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Introduction to Yamadori/Bonsai

Learn the art of Yamadori

Yamadori—or the practice of skillfully training foraged plant specimens into works of art known as Bonsai—is the topic of this fascinating workshop led by Bonsai enthusiast, Peter Bethune.

Yamadori is the most coveted type of Bonsai because of the characteristics that are unique to each specimen. Only time and nature can sculpt the uniquely gnarled and twisted trunks and branches of each plant, and the interesting shapes and lines that result tell a story that cannot be replicated in a nursery.

In this workshop you will learn how to use plants, shrubs, and trees from your back yard to create beautiful Bonsai that last for years.

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Kokedama Ball Workshop

Create a floating garden for your home or patio!

Join nursery manager, Taylor, and the Calgo Team for a complimentary lunch (your choice of soup, half sandwich, drink and dessert provided by the Tulip Tree Café) and a workshop designed to teach you how to create a Kokedama Ball using either succulent or fern.

Each participants will make their own Kokedama Ball to take home.

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

$45.95

Design an Indoor Houseplant Arrangement

Create a plant arrangement that will dress up any spot in your home!

In this free workshop led by Calgo staff you will learn what plants best suit your needs (depending on your setting) and how to arrange them in an interesting and artistic way.

If you would like to create your own arrangement you can choose from a vast variety of unique plants in the nursery and our selection of fine glazed pottery. Prices will vary:

Small arrangement (in a 4" pot): ~$20
Medium arrangement (in a 12" pot): ~$30-$40
Large arrangement (in pots larger than 12"): ~$45+.

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Terrarium Building

Join us in the potting shed!

Calgo staff will provide guidance as you build your masterpiece from a variety of plant options from our greenhouse collection, pottery and terrariums in which to plant them, and plenty of accessories to add a decorative finishing touch.

Building a terrarium is the perfect way to introduce nature into your home by providing a little ecosystem designed for your plants, whether they be ferns or succulents.

This informal workshop is great for all ages! 

To sign up for this workshop through Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Scavenger Hunt!

Join the fun during this day-long event!

While this event is free, we ask that each person bring one non-perishable food item that will be donated to the local food pantry.

All participants of the scavenger hunt will receive a worksheet with a list of riddles. Answer the riddles for clues that will help you find the numbered rocks we've hidden in our gardens, the greenhouse, the store, and the café. Be sure to take a photo of each rock as you find them. Be the first (or second) to find them all and claim a prize!

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Terrarium Building

Join us in the potting shed!

Calgo staff will provide guidance as you build your masterpiece from a variety of plant options from our greenhouse collection, pottery and terrariums in which to plant them, and plenty of accessories to add a decorative finishing touch.

Building a terrarium is the perfect way to introduce nature into your home by providing a little ecosystem designed for your plants, whether they be ferns or succulents.

This informal workshop is great for all ages! 

To sign up for this workshop through Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Clay Dish Workshop

Create your own clay masterpiece!

In this introductory class working with clay, accomplished artist and your instructor, Carol Gleason, will teach you how to create and personalize a unique dish that, when finished can be used for a variety of purposes from making the perfect home for a bonsai tree, succulents, or cacti to a food-safe serving piece.

This class will require multiple meeting times to complete your artwork and you must be able to meet for the first two class dates below:

Sunday, August 30 • 11am
Students will create their dish in clay, shaping and forming it.

Sunday, September 6 • 11am
Students will glaze (paint) their dish with a variety of color choices.

Sunday, September 13
Students may pick up their finished artwork at any time. At this point, they may choose to turn their dish into a planter by choosing from our selection in the greenhouse. Assistance will be provided.

Age requirement: 16+ years old

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

$25

Cold Weather Landscapes to Minimize Deer Damage

Learn how to create cold weather landscapes that will help minimize deer damage.

This free event, led by New Jersey Deer Control®, LLC staff ecologist R.J. Curcio, will help demystify the reasons why white-tailed deer wreak havoc on the landscapes they inhabit during the fall and winter months. Changes in hormones and diet are largely to blame. R.J. will discuss both how to manage deer damage as well as share the preventative measures that can be taken to provide visual interest to your landscape but dissuade further deer damage.

To sign up for this free event on Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Creating a Habitat for Monarch Butterflies

Learn how to encourage Monarchs in your own backyard!

Join Calgo Garden's certified waystation expert, Jean Ritota, as she discusses the development and various life stages of the Monarch butterfly, as well as how to encourage Monarchs into your own backyard.

The Monarch butterfly population is quickly declining due to loss of habitat and Calgo is helping to ensure its preservation by the creation and continued care of our Monarch Waystation—a garden designed to cater to the lifecycle of this species.

This program is free and open to all ages. Social distancing will be practiced and masks will be worn during this event.

To sign up for this free event on Eventbrite, click here.

Free

The Art of Bonsai — Wiring & Shaping

Learn the ancient art of Bonsai using plants from your own backyard!

During this workshop, led by Bonsai enthusiast Peter Bethune, you will learn how to create Bonsai utilizing plants, shrubs, and trees from your own backyard. Cultivated Bonsai can last for many years and can even be passed down through generations.

With Peter's instruction, you will learn how to wire and shape a plant. Bring in your own specimen or stop by our greenhouse for inspiration or Bonsai "starters" ready for shaping.

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

Free

Clay Wall Hanging Workshop

Create your own unique clay wall hanging, perfect for holding plants and more!

In this introductory class working with clay, accomplished artist and your instructor, Carol Gleason, will teach you how to create and personalize a ceramic wall hanging, that when finished can be used for anything from a vessel for a variety of plants to a catch-all container perfect for holding notes, photos, trinkets, and more.

This class will require multiple meeting times to complete your artwork and you must be able to meet for the first two class dates below:

Wednesday, September 16 • 11am
Students will create their wall hanging in clay, shaping and forming it.

Wednesday, September 23 • 11am
Students will glaze (paint) their wall hanging with a variety of color choices.

Wednesday, September 30
Students may pick up their finished artwork at any time. At this point, they may choose to turn their wall hanging into a planter by choosing from our selection in the greenhouse. Assistance will be provided.

Age requirement: 16+ years old

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

$25

Calgo’s Annual Scarecrow Contest

This Year's Theme—Essential Workers!

Calgo's Third Annual Scarecrow Building Contest honoring our essential workers may just be our best yet! Bring your imagination and some essential worker clothing and accessories in which to dress your creation.

We'll provide the structural supplies, including wood support, straw, burlap, twine, and step-by-step instructions.

Scarecrows will be on display from September 19th to the 26th and will be judged at our Fall Art in the Garden event on September 26.

First prize is a $50 gift certificate to Calgo Gardens!

To sign up for this workshop on Eventbrite, click here.

$20