Spring is here and April has lots of chances to make something green and learn about plants.
Throughout the Lancaster County region (and virtual) are talks about designing containers, spring’s earliest wildflowers, propagating houseplants and more. There are kid-friendly classes and hands-on workshops for adults. Plus there’s a bonsai show, an herb festival, plant swaps, foraging walks and more.
READ: Peak bloom is coming to the best place to see Lancaster County’s spring wildflowers
Here’s a roundup of plant and gardening events in the region through April.
Designing Tidy Native Gardens for Traditional Suburban Properties. Friday, April 5, 7-8 p.m. In this talk from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (with a virtual option), learn how to successfully incorporate native plants into the traditional standards of the gardening community. $10. Register online.
Home Gardening Series: Testing Your Soil in 2024. Saturday, April 6, 9:30-11 a.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension (with an in-person option in Harrisburg), learn about soil testing in the garden. $10. Register online.
Make and Take Succulent Planter. Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Make a planter in an upcycled plastic bottle with Pembroke Creations at Kindred Collections, 452 Locust St., Columbia with classes at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. $17. Call 717-449-5476 to reserve a spot.
Cold Tolerant Planter workshop. Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m. Create a planter filled with cold-tolerant annuals at Ken’s Gardens, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. $55. Register online.
Spring Planter Workshop. Saturday, April 6, 11a.m. Create a frost-proof spring container at Perfect Pots, 745 Strasburg Pike, Strasburg. $25 deposit required and will be used for materials. Register at 717-917-8733 or online.
Shoots and Leaves: Early Spring Foraging Walk. Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m.-noon. Join a foraging walk at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $25. Register online.
Riparian Buffer Tree Tending. Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m.-noon. (and weekends through April). Help the Horn Farm Center tend a new riparian buffer while learning about perennial plants, ecology and ways to restore local waterways. At the farm, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. Free. Register online.
Mindful Walking Meet Up. Sunday, April 7, 11-11:30 a.m. Take a mindful walk outside at Nolde Forest. Meet at Environmental Education Center, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading. Free. No registration required.
Yoga for Gardening. Sunday, April 7, 11-11:30 a.m. Join a yoga class focused on areas that gets tight while gardening at Nolde Forest. Meet at Environmental Education Center, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading. $15. Bring your own mat. Register online.
READ: Dutchman’s breeches at Shenks Ferry, cherry trees at Hershey Gardens: Here’s what’s blooming around Lancaster County
Pop-Up Plant Bar. Monday, April 8, 6-8 p.m. Make a succulent planter with Terrarium Therapy at Salute Ristorante Italiano, 4716 Penn Ave, Sinking Spring. Planters cost $15-85. Registration is suggested to avoid long wait times.
Winter Gardening at Longwood Garden. Monday, April 8, 7 p.m. Timothy Jennings, senior horticulturist for Longwood’s outdoor water lily display leads a talk with tips for home gardeners at the monthly meeting of Lancaster County Garden Club at Salem United Church of Christ, 2312 Marietta Ave., Rohrerstown. $5 donation for non-members.
Pennsylvania Forest Seminar: Introduction to Working Buffers You Can Eat! Tuesday, April 9, noon-1 p.m. (and 7 p.m.) In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about riparian buffers filled with edible plants. Free. Register online.
Native “Weeds” as Beneficial Workhorses. Tuesday, April 9, 3-4:15 p.m. In this online session from New Directions in the American Landscape, learn how to turn “problem plants” into welcome partners in the naturalized landscape. $42. Register online.
Foraging Focus: Stinging Nettles. Tuesday, April 9, 5-7 p.m. Learn about the history, ecology, identification, harvest and preparation of stinging nettles plus a tasting at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $25. Register online.
Fungi in the Garden. Tuesday, April 9, 7 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about 10 common yard and garden mushrooms. $10. Register online.
Ask the Experts about Container Design. Wednesday, April 10, 2 p.m. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to plan and design container gardens. Free. Register online.
Veggie Series: Veggie Gardening in Small Spaces. Wednesday, April 10, 6-7:30 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension (with an in-person option in Harrisburg), learn ways to grow in small spaces, including common mistakes. $10. Register online.
Ask the Experts about Hydrangea. Thursday, April 11, 2 p.m. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, bring your hydrangea questions. Free. Register online.
