Upcoming Events
You’ll find a listing of all our current classes and events below. (Prefer a calendar view? Here you go.) If something catches your eye, click on it for more information and to register. We also include a run-down of upcoming events in The Civic Gardener each month, which is a great way to stay in the loop!
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
Nurturing the Mind
The power of plants connects us and helps us maintain healthy, thriving lives. Join the Civic Garden Center to explore new worlds of plants while you relate to the familiarity of the sights and sounds of a beautiful historic garden. Each session will include a slideshow of local plants, a short lecture on international plant habitats and cultural agricultural practices, followed by an interactive hands-on horticultural activity.
Free and welcoming to all.
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
Pollinator Waystations: Container Gardening for Nature
If you don't have a lot of outdoor space, can you still support our local ecosystem? Yes, you absolutely can! In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn about and assemble your own pollinator-friendly planter to take home.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $50
Game Night: Urban Ag Trivia
Think you know the facts about urban agriculture in Cincinnati? Test your knowledge at the Civic Garden Center as we enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship. Start studying your seed catalogs now (as all good gardeners are) and we’ll see how well you know your frost-free dates and more!
HOST: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: Included with CGC membership
Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds and the Civic Garden Center invite you to come discover why birdwatching is the ideal activity to combine with the practice of mindfulness! Mindful birdwatching is birdwatching quietly, intentionally and calmly while engaging with the natural world around you! Traditional bird watching is often associated with bird checklists, field guides and carrying binoculars or cameras, which can all be fun, but we’re inviting you to come to enjoy a more meditative approach.
FACILITATOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free!
Native Plant Support Group: Managing Tall-Growing Natives
Some native plants get tall...really tall! What do we do when our garden plants grow taller than our house? Do you have a signature staking technique? Have you heard of the Chelsea Chop? Let’s get our native gardens under control!
SPEAKERS: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: Included with CGC membership
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join us for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
COST: Free!
Nurturing the Mind
The power of plants connects us and helps us maintain healthy, thriving lives. Join the Civic Garden Center to explore new worlds of plants while you relate to the familiarity of the sights and sounds of a beautiful historic garden. Each session will include a slideshow of local plants, a short lecture on international plant habitats and cultural agricultural practices, followed by an interactive hands-on horticultural activity.
Free and welcoming to all.
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
Herb Circle: Herbal Tea Blends
The Earth is pulsing with energy this month from not one, but two full moons! Join the circle as we sip, share, and craft herbal teas that will nourish us for the seasons ahead. We'll identify some of the medicinal properties of local herbs and how to identify them as you forage.
You're welcome to bring a favorite herbal tea blend to share and/or explore the offerings from our herb garden.
PRESENTER: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: Included with CGC membership
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
Coffee in the Garden 2026
We’re thrilled to invite you to a brand-new CGC experience that’s been brewing behind the scenes: Coffee in the Garden!
Spend a beautiful spring morning surrounded by blooms, community and the rich aromas of expertly crafted coffee. Four of Cincinnati’s finest roasters—Deeper Roots Coffee, Mom 'n 'Em Coffee & Wine, Proud Hound Coffee and La Terza Artisan Coffee Roasterie—will each showcase tastings from a distinct coffee-growing region of the world. It’s a global coffee journey without ever leaving the garden.
COST: $40
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
Compost Basics
You’ve heard you should compost…now it’s time to learn how! This beginner-friendly class will cover the basics of outdoor composting, vermicompost, and bokashi. You'll learn what a healthy compost pile requires to be productive, how to troubleshoot common issues, and more.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers
Nurturing the Mind
The power of plants connects us and helps us maintain healthy, thriving lives. Join the Civic Garden Center to explore new worlds of plants while you relate to the familiarity of the sights and sounds of a beautiful historic garden. Each session will include a slideshow of local plants, a short lecture on international plant habitats and cultural agricultural practices, followed by an interactive hands-on horticultural activity.
Free and welcoming to all.
Companion Planting Basics & Beyond
Naturally boost garden health, repel pests, and maximize space...by pairing plants!
In this beginner-friendly class, you'll learn how to transform your garden into a self-sustaining ecosystem by pairing plants that naturally support one another. We'll explore the science and tradition behind "plant partners" to help you boost yields, deter pests, and improve soil health without harsh chemicals.
