Events

How-to classes, seminars, and make it/take workshops for both kids and adults from our garden experts.

May102024

Flower Bomb Mom

Friday, May 10, 2024 to Sunday, May 12, 2024

Year-Round Locations and Seasonal Garden Markets

This Mother’s Day, step up your game at McDonald Garden Center with our Flower Bomb Mom event! Whether she’s the queen of houseplants, a backyard botanist, or simply a lover of all things green, here’s how to plant a smile on her face:

Container Creation - Craft a custom container garden with her favorite colors. It's portable, personal, and perfect for patios or windowsills!
Yard Tapestry - Plant some vibrant annuals in her front or back yard. She'll love the burst of color brightening up her outdoor spaces!
Houseplant Haven - Gift a lush houseplant to green up her indoor space. It's like sending a long-lasting hug that cleans the air!

Celebrate all moms—human, furry, or honorary—with a splash of foliage and flowers. It’s the perfect way to leaf your mark on her heart!

Flower Bomb Mom

May152024

Adventures in Veggieland

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 to Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Year-Round Locations and Seasonal Garden Markets

Step right into the greenest adventure of the season! Welcome to McDonald Garden Center's Veggieland, where the magic of nature comes to life. From May 15th to 21st, 2024, get ready for a week bursting with veggie excitement, incredible savings, and gardening galore! Join our Green Team as they sprinkle their expertise on cultivating the freshest veggies, turning your garden into a vibrant paradise.

And don’t miss out on seeing none other than Mr. T-mato and his merry band of veggie pals! They'll guide you through this veg-tastic journey with whimsical signs and shareable moments on social media. Don't let this opportunity to learn, and save on your fave veggies, slip through your fingers. It's time to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Veggielanddd Bwah-buh-buh-BWAAAAHHHH!

Adventures in Veggieland

Previous Events

April272024

Solutions to Moles & Voles In-Store Seminar

Saturday, April 27, 2024 • 11:00AM

Independence & Great Neck Locations

Moles and voles are small but mighty creatures can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep them at bay. Our Green Team experts are here to share their expertise on effective and organic solutions to managing these pesky critters, ensuring that your lawn and garden stays healthy and safe for you and the environment. This FREE in-store seminar is available at both of our year-round locations on April 27th, 2024 at 11am. Open to all, no registration required.

Solutions to Moles & Voles In-Store Seminar

April262024

Bloom Bash

Friday, April 26, 2024 to Sunday, April 28, 2024

Year-Round Locations and Seasonal Garden Markets

Leap into spring with our "Bloom Bash" this weekend—a garden party like no other! It's not just a sale, it's a vibrant celebration of all things gardening, featuring a dazzling selection of outdoor plants. From lush perennials to brilliant annuals, we're stocking every variety under the sun to bring life and color to your garden.

And there's a twist! Mike the wacky tube man is back at our Independence Blvd. location, waving his way into the festivities with his unique brand of charm and energy. He's here to entertain as you explore the best plant deals around.

So, grab your garden gloves and get ready—this weekend, Bloom Bash is set to bring your garden dreams to life with spectacular plants and unbeatable deals!

Bloom Bash

April242024

Greenhouse Goat Yoga

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 • 6:00PM

Independence Boulevard location ONLY

Move your hooves to the mat and join us for our Greenhouse Goat Yoga experience April 24th at 6pm! We're turning up the plant-powered zen of our amazing greenhouse with a twist – adorable goats will be your furry co-yogis in this very special class. Led by an expert instructor from Fun with Goats, this class is not just about finding your inner planty powers but also about finding the joy in goat-ful antics. Please bring the essentials such as water, a yoga mat or towel, as these will not be provided for you. This class will be exclusively held at our Independence Blvd. location, cost is $35. Register online and in-store while supplies last.

Greenhouse Goat Yoga

April202024

Plein Air Painting Workshop

Saturday, April 20, 2024 • 11:00AM

Independence Boulevard location ONLY

Plein air painting, which involves creating artwork outdoors in natural light, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Unleash your inner artist and during our Plein Air Painting workshop with Carly Melvin, a Virginia Beach native and lifelong artist with a Bachelors of Art in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), specializing in watercolor and ink drawing.

With Carly's expert guidance, you'll learn how to capture the essence of a garden still life through painting, using techniques that will help you refine your skills and develop your own unique style. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and explore new possibilities.

All materials, including watercolor paper, watercolor paints, and brushes, will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and love for art. Carly will also offer individualized instruction and feedback throughout the workshop, helping you to take your skills to the next level and create something truly beautiful. Join us for this creative workshop on April 20th, 2024, at 11 am, set amidst the stunning natural scenery of our Independence location exclusively. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience of creating beautiful artwork in the great outdoors!

Cost is $35, and includes all supplies.

Online registration is now. closed. walk-in's are welcome while supplies last.

Plein Air Painting Workshop

April122024

Petal Power: A Garden Party

Friday, April 12, 2024 to Sunday, April 14, 2024

Year-Round Locations and Seasonal Garden Markets

Step through the looking glass into "Petal Power: A Garden Party," happening April 12-14 at McDonald Garden Center. This isn't your ordinary garden affair. Our Virginia Beach locales and pop-up markets are set to transform into a tableau straight out of a whimsical tale, where annuals dazzle and deals defy expectation.

