Founding Era Gardens

IN-PERSON HORTICULTURE AND GARDENING CLASS

A close-up of a stone garden wall with three terracotta pumpkin-shaped planters sitting on the top ledge. A small, dark plaque is mounted on the wall below the planters. The background features various textures of green foliage, including ivy, shrubs, and ornamental grasses.

Saturday, March 21, 2026
1:30–3:30 pm

Fee: $129

Fee for Innovators, Gardens Preferred, and Gardens Premium Members: $116

Fee includes all-day admission to the Gardens on the days the class is onsite.

Registrations may be cancelled up to two weeks before the event, and your registration fee, less a $30 processing fee, will be refunded. To notify us of your cancellation, email us or call 610-388-5454.

This class is intended as an adult learning experience. Find out more about our Family Learning experiences.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a journey back to the roots of American gardening!

This special class explores the beauty and purpose of founding-era gardens through a lively lecture covering ornamental, herb, vegetable, and orchard designs. Then, get your hands dirty by creating a charming container garden inspired by 18th-century styles, featuring herbs and ornamental flowers perfect for small spaces. Connect history, horticulture, and hands-on creativity!

Location

The Grove Studios 104 & 105

Instructor

Christopher Barrett Sheridan

Christopher Barrett Sheridan, The Flower Sommelier, is a horticulturist, floral design instructor, and aspiring historian, specializing in scented plants, heirloom flowers, romantic garden design, and Victorian floral traditions. Chris has been published in American Gardener, regularly offers immersive design workshops at Longwood Gardens, and lectures at national events, including the Philadelphia Flower Show and the International Master Gardener Conference. A Harrison Fellow of the Historic Landscape Institute, he is developing Early American Garden Design programming to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Gardens Preferred, Gardens Premium Members and Innovators save on Continuing Education Courses