INSTRUCTOR: Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)
COST: $20 / %15 for active CGC volunteers
Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds and the Civic Garden Center invite you to come discover why birdwatching is the ideal activity to combine with the practice of mindfulness! Mindful birdwatching is birdwatching quietly, intentionally and calmly while engaging with the natural world around you! Traditional bird watching is often associated with bird checklists, field guides and carrying binoculars or cameras, which can all be fun, but we’re inviting you to come to enjoy a more meditative approach.
FACILITATOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free!
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
Build Your Own Terrarium
Ever wanted to create your own little terrarium world? Here's your chance! At this workshop, you'll learn how to assemble your very own terrarium—then get hands-on and bring to life a creation of your own to take home! No experience necessary. We'll also provide post-care tips to keep your terrarium thriving.
INSTRUCTOR: Luis Aguilar-Dwyer (CGC Enviromental Education Specialist)
COST: $50 / $45 for active CGC volunteers
Nurturing the Mind
The power of plants connects us and helps us maintain healthy, thriving lives. Join the Civic Garden Center to explore new worlds of plants while you relate to the familiarity of the sights and sounds of a beautiful historic garden. Each session will include a slideshow of local plants, a short lecture on international plant habitats and cultural agricultural practices, followed by an interactive hands-on horticultural activity.
Free and welcoming to all.
HUB Garden Class: Plants for a Purpose
Plants make great food, but they’re not just for eating! We humans have plants to thank for everything from building materials to containers, art supplies, and—of course—medicine. Join us as we explore and (re)discover unique uses of garden plants.
This class will be held at the Melrose Medicinal Garden: 2647 Melrose Ave, 45206.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
Nurturing the Mind
The power of plants connects us and helps us maintain healthy, thriving lives. Join the Civic Garden Center to explore new worlds of plants while you relate to the familiarity of the sights and sounds of a beautiful historic garden. Each session will include a slideshow of local plants, a short lecture on international plant habitats and cultural agricultural practices, followed by an interactive hands-on horticultural activity.
Free and welcoming to all.
Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds and the Civic Garden Center invite you to come discover why birdwatching is the ideal activity to combine with the practice of mindfulness! Mindful birdwatching is birdwatching quietly, intentionally and calmly while engaging with the natural world around you! Traditional bird watching is often associated with bird checklists, field guides and carrying binoculars or cameras, which can all be fun, but we’re inviting you to come to enjoy a more meditative approach.
FACILITATOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free!
HUB Garden Class: Healthy Harvest (Loveland Presbyterian)
Join us in the garden for a Healthy Harvest experience! We'll start with a tour of the garden with time to explore and learn, then enjoy a cooking demonstration (with samples, of course!) using freshly picked produce. We’ll cover topics like seasonality, unique and rare crops, and new ways to use old standbys.
This class will be held at the Loveland Presbyterian Church Community Garden: 6796 Loveland-Miamiville Rd, 45140.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
HUB Garden Class: Healthy Harvest (Mt. Airy Commons)
Join us in the garden for a Healthy Harvest experience! We'll start with a tour of the garden with time to explore and learn, then enjoy a cooking demonstration (with samples, of course!) using freshly picked produce. We’ll cover topics like seasonality, unique and rare crops, and new ways to use old standbys.
This class will be held at the Mt. Airy Commons Community Garden: 5536 Colerain Ave, 45239.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
HUB Garden Class: Creative Construction
When life gives you a bunch of old bricks, build a patio! That’s just one of many resourceful projects on show at the Camp Washington Community Garden, where years of problem-solving and creative solutions prove that sometimes you already have what you need to get the job done.
This class will be held at the Camp Washington Community Garden: 1252 Bates Ave, 45225.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
HUB Garden Class: Healthy Harvest (Northgate)
Join us in the garden for a Healthy Harvest experience! We'll start with a tour of the garden with time to explore and learn, then enjoy a cooking demonstration (with samples, of course!) using freshly picked produce. We’ll cover topics like seasonality, unique and rare crops, and new ways to use old standbys.
This class will be held at the Northgate Community Garden: 9151 Zoellner Rd, 45251.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds and the Civic Garden Center invite you to come discover why birdwatching is the ideal activity to combine with the practice of mindfulness! Mindful birdwatching is birdwatching quietly, intentionally and calmly while engaging with the natural world around you! Traditional bird watching is often associated with bird checklists, field guides and carrying binoculars or cameras, which can all be fun, but we’re inviting you to come to enjoy a more meditative approach.
FACILITATOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free!
HUB Garden Class: Healthy Harvest (West End)
Join us in the garden for a Healthy Harvest experience! We'll start with a tour of the garden with time to explore and learn, then enjoy a cooking demonstration (with samples, of course!) using freshly picked produce. We’ll cover topics like seasonality, unique and rare crops, and new ways to use old standbys.
This class will be held at the West End Community Garden: 941 Poplar St, 45214.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
HUB Garden Class: Creating Space
The CGC and Sidestreams welcome you to the newly renovated Daryl Gordon Garden in Madisonville! Take a tour of this storied space, which includes row cropping, aquaponics, and live chickens. You'll learn how this garden was reactivated and once again turned into a part of Madisonville’s vibrant community.
This class will be held at the Daryl Gordon Community Garden: 6001 Chandler St, 45227.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds and the Civic Garden Center invite you to come discover why birdwatching is the ideal activity to combine with the practice of mindfulness! Mindful birdwatching is birdwatching quietly, intentionally and calmly while engaging with the natural world around you! Traditional bird watching is often associated with bird checklists, field guides and carrying binoculars or cameras, which can all be fun, but we’re inviting you to come to enjoy a more meditative approach.
FACILITATOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free!
HUB Garden Class: Season Extension
Don't miss out on months when you could still be growing! This class will cover strategies to make your harvest last beyond the traditional growing season. You'll learn how South Cumminsville gardeners take advantage of every opportunity to grow, including crop covers and perennial crops (like fruit trees)!
This class will be held at the South Cumminsville Community Garden: 3618 Roll Ave, 45223.
COST: Free! (Donations welcome)
Hauck Concert Series: Hildegard in the Garden
The twelfth-century composer, herbalist and mystic Hildegard von Bingen, while better known to modern audiences for her music, was a careful and scientific observer of the natural world, cataloguing and detailing the uses of herbs for both physical and mental wellbeing and finding solace and health in nature. In her expansive work Physica, we see a curious mind placing scientific inquiry within a theological framework of the goodness of creation.
Join us as we experience Hildegard’s soaring music while participating in simple activities that help us see the world through her eyes. After a brief introduction to Hildegard, we’ll break into three groups and make our way out into Hauck Botanic Garden to explore three stations, each with a performer offering a sampling of Hildegard’s music and an accompanying activity: herbs for health and herbal tea in the Herb Garden, an overview of botanical salve-making (sample included!) in the Food Forest, and creating a small piece of meditative personal art in the Tranquility Garden. Each group will have the opportunity to experience all three stations.
Please note that this event will be held outdoors. In the event of bad weather on September 27, the performance will be moved to October 4 at 3pm. We will be standing and walking a considerable amount during this event, occasionally over uneven or unpaved terrain. The Herb Garden and Tranquility Garden are accessible by mulched or paved path, but the Food Forest is more difficult to reach.
PRICING:
Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)
Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.
Mindful Birdwatching with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds and the Civic Garden Center invite you to come discover why birdwatching is the ideal activity to combine with the practice of mindfulness! Mindful birdwatching is birdwatching quietly, intentionally and calmly while engaging with the natural world around you! Traditional bird watching is often associated with bird checklists, field guides and carrying binoculars or cameras, which can all be fun, but we’re inviting you to come to enjoy a more meditative approach.
FACILITATOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free!
Hauck Concert Series: Gathering
For our final performance in the 2026 Hauck Concert Series, we’ll gather together in the CGC’s auditorium to hear beautiful string quartet music. Throughout the afternoon, we’ll share spiced wine and mulled cider, light bites, guided conversation and good company. At the end of the event, we’ll raffle off the one-of-a-kind centerpieces–all made by CGC Horticulturist Julie from garden findings–for lucky audience members to take home. Each ticket includes one (1) drink ticket and light bites.
PRICING:
Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)
Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.
GrowFest 2026: Plant Sale
Join us for a day of celebrating all things urban agriculture and gardening! We’ll have plenty of classic warm weather crops, CGC-grown rare and heirloom veggie starts, a rainbow of herbs, native and native cultivar shrubs (including dwarf options), native spring ephemerals and native trees on hand.
The day will also include the beloved Green Flea and bake sale, kids’ activities, Plant Sitters, volunteer opportunities and a food truck.
We invite you to be part of a community that’s growing together!
COST: Free!