Birdhouse Succulent Planter class. Thursday, April 11, 6-8 p.m. Create a birdhouse topped with succulents with Petunia Pebbles at Old Republic Distillery Ephrata, 3 Dutchland Ave., Ephrata. $45. Register online.
Propagation 101 Online workshop. Thursday, April 11, 6-7:30 p.m. In this webinar from The Sill, learn several ways to propagate houseplants. Free. Register online.
Backyard Habitat for Birds. Thursday, April 11, 6:30 p.m. Lititz Garden Club hosts this talk. At Lititz Public Library. Register at [email protected].
For the Love of Groundcovers. Thursday, April 11, 7-8 p.m. Learn about the benefits of native groundcover plants from Manada Conservancy at Hershey Gardens. Free. Register at [email protected] or 717-566-4122.
Native Fruits. Thursday, April 11, 7-8 p.m. In this virtual talk from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, learn about native fruits such as persimmon, pawpaw, beach plum, lingonberry and more. $15. Register online.
Spring Wildflower Hike. Friday, April 12, 1-3 p.m. (and 9-11 a.m., April 13). Join a guided hike at Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve with Lancaster Conservancy. For ages 8 and older. $5. Register online.
Pennsylvania Herb and Garden Festival. Friday, April 12 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Saturday, April 13 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The show has speakers, workshops and plant-related vendors. Tickets are $10. Children ages 12 and younger are free.
Historic Poole Forge Plant Swap. Friday, April 12. Setup starts at 6 p.m. The swap starts at 6:30 p.m. Bring plants in containers with labels. Free. At Historic Poole Forge, 1940 Main St., Narvon.
Spring Gardening. Friday, April 12, 6 p.m. Susquehanna Community Connection presents a talk about patio and container gardening plus music and dinner. At Fireside Inn, 1500 Historic Strasburg Dr., Strasburg. $35. Include guest name and phone number and mail to Pat Boatner, 206 Cool Creek Way, Lancaster, Pa. 17602.
Meditation Through Nature Journaling. Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about nature journaling and meditation with Pennsylvania College of Art and Design at Climbers Run Nature Preserve. $45. This class is women-only. Register online.
Knowing Native Plants: Spring Ephemerals. Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. In this talk from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (with a virtual option), learn about spring’s earliest flowers. $25. Register online.
Cutting Garden Brunch and Bloom. Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn how to start your own cutting garden at Flourish Flowers, East Earl. $55. Register online.
Herb Wreath workshop. Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.-noon. Create an outdoor wreath with herb plants at Ken’s Gardens, 3552 West Newport Road, Intercourse. $65. Register online.
Urban Veggie Bowl workshop. Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.-noon. Create an edible planter at Ken’s Gardens, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. $25. Register online.
Branch Weaving. Saturday, April 13, 1-2:30 p.m. In this class with Lancaster County Parks, learn how to weave with branches. Meet at the Environmental Center, 1 Nature’s Way. $5 per person. Ages 10 and older. Register online or call 717-295-2055.
Kid’s Veggie Bowl workshop. Saturday, April 13, 2-3 p.m. Create an edible planter at Ken’s Gardens, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. For children age 3 and older. $15. Register online.
Backyard Composting. Saturday, April 13, 2-4 p.m. (April 27). Learn how to make compost at home at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $25. Register online.
READ: 42 top-scoring plants to find for your 2024 garden, from alocasia to tradescantia
Manada Conservancy native plant sale (deadline for ordering). Monday, April 15. Order perennials online with pickup at the group’s May 4 plant sale at East Hanover Township Nature Park, 328 N. Crawford Road, Grantville.
Virtual Lunchtime Tour: The Flowering Cherry Collection. Tuesday, April 16, noon-12:30 p.m. In this virtual tour from Scott Arboretum, explore the site’s cherry trees. Free. Join online.
Ask the Experts about Planting for Hummingbirds. Tuesday, April 16, 2 p.m. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to attract hummingbirds with plants. Free. Register online.
Native Lawn: Biodiversity, Beauty and Function. Tuesday, April 16, 3-4:15 p.m. In this online session from New Directions in the American Landscape, learn about the native lawn trials at Cornell Botanic Garden. $42. Register online.
