These courses cover a wide range of gardening topics, with hands-on classes on containers, vegetables, shade plants, perennials, pruning, composting, lawn care, bonsai, beekeeping, edible plants, herb gardening, organic gardening, orchids, and houseplants. Daytime classes, evening classes, and weekend classes are available.
At the Garden, enjoy bird walks, wildflower walks, prairie walks, seed collecting, beekeeping, butterfly gardening, hummingbird gardening, rain gardens, and exploring native plants and ecology with Garden staff and scientists. Off-site adventures include the owl prowl.
Learn from accomplished artists and teachers and enjoy the Garden as your studio. Find art classes including flower arranging, watercolor, wreath-making workshops, painting, sketching, drawing, garden art classes, holiday crafts, calligraphy, and jewelry making.
Sign up for a class and explore the 385-acre gym and classroom also known as the Chicago Botanic Garden! Offerings include yoga, tai chi, fitness walks, meditation, exercise, strength toning, recreation, and outdoor ExerScape classes for health and fitness that can be at boot-camp level.
Learn how a certificate of merit can help you fulfill a dream, start a new career, or simply enjoy a new interest. Delve deeper into plant materials; learn how to create refined landscape designs; discover the world of botanical art; receive hands-on training from a Chicago Botanic Garden horticulturist.
Symposia and Professional Programs can open a new door, provide inspiration, present unique opportunities, expand your social or professional network, and challenge viewpoints of current events in the world around us. Learn from special guest speakers and respected leaders in the field at these singular events.
Become a Master Gardener and join a group of volunteers trained by University of Illinois Extension educators to provide a network of gardening programs and horticultural activities to educate the public and enhance life in your community.
With a variety of courses ranging from site analysis and construction to garden art and history, students learn the principles of garden design and how design relates to the environment. Explore sustainable, native landscapes, backyard or front yard design, green roofs, and plant combinations.
