EDUCATION

Education has always been an important part of the Bridge’s mission. We offer classes, demonstrations, hands-on workshops and labeled plants throughout the gardens. We also participate in Earth Day and Pollinator Week, one of the most important and fun things the gardeners do when they are working is helping visitors identify plants and learn about them.

Many aspects of the gardens appeal to families, and we hope to inspire parents and young children to garden together. Our gardeners love to chat with children, who are never afraid to ask, “What are you doing?”

Hidden in Plain Sight – The Green Salamander Art Trail at the
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge

The Hidden in Plain Sight – The Green Salamander Art Trail takes place April 24 – August 23, 2026. Custom-designed salamander art pieces, created by a local artist, are installed at participating locations (including Lake Lure Flowering Bridge). To experience the event, visit the local participating businesses to see the arists’ salamander art and to scan the QR codes to learn about the artists and the Green Salamanders.

Learn about efforts to save the Hickory Nut Green Salamander on the Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy website.

 EDUCATIONAL CLASSES

One of our guiding purposes of the LLFB is to educate people. A variety of gardening-related classes will be held throughout the year. These classes are always popular, and if you’ve never attended one, we’d love to have you join us. Most classes are hands-on and last about an hour.

Classes are held at the new Flowering Bridge Education Center. Space is limited for workshops and pre-registation is required. A non-refindable fee to cover materials is required.

If you have questions about a particular class, contact us at education@lakelurefloweringbridge.org.

Class Schedule for 2026

January 14, 2026 – Seed Starting Made Easy
A class on how to start seed and how to keep your seedlings healthy and growing

January 21, 2026 – Paint A Brick Book
Make a Brick Book to add to your garden.

February 14, 2026 – Paint A Brick Book
Make a Brick Book to add to your garden.

February 18, 2026 – Painted Mandala Class Workshop
Join local artist Amy Wald for a class creating a Mandala to hang in your home.

March 4, 2026 –  How to Make a Beaded Cord Bracelet Workshop
A workshop creating a Woven Bead and Cord Bracelet.

March 18, 2026 –  How to Make a Beaded Cord Bracelet Workshop
A workshop creating a Woven Bead and Cord Bracelet.

March 28, 2026 – Learning about the Ruby Throated Hummingbird Class
A presentation on the fascinating Hummingbirds.

April 3, 2026 – Why Plant Native Class
Learn about native plants and how you can get started with native plants in your garden.

April 8, 2026 – Painted Mandala Class Workshop
A class creating a Mandala to hang in your home.

May 6, 2026 – Growing and Using Herbs Class
Presented by Polk County Master Gardener/LLFB “Herb Whisperer” Charlotte Gardner

May 20, 2026 – Let’s Make a Terrarium Workshop
Learn how to create their own terrarium.

June 10, 2026 – Hydroponics for Beginners Class
Learn the basics of home hydroponics.

July 8, 2026 –How to Propagate Plants for the Garden
Learn how to propagate plants for your garden and save money.
» Register online

July 22, 2026 – Let’s Make a Fairy Garden
Add a touch of whimsy to a sunny area of your landscape by planting a fairy garden in a container with us.
» Register online

August 12, 2026 – Learn to make a Crystal Suncatcher

August 22,2026 – Let’s Make a Solitary Bee Nesting House

August 26,2026 – How to Plant and Manage a Native Wildflower Meadow

September 9, 2026 – How to Grow Carnivorous Plants

September 12, 2026 – Learn to make a Driftwood Suncatchers

September 23, 2026 – Paint A Brick Book
Make a Brick Book to add to your garden.

September 26, 2026 – Painted Pumpkins

October 7, 2026 – Fall Wreath Workshop

October 17, 2026 – Pet Remembrance Rocks

November 14, 2026 – Winter Holiday Rustic Snowman Porch or Floor Sitter
Create a wooden Christmas porch decoration with Master Gardener Eleanor Bails.

December 2, 2026 – Christmas Wreath Workshop

Registration links will be provided a few weeks before each class.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL EVENTS

Be sure to mark your calendar and plan to join in the fun.

April 18, 2026 – Earth Day Celebration, with children’s activities from 10am – 2pm
June 27, 2026 – Pollinator Week Celebration, with children’s activities from 10am – 2pm