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
Botanical Resin Jewelry
If you’ve ever wished you could capture nature and keep it forever, this class will show you exactly how!
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn how to properly dry, seal and coat real botanicals in resin so they remain vibrant, protected and long-lasting. We’ll cover essential resin safety practices, proper curing techniques, UV protection methods to prevent yellowing and step-by-step application techniques (including brushing and layering resin for clarity and durability). You'll leave with beautifully preserved botanical pieces ready for display or incorporation into jewelry, artwork or mixed media projects along with the confidence and technical knowledge to continue creating at home.
INSTRUCTOR: Breanna Cole
COST: $100 (all materials included)
GrowFest 2026: Tomato Talk
Come explore the wonderful world of tomatoes—just in time for the CGC's GrowFest plant sale on Saturday, May 2, which is known for its wide selection! You'll learn what type of tomato plant works best for your garden or patio, how to plant prune and stake your tomato plants, the difference between heirloom and hybrid, seed saving, disease prevention and integrated pest management (IPM). What better way to set yourself up for a successful tomato season?
INSTRUCTOR: Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Nurturing the Mind
The power of plants connects us and helps us maintain healthy, thriving lives. Join the Civic Garden Center to explore new worlds of plants while you relate to the familiarity of the sights and sounds of a beautiful historic garden. Each session will include a slideshow of local plants, a short lecture on international plant habitats and cultural agricultural practices, followed by an interactive hands-on horticultural activity.
Free and welcoming to all.
GrowFest 2026: Container Gardening
Want to maximize your options for cultivating fruits and veggies? Container gardening is a great option! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to choose the right containers, soil amendments and plant varieties for a successful harvest. You'll leave with the confidence to grow all season long and a list of plants best suited for container gardening in the Cincinnati region.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
GrowFest 2026: Introduction to Native Shrubs
Native plants are the cornerstone of a healthy ecosystem. Native shrubs especially are essential for supporting birds and other wildlife...but in every discussion, native perennials seem to get all the love! This class is dedicated to the wonderful native shrubs that grow in our region and all the benefits that they provide. We’ll start by introducing some of our favorite species, give an overview of how to plant and care for them, then (weather permitting) take a tour around the Hauck Botanic Garden to see some mature specimens growing in the landscape.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Native Plant Support Group: Edible Native Plants
When you hear the words “American food,” your first thought probably isn’t serviceberries, hazelnuts or sunchokes. But these are the foods that have been depended upon and enjoyed on this continent for thousands of years! Join us for a culinary trip through the great outdoors.
SPEAKERS: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education) & Jack Parlin (CGC Program Associate)
COST: Included with CGC membership
Hauck Concert Series: 7 Last Words for the Earth
As Earth Day draws near, join us for a two-part event examining the state of our planet and the roles we play as part of its rich and tightly woven tapestry.
During the first half of the performance, professional choral ensemble Heri et Hodie and recent CCM graduate percussionist Jacob Ottmer will present Canadian composer Andrew Staniland’s deeply moving “7 Last Words for the Earth.” Performed with non-traditional staging, this concerto for women’s choir and percussion takes its name from the seven last words of Christ from the cross and sets an abstract text taken from a speech by Greta Thunberg. Through movements such as “Rage,” “Secrets,” “Rain,” “Hope” and “Words,” the piece urges us to pay attention while we still can. The performance will begin with a presentation about the music and its themes.
When the final notes have faded, we’ll hear from Mary Kroner, who uses her thoughtful weaving of stories, song and humor to open us to new ways of remembering that we are part of the natural world with vital roles to play. Hope comes from understanding our part in the working systems of our planet, giving us a way to participate; teaching Reverence is an important goal. Mary’s original works “X Marks The Spot” and “Welcome to the Ever Rotating Constantly Changing Circulating Mystical Earth Pageant” are past offerings made at the CGC and other settings.
PRICING:
Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)
Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.
Birding Basics with the CHPL Bird Nerds
The CHPL Bird Nerds invite you to come see why birding is an incredible way to connect yourself to nature! Whatever your level of nature awareness, or knowledge of birds, you’re welcome to join us to will learn the who, where, how and why of birding.
INSTRUCTOR: Lea Shull
COST: Free (registration required)
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join us for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
COST: Free!
