The Utah Botanical Center hosts several educational events throughout the year. Spring and Fall are featured at our two Family Nights, where we have hands-on activities for the entire family. The summer harvest is highlighted at the Farmers Market between July and October, when local farmers' and gardeners' produce is available. The end of summer is a great time to plant in the landscape. Stop by our Garden Fair in August for landscaping advice, classes, and a chance to purchase some of our favorite plants.
For more information about our seasonal events and to view our calendar, please click the links to the right.
March
Extending the Garden Harvest
Discover simple ways to protect veggies from the cold and harvest fresh produce year round. The class explores hobby greenhouse designs. Participants get hands-on experience building a cold frame and take home a vegetable transplant and Wall O Water® .
March 10, 9am-Noon Location: USUBC Greenhouse
Cost: $37 Public/ $29 Members of the Garden
Fruit Pruning Demonstration
USU Extension experts show you the art and science of proper pruning practices so you'll be ready to prune with confidence. The focus will be on apples, peaches, grapes and raspberries. This outdoor event is one of our most popular workshops. Dress for the outdoor conditions and come ready to learn.
March 17, 9-11am
Location: 112 S. 3000 W., West Point
Cost: Free
March 24th, 9am-11am
Location: USUBC
Cost: Free
Explore the Garden Family Night:
Grafting with Michael Pace
Learn the art of grafting trees from USU Extension Agent Mike Pace. Participants will watch as he demonstrates the technique and then try it for themselves.
March 26, 6:30pm-8pm
Cost: $10 per family
April
Gardening Mini Classes: Raised Beds, Planting Trees and Shrubs, Growing Perennials & Composting
Learn how to build and use a successful raised bed for vegetables, raspberries, strawberries and even fruit trees. Includes selecting and planting ornamental trees, shrubs and perennials, and composting methods.
When: April 14th 9am - 12pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Gardens
Cost: $14 Members, $20 Public
To register for all gardening mini classes click here
9am Compost Class
Get the most out of your growing space by learning the basics of composting. Compost is a rich soil amendment that will benefit your garden plants and the environment. Instructor: Bob Saunders, Weber County Master Gardener.
10am Raised Beds Class
Learn how to build and plant a successful raised bed for vegetables, flowers, berries, grapes and even fruit trees. Instructor: Pat Westaway, Weber County Master Gardener.
11am Planting Trees and Shrubs
Learn how to select and properly plant the right trees and shrubs for your landscape. Instructor: Monte Stewart, Ogden City Urban Forester
Explore the Garden Family Night: Spring Celebration
Bring the entire family and celebrate spring at the USU Botanical Center. Activities will include children's crafts, tours of the Utah House, and a sneak peek of the upcoming Baby Animal Days.
When: Monday, April 23rd, 6pm-8pm
Where: USU Botanical Center, Utah House and Pavilion
Cost: Free, no registration required
Backyard Chickens
Backyard chickens help maintain a sustainable food source, teach kids responsibility, and have gained enormous popularity in the past few years. Participants will learn the basics of selection, feeding, management, predator control, and legalities. Participants receive a coupon for 50% off a 25 pound bag of Start-N-Grow chicken feed with the purchase of three chicks (from Rockin’E Farms).
When: April 28, 9am-10:30am
Where: Utah House Classroom
Cost: $37 Public/ $29 Members
To register, click here
Cost: Free
May
Baby Animal Days
Bring the family for our first ever Baby Animal Days celebration! Meet lambs, kids, llamas, rabbits, chicks, ducklings, piglets all being raised by local 4-H members. There will be crafts to make yourself and others to buy, sheep shearing demonstrations, horseback rides, a putting green, climbing wall and miniature train rides. Visit our Master Gardeners to get answers to your gardening questions and learn about upcoming classes for children and adults. The event raises funds for Davis County 4-H and garden development at the USU Botanical Center.
When: Friday May 11th 4pm-8pm, Saturday May 12th 10am-6pm
Where: USU Botanical Center
Cost: $5 individual / $25 family (or $20 with a non-perishable food item to donate to the food bank). $15 for members of the Gardens
More more information click here
Create a Hanging Basket
Learn to construct and care for colorful hanging baskets to take home and enjoy throughout the summer. Learn about appropriate plants for sun and shade and how to fertilize, water and display your colorful creation. Additional baskets will be $20 each.
When: Thursday May 17th, Noon - 1pm & 6pm - 7pm
Where: Ogden Botanical Garden
Cost: $29 Members, $37 Public
To register click here
When: Saturday May 19th, 10am-11am
Where: USU Botanical Center Greenhouse
Cost: $29 Members, $37 Public
To register click here
June
Botanical Water Color Class
Geared for the novice, but appropriate for all art levels, this class will introduce art and plant lovers to the world of botanical illustrations. Be inspired by the gardens at the Utah Botanical Center and learn techniques to help you capture the color and texture of flowers. This course will inspire you to get out in the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. Materials will be provided.
When: June 16th 9:00am-Noon
Where: Utah House at the Utah Botanical Center
Cost: $29 Members $37 Public
To register click here
Explore the Garden Family Night: Art in the Arboretum
Walk through the Varga Arboretum and discover the variety and beauty of the trees growing there during a guided tour by a USU Extension Specialist. Then have fun drawing and painting trees in some fun art related activities. This event is perfect for your child who is a budding artist.
