The Cheekwood Gardening School - Cheekwood
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Today's Hours | Tue: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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 register and learn more about the full curriculum.

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

Pollinator Roundtable-001
June 27, 2026

Pollinator Roundtable

Pollinator Roundtable June 27 | 9:30 AM Join us for a special panel discussion on what works for pollinators in…
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Bulb Planning for Spring-001
July 25, 2026

Bulb Planning for Spring

Bulb Planning for Spring July 25 | 9:30 AM Great spring bulb displays are actually planned in the summer! Learn…
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Cut Flower Gardening Sowing for Next Spring-001
July 29, 2026

Cut Flower Gardening: Sowing for Next Spring

Cut Flower Gardening: Sowing for Next Spring July 29 | 6 PM Some of the most beautiful cut flowers need…
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DSC05775
August 29, 2026

Happy, Healthy Houseplants

Happy, Healthy Houseplants August 29 | 11 AM Keep the lush look of summer going year-round. Learn how to select,…
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Spring Garden Kickoff: Your Garden Gameplan

March 7

Shake off the past season, and welcome spring with confidence! This class reviews everything you need to know to start the season strong. Whether you’re planning what to plant, starting seeds indoors, preparing new beds, or rehabilitating existing garden spaces, we’ll walk through it all. Leave with a practical checklist and renewed confidence for a thriving, resilient season ahead.

Spring Garden Kickoff: Your Garden Gameplan

March 7

Shake off the past season, and welcome spring with confidence! This class reviews everything you need to know to start the season strong. Whether you’re planning what to plant, starting seeds indoors, preparing new beds, or rehabilitating existing garden spaces, we’ll walk through it all. Leave with a practical checklist and renewed confidence for a thriving, resilient season ahead.

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

Parterre: Structure and Peace of Formal Gardens

August 9 | 10 AM

Explore how the structure of French parterre gardens can create a peaceful, meditative environment. Learn how to apply formal garden sensibilities in your space.

Instructor

Ellen Spicer, Landscape Designer

Location

The Courtyard Classroom
Not Yet Members: $40
Members: $32
Register

Are you interested in teaching at Cheekwood? Please submit a class proposal!
Class Proposal Form
Programs and Policies
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.

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