Events In Person and Online
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2025 Classes
Our webinars will resume on January 23, and our in person events will resume in February. We are adding new classes weekly! Check in regularly for new classes and events.
Winter Plants for Pollinators
Thursday, February 6, 12:00 pm
Webinar with Louis Ratchford, Merrifield Plant and Design Specialist
On warm winter days, bees come out to find sources of nectar. Flowers can be scarce at this time of year, so it’s a good idea for gardeners to keep plants in their garden that bloom in the winter months. In this class, Louis will discuss the variety of perennials, trees and shrubs that you can add to your landscape to support your local bee population.
Virtual Plant Clinic: Winter Damage and Greenhouse Plants
Thursday, February 13, 2:00 pm
Webinar with David Yost, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join David Yost for a discussion of seasonal gardening topics. Topics will be announced the week of the class.
What’s New in Houseplants
Thursday, February 20, 12:00 pm
Webinar with Savannah Ward, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join Savannah, buyer for our Fair Oaks Greenhouse, as she showcases some of our most exciting new arrivals and takes questions from the audience. If you have any requests for plant types, please email Sally Tickell at stickell@mgcmail.com!
Principles of Pruning
Saturday, February 15, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Fair Oaks Store
Class with David Yost and James White, Merrifield Plant Specialists
Join David and James for an intensive pruning class in which you will learn everything you need to know about pruning ornamental trees and shrubs, maintaining your pruning tools and selecting the best pruning tools for your work. The class will follow the below format:
- Principles of Pruning Class with David: Learn the techniques and methods for pruning ornamental trees and shrubs.
- Tool Discussion and Evaluation with James: James will be offering free evaluation of 1-2 hand pruning tools for each class attendee, and can recommend repair or replacement as needed. If you do not have pruning tools, he can help you select the right ones.
- Pruning Demonstration with David: Venture outside for a pruning demonstration on our landscape plants.
Orchid Extravaganza
Saturday, February 22, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Gainesville Store
Orchid Class and Event with Paul Knight, Merrifield Plant Specialist
- Basics of Orchid Care
10:00 – 11:00 am in the Greenhouse Classroom
Join us and learn all you need to know about growing orchids, including water, light conditions, encouraging bloom and more! Attendance is free and open to all. - Guided Orchid Selection and Wine Tasting
11:00 – 2:00 in the Greenhouse
Pick your first orchid or select a new one for your collection! Our team will be on hand with recommendations and assistance. Enjoy a festive wine tasting or stop by our Silver Jug Cafe for lunch. - Orchid Repotting Clinic (All spaces filled. Walk-ins are welcome but may need to leave their orchids for pickup during the next week.)
12:00 – 2:00 pm in the Greenhouse
Sign up to reserve your time slot, and bring in up to 2 orchids for repotting by our greenhouse team! Fees are based on the size of your orchid, and team members will be available to help you select a new decorative pot, if you wish to do so. We recommend signing up in advance to ensure our team has time to repot your orchid. Space is limited.
Virtual Plant Clinic
Thursday, February 27, 2:00 pm
Webinar with David Yost, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join David Yost for a discussion of seasonal gardening topics. Topics will be announced the week of the class.
No Fear Rose Pruning
Tuesday, March 4, 12:00 pm
Webinar with Pam Powers, Consulting Rosarian, Arlington Rose Foundation
Join guest Pam Powers as she demonstrates and discusses pruning method for roses. Learn the basic techniques and tools for proper pruning to ensure your roses return in the spring healthy and full of blooms. All are welcome to attend!
What’s New: Summer Blooming Bulbs
Thursday, March 6, 12:00 pm
Webinar with Peg Bier, Merrifield Plant and Design Specialist
Peg Bier joins us for a showcase of our summer blooming bulbs. She will review the many varieties available for planting and discuss her picks for foliage, blooms and more. Bring any questions you have about these beautiful plants!
Seed Starting Basics
Saturday, March 8, 10:00 am
Fair Oaks Store
Class with Larry Shapira, Merrifield Plant Specialist, Professor Emeritus (Ret.) NVCC
Join Larry to learn the basics of starting spring growing plants indoors while the weather is still cold. Larry will discuss the supplies needed, the seeds you can grow, lighting, watering and soil. Leave with all the knowledge you need to take on your own seed starting projects at home!
Create & Sip: Terrarium Workshop
Saturday, March 8, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Gainesville Store
Workshop with our Laura Kulick, Harley Warhurst and Whitney Sproul
Join us to create a beautiful terrarium while you enjoy a glass of wine! Our team will assist you with selecting plants, planting and designing your piece as well as give you all the information you need to keep your terrarium thriving at home.
Tickets are $60 per person. Space is limited and tickets are required. Your terrarium includes all soils and amendments, a glass vessel, 3 miniature terrarium plants and a decorative element. Each attendee will receive a complimentary glass of wine with their ticket. Attendees must be age 21 or older to participate in the wine tasting.
Virtual Plant Clinic
Thursday, March 13, 2:00 pm
Webinar with David Yost, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join David Yost for a discussion of seasonal gardening topics. Topics will be announced the week of the class.
Rose Care: Know and Grow
Saturday, March 15, 10:00 am
Fair Oaks Store
Class with Pam Powers, Consulting Rosarian of the Arlington Rose Foundation
Learn how to successfully grow roses of your dreams from May through November with advice from Pam Powers, Consulting Rosarian of the Arlington Rose Foundation. This class is free to attend and open to all!
Tickets are not required, but RSVPs are appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome!
What’s New in Houseplants
Thursday, March 20, 12:00 pm
Webinar with Savannah Ward, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join Savannah, buyer for our Fair Oaks Greenhouse, as she showcases some of our most exciting new arrivals and takes questions from the audience. If you have any requests for plant types, please email Sally Tickell at stickell@mgcmail.com!
Native Plants in Landscape Design
Saturday, March 22, 10:00 am
Fair Oaks Store
Class with Renatta Holt, Merrifield Landscape Designer
As native plants have skyrocketed in popularity, so has interested in landscapes designed with native plants. In this class, Renatta will discuss the ins and outs of designing with natives, whether you are planning to plant all natives, or to incorporate a significant percentage of them with non-native plants. We recommend this class for anyone considering a native plants garden for their home. This class is free to attend and open to all.
Virtual Plant Clinic
Thursday, March 27, 2:00 pm
Webinar with David Yost, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join David Yost for a discussion of seasonal gardening topics. Topics will be announced the week of the class.
Creating Beautiful Shade Gardens
Saturday, March 29, 10:00 am
Fair Oaks Store
Class with Peg Bier and Louis Ratchford, Merrifield Plant and Design Specialists
Join Peg and Louis for an inspirational class about beautiful gardens for shaded areas. Learn how to created a retreat in your landscape with foliage plants, blooms and understory trees.