Adult Programs

We didn’t forget about the grown-ups at Riverbanks! Get to know the Botanical Garden, learn new gardening techniques, or invite us to visit your community with one of our Adult Programs.

Garden Workshops

Hands-on workshops and classes for those with a love for learning to dig up fascinating facts about native and exotic plant life at Riverbanks and beyond. Expert horticulturists engage participants with hands-on workshops and demonstrations.

Scheduled Programs

Succulent Wreath Workshop

Create a unique living wreath planted with a variety of succulents to adorn a table or a door.

Saturday, March 23

10:00–11:30am

Ages 16 and up.

$40 per person.

Plant N Pour

Join us as we merge pollinators, gardening, and happy hour for these fun 21+ programs at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. Participants will each receive two drink tickets while learning about the importance of native pollinators and how to support their populations at home. The first hour provides time to enjoy a beverage and explore our pollinator gardens before attending the program portion at 7:00pm.

Wednesday, April 10 (Painting) / Thursday, May 9 (Gardening)

6:00–8:00pm

Ages 21 and up.

$45 per person.

Container Gardening Workshop

Create a stunning, colorful container for the summer with plants, tips, and techniques presented by BB Barns. Participants should bring a container of their choice with a diameter of 16-24 inches, and we will provide the soil, plants and expertise!

Saturday, April 20

10:00am–12:00pm

Ages 16 and up.

$50 per person.

A Chickadee’s Guide to Gardening by Doug Tallamy

Join us for a special presentation by author Doug Tallamy, the leading expert on backyard bugs, to learn how to choose plants for your garden that help our environment. Through 42 years of teaching insect related courses and authoring 4 books and hundreds of research papers, Doug is an award-winning expert in the field. His primary research goal is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how those interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. Wingard’s Market and Riverbanks are delighted to co-host this presentation, which has something to offer every gardener. Gates open at 6, the presentation begins at 7. Light refreshments will be available. More info.

Thursday, May 16

6:00–8:30pm

Ages 16 and up.

$40 per person.

Program Details

Cost :
Varies per class. Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will also be required for programs during normal park hours.
Location :
Programs typically take place in the Waterfall Junction Learning Center. The instructor will notify participants of exact location if held elsewhere, but all programs are held at Riverbanks Botanical Garden.
Registration :
Pre-registration is required for all activities. Upon receipt of your registration, a confirmation will be sent when you are placed in the activity.

Guided Garden Tours

Whether your group includes casual visitors or avid gardeners, young students, or seasoned explorers, a trained horticulturist will help you develop a fun and interactive tour to fit your needs.

Program Details

Cost :
$5 per person (10 person minimum), plus admission fees. $75 tour fee.
Capacity :
Maximum of 20. For groups of more than 20, an additional tour guide will be provided.
Program Length :
May be scheduled Monday–Saturday. Tours last approximately one hour.

Register for Tour

Registration :
Tours must be scheduled in advance by calling 803.602.0813.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation or date change requests must be received ten days in advance of the event. Requests must be submitted in writing at education@riverbanks.org. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will retain a $2 processing fee for cancellations and charge a $2 processing fee for date changes.

In the rare event that Riverbanks Zoo and Garden must cancel the scheduled event, all deposits or money received will be reimbursed or an option to reschedule will be provided. Notification of cancellation will be provided at least ten days prior to the scheduled event (unless weather-related). Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is not liable for any other expenses that the guest may have incurred in the preparation and execution of the event.

Refunds will not be provided for individuals who do not show up for the event.

Questions about Adult Programs?

Please call 803.602.0803 or email us.