Prepare to "paint the roses red" or any hue your heart desires with our spectacular selection of blooms. These deals are so good, they might just make you think you've fallen down a rabbit hole—but fear not, it's all real, and it's all here for the taking.

Don't be late for this very important date, where time stands still amongst the petals and leaves, inviting you to wander in wonder. Join us to cultivate a little enchantment in your own backyard, with just the right touch of madcap joy. "Petal Power: A Garden Party" is where every gardener finds their wonderland, no rabbit required.

Petal Power: A Garden Party

April62024

Strawberry Pot Workshop for Kids

Saturday, April 6, 2024 • 2:00PM

Independence Boulevard & Great Neck Locations

Get ready for a berry sweet time! We're thrilled to announce the return of one of our most popular workshops of the year - STRAWBERRY POTS! Let your little ones get their hands dirty and unleash their creativity as they paint and plant their very own strawberry planter.

This fun and interactive workshop is perfect for kids ages 3 and up and promises to be a sweet and memorable experience. With parental assistance required, kids and parents alike will learn about gardening and get a taste of the satisfaction that comes with growing their own food.

For just $15, all supplies and instruction are included, so all you have to do is show up and let the creativity flow. And don't worry, we'll take care of the messy stuff, so you can focus on making sweet berry memories with your little ones. Don't miss out on this berry delightful workshop!

SOLD OUT at both year-round locations online. Please give our stores a call or walk-in's are available while supplies last.

Strawberry Pot Workshop for Kids

April62024

Decoupage Planter Workshop

Saturday, April 6, 2024 • 11:00AM

Independence Boulevard location ONLY

Are you ready to turn your green thumb into an artistic masterpiece? Get ready to dive into the wonderful world of decoupage, where you'll discover how to create stunning designs. Under the guidance of our expert Green Team instructors, you'll learn how to transform an ordinary terracotta planter into a one-of-a-kind work of art that's as unique as you are.

We'll provide all the materials you need, including an array of paper choices, decoupage glue, and planters, so all you need to bring is your imagination and enthusiasm. Not only will you walk away with a beautiful new planter to take home, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you created it with your own two hands.

It’s time to flex your crafty muscles and create a piece that's uniquely yours. Join us for the Decoupage Planter Workshop at both of our year-round locations on April 6th, 2024, at 11 am, and let your creativity blossom!

Cost is $25, and includes all supplies.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-in’s available while supplies last.

Decoupage Planter Workshop

March302024

Pizza Garden Workshop for Kids- with pizza party!

Saturday, March 30, 2024 • 11:00AM

Independence Boulevard & Great Neck Locations

What could be better than growing your own ingredients and making pizza? Join us for an exciting Herb Pizza Container Garden workshop designed just for kids! Kids love the satisfaction of eating what they've grown, and what better way to indulge in that joy than with everyone's favorite—pizza! In this hands-on workshop, children ages 5 and up will dive into the basics of planting and nurturing herbs in pots. Guided by our Green Team, young gardeners will not only learn essential gardening skills but will also get to create their very own herb pizza container garden to take home. Plus, there will be actual pizza served as a snack to munch on after getting their hands dirty planting up their pizza gardens. Parental assistance is required to ensure everyone has a blast!

Cost is $20, all supplies, instruction, and pizza is included. Each child will receive an 8-inch plastic pot, assorted herbs, and soil to kickstart their garden journey.

Online registration is now closed. To register, you can give our stores a call or walk-ins are welcome while supplies last.

March292024

Mulch Madness 2.0

Friday, March 29, 2024 to Sunday, March 31, 2024

Independence & Great Neck Locations

Following last weekend's rainy setback, "Mulch Madness" is finally getting its chance to shine. With brighter skies ahead, we invite you to get back to business with a mulch-needed mulching session. Don't miss this chance to freshen-up for spring with amazing deals on mulch! Mulching is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and thriving garden. It not only helps to keep your garden clean and tidy, but it also helps regulate soil temperature, conserves moisture, and suppresses weed growth. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Our Mulch Madness event is the perfect opportunity to stock up on high-quality mulch at incredible prices. From March 29th-31st, 2024, take advantage of our exclusive deals on a wide selection of mulch and mulching products to start your garden off right for the spring season. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your gardening experience and give your plants the care they deserve.

Mulch Madness 2.0

March232024

Spring Tea & Wreath Making Workshop

Saturday, March 23, 2024 • 11:00AM

Independence Boulevard & Great Neck Locations

Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and whimsical embellishments. Our Spring Wreath Workshop on March 23rd at 11am, at both of our year-round locations, is the perfect opportunity to welcome the season with open arms and a beautiful wreath. And don't forget to indulge in the delightful combination of creativity and comfort as you sip on freshly brewed tea and nibble on warm crumpets during the workshop!

Our Green Team will provide you with an 18-inch grapevine wreath, and guide you through the process as you add a pop of spring with dried and faux florals. You'll learn how to craft a one-of-a-kind wreath that's sure to cause front door envy. No experience required—just bring your imagination.

Cost is $50, and includes all supplies.

Online registration is now closed. Walk-in's are welcome while supplies last.