Events & Classes

Find classes on houseplants, seed starting, herbs, veggie growing, tree planting, lawn care and more by clicking on the drop-down for each month. More classes will be added soon!

For questions about specific classes,
please contact your local Earl May Garden Center.

January ▾

Thursdays in January from 4:30pm-5:30pm (Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30)
Des Moines, IA (South) - Houseplant Club Plant Swap and Mingle Hour
7701 S.E. Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA 50320

  • Beat the winter blues and join us for some plant talk time (for free)! Bring in cuttings to swap and check out our new propagation station. We also have a great selection of houseplants and pottery to browse and shop. See you soon!
  • Cost: FREE
  • See Facebook event for more.

Saturday, January 25 - 2pm
Iowa City, IA - Microgreens 101
1901 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240

  • Ever wondered about growing your own microgreens, or what the benefits of these sprouts are? Join us Saturday, January 25 at 2pm to learn more and create your own microgreen mason jar!
  • We will also have recipes to take home and samples of various microgreens for guests as well as general info about microgreens and how to grow them.
  • Cost: $19.99
  • Includes everything to make your own mason jar microgreen garden. Plus, the knowledge to keep them growing!
  • See Facebook event for more.




February ▾

Saturday, February 1 - 11am - 3pm
Ankeny, IA - Sweetheart Mini Photo Sessions & ARL Donation Drive
1509 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA

  • Grab your sweetheart, children, pets, or even just yourself and join us in the heated greenhouse for a fun and personalized session! Make it your own with props or item(s) that are unique to you and the ones you share your session with. All ideas are welcome! Those who book will receive a special coupon to Ankeny Earl May Garden center.
  • For Animal Rescue League of Iowa donations: Bring any unused toys, food, treats, towels, blankets, etc, to your session and receive a coupon to Ankeny Earl May Garden Center AND a coupon for a future session with Shelby Prochaska Photography!
  • Message Shelby Prochaska directly via Facebook Messenger to book your slot. ( www.facebook.com/shellyp.photography)
  • Pricing: $100 for 10-15 edited images, 15 minutes, next day gallery return
  • See Facebook event for more.

Saturday, February 1 - 4pm
Iowa City, IA - Iowa Raptor Project & DIY Pinecone Bird Feeders
1901 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240

  • Join us for a 1 hr. presentation from the Iowa Raptor Project with live raptors and expert information! We will be selling tickets in advance at $15 each. For adults, $10 for children. There will be refreshments provided. We will give out a wild bird coupon at the time of ticket purchase as well.
  • We will also be having a DIY pine cone bird feeder the same day - each pine cone will be $3.
  • The Iowa Raptor Project is a group affiliated with the University of Iowa that rescues raptors that are sick, injured, or otherwise not fit to live in the wild. Check out their website here.
  • See Facebook event for more.

Friday, February 7 - 1-3pm
Des Moines, IA (South) - Rain Campaign Funding Info Workshop
7701 S.E. Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA

  • Learn how Earl May and the Rain Campaign can help you create Rain Gardens and Native Landscaping to beautify your home and neighborhood. Cassandra of the Rain Campaign and Polk County Water Resources will discuss available city reimbursement programs that can bring big savings, and will help homeowners navigate these programs.Earl May’s corporate Green Goods buyer, Kelsey will talk about special plants available and how Earl May staff can guide you to success through our DIY Landscaping services.
  • Cost: FREE
  • See Facebook event for more.

Saturday, February 8 - 2pm
Iowa City, IA - Valentine's Day Paperwhites
1901 Lower Muscatine Rd, Iowa City, IA 52240

  • Decorate a mason jar with Valentine's Day decor and plant some paperwhites! These are an easy way to continue growing this winter season. Makes great gifts and a fun project for kids.
  • Cost: $25
  • See Facebook event for more.

Friday, February 14 - 5pm
Ottumwa, IA - Valentine's Day DIY Bird Seed Ornament
2857 North Court Rd, Ottumwa, IA 52501

  • Join us for a fun Valentine's Day event! Create your own bird seed feeder to keep your feathered friends happy and healthy this chilly winter season.
  • Cost: $6 per person, or 2 for $10
  • Please pre-register by stopping by the store or give us a call at (641) 682-5617. We'll see you there!
  • See Facebook event for more.

Saturday, February 15 - 1-3pm
Des Moines, IA (South) - Kokedama Class
7701 S.E. Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA

  • Join us to Kokedama your own houseplant! We will have a selection of plants to choose from and all the supplies. Hope to see you there!
  • Cost: $35
  • Includes plant, supplies and a knowledgable team to guide you through the process.
  • See Facebook event for more.

Saturday, February 22 - 1-3pm
Des Moines, IA (South) - Lawn Care Info Day
7701 S.E. Bloomfield Rd, Des Moines, IA

  • Get more with Earl May Lawn Programs and lawn care items! Learn why Earl May's Midwest-specific lawn programs are superior to other bagged programs, easy to apply, and less costly than a lawn service. Also, learn about timing, application tips, what's in the bag and more. We'll have a Q&A session following, so make sure to bring all your lawn care questions!
  • Cost: FREE
  • Registration not required.
  • See Facebook event for more.