Workshops

McDonald Garden Center offers classes and hands-on workshops for both children and adults throughout the year. Designed to provide "something for everyone," group workshop sessions cover a variety of horticulture topics that provide useful and practical information no matter what your level of gardening experience. Perfect for gardening groups, kids' birthday parties or a girls' night out – pick a workshop or class and grow! Workshops are held at both our Independence and Great Neck locations.

For workshop/class availability and costs inquiries email workshops@mcdonaldgardencenter.com

• Workshops are available for groups of 10 or more up to 30

• Reservations subject to availability

• In order to meet workshop inventory needs, workshops must be booked two weeks in advance

Year-Round Workshops
Available weekdays only - please inquire for exact timing
Terrarium
Terrarium
Terrariums are not only trendy but easy to care for -- just plant it and forget it. For even the most botanically inept, terrariums are extremely easy to create and amazingly low-maintenance. When properly planted and located, they provide a unique way to grow assorted plants with minimal care.
$30 - $50
Kids' Terrarium
Kids' Terrarium
All the fun of our larger adult terrarium, but in a smaller, more whimsical package. Hands-on workshop for kids ages 3 and up. Parental assistance required.
$15 - $20
Fairy Gardens
Fairy Gardens
Fairy gardening continues to be a trend we love and with all the customizable options the threshold for frolicsome fun reaches glittery unicorn and pot-of-gold-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow status!
$50
Kids' Mini Fairy Gardens
Kids' Mini Fairy Gardens
All the fun of our larger adult fairy garden, but in a smaller, more whimsical package. These miniature gardens bring magnanimous amounts of fun for kids ages 3 and up. Parental assistance required.
$15 - $20
DIY Landscape Design
DIY Landscape Design
Ever wanted to create a professional-looking landscape design but didn’t know where to start? Let our experts teach you the ins and outs of creating and implementing a successful landscape design. Participants will receive a complimentary $10 off coupon towards the purchase of plants and products to get you started on your landscape project.
$15
Succulent Centerpiece
Succulent Centerpiece
Succulents continue to be the center of our world here at McDonald Garden Center (we can’t get enough of them!), so why not make them the center of our table? Adding a living element to your décor is sure to bring life to any design style.
$50
Succulent Container
Succulent Container
Succulents are striking on their own but arranging them in groups or by introducing a colorful variety will surely up the wow factor in your home and garden. Experiment with these garden gems by adding a succulent container to a balcony, deck or patio. And don't fret, you don't have to live in a warm climate to utilize outdoors - there are plenty of cold hardy varieties that will weather the winter. Or, plant the tender succulents in a container that you can bring indoors during those cold winter months.
$50
Kids' Pot Pals
Kids' Pot Pals
Kid will create their own bee-utiful bumblebee, ladybug, or butterfly pot pal, all while learning about these beneficial bugs! Hands-on workshop for kids ages 3 and up. Parental assistance required.
$10-$15
Seasonal Workshops
Available weekdays only - please inquire for exact timing
Kids' Strawberry Planting & Pot Painting
Kids' Strawberry Planting & Pot Painting
Available March - May
We are “berry” excited to offer one of our most popular and delicious workshops - STRAWBERRY POTS! Let your little ones dig into an activity as sweet as them by painting and planting a strawberry plant. A bonus? We’ll clean up the mess! Hands-on workshop for kids ages 3 and up. Parental assistance required.
$10 - $15
Mosquito Repellent Container
Mosquito Repellent Container
Available June - August
When the temperature rises, so do the number of peeving pests. One natural way to combat these irking insects is through mosquito-repelling plants. Create a custom planter that not only has bug-battling benefits but also looks sharp and stylish in your outdoor space. Let us put the "fun" in "functional" as we walk and talk you through all the steps. The only things that will be "abuzz" are the compliments you’ll receive on this beautiful container.
$10 - $15
Herb Container
Herb Container
Available March - June
Growing your own herbs is easy and rewarding. Fresh herbs are easy to grow indoors and as many chefs know, can mean the difference between a good dish and an extraordinary dish! Once you begin to use fresh herbs in your favorite recipes, you'll never want go back to using just dried herbs again. Try growing an indoor herb garden to keep your favorite herbs right at your fingertips.
$10 - $15
Year-Round Classes
Available weekdays only - please inquire for exact timing
Lawn Classes
Lawn Classes
Learn from the local lawn experts and tackle that fall lawn once and for all. This class will cover both total renovation and maintenance for traditional fall lawns and organic lawns.
$10 per person for groups of less than 10 • FREE for groups of 10 or more
Moles & Voles
How to Rid Your Yard of Moles & Voles
Learn how to effectively rid your yard of these garden pests. Moles and voles can be a major nuisance causing damage as well as frustration to Hampton Roads' gardeners. Our experts will provide organic solutions that are safe for you and the environment.
$10 per person for groups of less than 10 • FREE for groups of 10 or more
Pruning 101
Pruning 101
A comprehensive guide to pruning by the McDonald Garden Center experts that includes what tools are essential as well as how to prune crepe myrtles, shrub roses, long stem roses and more.
$10 per person for groups of less than 10 • FREE for groups of 10 or more