Classes are categorized by theme, and full descriptions of each class can be found below. Click on the theme to explore the available options. A calendar view of classes can be found here.
Adult classes are designed for learners +18, For questions or to request exceptions please email gardenseducation@fcgov.com. Members receive 10% off registration.
All in-person classes include admission to The Gardens, including the Butterfly House.
Online registration is open until 24 hours before the class. Within 24 hours, please call our Guest Services team to register 970.416.2486.
Let's learn and grow!
Beekeeping: Beginning the Wind Down—Fall and Winter Management
Beth Conrey, Bee Squared Apiaries
Saturday, Aug. 23 | 9:30–11:30 a.m. | $23 In–person | $10 Virtual
Hard to believe the end of summer is near! We will test for mites, verify stores, and discuss feeding options. Did your bees produce excess honey? We will discuss how to harvest and extract as well as preparing your hives for the winter.
Note to Students: Bring your gear
Embodied Climate Action Workshops
Instructor: Tamara Yakaboski, PhD
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $10 In-person
When the summer heat is heavy and the headlines feel relentless, your eco-anxiety, grief, or worry about the future might feel louder than ever. This month’s Embodied Climate Action workshop invites you to bring all of it—the racing thoughts and feelings, the longing for hope, and the desire to feel connected again - into a supportive workshop at The Gardens on Spring Creek.
Together, we’ll slow down, settle into nature’s rhythms, and use gentle journaling prompts to move through climate worry or overwhelm, not around it. Let the beauty of The Gardens remind you: you are not separate from nature; you are nature.
Expect time for reflection on the grounds of The Gardens, shared conversation with other nature lovers, and simple ways to root into embodied hope, even when the world feels uncertain. Past participants continuously express afterwards how much hope and community connection they leave feeling.
“Tamara has such a beautiful way of holding space, allowing for self-exploration and understanding. I loved hearing others share their experience and left feeling not alone in my grief and with some ways I can be with it.” — Past participant
Bonsai Basics 101
Instructor: Darrell Whitley
Do you have a “Bonsai Disaster” story? This class will focus on successfully growing bonsai for the long term that you can be proud of. The class will focus on Tiger Bark Ficus, which is a good indoor option when first starting in bonsai. There will be opportunities to work with traditional outdoor bonsai species like pine, spruce, or juniper. The class will teach you how to develop a compact and healthy bonsai and we'll send you home with your own bonsai.
Note to Participants: All Materials will be provided
Introduction to Watercolor
Instructor: Karen Ramsey
Saturday, Sept. 6 | 2 – 6 p.m. | $90
This one-day workshop will start your watercolor journey. You will learn the fundamentals of the watercolor medium and the exciting way of applying paint in a fresh and vibrant way. The day will be spent setting up our palette of paints, learning and painting varied techniques and applying them in a simple painting. This information will be the jump-start you need to become a watercolor artist indoors and out in nature!
Registration open soon!
Dia de Muertos Family Memory Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $35
In this reflective workshop, participants will respond to themed prompts inspired by the Mexican celebration of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), exploring personal stories centered on family, tradition, food, celebration, and memory. You'll have the opportunity to write, share stories in community, and honor your loved ones by contributing to a mini altar (ofrenda).
Note to participants: Journals, writing, and art materials provided. All are welcome as we experiment and share stories. No previous writing experience necessary. You are encouraged to bring photos or other memories of your loved ones.
Watercolor Journaling Series: Holiday Inspiration
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $70 In–person
During this class, students will focus on holiday artwork
Bioactive Terrarium Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 22 | noon – 1:30 p.m. | $50
Dive into the world of miniature ecosystems! This introductory workshop guides beginners step-by-step through creating a unique bioactive terrarium. Attendees will learn to build terrarium with live plants and beneficial microorganisms, creating a tabletop ecosystem.
Note to Participants: Materials will be provided
Backyard Composting 101
Instructor: Jamie Blanchard-Poling
Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | $10 In-person | $5 Virtual
Join us for a dive into the compost pile. We will cover what composting is, why it is important, how to compost successfully, how to use it in your yard, the science behind it and finding the best composting type for your lifestyle both small and large. Class will include a visit to The Gardens Compost Demonstration Site, weather allowing.
Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation
Registration opening soon!
DIY Landscape Design Workshop
Instructor: Desenige Sodano
Saturday, Oct. 11 | 9:30 –11:30 a.m. | $10
It’s hard to know where to start when designing your own landscape, but let’s dig in! Participants will learn how to get to know their space and learn how to create a landscape design they love. With a particular focus on planting with natives and for pollinators and birds, this workshop aims to have each participant walk away with the start of a landscape design and knowledge and resources on how to complete it, pay for it, and install it. If participants already have a design and want help refining it, we can do that too! Come learn how to DIY landscape design!
Note: Price reduced by Fort Collins Utilities to promote water conservation
Fresh New Garden Myths—The Science Behind Why
Instructor: Alison O'Connor
Saturday, Nov. 8 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | $23
Have you heard of adding eggshells to your tomatoes to prevent blossom end rot? Or that banana peels add potassium to your soils? Myths abound in gardening. Join Alison to debunk some fun and interesting myths - all supported by science.
Holiday Plants: Winter's Bright Spot
Instructor: Susan Bonsall
Saturday, Nov. 15 | 12:30 – 2 p.m. | $10
Brighten up your winter and learn how to enjoy holiday plants well beyond the season! In this class, we’ll explore four beautiful indoor plants that are popular during the holidays but can thrive year-round with the right care: Poinsettias, Holiday Cacti (Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter varieties), Amaryllis, and Paper Whites.
Tree Pruning
Instructor: Ben Zomer
Saturday, Nov. 22 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | $23
Join the experts from SavATree to learn tree pruning basics that you can put to work in your own yard. This class will cover proper pruning techniques, the best tools, how trees grow, basic tree biology and how decay in trees occurs.
Bioactive Terrarium Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 22 | noon – 1:30 p.m. | $50
Dive into the world of miniature ecosystems! This introductory workshop guides beginners step-by-step through creating a unique bioactive terrarium. Attendees will learn to build terrarium with live plants and beneficial microorganisms, creating a tabletop ecosystem.
Note to Participants: Materials will be provided
Garden to Glass Mocktails
Instructor: Taylar Stultz, Herbal Mocktail
Saturday, Aug. 9 & Nov. 8 | 2 – 3 p.m. | $35.00
Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks that are just as elegant as they are refreshing! Join Taylar Stultz from Fort Collins' Herbal Mocktails to craft refreshing, garden-fresh mocktails. Learn blending techniques, flavoring pairing, and enjoy some creations in the beautiful ambiance of the Gardens’ Outdoor Kitchen.
Note to participants: All materials will be provided.
A Bee Bit of Sweetness Honey Tasting
Instructor: Lisa Boesen
Oct. 11 | 9 a.m. – noon | $40
Did you know there are over 350 backyard beekeepers in Northern Colorado, numerous foraging microclimates, and diverse flavor profiles? That one bee produces about 1/12th of teaspoon of honey in its lifetime? That, just like wine, “terroir” impacts flavor? In this session you will learn to identify various flavor categories and profiles, taste local honey and learn tips to use honey as a garnish and dish enhancer!
Note to Participants: Please inform us of any allergies prior to class
Gnocchi Making Workshop
Oct. 11 | 4 – 7 p.m. | $60
Join us for a relaxed hands-on evening celebrating the bounty of your harvest. In this class you'll learn how easy it is to make gnocchi from scratch using fall vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash. We'll also show you how to make a flavorful pasta sauce using a beautiful array of vegetables. An "everything but the kitchen sink" sauce that turns the fridge cleanout into a gourmet meal. Come ready to roll dough and eat well. This class is hands-on; all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors.
Note to Participants: The class is vegetarian and can be made vegan upon request. Please notify us with any dietary restrictions or allergies prior to class
Garden to Fork cooking classes are back for 2025!
Get ready for a hands-on culinary adventure that inspires, connects, and teaches! From sweet berries to spicy chilies, each themed class is a deep dive into a featured ingredient — and ends in a feast you helped create in our open-air kitchen.