Choose Native Mini-Workshop. Tuesday, April 16, 6-8 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about native plants and invasive plant management. Free. Register online.
Exploring Nature through Journaling. Tuesday, April 16, 7-8:30 p.m. In this virtual session from Brandywine Conservancy, learn about nature journaling. Pay what you wish. Register online.
How to Grow a Dye Garden. Tuesday, April 16, 7:30-9 p.m. This virtual course from Atlas Obscura will show how to plant, grow, harvest and store plants for dyeing in three sessions. Free-$65 (sliding scale). Register online.
Managing Invasive Knotweeds. Wednesday, April 17, 9-10 a.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to ID and control an invasive plant. Free. Register online.
Flameworked Glass Cactus. Wednesday, April 17, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Make a cactus made of glass with Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, Lancaster. $115. Register online.
Countdown to Plant Sale: Vedges and Sedges Instead of Lawn. Wednesday, April 17, 7-8 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn low-mow lawn options plus top tomatoes to grow. Free. Register online.
Fostering Resiliency: Helping Our Forests and Wildlife Respond to a Rapidly Changing Climate. Thursday, April 18, noon. In this virtual talk from Morris Arboretum, learn how a warming climate can determine the fate of our ecosystem and millions of species. Free. Register online.
Ask the Experts about Planting for Bees. Thursday, April 18, 1 p.m. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to attract bees with plants. Free. Register online.
Native Edibles for Cities. Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m. In this virtual class from Native Plant Trust, learn how to grow native edibles in small spaces. $20. Register online.
Artistic Flourishes: Pots with a Purpose. Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m. In this webinar from Garden Design magazine, learn container gardening tips from a Chanticleer gardener. $20. Register online.
Gardening with an Eye Towards Climate Change. Thursday, April 18, 7-8 p.m. In this virtual talk from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, learn how installing diverse native plant communities and smart stormwater features can improve your garden’s climate resilience and our ecosystem. $15. Register online.
Urban Gardens and Soil Health. Friday, April 19, 8-9 a.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about several methods to test soil. Free. Register online.
Ask the Experts about African Violets and Houseplants. Friday, April 19, 1 p.m. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to grow flowing houseplants. Free. Register online.
Uses and Benefits of Rain Barrels. Friday, April 19, 7-8 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about harvesting rainwater and how to make a rain barrel. Free. Register online.
Lancaster County Master Gardeners plant sale (deadline for kits). Friday, April 19. Order kits online with pickup at the plant sale, 8 a.m. to noon, May 4, at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.
Spring Bonsai Festival. Friday, April 19-21. Mid-Atlantic Bonsai Societies’ festival will have bonsai demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, vendors and more. $25 walk-in fee covers bonsai displays and vendor area. At Holiday Inn Grantville-Hershey, 604 Station Road, Grantville.
Earth Day Celebration. Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Learn about cover crops, vermiculture, composting, wildflowers and pollinators plus recycling at Hershey Gardens. Free with admission.
Nature Series: Spring Blooming Trees and Flowers. Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. Join Lancaster County Parks senior naturalist Lisa Sanchez on a walk to learn more about what’s in bloom at Tanger Arboretum. LancasterHistory, 230 N. President Ave. $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 17 and younger. Register online.
Quarryville Library BBQ, Book Sale and Plant Sale. Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. There will also be a book sale and chicken barbecue from Wakefield Lions Club.
Outdoor Succulent/Sedum Planter workshop. Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-noon. Create an outdoor succulent centerpiece at Ken’s Gardens, 3552 West Newport Road, Intercourse. $55. Register online.
SoWe Earth Day Celebration. Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Learn about Lancaster Compost Co-Ops, tree mulching, native plants, rain gardens and more. Free. 285 Conestoga St., Lancaster.
Herb Planter workshop. Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-noon. Create a planter filled with herbs at Ken’s Gardens, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. $45. Register online.
Plant Systematics. Saturday, April 20, 1-4 p.m. (starts). This virtual three-session advanced class from Native Plant Trust builds on your cumulative vocabulary, knowledge, and skills in plant identification and classification. $180. Register online.
Forage and Learn. Sunday, April 21, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Learn how to identify plants with Susquehanna Botanicals at Millport Conservancy, 737 E. Millport Road, Lititz. $30. Register online.
