Events & Classes
Bullington Gardens hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year. From educational opportunities for students and adults to social events with a garden flair. We offer Horticultural Therapy and are the only Horticultural Therapy Garden in Henderson County.
The Joy of Propagation 2026
Learn how to sow, divide, root and nurture plants for your garden. Get easy practical explanations on how to increase your stock of existing plants and how to create new cultivars by hybridization. Learn step by step instructions on how to divide perennials, grow seedlings, and start plants by root, shoot, and leaf cuttings.
Master Dahlia Class Series August 11th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Preparing & Growing a Fall Garden
Fall is one of the best—and most rewarding—times to garden! Learn how to prepare your garden for a productive fall season, including soil preparation, planting schedules, and selecting the best vegetables, herbs, and flowers for autumn. We'll discuss succession planting, extending the harvest, protecting crops from early frosts, and simple maintenance practices that keep your garden thriving into the cooler months. Whether you're planting your first fall garden or looking to improve your results, you'll leave with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy a beautiful and abundant autumn harvest.
August 17th, 1:00-3:00pm.
Plant Identification Master Series August 15th
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Harvest Porch Pots
Join us for a fun, hands-on Harvest Porch Pots class and create your own stunning autumn display to welcome the season!
In this popular workshop, you’ll learn how to design and build beautiful, professional-looking porch pots using seasonal plants and natural elements. Under the guidance of Teresa M., you’ll select and arrange vibrant seasonal elements and other fall accents into a gorgeous, ready-to-display container.
What’s Included:
All materials and supplies except containers please bring an outdoor container no larger than 14” across (premium plants, soil, and started fertilizer)
Step-by-step instruction on design, balance, color theory, and plant care
Your finished Fall Porch Pot to take home the same day
Tips for making your pots last through the season
Perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike—no experience necessary! This is a wonderful way to get creative, learn new skills, and leave with a beautiful handmade autumn decoration for your porch, patio, or entryway.
Price: $75.00 per person.
Spots fill up quickly—reserve your place today and get ready to create something you’ll be proud to display all fall long!
September 1st, 2026, 10:00am.
Master Dahlia Class Series September 8th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Plant Identification Master Series September 15th
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Flower Power: Dahlia Photography Course
In this class led by Sue Ann Williams we will discuss what constitutes good basic photography practices and how you can make your photos and videos more interesting. The information can be used for taking pictures with SLR and DSLR cameras and phone cameras. Among the topics we will discuss, framing your images, lighting, subject matter, and visual interest.
Sue Ann Williams has been a master gardener since 2019. In her previous life, beginning in 1978, she worked as a videographer, editor, producer and director for local WBTV/Charlotte) and national news (NBC) and corporate media. She retired from the NBC News Channel in 2017 after working there for 26 years.
Bring your camera or phone. The final 30 minutes of the class will be devoted to taking pictures for instructional critiquing.
September 28, 2026.1:00-3:00. $20.00.
Zentangle-Basics Plus
Method – Basics, Strings, and Shading. This will support your continued growth. You will have a deeper understanding of how you can create beautiful designs using structured patterns. According to Maria Thomas, co-founder of Zentangle, “its practice ignites a larger charge of creativity that has been dormant within you for too long.” You will begin to see possible Zentangle patterns everywhere – buildings, cloth, nature. The possibilities are infinitely exciting. You will learn many tangles, their subtleties and possibilities. You will realize that what seemed so complicated before is actually simple, easy and fun! Surprise yourself.
October 6th, 13th and 20th from 1 PM to 3 PM
Zentangle-Basics Plus Oct 13th
Method – Basics, Strings, and Shading. This will support your continued growth. You will have a deeper understanding of how you can create beautiful designs using structured patterns. According to Maria Thomas, co-founder of Zentangle, “its practice ignites a larger charge of creativity that has been dormant within you for too long.” You will begin to see possible Zentangle patterns everywhere – buildings, cloth, nature. The possibilities are infinitely exciting. You will learn many tangles, their subtleties and possibilities. You will realize that what seemed so complicated before is actually simple, easy and fun! Surprise yourself.
October 6th, 13th and 20th from 1 PM to 3 PM
Master Dahlia Class Series October 13th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
The Do's and Don'ts in the Fall Garden
Fall is one of the most important seasons in the garden, and knowing what to do—and what to avoid—can make all the difference for next year's success. In this informative class, you'll learn the essential tasks for preparing your garden for cooler weather, including proper planting, pruning, soil care, watering, mulching, and fall cleanup. We'll also cover common mistakes gardeners make in the fall and how to avoid them. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or ornamental landscapes, you'll leave with practical tips and seasonal best practices to keep your garden healthy through winter and thriving in spring.
October 19th, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm.
