We hope you will join us this season for our events and educational programs! With programs for adults and children, the whole family can enjoy a day of learning and fun. See our full schedule and sign up below. All events are complimentary and do not require registration, unless otherwise noted.
To download a copy of our full seminar schedule, click here.
Pamela Powers, Consulting Rosarian, Arlington Rose Foundation
Roses come in many gorgeous shapes, colors, and sizes. Join Pamela Powers of the Arlington Rose Foundation for a discussion about the best varieties in our area, proper pruning techniques, and tips for growing the roses of your dreams.
Sunday, April 22
1 pm
Our Gainesville Location
Andy Johnson, Merrifield Plant and Critter Specialist
Our gardens are home to many birds, insects and critters! Discover the wildlife that calls your garden home and learn tips to create and maintain a healthy environment for our native friends. Children will have the opportunity to see some of these animals up close in this interactive program.
Parents please plan to attend with your children. All ages are welcome, but this event is recommended for kids ages 6 and up.
Thursday, April 26
5 pm
Our Fair Oaks location
Wilson Vertin and Karen Rexrode, Merrifield Plant and Design Specialists
Bring the garden inside this spring with a beautiful floral arrangement! In this workshop, join Wilson and Karen for a lesson on the craft of arranging flowers into artful creations. You will leave with a unique spring floral arrangement you can enjoy at home.
Space is limited to 30 people. There is a $40 supply fee for this workshop, which covers a container and a selection of cut flowers.
Register here for the Design Your Own Floral Arrangement workshop.
Michael Fahey, Merrifield Plant Specialist and ISA Certified Arborist
If you love gardening but don’t have time for it, or enjoy pretty plants but prefer to spend your time outdoors relaxing, this seminar is for you! Drawing on his experience in his own garden, Michael will share his picks for an easy care garden anyone can maintain, regardless of experience or time constraints.
Kim Scott, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Using native plants in the garden is a great way to support local wildlife and the environment. Join Kim for a session on her favorite Virginia natives that you can add to your garden this spring.
Scott Aker, Head of Horticulture and Education, US National Arboretum
There’s nothing like magnolias and hydrangeas for year-round appeal in your landscape and spring is a great time to plant them! Learn about all the great new hydrangeas coming on the market and the future for native hydrangea species in breeding efforts. Find out about recent developments with deciduous and evergreen magnolias too.
Andy Johnson, Merrifield Plant and Critter Specialist
Gardens are a valuable part of the food chain as they support insects, birds and other wildlife and preserve the environment. In this session, learn what you can do to help support the food chain and natural environment in your garden.
Karen Rexrode, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Join Karen to learn about unique flowers you can use in your cut flower arrangements this spring. Gain inspiration and add flair to your traditional bouquets with some of Karen’s picks for unique cut flowers.
Pat Reilly, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Spring is one of the best times of year for gardeners. Join Pat for a walk through the garden center, where she will share some of the best blooms of the moment and point out her spring and summer favorites.
Suzanne Conway, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Plants thrive in good company. When planted in pairs, some plants provide excellent support for their companions, while others compete for resources. In this seminar, discover the perfect companion plants for your garden beds.
Peter Deahl, The Pruning School and ISA Certified Arborist
Peter Deahl has been pruning and observing ornamental trees and shrubs for over 30 years. This has led to the development of specialized pruning techniques that he loves to share with students and gardeners alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to fine tune your pruning skills.
Sunday, May 27
1 pm
Our Gainesville location
Kris Perdue, Merrifield Plant Specialist
Parents and children of all ages are welcome to attend our family container workshop together. Introduce your children to gardening for the fi rst time or just attend for a fun family activity!
We will assist children and their families in creating a container which will look beautiful throughout spring and summer.
Space is limited. A $30 supply fee will cover one container and a selection of plants, landscape fabric, soil and amendments. Additional supplies, plants and decorations may be purchased separately. Parents are required to attend with their children.
Register here for the Family Fun: Create Your Own Container program.