With a glass of wine in hand and flowers all around, it's a truly unforgettable experience.
Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Cooking with The Three Sisters
Dates:* Aug. 11 | Aug.12 | Aug. 13
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80
*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!
Sip on wine and garden infused water as we introduce you to our Three Sisters: corn, squash, and beans. This magical trio will shine as we prepare cornmeal fried squash blossoms stuffed with hummus, followed by a black bean burger with elote corn relish and summer squash. We’ll finish the meal with a delicious sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.
Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Berries and Stone Fruit: Bursting with Flavor
Dates:* Aug. 18 | Aug.19 | Aug. 20
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80
*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!
Sip on wine and garden infused water as we savor the sweet berry and stone fruit harvest. These treasures of summer will be the star of the show as we create a Berry Spinach Salad, followed by a Duck Breast with Quinoa tabbouleh with fresh and dried fruits, herbs, and a berry vinaigrette then we’ll finish with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.
Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Chilies: Sweet and Spicy
Dates:* Aug. 25 | Aug. 26 | Aug. 27
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80
*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!
Sip on wine and garden infused water as we meet new sweet and spicy chilies and learn how to incorporate their flavors into our dinner for the evening. We will cook Kimchijeon (Korean Kimchi Pancake) with a chili soy dipping sauce, followed by Grilled Gochujang Chicken and Steamed Bao and then we’ll finish the night off with a sweet pepper treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.
Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Tomatoes: Sweet and Savory
Dates:* Sept. 2 | Sept. 3
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80
*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!
Sip on wine and garden infused water as we celebrate summer’s sweet bounty, tomatoes. We will explore different shapes, colors and flavors of tomatoes as we relish Bruschetta with tomato salad, pine nut coulis, and goat cheese followed with Bouillabaisse, a French sea food stew. We’ll finish the night with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.
Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Rich and Robust Roots
Dates:* Sept. 8 | Sept. 9 | Sept. 10
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80
*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!
Sip on wine and garden infused water as we discover the sweet flavors hidden beneath the soil. We will explore the unique personalities of root vegetables as we cook Samosas with tamarind chutney and cilantro chutney followed by Kandamool, a root vegetable curry, and grilled naan. We’ll finish the night with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.
Garden to Fork with The Cooking Studio
Brassicas: Brilliant and Bright
Dates:* Sept. 15 | Sept. 16 | Sept. 17
5:30 – 8 p.m. | $80
*Each date is the same class. Choose the one that works best for you!
Sip on wine and garden infused water as we explore the beautiful colors, textures and flavors of the brassica family. Packed with flavor this delicious menu will feature Salad of Shave Kohlrabi, Apples, Toasted Hazelnut followed by Stuffed Cabbage Rolls. We’ll finish the night with a sweet treat. This class is hands-on, all participants will help create the meal and savor the flavors under the setting sun.
Let's get outside and explore our surroundings! Join us for guided walks in and out of The Gardens.
Cultivating Connections Garden Tours
Select Wednesdays | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | $25 In-person
2025 Dates: July 16 | Aug. 20
Welcome to Fort Collins! Join us at The Gardens on Spring Creek for a relaxed tour especially designed for newcomers, visitors, and anyone eager to connect with their community, each with a different theme.
First up:
Nature’s Neighborhoods on July 16
Step into The Gardens for a relaxed, guided tour that explores the rich variety of ecosystems that shape life along the Front Range. From shortgrass prairies to foothill shrublands, you’ll discover how these communities support wildlife, adapt to climate, and inspire our horticultural design.
As you stroll through our grounds, you’ll see how The Gardens represents these regional ecosystems. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or simply curious about Colorado’s native landscapes, this tour offers fresh insight into the living connections between place, plants, and people.
The cost of this tour includes admission to The Gardens and Butterfly House, so stick around to explore the gardens or chat with new friends.
Note to participants: This is an outside tour. Please wear appropriate shoes, hats, sunscreen, and water bottle. Paths are ADA accessible.
Watercolor Journaling Series: Late Summer Gardens
Karen Ramsay, Watercolor Artist and Instructor
Saturday, Aug. 16 | 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | $70 In–person
During this class, students will focus on capturing the beauty and textures of late summer gardens.
