Lecture Classes in Chicago, IL

This course will teach you the basics of front yard landscape design. A lecture and slides will demonstrate how proper planting design can change the way you use and view your property. Your front yard design should respond to your home’s architecture as well as be aesthetically pleasing. Topics will include proper plant types and spacing, focusing...

Study more than 60 different deciduous flowering shrubs (and their cultivars and related species) suitable for commercial landscape and home garden use in the Chicago region. During weekly slide lectures and Garden walks, the identification, cultural information, aesthetic qualities, and landscape uses of both common and more unusual shrubs will be...

Transform a small space into a beautiful and functional garden. This class will show you the best practices for keeping edible and ornamental plants happy and healthy in your container garden. It includes hands-on work and an informative lecture with plenty of time for questions.

Students will be introduced to professional gardening through a combination of lecture and hands-on activities. Focus is on acquiring solid gardening skills, learning about a variety of techniques, and developing the ability to determine best practices.  Topics range from plant selection to the identification and control of weeds and other horticultural...

Study more than 60 different deciduous flowering shrubs (and their cultivars and related species) suitable for commercial landscape and home garden use in the Chicago area. During weekly slide lectures and garden walks, the identification, cultural information, aesthetic qualities, and landscape uses of both common and more unusual shrubs will be emphasized....

This studio class is open to all levels. Students may bring a project of their choice, any medium, or work with plant subjects to create a new art piece. The course will feature lecture and demonstration to illustrate principles that pertain to all media. The School’s CEUs=12 hours

Bioregional Herbalism is a pathway to natural wellness. Discover how to engage with bioregional plants as allies and develop personal intuition and connection. Learn the basics of body systems, herbal terminology, and common herbal preparations with a focus on nourishment, wellness, prevention and support. During each Sunday class, discover several...

During this six-week basics and fundamentals course, discover principles and techniques to appreciate and participate in the art of bonsai.  Each student will get a tree to work on in class each week. By the end of the class you and your tree will have taken the first steps into bonsai.  Each session includes a detailed lecture and assistance...

Annuals and biennials have a rich tradition and exciting future. During this course, focus on the most popular cool- and warm-season species along with a selection of the new cultivars and unusual plants, all of which are well-suited to container and in-ground gardening in the Midwest.  During the lectures and Garden walks, learn plant identification...

Study more than 60 different deciduous flowering shrubs (and their cultivars and related species) suitable for commercial landscape and home garden use in the Chicago region.  During weekly slide lectures and Garden walks, the identification, cultural information, aesthetic qualities, and landscape uses of both common and more unusual shrubs...

This course is for individuals seriously considering or already in the process of aquaponic food production on a commercial scale. This three-day course is a comprehensive look at the design and build-out of a system, water quality, controlled environment growing, daily operations and growing techniques. Instruction will include hands-on work and lectures....

Learn Bondage and Domination techniques. Singles and couples will be introduced to the safe use of restraints, bondage implements,floggers, crops & more. Dungeon equipment will be discussed, including tables, Crosses, racks,and benches. Your instructors will acquaint students in how bondage and domination can be incorporated into your life in a...

Conflicts are inevitable when people with different personalities and goals are put together to work in the same environment. Quite often, the clash that results leads to extreme anger and animosity, and this can have a very disruptive effect on the entire team. As a leader, you are often called upon to defuse the situation and resolve differences...