READ: Plant sales and swaps in the Lancaster County region: Here’s what’s happening in 2024
Small Space Gardening. Tuesday, April 23, 10 a.m. This talk is at Reading Public Museum’s arboretum. $5 for non-members. Register via email.
Importance of Tree Equity Amidst Changing Community Climates. Tuesday, April 23, noon-1 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, explore how public landscapes mitigate heat, reduce stormwater runoff and address climate challenges. Free. Register online.
Potting 101 Online workshop. Tuesday, April 23, 6-7:30 p.m. In this webinar from The Sill, learn about potting and repotting houseplants. Free. Register online.
Forest Farming: Invasive Species Management. Tuesday, April 23, 6:30-8 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to manage common invasive plants in Pennsylvania’s forests. Free. Register online.
Growing Tomatoes and Peppers Successfully in the Home Garden. Tuesday, April 23, 7-8 p.m. Learn how to grow tomatoes and peppers with Penn State Extension Lebanon Valley Agricultural Center, 2120 Cornwall Road, Lebanon. $5. Register online.
Ask the Experts about Vegetable Gardening for Better Health. Wednesday, April 24, 11 a.m. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to grow vegetables. Free. Register online.
Frontiers in Forest Health: Laurel Wilt. Thursday, April 25, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn the history, prevention and management of laurel wilt. Free. Register online.
Backyard Bird Feeding Basics. Thursday, April 25, 1 p.m. In this talk for the Women’s Garden Club of Lancaster County, learn about bird habitats, feeders and food. At St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd., Lancaster. $5 for non-members.
Penguin Court: A Scenic Landscape. Thursday, April 25, 6:30-7:45 p.m. In this virtual session from Brandywine Conservancy, learn about the landscape of Penguin Court. Pay what you wish. Register online.
Private Gardens of Philadelphia. Thursday, April 25, 7 p.m. In this virtual talk from Morris Arboretum, learn about a new book highlighting 21 private gardens. $35. Register online.
Arbor Day Celebration. Friday, April 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and April 27. Join a tour along the arboretum trail at Hershey Gardens. Free with admission.
Ask the Experts about Small Space Trees. Friday, April 26, noon. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn the best trees for small landscapes. Free. Register online.
Spring Fling Planter Party. Friday, April 26, 5-6:30 p.m. (and April 27, 11 a.m.-noon at Smoketown store). Create an outdoor container garden at Ken’s Gardens, 3552 West Newport Road, Intercourse. $10 deposit covers soil, embellishments and class. Plants and container are extra. Register online.
Lancaster County Climate Summit. Saturday, April 27. RegenAll presents a day of discussion about the challenge of climate change. Free. Register online.
Summer Planter Workshop. Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-noon. Create a container filled with plants that will last through summer at Tudbink’s Farm, Conestoga. Bring your own planter, buy one or plant into a fiber insert. $10, includes soil and fertilizer. Register online.
Fantastic Fungi and Forest Friends. Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This event has mushroom growing demonstrations, mushroom-themed vendors and mushroom photography at Virtue Local Art Market, 481 E. Market St., Hallam. Free.
Lancaster Native Plant and Wildlife Festival. Saturday, April 27, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The festival will have speakers and vendors with a focus on native plants and plants for pollinators. At Manheim Township’s Overlook Park, near the library. Free.
Open Farm. Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tour the farm, greenhouses, bee habitat and beneficial insect hotels plus make a planter (and more) at Homefields, 150 Letort Road, Millersville. Free. Register online.
Mushroom Garden Stakes. Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Make ceramic mushroom stakes with Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, Lancaster. $65. Register online.
Backyard Biodiversity and Native Plant Swap. Sunday, April 28. 10 a.m. A native gardening presentation will be followed by a native plant swap at McConnell Hall, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, 3025 New Holland Road, Reading. The presentation starts at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5. Register online.
Annual Plant Exchange. Sunday, April 28. 1:30 p.m. Bring labeled perennial plants in containers to Mary Oehme Gardens, behind Lititz Historical Foundation’s buildings, 137-145 E. Main St., Lititz. Free.
READ: 5 drought-tolerant plants that will beat the summer heat
Good Gardening: The Buzz about Native Bees. Monday, April 29, 7-8 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to identify Pennsylvania’s native bees and how to support them in home gardens. $10. Register online.
Spring Centerpieces. Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 p.m. Create a spring centerpiece starring tulips at Flourish Flowers, East Earl. $110. Register online.
Rain Barrel Discovery. Tuesday, April 30, 7-8 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn how to add a rain barrel to your property. Free. Register online.
Ongoing
Guided walk of Hershey Gardens. Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. Take a one-hour walk with biologist Ray Barbehenn. Free with garden admission.
Floral Design. There are three self-paced online courses from Longwood Gardens to advance your floral design skills. $99 each.
Designing with Native Plants. This online, self-paced class from Native Plant Trust teaches the basics of designing with native plants. $103. Register online.
Plant Form and Function. This online, self-paced class from Native Plant Trust teaches the basics of plant anatomy and physiology and fundamentals of the plant kingdom. $210. Register online.
Plant Ecology. This online, self-paced class from Native Plant Trust explores the distribution and abundance of plants and their interactions with other organisms and the physical environment. $210. Register online.
Gardening for Pollinators. This online, self-paced class from Native Plant Trust teaches how to convert a yard into productive pollinator habitat. $103. Register online.
Native Plants of Spring Hybrid. This online, self-paced six-session course from Mt. Cuba Center teaches how to identify 60 trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. There are also three garden tours at Mt. Cuba Center. $205. Register online.
And looking into May:
Ask the Experts about Dahlias. Wednesday, May 1, noon. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to grow dahlias. Free. Register online.
Pop-Up Plant Bar. Wednesday, May 1, 6-8 p.m. Make a succulent planter with Terrarium Therapy at Isaac’s Craft and Brewery, 4 Crosswinds Dr, Lititz. Planters cost $15-85. Registration is suggested to avoid long wait times.
Ask the Experts about Lilies. Thursday, May 2, noon. In this webinar from National Garden Bureau, learn how to grow lilies. Free. Register online.
Vegetable Gardening on a Budget. Thursday, May 2, 6:30 p.m. Lititz Garden Club hosts this talk from master gardener Indie Kachel. At Lititz Public Library. Register at [email protected].
Water Features in My Garden. Thursday, May 2, 7-8:15 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about mini-bogs, sunken gardens and more. $10. Register online.
44th Annual Seed Savers Exchange Conference. Friday, May 3 (starts). The annual conference meets virtually once a month through August. $75 for the four-day conference. Register online.
Manheim Central Ag Greenhouse plant sale. Friday, May 3, 1-6 p.m. and Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.-noon. The sale is at the school’s new greenhouse, across from Manheim Farm Show, 502 E. Adele Ave., Manheim and continues Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11.
Pennsylvania Invasive Species. Friday, May 3, 7-8:15 p.m. In this webinar from Penn State Extension, learn about invasive species and how to manage them. Free. Register online.
Lancaster County Master Gardener plant sale. Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.-noon at Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster.
Lebanon County Master Gardeners plant sale. Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m.-noon. at Lebanon Valley Exposition Center, 80 Rocherty Road, Lebanon in the Brightbill barn.
Chester County Master Gardeners plant sale. Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m.-noon. at East Bradford Township building, 676 Copeland School Road, West Chester.
Horn Farm Center plant sale. Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the center, Hellam, York County.
Lancaster County Art Association plant sale. Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, 1-4 p.m. at 149 Precision Ave., Strasburg.
Knowing Native Plants: Late Spring Lovelies. Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. In this talk from Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (with a virtual option), learn about the flowers of later spring. $25. Register online.
Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden workshop. Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-noon. Create a planter at Ken’s Gardens, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. $55. Register online.
Kids Butterfly Garden workshop. Saturday, May 4, 2-2 p.m. Create a miniature garden with a butterfly puddler at Ken’s Gardens, 2467 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. $15. For children age 3 and older. Register online.
Phenology Project. Sunday, May 5, 9 a.m-3 p.m. With Lancaster Conservancy, learn how to survey and track plants and animal activity. $5. Climbers Run Nature Center, 226 Frogtown Road, Pequea. Register online.
Greens Galore: Mid-Spring Foraging Walk. Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m.-noon. Join a foraging walk at Horn Farm Center, 4945 Horn Road, Hallam. $25. Register online.
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