Connect with nature and deepen your appreciation for the environment through Gardening, Nature & Conservation classes at 577. From rain barrels and seed collecting to foraging, beekeeping, and citizen science, these classes offer hands-on opportunities to explore the natural world.
Learn how to create a thriving home garden using organic and sustainable methods—just like 577! Monthly classes cover topics such as growing a garden, planting for pollinators, tree care, and permaculture, all taught by passionate community instructors, local partners, and 577 horticulture staff.
With topics changing each month, classes take place in the Geodesic Dome, Virginia’s House, the Cottage, and throughout 577’s beautiful gardens and grounds, where learning is inspired by the landscape itself.
Upcoming Classes
October classes open for registration on Wednesday, August 27, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Make a Flower Arrangement: From Field to Vase
Thursday, September 18 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Create a beautiful summer bouquet while learning about the importance of sourcing your flowers locally. Participants will be guided through the basics of flower arranging to make and take home their own medium-sized arrangement using flowers grown at Becca’s cut flower farm, arranged in a glass jar. All supplies are included. This class is led by Becca, a local flower farmer and floral designer.
We’ll also explore the benefits of using flowers that are grown in our area. More and more, we’re considering the sources of our food—and we’ll chat about why the flowers we pick up at the supermarket should be part of that same conversation.
Class Note: Some participants enjoy wearing gardening gloves during this class.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Basket Making: Woven Grapevine Tray
Thursday, September 25 ~ 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Saturday, September 27 ~ 2pm to 6pm
Learn how to create a beautiful woven tray using wild grapevine harvested right here at 577! In this hands-on class, you’ll form the tray’s rim with natural grapevine, then use round reed to secure the ribs and flat reed to weave the base. The finished tray will be approximately 14 inches in diameter—perfect for displaying on your table or counter as a decorative piece.
Most participants will complete their tray during the 4-hour session, but if you need more time, you’ll leave with the skills and all the materials you need to finish your project at home.
577 Staff Instructor: Samantha Day
Pressed Flower Pumpkin Pair
Monday, October 6 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Decorate beautiful autumn pumpkins without the mess of carving! In this creative, hands-on workshop, you’ll use pressed flowers and foliage grown at River Bend Homestead to transform simple pumpkins into works of seasonal art.
Participants will arrange their blooms and greenery on each pumpkin, securing them with an all-natural adhesive that enhances the natural beauty. You’ll learn simple tips for composition and preservation so your creations will last well through the season. Everyone will leave with a pair of unique, handcrafted pumpkins—perfect for displaying as festive décor or gifting to someone special.
Community Instructor: Becca Mathews
Honeybees 101
Saturday, October 11 ~ 10am to 11:30am
Explore the fascinating and complex world of honeybees, from their behaviors to their importance in nature. 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, participants 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, see what a year of natural beekeeping looks like, and leave inspired and ready to support bees in big and small ways. **Please note: This class is the prerequisite class needed for Beekeeping 101 classes at 577. **
Community Instructor: Sara Grunberg
Collab Class: Pottery & Weaving
Two-Part Class:
Friday, October 17 ~ 12pm to 1pm
Friday, November 7 ~ 1pm to 4pm
*This two-part class is open to adults 18 and over; no prior clay or weaving experience is needed.
Create a unique clay and coiled fiber vessel in this beautiful collaboration of nature and pottery, led by 577 Horticulturist Samantha Day and Pottery Manager & Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler.
In the first session, Julie will guide you in creating your ceramic base using slab-building techniques. You’ll add holes around the edges for weaving, explore interesting textures to decorate your piece, and choose a gorgeous glaze color. Your base will stay with Julie for firing and glazing.
A couple of weeks later, you’ll return for your weaving session with Samantha. She’ll show you how to wax thread and a needle to coil grasses on the edge of your ceramic base, then weave upward to complete your vessel.
Two days of creativity and fun — no prior clay or weaving experience needed! You’ll leave with a stunning, one-of-a-kind treasure that blends the best of both worlds.
577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler & Samantha Day
Make Your Own Harvest Wreath
Saturday, October 25 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm
Monday, October 27 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm
Celebrate the harvest season with a wreath craft at 577, using seed heads, dried flowers, herbs, and other beautiful wild plant cuttings. You’ll be surprised by 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
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.