GrowFest 2026: Navigating Nativars
In this class, we’ll cover the current science on nativars’ impact on pollinators and some of our favorite varieties—as well as a few we recommend avoiding. Then we’ll take a tour around Hauck Botanic Garden to see some nativars growing in the landscape. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what these plants are and how you can make them work in your native plant garden.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
GrowFest 2026: Introduction to Plant Pressing
Plant pressing is more than just a creative hobby—it’s a way to document, appreciate and preserve the rich biodiversity that surrounds us; to connect with nature, slow down and truly observe the intricate details of plants that often go unnoticed. In this introductory workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of plant preservation while getting hands-on experience and creating your own pressed-flower layout to take home.
INSTRUCTOR: Luis Aguilar-Dwyer (CGC Environmental Education Specialist)
COST: $35
Homegrown Cannabis
Since growing Cannabis sp. can require a significant investment on the part of the grower, it's important to learn best practices before starting out. This course will cover the botany of Cannabis sp. and the process of how to successfully grow it.
INSTRUCTORS: Stephanie Fransen (CGC Administrative & Facilities Manager) & Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
GrowFest 2026: Introduction to Native Plants
Native plants are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. Discover the simplicity of local plants and thriving, sustainable habitats while you learn the basics of why and how to embrace native plants in our local landscape. This basic overview class will focus on healthy ecosystems and highlight some of our favorite native plants.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
GrowFest 2026: Pruning Trees & Shrubs
Early spring is the ideal time to get overgrown trees and shrubs trimmed back and ready for the season. In this class, we’ll clear up all your pruning confusion as we cover specific techniques for each type of woody plant. Then, weather permitting, we’ll get out into the garden for some hands-on practice.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
GrowFest 2026: Essential Garden Herbs
Gardening with herbs lets you to freshen up your favorite recipes, cultivate natural medicines and foster ecologically sound gardening methods. This class will cover the basics of growing and using herbs for tea, cooking, medicine and cleaning. We'll taste common herbs and discuss recipes to try at home.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
GrowFest 2026: Native Plants for Shade
Finding native plants for the shady parts of your garden can be such a struggle. Traditional shade gardens tend to rely on exotic—and even invasive—species, and native shade plants are still so hard to find. This class will explore native plants that have evolved to thrive in shady conditions.
INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
Hauck Arboretum Tour
The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join us for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.
COST: Free!
Native Plant Support Group: Identifying Emerging Natives
It’s pretty easy to identify a plant in flower. But recognizing your native plants in early spring is a different story. Let’s chat about how we keep track of the plants in our garden and share some ID tips for those tricky spring rosettes.
SPEAKER: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)
COST: Included with CGC membership
GrowFest 2026: Herbal Salves & Balms
Many of the plants that grow in our yards and gardens have medicinal properties that can be used to treat minor skin irritations, relieve the itch of a bug bite or provide protection in dry conditions. This hands-on workshop will cover the basic process of making handmade herbal salves and balms, giving you the skills to create your own unique creations! You'll go home with resources for making herbal salves and balms as well as your very own herbal salve.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $35
GrowFest 2026: Managing Rainwater
Knowing how to capture and store rainwater gives gardeners vital access to a necessary resource for thriving plants. Come learn the basics of managing rainwater, including building rain gardens, capturing and storing rain for future use, and plants that do well in our climate.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers
Lil' Sprouts
Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
COST: Free!
DIY Home Cleaners & Room Sprays
Start the new year off right with a clean home using homemade products. You'll learn about time-tested methods while avoiding the harsh chemicals that harm our health and environment. The ingredients you need might already be in your cupboard! You'll leave with your own 8-ounce cleaning solution and the knowledge to make your space shine.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $35
CGC Compost Tour
Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.
COST: Free!
POSTPONED: DIY Home Cleaners & Room Sprays
Start the new year off right with a clean home using homemade products. You'll learn about time-tested methods while avoiding the harsh chemicals that harm our health and environment. The ingredients you need might already be in your cupboard! You'll leave with your own 8-ounce cleaning solution and the knowledge to make your space shine.
INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)
COST: $35
Basic Organic Vegetable Gardening: Plant Disease & Integrated Pest Management
Learn the principles and practices of integrated pest management and how to choose the most appropriate method of control, with emphasis on sustainable remedies and techniques. We'll also discuss how to identify plant disease and symptoms and implement basic control measures and disease management strategies.
INSTRUCTOR: Carter Spires (ANR Extension Educator, Southern Region, Central State University Extension)
COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers