Learn in the Garden.
The garden’s stunning natural environment and many quiet seating spaces provide the perfect backdrop for our program offerings.
Come take a class, participate in a day-long retreat, or experience a hands-on horticultural experience. Check back regularly to see new learning opportunities. Scroll down to see what we’re offering.
And, to increase access to our programming, we reserve 2 spots in every program for those who need a scholarship or financial assistance. If you are interested in this option please email with your requested class: [email protected].
Class registration is transferable to someone else, but unfortunately not refundable.
Have an idea for a class you’d like to teach at Western Hills Garden?
Submit your idea here!
Birding walkabout
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli (of I’m Birding Right Now) for a 2-hour meander through Western Hills Garden to listen closely and soak up spring’s morning birdsong and activity.
Arbor Day Tree Lover’s Stroll
Celebrate Arbor Day with a relaxed, self-guided early evening stroll through Western Hills Garden, easing into golden hour, and highlighting standout tree specimens including our Japanese zelkova, Eucalyptus rubida (the largest white eucalyptus in North America). Along the way, enjoy cider tastings from OZ Farm, plus informal tree talks and a simple scavenger hunt for kids.
A low-key early evening for tree lovers of all ages.
Performing with Plants-morning
A live sound performance where plants take the lead. Developed during his residency at Western Hills Garden, Scott Kildall translates the subtle bio-electric activity of plants into an evolving soundscape, followed by conversation.
Performing with Plants-afternoon
A live sound performance where plants take the lead. Developed during his residency at Western Hills Garden, Scott Kildall translates the subtle bio-electric activity of plants into an evolving soundscape, followed by conversation.
The Art of Noticing: Poetry and Printmaking in the Garden
Spend a spring day slowing down and tuning in at Western Hills Garden. Guided by artists Irenka Pareto and Tess Taylor, participants will explore two complementary practices—relief printmaking and poetry—as tools for close observation, presence, and creative attention. Through hands-on workshops, time in the garden, shared meals, and reflective conversation, this intimate retreat invites you to notice more deeply, make thoughtfully, and leave with new work shaped by place. All levels welcome.
Mother's Day Photo Session
Mother’s Day mini photo sessions in Sonoma County with award-winning, Sonoma County lifestyle photographer Stephanie Rausser. Candid, natural portraits for families, couples, and individuals. Reserve your 20-minute session today. $100.
Wisdom in the Wild
What if the garden could speak — and you remembered how to listen? Join Anna Gatmon for a spring workshop at Western Hills Garden, where we’ll explore nature as a living, responsive presence through simple practices of Immersive Presence™, and step into a more reciprocal relationship with the living world. Includes lunch and garden admission.
The Art of Pruning Japanese Maples
Join the famed pruner Michael Alliger of Merritt College and Osmosis for a hands-on workshop in aesthetic pruning focused on Japanese maples..
Learning Plants Through Drawing
A two-hour observational drawing class blending art and botany through field journaling. Led by Western Hills Garden horticultural manager Justin Berthiaume, this class uses drawing to support plant recognition, visual memory, and careful observation. Open to artists of all levels and plant-curious learners.
Birding Walkabout
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli (of I’m Birding Right Now) for a 2-hour meander through Western Hills Garden to listen closely and soak up spring’s morning birdsong and activity.
Honoring Legacy Gardens
Join renowned plantsman Dan Hinkley in conversation with noted landscape architect RG Turner for a conversation on how gardens endure.
The Seasons of Aesthetic Pruning
An approachable lecture and demonstration on how pruning changes through the seasons, covering timing, plant growth, and practical techniques for shaping trees and shrubs over time.
Member Garden Tour
A free, members-only tour featuring behind-the-scenes insight, seasonal highlights, and relaxed conversation with the garden team.
Member Garden Tour
A free, members-only tour featuring behind-the-scenes insight, seasonal highlights, and relaxed conversation with the garden team.
Guided Winter Bloom Walkabout + Tour
A ticketed, small-group walk led by a garden guide, offering a seasonal introduction to Western Hills Garden, its rare trees, and ongoing stewardship.
