Achieving a beautiful garden in July is pretty simple. Flowers are blooming and everything looks green and lush. But keeping that same garden beautiful in December takes a little more thought.

In this class, we’ll look at which native plants provide “winter interest” such as elegant bark, bright berries or unique seedheads. Then we’ll talk about how you can use these plants in the landscape to create a garden that looks great and supports wildlife all year long.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $20

Join Kate from Bloem Handcrafted Jewelry for a unique hands-on workshop! We'll explore the processes involved in preparing, rolling and cutting fine silver metal clay. Botanical textures will be available, as well as the option to carve your own texture by hand. As a special holiday treat, you'll enjoy champagne, sparkling wine and homemade baked goods during the workshop, making it a festive way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

Each participant will receive 15 grams of silver metal clay to work with, which is typically enough to make two pairs of earrings and two pendants. Additional silver metal clay will be available for purchase at the class if desired.

INSTRUCTOR: Kate LaBare, Bloem Handcrafted Jewelry

COST: $115

In this workshop, you'll learn about iris folding, an old technique from the Netherlands. It's easy to do, but you'd never guess it from the beautiful cards it creates.

You'll be able to choose from several designs and will create a few cards in the workshop. You'll also take home templates you can use to make cards for any holiday or event.

INSTRUCTOR: Alice Palmer

COST: $35

Join us for a beloved CGC annual event! Choose to create a centerpiece or a wreath, garland or swag. We'll supply a bundle of fresh cut greens, ribbon and wreath forms or centerpiece trays you can slip into your own container at home. Plan to bring your own pruners, wire-cutters or scissors. Gloves are recommended.

INSTRUCTORS: Sue Sturgeon (Master Gardener and CGC Board President) & Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $50

Join us for an evening of Sound Immersion with Sonya Verma, Inner Radiant Life! In the midst of a busy season, this evening will offer a restorative pause and a chance to slow down. Surrounded by the resonant sounds of gongs, singing bowls, flutes and other instruments, you will be guided into a space of deep relaxation, clarity and renewal.

INSTRUCTOR: Sonya Verma of Inner Radiant Life

COST: $25

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!

Discover the art and science of winemaking in this engaging workshop! Together we’ll explore Cincinnati’s rich winemaking history, learn about native grape varieties, and craft personalized wine recipes to ferment at home. You’ll participate in a guided tasting, and we’ll also introduce basic chemistry concepts related to wine, such as fermentation and balancing acidity. You'll leave with one pint of ingredients necessary for at-home fermentation. Participants must be 21 or older. All materials will be provided, with optional supplies available for purchase afterward.

INSTRUCTOR: Luis Aguilar-Dwyer, CGC Environmental Education Specialist

COST: $50

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!

Learn how to create a seasonal wreath or centerpiece with materials gathered from the garden! These all-natural works of art can be enjoyed through the holiday season and beyond. We’ll supply woven wreath forms, wire and tools and assist you in harvesting and constructing your own personalized autumn décor piece.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $35

Gardening tools are made to last, but they require proper care and maintenance. In this hands-on workshop you’ll get an overview of all the various tools you may encounter in the garden, how to use them and how to keep them clean and sharp.

Bring your own trusty tools from home or practice with the ones provided. You’ll leave feeling confident in garden tool care and ready to save money by making your tools last a lifetime.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz, CGC Horticulturist

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Learn how to create a seasonal wreath or centerpiece with materials gathered from the garden! These all-natural works of art can be enjoyed through the holiday season and beyond. We’ll supply woven wreath forms, wire and tools and assist you in harvesting and constructing your own personalized autumn décor piece.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $35

Come learn how to grow native plants from seed to seedling. We'll discuss seed collection, stratification, germination and transplanting as well as different seed starting methods using common household items. You'll even get to sow your own seeds to take home!

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Settlemyre, CGC Conservation Program Manager

COST: $35

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!

In this interactive class, we’ll create seasonal jams using ingredients like pomegranates, cinnamon and other warming spices that feel both festive and nourishing. You'll learn approachable jam-making techniques, safe storage tips and creative ways to use jams beyond toast. You'll leave with recipes, inspiration and a jar of jam to take home, feeling festive, confident and ready to share the joy of homemade jams with your loved ones! All ingredients will be provided.

INSTRUCTOR: Cofi

COST: $35

This class celebrates the beauty of our community gardens before the fall season takes them over. Prior to the class, the CGC will collect and preserve blooms from local sources for use during the class as a way to honor the work and care of our community gardeners.

