Site, Prep, Build

Do you often find yourself online trying to figure out how to make your plants thrive? Do you envy your neighbor’s green thumb? Have you always wanted a home garden, but don’t know where to start?

Our Gardening 101 series is for you! Each month, we present a beginner’s class covering key things you need to know — from location and placement to plant selection and harvesting, and everything in between – to start keeping and caring for your own garden at home.

In our first installment of Gardening 101, horticulturist TJ Oliver invites you to imagine turning your yard into a stunning, low-maintenance oasis filled with vibrant flowers, lush foliage, and colorful blooms that thrive despite our heavy clay soils, scorching summers, and sudden downpours. He will share his favorite tips for choosing the perfect spot, preparing the soil like a pro, and building beautiful garden beds that ensure excellent drainage and long-lasting resilience.

This class is perfect for anyone seeking practical and easy-to-apply ideas to help create a gorgeous ornamental garden that looks amazing year-round in our unique Gulf Coast climate.

Non-member fee of $15 includes general admission to the Garden. Garden members can attend at no charge, per the general admission benefits of their membership level.

​​Houston Botanic Garden offers free parking for daytime events, which are held rain or shine.