Learn from skilled instructors hailing from local Master Gardeners, area plant societies, and Cheekwood’s own in-house experts!
All current class offerings are listed below. Please check back seasonally for new opportunities.
These classes and workshops are for participants 18 years old and older only. Minors should not be brought into classrooms and other instructional areas.
The Cheekwood Gardening School is presented by
Introducing the
Advanced Garden Design Certificate
at Cheekwood
We’re thrilled for the launch of our first-ever advanced gardening education program in May 2026! Grow your green thumb expertise and connect with local peers and experts, all while creating your own hands-on learning portfolio.
The Cheekwood Advanced Garden Design Certificate is composed of six core courses and three electives, plus three Garden Gatherings, and mentorship for each student. This 11-month program is a guided journey through all the seasons at Cheekwood and in your own garden. Core courses focus on advanced design, horticulture, and ecology. Then, pursue your unique interests with electives across three themes – edible gardening, seasonal topics, and garden history + culture.
Program Investment for the complete 11-month certificate:
$650 for Members
$700 for Not-Yet Members
Looking for a fresh take on a garden club? This program is designed for gardeners ready to grow their design skills and ecological knowledge in a community of plant-loving peers.
Core Required Courses for the Certificate
May 16, 2026 | Soil & Site Analysis
June 13, 2026 | Advanced Garden Design Principles
September 2026 | Applied Tools for Garden Design
October 2026 | Gardens as Ecosystems
January 2027 | Sustainable Gardening Practices
February 2027 | Plant Health & Pathology
Interested in the certificate program?
Email [email protected] to be notified when registration opens at the end of February 2026 and to learn more about the full curriculum and experience.
Explore Seasonal Lecture Classes
Not ready for the certificate program? Try our lecture-style classes across a range of timely topics. From seasonal container design to spring veggie gardening, our classes can help you grow with confidence.
$32 for Members | $40 for Not Yet Members
Spring Garden Kickoff: Your Garden Gameplan
Spring Vegetable Gardening
Math in Bloom: Maximizing Your Garden Space
Math in Bloom: Matrix Planting 101
Spring Container Design
Growing Roses in Middle Tennessee
Designing with Native Plants