Zentangle-Basics Plus Oct 20th
Method – Basics, Strings, and Shading. This will support your continued growth. You will have a deeper understanding of how you can create beautiful designs using structured patterns. According to Maria Thomas, co-founder of Zentangle, “its practice ignites a larger charge of creativity that has been dormant within you for too long.” You will begin to see possible Zentangle patterns everywhere – buildings, cloth, nature. The possibilities are infinitely exciting. You will learn many tangles, their subtleties and possibilities. You will realize that what seemed so complicated before is actually simple, easy and fun! Surprise yourself.
October 6th, 13th and 20th from 1 PM to 3 PM
Invasive Plants
Invasive plants invade our natural areas and damage our ecosystems. And the problem is getting worse. Join Henderson County Agent and host of the 'Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show and Podcast' Steve Pettis to learn about which non-native plants top the invasive plant list as the most obnoxious and how to control them.
November 2nd, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm.
Plant Identification Master Series July 21st
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Master Dahlia Class Series July 14th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Medicinal Herbs with Rachel Meriwether
Are you interested in learning more about some of the amazing medicinal herbs you can grow right here in WNC? There is a large selection of native plants that were used for thousands of years for many purposes. Everything from treating headaches to aiding in the suppression of bleeding. Join Rachel Meriwether for a course in medicinal herbs and their preparations. This class will offer a great introduction into the vast world of medicinal herbs for the beginner, while also offering some new tips for the seasoned herbalist.
July 6, 2026. 1:00-3:00pm
$20.00/Friends of Bullington Gardens $15.00
Plant Identification Master Series June 16th
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Revitalizing Aging Azaleas June 12, 2026
Discover the secrets to reviving and caring for aging azaleas! This class will guide you through pruning, fertilizing, and nurturing techniques to bring new life to your beloved shrubs, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth for years to come. Perfect for garden enthusiasts of all levels!
June 8th, 2026 or June 12th, 2026. 1:00-3:00pm. Limit of 20 people.
Master Dahlia Class Series June 9th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Revitalizing Aging Azaleas June 8, 2026
Discover the secrets to reviving and caring for aging azaleas! This class will guide you through pruning, fertilizing, and nurturing techniques to bring new life to your beloved shrubs, ensuring vibrant blooms and healthy growth for years to come. Perfect for garden enthusiasts of all levels!
June 8th, 2026 or June 12th, 2026. 1:00-3:00pm. Limit of 20 people.
Plant Identification Master Series May 19th
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Master Dahlia Class Series May 12th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Edible Landscapes
Join three of Henderson County’s top fruit-growing experts — Karen Bladow, Terry Kelly, and Craig Mauney — for an interactive session on growing everything from berries and tree fruits to unique specialty crops. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned homesteader, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to grow an abundant, diverse harvest at home.
May 11, 2026 - 1:00-3:00pm. $20.00.
Bring Bullington Beauty Home! May 4, 2026
Get your hands dirty and your creativity blooming in this fun, hands-on workshop where you'll design your very own Bullington-style container garden — using the same vibrant, seasonal plants featured throughout Bullington Gardens!
Bring Bullington Beauty Home! May 2, 2026
Get your hands dirty and your creativity blooming in this fun, hands-on workshop where you'll design your very own Bullington-style container garden — using the same vibrant, seasonal plants featured throughout Bullington Gardens!
Rooted in Beauty: Orchid Culture & Care Class April 27, 2026
Discover the secrets to keeping your orchids thriving! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of orchid care, from proper watering techniques to ideal light conditions. We’ll guide you step-by-step through repotting your orchid into a provided terracotta pot with fresh potting media. Bring your own orchid, and leave with the skills and confidence to keep it blooming beautifully! Perfect for beginners and orchid enthusiasts alike. Let’s grow together!
Terracotta pot and potting media included.
March 9, 2026 and April 27, 1:00-3:00. Maximum of 20 students.
Establishing a Pocket Meadow
“Pocket” meadows of native plants provide an attractive, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly alternative to traditional perennial plantings. Unlike larger meadow plantings, small, informal, and simply managed pocket borders can be tucked into a variety of spaces in your landscape, providing habitat and sustenance for pollinators and other insects, as well as being attractive landscape additions. Lisa will share her experiences with a variety of small meadow plantings using native Southeastern wildflowers and grasses and talk about how to manage them for four-season interest. She’ll also provide suggestions for native plants best suited for combining in informal meadow plantings in WNC.
Plant Identification Master Series April 17th
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Master Dahlia Class Series April 14th
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Spring Ephemerals
Discover the delicate and fleeting world of ephemeral flowers that grace our landscapes with their beauty. Join Margaret Bloomquist to learn how to identify these early spring wonders, understand their unique lifecycles, and explore their roles in the ecosystem.
April 13th, 2026. 1:00-3:00pm.
