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.
Are you interested in teaching at Cheekwood? Please submit a class proposal!
Class Proposal Form
The Cheekwood Gardening School is presented by
Spring Classes
Designing with Trees: The Carell Dogwood Garden
April 26 | 9:30 AM
Get some Arbor Day inspiration for your garden landscape with a guided tour through Cheekwood’s Carell Dogwood Garden. Learn about the incredible diversity of the dogwood family and gain insight into how to protect, design with, and care for these incredible plants.
Instructor
Peter Grimaldi, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
The Nashville Tree Canopy
April 26 | 12 PM
Explore the importance of trees and the major canopy species of Middle Tennessee. Venture through three different woodland ecoregions on a guided tour of the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail.
Instructor
Sage McClain, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Summer Classes
Gardening with Annuals: Creating Visual Delights
May 10 | 9:30 AM
Discover how to select, arrange and care for annuals that thrive in summer conditions. Build your design plan in class, then visit our Summer Annuals Plant Sale for ideas.
Instructor
Staff, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Designing Containers with Summer Annuals
May 10 | 12 PM
Interested in creating stunning summer displays for your patio, porch, or outdoor spaces? In this class, you’ll learn how to choose the right plants, arrange them artfully, and care for container gardens in summer heat.
Instructor
Staff, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Tomato 101
May 17 | 9:30 AM
Prepare for a successful tomato growing season. Learn about common tomato plant mishaps and disorders and discover related remedies.
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Planting Your Summer Vegetable Garden
May 17 | 12 PM
Grow your own fresh produce this season with expert strategies for planting, tending, and harvesting your favorite summer vegetables. Perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Historic Garden Design: Selections from England, France, and Italy
June 3 | 1:30 PM
Explore iconic garden styles from England’s varied landscapes to France’s formal parterre, and Italy’s Renaissance villas. Discover key design elements and historical context.
Instructor
Dr. Marc Lavine, Retired Historian
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $5
Members: $5
Register
Designing Native Plant Gardens
June 4 | 1:30 PM
Tennessee is one of the most biodiverse states in the country. Learn how to design a native plant garden that showcases Middle Tennessee’s splendor and supports local ecosystems.
Instructor
Paul Prill, Master Gardener
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $5
Members: $5
Register
Dig In: Kid-Friendly Gardening
June 5 | 1:30 PM
Get your hands dirty together! This kid-friendly class blends fun, take-home gardening activities with composting and soil care basics. Open to adults and accompanying children.
Instructor
Kaitlyn McGrath, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $5
Members: $5
Register
Bringing Birds to Your Garden
June 6 | 1:30 PM
Explore practical options to attract birds and wildlife. Learn about plants, structures, and practices that support bird populations and create a lively ecosystem you can enjoy year-round.
Instructor
Pandy Upchurch, Tennessee Healthy Habitats
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $5
Members: $5
Register
Touch Grass: Mental Health Benefits of Nature
June 7 | 1:30 PM
Discover nature’s impact on your well-being. Learn the science of nature-based wellness, then participate in a mindful forest walk with a certified local guide.
Instructor
Sarah Champion, Certified Guide, Association of Nature & Forest Therapy
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $5
Members: $5
Register
Success in Herb Gardening
June 21 | 9:30 AM
Ready to grow your own ingredients? Learn how to expertly grow and care for herbs, ensuring you have fresh flavors and remedies on hand.
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Gardening in the South: Techniques to Beat the Heat
June 21 | 12 PM
It’s going to be another hot summer in Nashville! Join us to learn the top techniques for successful summer gardening.
Instructor
Madeline Roberson
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Shade Tolerant Plants
July 12 | 9:30 AM
“Shady grove, my little love!” Learn how to select, plant, and care for plants that thrive in shady sites.
Instructor
Staff, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Starting Lawn Alternatives: Pocket Prairies and Rain Gardens
July 12 | 12 PM
Summer heat is tough on traditional lawns. Join us to learn about water-smart lawn alternatives that help you save resources and support your local ecosystem
Instructor
Staff, Cheekwood
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Design Seminar: Bulb Design for Your Space
July 19 | 8 AM
Design a colorful bulb display for any space. From containers and pots to full garden plots, work with our Gardens team to plan your spring showcase. This special garden lecture includes early access to the gardens and hands-on design time. Plus, participants have an exclusive opportunity to order bulbs from Cheekwood’s own supplier!
Harvesting Summer Vegetables (and Recipe Swap)
July 26 | 9:30 AM
As you grow your summer bounty, learn about how to harvest and prepare your fresh produce. Bring a recipe to share!
Instructor
Sarah Ruzic & Abi Tapia, Tennessee Kitchen Gardens
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Looking Ahead: Planning Your Fall Garden
July 26 | 12 PM
Get a head start on autumn and learn how to prepare your soil and choose the perfect plants for the upcoming growing season
Instructor
Madeline Roberson
Location
The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register
Cancellation Policy for All Series
Refund requests must be submitted to [email protected] 72 hours prior to the program’s start date and time. The registration fee will be refunded less a ten percent processing charge.
Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable on and after the program’s start date. Cheekwood cannot refund fees requested on or after the start date of a program or for sessions missed due to illness or other personal situations.