Events

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

October32025

Pansy Party

Independence & Great Neck Locations

You're officially invited to the Pansy Party, the ultimate fall garden celebration! From October 3th-5th, 2025, come join the fun with special deals on all your favorite fall plants and products, especially pansies. These blooms aren't just garden beauties, they're tough enough to thrive in cooler weather and bring vibrant color to any space. Spruce up your garden beds, create show-stopping containers, or add a seasonal touch to your decor. It’s all happening this weekend at our year-round locations. Don’t miss out on the party, your garden will thank you for it!

October102025

Pumpkins for Pups

Independence & Great Neck Locations

During the Guru Grand Prix: A Pumpkin Sales Extravaganza, we're adding an extra sprinkle of spooky fun for our furry friends! Bring your dog dressed in their best Halloween costume to our year-round locations from October 10th-12th, 2025, and receive a free mini pumpkin with your purchase! It’s a perfect opportunity to score some great deals and enjoy the festivities with your pup. Mini pumpkins are available while supplies last.

October102025

The Guru Grand Prix: A Pumpkin Sales Extravaganza

Both Year-Round locations

Get ready to rev your engines at The Guru Grand Prix: A Pumpkin Sales Extravaganza! This high-speed fall sales event is zooming into McDonald Garden Center from October 10th-12th, 2025. Get ready to score unbeatable deals on the best pumpkins, plants, and products to fuel your fall décor. During the weekend, we’ll also have free pumpkin painting, pumpkin yard games, a pumpkin workshop, and our action-packed Hallo-wiener Dog Race on Sunday, October 12th at 1pm. This event is your ultimate fall fuel up for your garden!

October122025

The Hallo-wiener Dog Race

Independence Location ONLY

Get ready for a howling good time at our Independence Blvd. location on October 12th at 1pm for the Hallo-wiener Dog Race! Come watch these speedy little racers zoom to the finish line or enter your own fast and fur-ious dachshund for a chance at some garden-themed prizes!

HOW TO ENTER YOUR DACHSHUND -

Remember, you don’t have to enter the race to join in on the fun, but if you do, here’s the next steps:

1. Message Cheryl Padden on Facebook or through email cherylpadden824@gmail.com.

2. Send Cheryl a picture of your pup as well as their name and state you are entering for the McDonald Garden Center Hallo-wiener Dog Race on October 12th.

3. Your ween is officially entered as a racer! Please arrive at our Independence Blvd. location by 12:30pm to check in for the race.

While this tail-wagging event is free to attend, donations are welcome, and all funds will go directly to the PAWS Wide Open Rescue. 

October182025

Fall Plein Air Painting Workshop

Independence Boulevard location ONLY

Discover the beauty of plein air painting in our Fall Plein Air Painting Workshop with Carly Melvin, a Virginia Beach native and lifelong artist trained at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Carly will guide you in capturing the essence of a fall garden still life, sharing techniques to the group and individually to help you refine your skills and develop your unique style as you paint out in the fresh fall air. Regardless if you’re a beginner or experienced, this workshop is the perfect chance to get creative outdoors.

This workshop is happening October 18th, 2025, at 11 am, set amidst the scenery of our Independence Blvd. location. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience of creating beautiful artwork in the great outdoors! Cost is $45, and includes all supplies.

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Fall Plein Air Painting Workshop