Kate's Garden
Calendar of Events
Kate's Garden offers botanical gardening and earth friendly events, seminars and workshops to educate and inspire urbanites and suburbanites too.
REGISTRATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FULL PAYMENT MUST ACCOMPANY EACH REGISTRATION. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR
EACH SEMINAR, WORKSHOP OR EVENT. REGISTRATIONS CANCELLED WITH MORE THAN 48
HOURS NOTICE WILL RECEIVE A SEMINAR CREDIT. REGISTRATIONS CANCELLED WITH LESS
THAN 48 HOURS NOTICE WILL NOT RECEIVE A CREDIT. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO
RESCHEDULE SEMINARS WITH INSUFFICIENT REGISTRATION FOR WHICH FEES WILL BE ISSUED
AS A SEMINAR CREDIT OR REFUNDED. ALL ACTIVITIES ARE AT THE RISK OF THE PARTICIPANT.
KATE’S GARDEN ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR PERSONAL INJURY OR MISHAP DURING
SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS OR EVENTS.
Tel: 905-604-2451
Fax: 905-604-2762
"Sugar Shack" Pancake Brunch
Special Events
Click on the links below to see the fun and exciting events, seminars and workshops we have to offer this year...
Enjoy all the scrumptious treats of a Maple Syrup Sugaring Off. Discover sweet ideas to enjoy until spring actually comes...for fresh and silk flower arranging, indoor gardening and forcing boughs.
We'll share pots and pots of thoughts to display potted bulbs: daffodils, crocuses, irises, tulips and hyacinths too!
Catered by Anne Kaukonen of Appetizers & More.
Fee: $20 plus tax
Thursday Morning, March 11
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
at the Kate's Garden Studio
Field Trip to Canada Blooms
Joe Badali’s is a fabulous Italian restaurant downtown on Front Street. Joe Badali’s offers fresh, delicious food and is total eye candy in terms of décor (lots of Kate’s Garden silks and everlastings…). To entice us to visit the restaurant, the folks at Joe Badali’s have organized a tour bus to take us to lunch at the restaurant and then go to Canada Blooms!
The Field Trip includes:
- Return Transportation to Blooms
- Gourmet Italian Lunch at Joe Badali's
- Addmission to Canada Blooms
- A guided tour of Canada Blooms with Kate as your guide
- Kate's "Fifteen Minute Flower Arranging" Seminar on the Main Stage at Blooms
- Plenty of free time to view and shop too!
Fee: $60 plus tax
Friday, March 19
Pick Up at Kate’s Garden: 10:30 a.m.
Return Pick Up at Blooms: 6:00 p.m.
Varley Art Gallery Easter Brunch
Back by Popular Demand! A showcase, seminar, fashion show and Brunch all in one special event:
- Learn to give your bouquets second life with the latest in Spring Flower arranging
- Gather fresh ideas for indoor and outdoor Container Gardening
- Enjoy a full Spring Fashion Show from the talented ladies of Peppertree Klassics
- Gear Up for Gardening with our Essential Spring Task Tips and Body Healthy Gardening Practices
- Drink in the latest Art Exhibit at Varley Art Gallery
- Includes lots of shopping for Easter delights, a welcoming coffee break and Brunch provided by Appetizers & More
Fee: $35 plus tax
Wednesday, March 31
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
at Varley Art Gallery
"Green Frugalista"
Seminars and Workshops
Upcycling & Eco-Crafts
Make & Take Workshop
Upcycling is all about rescuing, repurposing and refurbishing things with a sense of history. We’ll share tons of ideas to create eco-crafts and recycle vintage items. Bring your own teacup and saucer and a couple of pretty bottles. We will make a teacup birdfeeder, message bottles and hanging jar lanterns too.
Fee: $20 plus tax
Thursday Afternoon, April 15
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday Afternoon, June 22
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, June 23
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
Botanical Arts
Seminars & Workshops
Garden of Memories
Writing Workshop
Want to write your memoirs? Improve your writing skills? Using garden memories as a catalyst, local editor, writer and U of T instructor, Allyson Latta offers this two-part introduction to memoir writing. Bring paper, pen…and memories! Refreshments provided.
Fee: $50 plus tax
Wednesday Evenings, March 3 & March10
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
or
Tuesday Afternoons June 8 & June 15
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
or
Monday Evenings June 7 & June 14
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Mosaic Stepping Stone
Make & Take Workshop
Talented local artist Michael Field will teach you how to make a botanically inspired mosaic stepping stone to adorn your garden. All materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $40 plus taxes
Friday Afternoon, March 26
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday Evening, April 8
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Monday Afternoon, June 14
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday Evening, June 15
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Framed Pressed Flowers
Make & Take Workshop
Learn how to press flowers using our microwave floral presses. We will use gorgeous hydrangeas and tulips for this project. Create your own instant botanical art by framing your work too. All materials, notes and refreshments included.
