t miss this seminar. Karen will show you the importance of flow and the amazing impact of a few visually weighted plants that draw the eye. You’ll see how certain plants can shape a garden, giving it definition, rhythm and a firm foothold. You’ll never look at your garden the same way again.
 
  

 

Merrifield - Stone in the Landscape
Merrifield Garden Center Design Team
Plants and stone combine to form some of nature’s best designs. Whether natural or formal in arrangement, stone has a place in every landscape. You’ll be inspired after seeing beautiful photos and cutting edge ideas of how to use stone in your landscape.

Fair Oaks – How to be a Successful Gardener
Bob Warhurst, Merrifield Owner
Bob, the founder of MGC and also known as the Plant Whisperer, will enlighten you with his intricate knowledge of the proper care of your plants. Follow Bob’s step-by-step plan and you’ll never lose another plant.

Gainesville - Spring Flowering Trees & Shrubs
Michael Fahey, Merrifield Plant Specialist and ISA Certified Arborist
Looking to add the beauty of spring to your landscape? Michael will show you a number of trees that’ll dazzle you with their spectacular bursts of color. Learn about our most popular varieties and some hidden gems.



 

Merrifield - Spring Lawn Care
Robert Lennen, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Learn how to build the lawn of your dreams. You can greatly improve the appearance and health of your lawn in just one growing season. Not only does a healthy lawn look great, it’s easier to maintain. Turf density will increase and your lawn will begin to out-compete weeds.

Fair Oaks - Shade Gardens
David Culp, Plantsman and VP of Sunny Border Nurseries
Do you have a sun-challenged garden? No problem. For many parts of your garden, you don’t need direct sunlight to grow beautiful flowers. With attention to plant selection, soil preparation and watering, you can have a lush, colorful garden. David will inspire you to try varieties that thrive in the shade.

Gainesville - Gorgeous Gardens that are Deer and Rabbit Resistant
Lynn Cohen, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Lynn will show you many wonderful annuals, perennials and shrubs that deer and rabbits don’t find appetizing. When they’re hungry, sometimes these animals devour plants they normally don’t touch, so Lynn will mention other steps you can take to safeguard your plants.

Merrifield - Fragrant Gardens
Amy Strunk, Merrifield Landscape Designer
Learn how to see your garden with your nose. Focusing on fragrance can stimulate new creativity in the way you design your garden. Amy will introduce you to many different types of fragrant plants and show you where to place them in your garden for maximum impact.

Fair Oaks – Bringing Color to Your Garden
David Wilson, Garden Splendor Expert
Would a gray rose smell as sweet as a red rose? We think not. Color is an important ingredient in the garden. David will show you many colorful varieties of the popular Garden Splendor brand of shrubs, perennials and annuals that are sure to make your garden come alive. Expect to be informed and entertained with David’s encyclopedic knowledge, practical experience and lilting Irish humor.

Gainesville - Spring Lawn Care
David Yost, Merrifield Plant Specialist
No doubt – everyone would like to own a lawn that’s the envy of the neighborhood. But many of us don’t know how to go about it. Don’t be intimidated. It’s not as difficult as it may seem.

Merrifield – Introduction to Ground Covers and Vines at 10 a.m.
Lynn Cohen, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Ground covers and vines tend to be overlooked and underappreciated. But astute gardeners know that beautiful ground covers and vines help complete a garden, tying together all the elements in a pleasing design. There are some amazing varieties now on the market, and Lynn will show how they can take your garden to the next level.

Fair Oaks - Landscaping with Herbs at 10 a.m.
Gainesville – Landscaping with Herbs at 2 pm
Nicole Schermerhorn, Co-Owner of Thyme Herb Farm
Season your garden with herbs! Learn how to use your favorite herbs in your landscape. These flavor-packed plants don’t have to be grown in just vegetable gardens and pots.

Gainesville - Curb Appeal at 10 a.m.
Merrifield Garden Center Design Team
Nothing says welcome better than a beautiful front yard. Learn how to create an inviting landscape with gorgeous plants that complement your home and reflect your personal taste and lifestyle. Your visitors will reward you with big smiles!

Fair Oaks - Container Gardening
Peg Bier, Merrifield Plant Specialist
It’s no wonder container gardens are growing in popularity. They’re fun, easy and versatile. Peg will show you how to create a beautiful container garden with just the right combination of color, texture and height. Peg also will give you ideas for seasonal changes.

Gainesville - Create a Yard that Ages Gracefully
Renatta Holt, Merrifield Landscape Designer
Renatta will discuss some things you should consider now to improve your landscape that will make gardening easier down the line. She’ll go over a wide range of subjects, including low maintenance plants, pruning, screening, grading, drainage, shade and hardscaping, such as adding patios, walks and walls.

 

 

Gainesville - Plants I Can’t Live Without
Steve Gable, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Whether you’re starting a new garden or just looking to add a few plants, this seminar is for you. Steve, a self-described perennial geek with decades in the green industry, has carefully compiled a list of his favorite plants. See what a big difference his choices can make in your garden.

 

Gainesville - Miniature Gardens
Linda Brining, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Gardens don’t have to be big to have a big impact. Whimsical and magical, miniature gardens combine dwarf and small plants with fairies and other accents for a charming scene. This is a fun way to expand your gardening repertoire!

Gainesville - Water Garden Maintenance
Craig Takacs, Merrifield Water Garden Specialist
Water gardens are enjoyed most when the water is clean and clear. You’re happy, the fish are healthy and the plants are thriving. Learn how the proper balance of plants and fish, water treatments and filtration systems can be used to improve and maintain water quality.

Gainesville – Roses
Paul McLane, Merrifield Plant Specialist
From time-honored favorites to exciting new varieties, there’s a beautiful rose bush to fit every garden. Paul will explain the attributes and characteristics of different roses, including the popular Knock Out brand, and explain how to care of them.

Gainesville – How to Be a Successful Gardener
Bob Warhurst, Merrifield Owner
Bob, the founder of MGC and also known as the Plant Whisperer, will enlighten you with his intricate knowledge of the proper care of your plants. Follow Bob’s step-by-step plan and you’ll never lose another plant.

Gainesville - The Exciting World of Perennials
Andre Viette, Renowned Horticulturist
Don’t miss this opportunity to get tips from Andre, a world renowned perennial author and lecturer. Expect to be inspired with great ideas to incorporate into your own garden.

Gainesville - Landscaping with Exotics
Joe Seamone, Tropical Plant Specialist
Tropical gardens thrive in our notoriously hot, humid summers. Joe will show you how to turn your landscape into a lush, green tropical retreat with palm trees, bananas, hibiscus and other exotic plants. See our wide selection of exotic plants and learn how to grow them.