Black grow pots with red and yellow cherry tomatoes growing up grow poles in a sunny setting.
A wooden table with a bonsai tree, along with gardening tools
A woman in glasses paints at a table outdoors while holding a sketchpad. Others are seated around the table focused on their artwork. Sunny and relaxed setting.
man bent over in a green bushes, pointing a camera at a plant
close up of a hand trimming a bonsai tree with gardening sheers
group of women performing yoga poses in an open field

As part of our mission to educate, we offer informational programs for everyone from beginning “green thumbs” to master gardeners, including children and adults. Registration is required for all programs and workshops, except Discover Bonsai. Member discounts are available.

ADULT PROGRAMS

DISCOVER BONSAI

Led by Smith-Gilbert Gardens Staff, 9 AM to 11 AM, March through November. Open to all visitors; included with garden admission

Visit Smith-Gilbert Gardens on the 2nd Saturday of each month (with some exceptions noted on the events calendar) to see staff evaluate, care for and prune the Gardens’ bonsai collection. 

Visitors are welcome to ask questions and talk with staff and the volunteers to learn more about this ancient art.

If you’re interested in learning more about bonsai, please plan a visit on the 2nd Saturday.

(Please note: We request you do not bring your personal bonsai trees to the Gardens.)

GARDEN LEARNING SERIES

Our Garden Learning Series workshops occur every third Saturday of the month. Learn something new every month from planting pollinator containers to beginning your own bonsai to preparing your garden for seasonal fruits and vegetables.

FOREST BATHING AND MEDITATION IN THE GARDENS

These two classes alternate monthly and provide visitors with mindful walks and peaceful restoration in nature.

MONTHLY ART WORKSHOPS

A variety of instructors teach art techniques with the Gardens as their inspiration. Try out printmaking, painting, botanical drawing or paint outdoors with the guidance of local landscape artists.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

LITTLE SPROUTS

Moms, dads, caregivers and little sprouts ages 0-4 can enjoy music, movement, play and story time. Join us each month from 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. for a different theme and story.

HOMESCHOOL DAY

Bring your homeschool students and enjoy a morning of fun and fascination in the gardens! Homeschool families will experience a variety of activities in a station format that showcase the gardens through history, nature and art. Explore garden themed related crafts, activities, experiments and demonstrations throughout the morning. Guest presenters and organizations will share their connection to nature with interactive activities. Pre-registration required: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Homeschool Days will take place quarterly.

young girl with blonde hair examining a vegetable on a vine
A woman reading a picture book to a group of toddlers
A young girl following an adult woman through a lush, green garden
A man in an orange shirt kneels on grass, pointing at flowers in a garden, while a toddler in a green shirt observes, surrounded by greenery.
A group of people, including children, gather on lush grass in a sunlit park. The mood is relaxed and joyful.
two young children sitting at a table on a grassy area, painting