Gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for plants and nature with a variety of classes covering topics such as rain barrels, seed collecting, foraging, beekeeping, citizen science, and more. Or learn how to beautify your own home garden using organic and sustainable methods – just like 577! Monthly classes on topics such as how to grow a garden, planting for pollinators, tree care, permaculture, and more are taught by passionate community instructors, local partners, and 577 horticulture staff. Class topics vary each month and are taught in the Geodesic Dome, Virginia’s House, Cottage, and around the beautiful gardens and grounds of 577.
Upcoming Classes
577 Behind the Scenes Tour
Friday, October 4 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Join us for a guided tour of the 577 gardens and grounds, where you’ll gather inspiration and explore horticultural designs with our expert horticulturists, Bennett Dowling and Samantha Day.
Bennett will share his experience of redesigning various garden beds over his four years at 577, walking you through the process step by step. Samantha will showcase the woven features she’s integrated into garden spaces and discuss how she incorporates them into her designs. Both horticulturists will delve into key design elements, from mapping out a bed to selecting plants, and how they use color and texture to create visually captivating gardens.
Everyone will leave with plenty of ideas to try in their own gardens, along with handouts to help you get started.
577 Staff Instructors: Bennett O. Dowling & Samantha Day
Make Your Own Harvest Wreath
Tuesday, October 15 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Celebrate the harvest season with a wreath craft at 577! We will be using seed heads, dried flowers, herbs, and other beautiful wild plant cuttings to decorate our grapevine harvest wreath. You’ll be surprised how much beauty can come from plants that grow around our backyards and in our gardens!
Wreaths will be 100% biodegradable, using twine instead of wreath wire. All supplies are included. Participants will complete one wreath within the class time. Completed wreaths will be approximately 1 foot in diameter.
577 Staff Instructor: Samantha Day
Youth Gardening: Fall Kitty Flower Arrangement
Saturday, October 26 ~ 10am to 11am
Young gardeners with their adult partners will have fun making their own fall flower arrangement that looks like an adorable kitten. Together we will learn to create this foam-free arrangement that’s perfect for decorating your table for the season.
All supplies included and completed arrangements are approximately 2 ft by 2 ft. This class is designed for kids ages 6 to 17 with an adult guardian.
Please note: *Cost is per child ~ please register each child attending. Adults are free and do not need to register. Caregivers should attend class with their child.
Community Instructor: Danielle Garcia
Flowering Bulbs You Need To Know
Tuesday, October 29 ~ 6pm to 8pm
During fall, there are many tasks in the garden, but none compare to the eager anticipation of planting bulbs. We all know daffodils and tulips, but there are countless options for spring and early summer flowering bulbs that you can plant in the fall. Many of these uncommon bulbs are surprisingly simple to find for purchasing.
Join Bennett to learn about some of the most loved but under-utilized bulbs found here on the grounds of 577. This class will cover selection, planting, care, and resistance to pests. Participants will gain the confidence to discover their own favorite bulbs and take home a few to plant in their gardens.
577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling
Honeybees 101
Saturday, November 9 ~ 1pm to 2:30pm
Explore the amazing world of honeybees in this introductory class. Whether you are toying with the idea of beekeeping, looking for simple ways you can help our local bee population, or just love Apis mellifera, you will gain a better understanding of these amazing and vital creatures.
Learn about the diverse and interconnected workings of a honeybee hive, explore the lifecycle and jobs of bees, and see what a year of natural beekeeping looks like. Leave inspired and ready to support bees in big and small ways.
This class is the pre-requisite class needed for the Beekeeping 101 class schedule to take place in January and February 2025 at 577.
Community Instructor: Sara Grunberg
Thanksgiving Door Swag or Centerpiece
Monday, November 18 ~ 6pm to 8pm
It is the time of year to welcome family and friends into our homes and express gratitude for a bountiful season. Join us for a fun evening crafting festive door swags that can alternatively function as centerpieces. We will use natural materials including dried grasses, seedheads, and flowers to capture the festive colors and textures of fall. Swags will measure 18-24” long by 10-12” wide, and all materials are included.
577 Staff Instructor: Bennett O. Dowling
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.