Fee: $25 plus taxes
Monday Afternoon, April 12
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Leaf Stepping Stones
Make & Take Workshop
Make your own leaf imprinted concrete stepping stones…in less than an hour! Just let us know in advance if you need to make more than one. All materials & refreshments included.
Fee: $20 per stone plus taxes
Tuesday Afternoon, April 27
1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, May 5
7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Monday Afternoon, June 7
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday Evening, June 8
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
"Flowers in Focus"
Photography Course
Not sure how to capture the beauty of your blooms using your digital camera? Let award-winning photographer Laura Mills teach you the basics of garden photography…in a garden.
Fee: $20 plus taxes
Wednesday Afternoon, May 26
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning, June 10
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Thursday Morning, June 29
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Alpine Trough
Make & Take Workshop
Alpine plant expert Nikola Warnock helps you make and plant your own weatherproof plant trough...you will be able to overwinter this. Materials and plants included.
Fee: $150 plus taxes
Sunday Afternoon, May 30
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Gardening
Seminars & Workshops
"The Passionate Gardener"
Perennial Seminars
The Seven Steps for Successful
Perennial Gardens
This is undoubtedly one of the most beneficial gardening seminars you will ever take. These Seven Steps will lead to lush, healthy perennial beds and borders that burst with colour. Notes and refreshments provided.
Fee: $20 plus tax
Wednesday Evening, April 28
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday Afternoon, May 4
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, June 9
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, July 7
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Kate’s Formula
Four Season Succession of Bloom
Get in on the secrets to success with Kate’s simple tried and true formula for succession of bloom throughout all four seasons.
Fee: $ 20 plus tax
Wednesday Evening, May 12
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday Evening, June 17
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, July 14
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Perennial Master Class
Conquered the Seven Steps? Understand Succession? Then master native plants, long & repeat bloomers, dry to wet shade, cutting flowers, drought-resistant, attracting winged miracles..and perennials for problem areas.
Fee: $20 plus tax
Thursday Evening, May 27
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Monday Evening, June 21
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, July 21
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Growing Great Roses
& Climbing Vines
Learn more about Kate’s twin gardening passions…fabulous roses for homegrown bouquets and the sheer splendor of “growing up”…annual and perennial vines.
Fee: $20 plus tax
Wednesday Evening, June 2
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $70 plus tax for the complete series.
"Make an Entrance"
Curb Appeal
This showcase seminar is all about improving your curb appeal. Learn how to marry your house and garden style. Includes containers, plants, front entrance and front garden décor.
Fee: $15 plus tax
Wednesday Evening, April 14
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday Evening, May 4
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Garden Smarter
This primer gives you all the basics to get you pumped and ready for Spring Gardening. Essential Spring Clean-Up Tasks, Healthy Gardener Tips, Spring Pruning of Flowering Shrubs, Creating New Beds and Borders…and tried and true solutions to maximize your garden’s potential while minimizing the work. Notes and refreshments included.
Fee: $20 plus tax
Wednesday Evening, April 21
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Incredible Edibles
With the steady mantra of local, seasonal and organic ringing in our ears these days…it is time to grow some of your own veggies, herbs and edible flowers too! Veggies in pots just outside the kitchen door or a full-blown kitchen garden…let’s explore the how-tos of what suits you best.
Fee: $15 plus tax
Thursday Evening, May 6
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Silks & Everlastings
Workshops
Silk Easter Egg Tree
Make & Take Workshop
Make a silk Easter Egg Tree using faux forsythia branches in a glass vase and hollowed, decorated Easter eggs ready to hang. Simply stunning! Materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $60 plus taxes
Monday Afternoon, March 29
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Spring Wreath
Make & Take Workshop
Kate’s Garden is well known for its uniquely botanical lush wreaths. Join us to learn how to make your own.
On a grapevine base covered with preserved salal and lush faux spring blossoms. All materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $80 plus taxes
Thursday Evening, March 25
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or
Wednesday Afternoon, April 21
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Everlasting Wall Pocket
Make & Take
Choose a tin, wicker, or glass wall pocket for this silk and everlasting arrangement to grace your wall or front door. Make certain to tell us your preferred colours when registering. Materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $40 plus taxes
Thursday Afternoon, April 8
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Fresh Flower Arranging
Seminars & Workshops
Fresh Flower Arranging 101
Make & Take Workshop
This make and take workshop provides Step by Step Instructions to learn how to make your fresh cut flowers last longer and to improve your flower arranging skills. As seen in the April edition of Canadian Living magazine.
Includes a clear glass Gathering Vase, seasonal flowers to create a domed centrepiece, notes & refreshments too.
Fee: $45 plus taxes
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday Evening, March 30
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday Afternoon, June 24
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening, July 28
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Wedding Flowers Seminar
Are you a Do-It-Yourself Bride? Come share the latest to create stylish weddings for less….flowers, guest gifts and all the finishing touches.
