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
Container Gardening
Learn the basics of successful container gardening as we host BB Barns to discuss types of containers, soils, drainage, and plant selection. Everyone will learn basic design techniques for a beautiful container and be able to select plants afterward to make their own unique combination. Participants should bring a container between 12 to 24 inches in diameter. Everyone will select 3 quart sized winter annuals and a 4 pack or annuals, as well as soil to fill the pot. If you choose not to bring your pot, you can still take the plants home to plant. This program is held in the picnic shelter of the Botanical Garden Parking Lot.
Saturday, September 30
10:00am–12:00pm
$50 per person.
Sustainable Landscape Design Workshop
This day-long workshop focuses on the effective use of various plant materials through an artistic approach to design centering on form, texture, and color. With an emphasis on native plants, participants will learn how to use block design to create stunning combinations and draw realistic elevation views for communicating their ideas. Additionally, this course will provide research-based information on soil preparation for both herbaceous and woody plants.
Saturday, October 21
9:00am–5:00pm
$200 per person.
Soups, Herbs and Seasonings
Herbs can be dried and used in cooking throughout the year. Experiment with different ways to use dried herbs and spices, while creating a sampling of teas, seasoning mixes and soup bases to take home.
Saturday, November 18
10:00–11:00am
$20 per person.
Holiday Wreaths
Riverbanks will provide the wreath base and all the fresh greenery for you to create a unique fresh wreath. We will provide basic instructions and an assortment of seed pods to inspire participants to create the perfect wreath for their home.
Friday, December 15 / Saturday, December 16
10:00am–12:00pm
$30 per person.
Pruning Workshop
Join us for pruning tips and techniques as a guest speaker from BB Barns walks us through the Garden to demonstrate best practices. We will cover the basics of when to prune, correct pruning technique, what to look for when pruning plants, and tools to use to ensure healthy growth from trees and shrubs.
Saturday, February 10
10:00am–12:00pm
$20 per person.
Program Details
- Cost :
- Varies per class. Riverbanks members receive a discounted program ticket.
- 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.