Tai Chi in The Gardens
Saturdays | 8 – 9 a.m. | $15 per session or purchase a punch pass
Tai Chi, the traditional Chinese system of mind and body training, is widely practiced around the world by people of all ages for betterment of health and well-being.
This class focuses on Yang style Tai Chi, the most widely practiced style, recognized by its gentle and flowing movements. Tai Chi, when practiced with a supportive community of fellow students among nature, whenever possible, can bring tremendous benefits to one’s overall health and disposition. It is suitable for all ages and all levels of fitness. The instruction will focus on the Tai Chi for Health 8-form
Class instruction is by John Broderick. John has been a practicing the 8 and 24-form with Min Fan since 2020. John began his study and practice of the Long Form of the Yang Style Tai Chi with Mark Posey of Colorado Tai Chi in Grand Junction, Co. in 1995. He continues this practice today.
Class Cancelation: Class will be canceled if there is heavy precipitation or temperatures below 20 degrees.
New: Get a Tai Chi class punch card! Click the register button to learn more.
Yoga in The Gardens
Instructor: Robin Hughes
Most Saturdays | June – September | 9:15 – 10 a.m. | $15
Breathe. Stretch. Ground.
Join us for a rejuvenating Hatha Yoga class set amidst the serene beauty of The Gardens on Spring Creek. This all-levels class focuses on mindful movement, breath awareness, and foundational postures to help you build strength, increase flexibility, and find balance—both on and off the mat.
Surrounded by nature’s tranquility, you’ll experience a slower-paced flow perfect for beginners and seasoned yogis alike. Whether you're looking to deepen your practice or simply take a moment to reconnect, this class offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the gardens.
Please bring: A yoga mat, water, sunscreen, and any props you enjoy using (blocks, straps, etc.)
Instructor: Amie Kane-Lee- PeakMVMT Fitness & Wellness
Exploring the Seasons with Meditation & Breathwork
Instructor: Celine Burgett
Four Equinox Sessions | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | $50 per class
In this series, we will dive into the highest potential for healing and growth as it pertains to each season. This Radical Breathwork workshop is designed with themes around the seasons to enlighten, heal, and connect you to who you truly are.
Fall Equinox Workshop | Saturday, Sept. 27
Winter Solstice Workshop |Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026
Forest Bathing
Instructor: Maria Fenty
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9:30– 11:30 a.m. | $30
Forest Bathing is based on the Japanese practice of “Shinrin Yoku”. It is a multi-sensorial, nature mindfulness experience that uses grounding exercises to connect with nature leaving you refreshed and relaxed. During this experience, you will be guided mindfully around The Gardens. You will be invited to unplug, engage your senses, talk less and listen more. Take a quiet, contemplative walk that integrates gratitude, reflection, and creativity. Note to students: We will walk through the Garden during this class please wear appropriate shoes and/or clothing. Paths are ADA accessible. Wavier must be signed by all participants.
Note to Participants: We will walk through The Gardens during this class; please wear appropriate shoes and/or clothing. Paths are ADA accessible. Wavier must be signed by all participants.
Mindfulness: An Approach to Life
Instructor: Nancy Behney
Oct. 18 | 1 – 3 p.m. | $25
This experiential class will focus on mindfulness as a practice, through discussions, activities and teachings. Participants will learn the benefits of mindfulness practices, how to strengthen their ability to cope with short and long-term stress, and how mindfulness can help to reconnect individuals to their own strengths and joys. Students will leave with a deeper knowledge of the positive role mindfulness can play in daily life
Find Your Balance Insight + Sound Workshop
Instructor: Cate Jones
Nov. 8 | 9:30 a.m. – noon | $55
The Gardens hosts a variety of wellness classes. Explore our offerings; from mindfulness classes to forest bathing, there's something for everyone!
The Gardens on Spring Creek requires 72 hours for a full refund of class fees. If you are unable to attend, please consider your class payment as a tax-deductible donation. If class is cancelled by The Gardens on Spring Creek for any reason, a full refund will be issued. If you do need to cancel your registration, please contact the Education Team at gardenseducation@fcgov.com.