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.
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. All classes will require a nominal fee of to cover materials. Space is limited for workshops, so you must preregister. Participants will need to prepay for workshops, and the fee is not refundable. 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. Due to limited parking, we are limiting classes to 12 participants.
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
Master Gardener Debbie Clark presents a class on how to start seed and how to keep your seedlings healthy and growing.
January 21, 2026 – Paint A Brick Book
Join Flowering Bridge volunteer Becky Melton for a class on How to Paint Brick Books.
February 14, 2026 – Paint A Brick Book
Join Flowering Bridge volunteer Becky Melton for a class on How to Paint Brick Books.
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
Join local artist Amy Wald, for a workshop creating a Woven Bead and Cord Bracelet.
March 18, 2026 – How to Make a Beaded Cord Bracelet Workshop
Join local artist Amy Wald, for a workshop creating a Woven Bead and Cord Bracelet.
March 28, 2026 – Learning about the Ruby Throated Hummingbird Class
Master Gardener Eleanor Bails will be doing a presentation on the fascinating Hummingbirds.
April 3, 2026 – Why Plant Native Class
Bridge volunteer Thea Petrovichto will talk about how native plants build and serve our ecosystems and how you can get started with native plants in your garden.
April 8, 2026 – Painted Mandala Class Workshop
Join local artist Amy Wald for 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
» Register online
May 20, 2026 – Let’s Make a Terrarium Workshop
Learn how to create their own terrarium with Master Gardener and bridge volunteer, Debbie Clark.
» Register online
June 10, 2026 – Hydroponics for Beginners Class
July 8, 2026 – How to Propagate Plants for the Garden
July 22, 2026 – Let’s Make a Fairy Garden
September 23, 2026 – Paint A Brick Book
Join Flowering Bridge volunteer Becky Melton for a class on How to Paint Brick Books.
October 7, 2026 – Fall Wreath Workshop
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
