Does your landscape look tired near the end of summer? Give yourself and the wildlife around you a boost with fall-forward perennials. At their peak during late summer and fall, these species have unique charms and an important ecological role. They give pollinators the resources they need before transitioning to the next stage of development. The superstars of autumn, asters and goldenrods, are keystone species that lend outsized support to food webs. They and other fall-forward plants extend the season visually and offer a rich tapestry of color and radiance optimized for the changing angle of the sun. Join Shannon Currey, education and outreach at Izel Native Plants, to learn more about lighting up your landscape with fall in mind!
Join horticulture staff and volunteers on a walk around the Blomquist Garden of Native Plants to learn about connections between people, plants and place. Each month will feature a different seasonal topic related to gardening with native plants.
Join tree expert Matt Archibald, ISA board-certified master arborist at Leaf & Limb, for a walk to wonder at the beauty of trees and learn fascinating facts about various species, their ecological importance and their role in our environment.
Landscape water features are a feast for the eyes, and the sound of water cascading from a fountain or waterfall can be quite relaxing. The class presented by Sheldon Galloway, Owner and Head of Operations at Garden Environments, will talk about types of water features and the benefits of adding one to your garden. This program is part of the Hattie Meadows Gardening School, a free community learning project to spread knowledge and love of gardening. Classes will take place at the Stanford L. Warren Library from January through June 2026. This program is presented in partnership with Stanford L. Warren Library, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Durham County Cooperative Extension and made possible by the Durham Library Foundation.
Join Kavanah Anderson, director of learning and community engagement at Duke Gardens, for a conversational stroll in the garden that deepens your relationship with plants. Swap plant stories, dig into horticultural history, question what you know and practice multisensory observation on a playful amble through the Gardens that delights and disrupts your understanding of what a garden can be. Expect to learn from each other, share what you know and leave with more questions than you started with.
Join renowned topiary artist Michael P. Gibson, former artist-in-residence of the legendary Pearl Fryar and founder of Gibson Works Property Art, for an immersive, hands-on workshop that blends artistry with therapeutic horticulture. Learn the eight principles of the Gibson Method to Contemporary Topiary as you design, shape, refine and bring your own unique tabletop topiary vision to life. With personalized, one‑on‑one guidance from Gibson, experience how creative pruning can nurture both artistic expression and emotional well‑being. Each participant will receive a two-foot-tall evergreen shrub.
Pruning doesn’t have to be confusing or intimidating. This beginner talk presented by Mike Gibson, Topiary Artist and founder of Gibson Works Property Art, introduces basic pruning techniques and explores the principles of The Gibson Method, a creative approach to topiary that will help attendees make more confident, thoughtful cuts. This program is part of the Hattie Meadows Gardening School, a free community learning project to spread knowledge and love of gardening. Classes will take place at the Stanford L. Warren Library from January through June 2026. This program is presented in partnership with Stanford L. Warren Library, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Durham County Cooperative Extension and made possible by the Durham Library Foundation.
Enjoy an amazing array of these carefully pruned plants, created and exhibited by the Triangle Bonsai Society. This two-day exhibit will include more than 50 bonsai created in multiple styles, and you will have the opportunity to learn basic bonsai skills at daily demonstrations, ask questions and vote for your favorite. Register separately for a limited-capacity, hands-on bonsai workshop. Free, drop-in exhibit for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
Begin the process of creating a bonsai tree to take home while you learn about the art and science of this ancient practice. The skillful members of the Triangle Bonsai Society will introduce you to a variety of styles and traditions so you may begin training your plant. Plants, containers and all materials will be supplied in class for one bonsai plant per participant. Bonsai tools will be provided for use during the workshop.
Enjoy an amazing array of these carefully pruned plants, created and exhibited by the Triangle Bonsai Society. This two-day exhibit will include more than 50 bonsai created in multiple styles, and you will have the opportunity to learn basic bonsai skills at daily demonstrations, ask questions and vote for your favorite. Register separately for a limited-capacity, hands-on bonsai workshop. Free, drop-in exhibit for all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.