After an introduction to the CGC’s community gardens, we'll learn about the ecological and agricultural value of flowers and biodiversity. You’ll gain insight into the history and uses of pressed flowers in both art and academia—including how they’re collected, pressed, labeled, scanned and mounted. A live demonstration will show how to handle delicate specimens, including dissection techniques for bulbous flowers, and then you’ll be provided with pressed flowers and supplies to design your own unique pressed-flower layout to take home.

INSTRUCTORS: Luis Aguilar-Dwyer (CGC Environmental Education Specialist) and Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)

COST: $35 / $30 for active CGC volunteer

If you want to be more involved in conservation efforts but don't know where to start, this class will give you the basics. Together, we’ll discuss ecology and the importance of ongoing efforts at the Civic Garden Center, conduct a basic ecological survey using our gardens and practice a simple biodiversity exercise using trees and vegetation sampling. You'll dip your toe into field skills like species identification and data collection and learn about how you can play a part in conservation efforts. No prior experience required.If you want to be more involved in conservation efforts but don't know where to start, this class will give you the basics. Together, we’ll discuss ecology and the importance of ongoing efforts at the Civic Garden Center, conduct a basic ecological survey using our gardens and practice a simple biodiversity exercise using trees and vegetation sampling. You'll dip your toe into field skills like species identification and data collection and learn about how you can play a part in conservation efforts. No prior experience required.

INSTRUCTOR: Luis Aguilar-Dwyer, CGC Environmental Education Specialist

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

In our Kraut class, you will learn fermenting basics and walk away with your very own crafted sauerkraut. In this hands-on workshop, Gary will teach you proper cutting, brining, seasoning and fermenting white you make a quart of kraut to take home and watch bubble up. Pickled Pig will provide all supplies.

INSTRUCTOR: Gary Lebyman, owner of The Pickled Pig

COST: $50

As the climate changes, gardeners will need to embrace new strategies and practices. Fortunately, there are plenty of plants that have evolved to withstand even the toughest drought conditions. With thick leaves, deep taproots and heat-beating adaptations, these native plants have what it takes to survive our new normal. Learn all about how you can garden to benefit local wildlife and create beauty in your yard when the rest of the neighborhood is looking tired and crispy.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz, CGC Horticulturist

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

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!

​Fall is here and the garden is bursting with edible treasures! Let’s find the roots, nuts and berries that can add local flavor and nourishment to our harvest feasts.

INSTRUCTOR: Howie Zuefle

COST: $20

Learn calm your mind and body with evidenced-based, nature-focused practices that reduce stress and anxiety, create better health, foster more joy and creativity and help us come closer to the reciprocity we have with nature.

INSTRUCTOR: Cathy Sacco

COST: $20

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!

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 also learn what a healthy compost pile requires to be productive and ways to troubleshoot common issues.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers

Are you struggling to manage invasive plants on your property Ideal for those with three acres or less to manage, this class will walk you through each step in the restoration process, from properly identifying the plants to developing a long-term management plan. You'll receive a small-scale land management plan outline to help guide your efforts following the class.

INSTRUCTOR: Sam Settlemyre, CGC Conservation Program Manager

COST: $20

Peak growing season may be coming to an end, but a gardener is busy year round (and so is Mother Nature). In this class, we'll discuss how to transition the garden into the cooler months. Learn what you can do to prepare for winter (like constructing a hoop house) and how to set your garden up for a successful season next year.

COST: FREE with code HUB2025!

Learn how to build powerful, nutrient-packed smoothies using fruits, vegetables, herbs and immune-boosting teas with Cofi Higgins of By Cofi. You'll learn about pairing flavor and function, edible garnishes and the wellness benefits of herbs and teas, then make and taste smoothies and even build a custom pack of ingredients to take home.

INSTRUCTOR: Cofi

COST: $35

Join CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator Kymisha Montgomery for a garden-to-plate event in the Concord Community Garden! We will harvest from the garden and discuss different vegetables and herbs, including their health benefits. A cooking demonstration will be provided.

COST: FREE with code HUB2025!

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! Free and open to the public; no registration required.

Join CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator Kymisha Montgomery for a garden-to-plate event in the Mt. Airy Community Garden! We will harvest from the garden and discuss different vegetables and herbs, including their health benefits. A cooking demonstration will be provided.

COST: FREE with code HUB2025!

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!