Starting Seeds-Sow It Begins
As gardening grows in popularity across the country, plant prices continue to rise—making it costly to fill your garden. A more budget-friendly alternative is starting your own plants from seed. Not only is seed-starting economical, but many plants also thrive when grown from seed. While the process may seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be!
Join our Education Coordinator, Isaac Wyatt, for an in-depth class on seed starting. You’ll learn everything from the essential supplies to successfully transitioning seedlings into the garden.
March 23rd, 2026. 1:00-3:00pm.
Plant Identification Master Series
Enhance your botanical knowledge in this comprehensive monthly series with Isaac Wyatt, Interim Director of Bullington Gardens. Each session focuses on learning to identify 10–15 plant species, spanning native, non-native, and invasive varieties found across Western North Carolina.
Basics of Vegetable Gardening
Late winter is the perfect time to start planning for summer gardens and what better way to start than with the Basics of Vegetable Gardening class! Come prepared to learn about what it takes to start growing your own vegetables in our area. Join experienced teacher and former director, John Murphy, as he guides you through vegetable gardening basics.
March 16, 2026, 1:00-3:00pm.
$15 FOB/$20 general public
Master Dahlia Class Series
Join the experienced Bullington Gardens Master Dahlia Team for a monthly class series that takes you behind the scenes of cultivating over 600 dahlias. Each 1.5–2 hour session will guide you through the specific tasks and techniques needed throughout the growing season, combining classroom instruction with hands-on work in the garden.
This comprehensive series offers the opportunity to learn expert-level dahlia care while engaging with a passionate gardening community. The final class will feature an evening among the dahlias in full bloom — a truly rewarding celebration of the season’s work. Enrollment is limited; early registration is encouraged. Class size is limited to 15.
Rooted in Beauty: Orchid Culture & Care Class
Discover the secrets to keeping your orchids thriving! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of orchid care, from proper watering techniques to ideal light conditions. We’ll guide you step-by-step through repotting your orchid into a provided terracotta pot with fresh potting media. Bring your own orchid, and leave with the skills and confidence to keep it blooming beautifully! Perfect for beginners and orchid enthusiasts alike. Let’s grow together!
Terracotta pot and potting media included.
March 9, 2026 and April 27, 1:00-3:00. Maximum of 20 students.
Divide and Bloom-Dividing Dahlias and their Culture
Bullington Gardens is known for our expansive collection of dahlias. Each year our volunteer dahlia crew work tirelessly to ensure we have the best crop possible. These amazing plants take quite a bit of work to be successful, and it starts with dividing your tuber. Join Isaac Wyatt as we walk through the culture of dahlias. We will also have a tuber dividing demo after the class. Participants will get a chance to divide a clump of tubers and take one home!
March 2, 2026, 1:00-3:00 pm. Fee: $32.00
Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
Pruning techniques are essential for promoting the health and productivity of plants. Different techniques can control diseases, stimulate new growth, and maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Join us as horticulture expert John Murphy teaches the basics of pruning ornamental trees and shrubs.
Class has been rescheduled for February 9th at 1:00 pm
$20 public/$15 friends.
Small Scale and Niche Crops to Grow in the Home Garden or Homestead
Join regional specialty crops expert Craig Mauney to explore a fascinating range of less common fruits and vegetables that thrive in Western North Carolina. You’ll learn which unique crops perform well in our local climate, along with practical growing tips for success on any scale — from backyard plots to homestead gardens. Perfect for anyone eager to expand their growing horizons and try something new.
February 9, 2026. 1:00-3:00. $20.00
Grafting Japanese Maples: A Hands-On Workshop with Fritz McCall and Matthew Rollins
Join us for an immersive experience in the art of grafting Japanese Maples, led by expert horticulturist Fritz McCall, owner of Blue Ridge Nursery and longtime Bullington supporter Matthew Rollins.
Strength Training Classes Sept. 30
Join us for free strength training classes. Every Tuesday at 1pm starting August 26-September 30th, 2025.
Macro Magic: Capturing Dahlia Details
This workshop taught by Lois Van Reese will focus on Macro photography during this beautiful dahlia season. There will be an emphasis on composition, lighting and focus. While our current cell phones take amazing photos, this class will be utilizing DSLR/mirrorless cameras or a point and shoot. While not required, a tripod for your camera is helpful particularly when honing your focus skills.
Strength Training Classes Sept. 23
Join us for free strength training classes. Every Tuesday at 1pm starting August 26-September 30th, 2025.
Strength Training Classes Sept. 16
Join us for free strength training classes. Every Tuesday at 1pm starting August 26-September 30th, 2025.
Bullington Gardens Cancellation Policy:
Please note that due to limited class capacity, refunds will not be available for cancellations made after 72 hours of purchase. We appreciate your understanding.