When: Monday, June 25th, 6pm-8pm
Where: USU Botanical Center's Varga Arboretum
Cost: $10 per family (up to six members) $3 per person
To register click here
July
Farmers Market Garden to Table Short Course
Get the facts about growing bountiful vegetables in your garden, and then discover delicious ways to prepare what you harvest by sampling our favorite recipes.
When: Thursday July 26th, 5:30pm, 6pm, 6:30pm
Cost: Free
Where: USUBC Farmers Market
For more information about the Farmers Market click here
A Day in the Wildflowers: Snowbasin Ski Resort Tour
Ride the gondola to the top of scenic Snowbasin where instructors will teach identifying and photographing wildflowers. Exclusive to participants-- receive a copy of the newest wildflower book produced by our very popular horticulturists, Jerry Goodspeed, Richard Anderson, and JayDee Gunnell. Price includes a copy of the book Wildflowers of the Mountain West, gondola ride, drinks and snacks.
When: Saturday July 28th 9am-1pm
Where: Snowbasin Ski Resort
Cost: $60 Members, $75 Public
To register click here
Explore the Garden Family Night: Chocolate Lovers Night
Chocolate lovers of all ages will enjoy this delicious event. Come learn about how chocolate is made and see how local chocolatier, Shirl Shepherd, owner of Pa’s Chocolates, turns it into creamy treats. Shirl will demonstrate chocolate dipping techniques and then you get to try your hand at making a chocolate creation of your own.
When: Monday, July 30th, 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Utah House
Cost: $10 per family (up to six members) or $3 per person
To register click here
August
Wildflower Tour
Friends of the Garden membership will be heading to the beautiful Denver and Ft. Collins Colorado area, for a guided in-depth wildflower experience. This 4 day 3 night trip will include; roundtrip airfare from Salt Lake City to Denver, Colorado, deluxe air-conditioned motor coach transportation for all activities, 3-nights accommodations at luxurious Ft. Collins Hilton Hotel, entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Tour of Denver Botanical gardens and other gardens, and much more. Space is limited, so sign up today.
When: August 8-11
Where: Denver/ Ft. Collins, CO
For more information and to register, please call 801-451-3403.
Food Preservation 101
Learn to preserve the harvest of your garden with this fun hands-on workshop. The class is designed for beginners who want to learn proper techniques for safely canning produce. Enjoy eating local produce year round.
When: August 18th, 9am-Noon
Where: Utah House at the Utah Botanical Center
Cost: Members $5, Public $10
To register, click here
Explore the Garden Family Night: Bloomin' Flowers
Come and take a tour of the Pinneae Annual Trial Garden and then learn the art of pressing flowers at this fun floral event. Parent and children will learn to identify and pressing flowers growing in the annual flower garden.
When: August 27, 6:30pm - 8pm
Where: Pinneae Annual Flower Garden at the USU Botanical Center, meet at the USUBC Greenhouse
Cost: $10 per family (up to six members) or $3 per person
To register click here
September
Salsa Showdown at the Farmers Market
Join us at the Farmers Market where you are invited to judge contestants as they pit their salsa-making abilities against competitors with a tasty finish for everyone!
When: September 6, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: USUBC Farmers Market, 875 South 50 West, Kaysville
Cost: Free
Garden Fair Festival
For details about the Garden Fair Festival, click here.
When: September 18th
Where: USU Botanical Center
Cost: Free
Renewable Energy Class
Could solar energy work for you? This class discusses options for residential solar power and hot water systems in Utah, including design, installation and state and federal tax incentives.
When: September 15, 9am-10:30am
Where: Wetland Discovery Point at the USU Botanical Center
Cost: Free
Explore the Garden Family Night: Earth, Wind and Fire
Come have some fun with renewable energy. Explore the energy efficient Wetland Discovery Point and learn about solar, wind and geothermal energy sources, then enjoy some fun energy-related activities. Build a wind powered device, learn how to make a solar oven or build a necklace with beads that change color in the sun.
When: September 24, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Where: USUBC, Wetland Discovery Point, 676 South 50 West, Kaysville
Cost: $10 per family (up to six members) or $3 per person
To register click here
October
Garden Open House
Receive a map of the USU Botanical Center at the Farmers Market and then learn about the gardens from our garden stewards located in the new Ornamental Grass Garden, Demonstration Orchard, Varga Arboretum, and the Teaching Garden.
When: October 11, 5pm-7pm
Cost: Free
Members Only Year-end Celebration
This will be a special thank you to our wonderful Members of the Gardens. There will be artisan breads, cider, cheese and apple tasting and a sneak peek into next year's classes and trips.
When October 18, 7pm-8pm
Where: Wetland Discover Point at the USU Botanical Center
Explore the Garden Family Night: Pumpkin Palooza
Bring the entire family to this free event and enjoy a walk through the pumpkin patch, find your way to the end of the Grass Garden Labyrinth, or have your face painted. There will also be children’s crafts to enjoy. This popular event is always a community favorite.
When: October 29, 8-8pm
Where: Near the Varga Arboretum
Cost: Free, no registration required