Make Space for Love
An open invitation to slow down, wander, and take time for love—in all its forms. Join us at Western Hills Garden on February 14 for a gentle day of making, noticing, and connection.
Free with garden admission
Rainwater Harvesting Community Workshop
Learn how rainwater catchment conserves resources, reduces storm runoff, and replenishes groundwater. Leave with the confidence to develop your own at-home system. Free to attend. Space limited.
Our Lady of the Moon Closing Ceremony
Closing ceremony for We Players’ “Our Lady of the Moon” installation which will include:
A guided meditation and multi-sensory activation immersion into the luscious garden.
Audience with the Goddess of the Moon at her outdoor temple.
A simple meal of soup, salad, and locally baked bread.
Intro to Aesthetic Pruning
Join the famed pruner Michael Alliger of Merritt College and Osmosis for a hands-on workshop in aesthetic pruning.
Our Lady of the Moon Opening Ceremony
Opening ceremony for We Players’ “Our Lady of the Moon” installation which will include:
A guided meditation and multi-sensory activation immersion into the luscious garden.
Audience with the Goddess of the Moon at her outdoor temple.
A simple meal of soup, salad, and locally baked bread.
Birding Walkabout: explore Sonoma County birds
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli (of I’m Birding Right Now) for a 2-hour meander through Western Hills Garden to listen closely and soak up Fall’s morning birdsong.
Kids Clay Camp
A four day summer camp experience produced by Clayfolk and Western Hills Garden for kids 5-10. Spend a few hours playing with clay, wandering the garden, and crafting together.
Kids Clay Camp
A four day summer camp experience produced by Clayfolk and Western Hills Garden for kids 5-10. Spend a few hours playing with clay, wandering the garden, and crafting together.
Cyanotype: Botanical Blueprints
Learn the basics of cyanotype to create botanical blue prints using foraged foliage from Western Hills Garden.
Lumen Printing
Play with sun exposure, tonality, and WHG botanicals to make cameraless photographs.
Members Only - Spring Plant Sale Preview
A members-only evening to wander the garden with a glass of something at golden hour, see the garden at peak spring bloom, and purchase plants with a 20% members discount. (Discount available all weekend).
Bundle Dyeing
Come enjoy a morning of fun and creativity to create wonderful botanical watercolor-like designs with flowers, herbs and more to create a gorgeous one-of-a kind tea towel.
Exploring the birdsongs of Western Hills Garden
Join Teresa and Miles Tuffli (of I’m Birding Right Now) for a 2-hour meander through Western Hills Garden to listen closely and soak up Spring’s morning birdsong.
Wooden Egg Painting
Come visit and paint wooden eggs to place on our tree or renewal or take home.
Wooden Egg Painting
Come visit and paint wooden eggs to place on our tree or renewal or take home.
Mandala Making
Come visit and make mandalas throughout the garden as we celebrate spring.
Mandala Making
Come visit and make mandalas throughout the garden as we celebrate spring.
HONOR: ourselves and our ancestors
HONOR: a seasonal celebration between Western Hills Garden x Morihouse. The final of our 2024 collab.
Hannah Muller Book Talk: Designing with Dried Flowers
Listen to Hannah talk about her background, what she’s learned about dried flowers as a floral artist and farmer, and get some hot tips on how to work with dried flowers yourself.
Dried Flower Crowns
Meet the incredible Hannah Muller of Full Belly Farm’s infamous Wreath Room and learn to make a dried flower crown adorned with items from Western Hills Garden.
Kokedama
Enjoy an afternoon learning the Art of the Kokedama with Cathrina Susoev, a plant designer based in Petaluma, California and owner of Cat-Hawk gardens.
Obi Kaufmann Book Talk: The State of Fire
An incredible opportunity to listen to Obi Kaufmann talk about his new book, The State of Fire: Why California Burns, which comes out on September 17th. Obi will offer his insights into one of the most pressing issues of the twenty-first century, answer questions, and sign books.