Whether designing one garden or several, the first step is to learn the foundation and classical inspirations of garden design. In this visually captivating online class, landscape designer Irene Barber will introduce students to the universal design principles that have evolved from ancient civilizations and are applied as a language that is represented throughout different garden themes and cultures. From kitchen gardens to tea gardens and even permaculture gardens, discover how to apply these diverse foundations and inspirations essential to all designers today. Class Level: Intermediate

Prevent damage and promote healthy plant growth through this four-part series spanning winter to early summer with the Gardens’ Arborist and IPM Specialist, Garth Welch. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to basic pruning objectives and practices, and show you how to effectively apply these methods through the growing season to specific species, from dormancy to active growth. Opening topics covered will include plants and plant physiology, pruning objectives, dormant pruning, and pruning tools; later sessions will cover hydrangea pruning, pruning flowering perennials and shrubs, and conifers. Class level: Beginner-Intermediate

Understanding geography and cultural history is pertinent when making garden design decisions, particularly in New England, which has unique and diverse landscapes. In this introductory online garden design class, students will learn how to establish a sense of place and belonging wherever their prospective garden will be located, from river valleys to rolling fields to narrow, rocky corridors. No matter the elements you want to incorporate, this class will help you get creative while staying true to a sense of place. Class Level: Intermediate

Creating a base plan for your garden may not be considered the most exciting part of the process, but it is an all-important one! This in-person class combines lecture and practicum and will focus on measuring techniques for a new garden area or selected landscape area of your property. We will also develop a base plan, which serves as the beginning stages of capturing existing inventory and conditions. During this session, we will demonstrate how to use scales and translate gathered information into a scaled drawing and a key. Class Level: Intermediate

With a base plan in hand to begin the site inventory process, this class continues the essential work of assessing existing landscape elements that influence design decisions, including topography, hardscape features, water, buildings, wildlife, and more. This online session will help students discover factors they might not have considered before and learn how to document and sketch out a visual diagram that provides a clearer understanding of any variables to consider. Students will practice drafting skills, develop a design key, and evaluate the conditions of features and variables on a site. Class Level: Intermediate

Applying effective structure and movement to a garden fulfills a desired experience, engaging a person to physically or visually move throughout the living space with a purpose or goal. Structure and movement establish a program arranging key components and complementary features within and transitioning between spaces. Beyond thinking of a row of shrubs, a fence, a path, or a wall, students will learn how to shape and organize an area for use, transition, circulation, and enclosure to lead the eye to micro and macro destinations. We’ll explore design patterns and basic geometry to achieve our goals. With a few conceptual plans sketched, the next step is to practice applying these organizational and aesthetically functional tools. Class Level: Intermediate

Join dahlia lover and horticulturist Courtney Locke to learn the best methods for growing these stunning gems. We’ll cover all aspects of locating, planting, and growing dahlia tubers, including purchasing, site planning, soil preparation, staking, feeding, pest protection, and (finally!) cutting and enjoying these sumptuous flowers. Class Level: all.

A well-designed year-round garden is made up of layers, from groundcovers to the highest canopies. A garden design planview helps to show detailed arrangement of the materials, including any paths, fences, walls, buildings, and plants. This class explores the drawing process of how to clearly select, separate, and illustrate layers of information onto layered drafts of trace paper. The most important layer of the design includes the Base Plan, created in Class 3 of this Series. Students will leave the interactive workshop with a new or refreshed perspective of their garden and overall landscape and know how to articulate the layers that make for clear and comprehensive garden design. Class Level: Intermediate

A comprehensive drawn plan enables designers to understand the scope and requirements of implementing a new garden. In this final session of the Garden Design: 8-Part Series, we focus on the final steps of the design process from paper to building and enjoyment. After a brief recap of the design process, we'll address how to merge layers of information that are essential to communicating the design. Through lecture and group collaboration, students will present their design projects and exchange constructive feedback. We'll explore sustainable means for making the design come to fruition, including developing a budget, material selection and procurement, identifying the manual and mechanical installation processes, and creating a garden management plan. Students should come with a design project they've been working on, no matter the stage. Class Level: Intermediate