As Kate shows you how to create a bride’s bouquet, she will share hundreds of ideas to plan your “chic on a shoestring” wedding.
Notes, door prizes and refreshments included.
Fee: $15 plus tax
Thursday Evening, March 25
Tuesday Evening, April 6
Monday Evening, July 12
7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
May Basket
Make & Take Workshop
Folks used to celebrate the arrival of spring by anonymously placing a tiny basket of flowers or goodies on the front door knob of a friend. Let’s keep this charming tradition alive….
As you learn how to create a nosegay of fresh cut flowers to place in our darling door baskets, learn about the delightful Language of Flowers. Notes, refreshments and all materials included.
Fee: $15 plus taxes
Thursday Afternoon, April 29
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday Evening, April 29
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Mother's Day Floral Brunch
Treat your Mum to a celebration of all things floral…some quick lessons in fresh flower arranging, potting up indoor centerpieces and container gardening too. Enjoy a beautifully catered lunch prepared by Appetizers & More…and time together.
Fee: $25 plus tax
Friday Afternoon, May 7
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Kate’s Garden Studio
Mother & Child
Make & Take Workshops
Designed for Mothers (or grandmas, aunts…) with children aged 7 to 13. Includes refreshments and all materials.
Fee: $20 per person plus taxes.
Pussy Willow Easter Tree
Continue this lovely Austrian Easter tradition together as you create your very own Easter Egg Tree. It will be potted in a lovely container and made from pussy willow branches from which you will hang hollowed, decorated Easter eggs.
Saturday, March 27 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For the Birds
Learn how to attract birds to your garden. Bring along a teacup and saucer and we will help you to make a teacup birdfeeder…and we’ll make freezable birdseed balls too.
Saturday, April 10 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 15 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Mother's Day Stepping Stones
You will each make and embellish your very own handprint concrete stepping stone to enhance your garden.
Saturday, May 8 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Indoor Container Gardening
Seminars & Workshops
Easter Basket Bulb Centrepiece
Make & Take Workshop
Plant up a generously sized potted bulb centrepiece in an upscale lined basket. We will use daffodils, tulips, primroses, muscari and hyacinths. The pussy willow branches will provide the “fencing” to keep the bulbs upright when they bloom. Embellish with sheet moss and a grassed nest filled with blown quail eggs. All materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $45 plus taxes
Tuesday Afternoon, March 30
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Potted Bulb Centrepieces
Make & Take Workshops
These Thursday afternoon workshops are timed perfectly to have the scent of spring for weekends at home…or to give as hostess gifts! We use hyacinths, tulips, daffodils and forced branches in gorgeous mossed pots.
Fee: $35 plus taxes
For Easter...Thursday Afternoon, March 25
For Earth Day…Thursday Afternoon, April 22
For Mother’s Day…Thurs. Afternoon, May 6
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Outdoor Container Gardening Workshops
Bring-Your-Own-Pot
Container Gardening
We provide the soil, plants and the expertise to guide you. You bring the pot, the window box, the hanging basket…and we clean up the mess! Refreshments provided.
Fee: Pay-as-you-Go
Spring Pots
Wed. Afternoon, April 7
1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Afternoon, April 17
All Day
Summer Pots
Tues. Afternoon, May 18
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Wed. Evening, May 19
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sat. Afternoon, May 22
All Day
Sat. Afternoon, May 29
All Day
Hummingbird Hanging Basket
As you create this basket uniquely designed to attract hummingbirds, you will learn all the tips and tricks to attract these winged miracles to your garden. All materials and instructions included.
Fee: $40 plus taxes
Thursday Evening, May 20
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
To register for any events, seminars or workshops please call us at (905) 604-2451 or drop by our studio in Unionville!
9th Annual Lavender Fair
Come join us for a delightful Lavender Lunch and Learn at the Toronto Botanical Gardens. Learn how to successfully grow, harvest, preserve and use Lavender. Gather dozens of ideas for Lavender’s amazing culinary, sensual, medicinal, housekeeping, beautifying, aromatherapy, decorative and fragrance uses. This special event includes a lavender-infused lunch and beverages catered by Anne Kaukonen of Appetizers & More.
We will have everything you need to pot up some lavender, make a sachet or spa treatment too…and lots of lavender treats for your shopping pleasure. The event includes a 25 page booklet entitled “Lavender Lore”.
Friday July 16 or Saturday July 17
Fee: $40 plus tax
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Toronto Botanical Gardens
Garden Tour & Lavender Tea
Tour three unique Unionville gardens and then enjoy a “lavender-infused” Summer Garden Party at Varley Art Gallery.
Net proceeds from this Special Event will support Varley Art Gallery and Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Catered by Anne Kaukonen of Appetizers & More.
Fee: $30 plus tax
Friday, June 25th
Saturday, June 26th
"Fairytopia"
Mother & Daughter
Garden Party
Want to learn how to attract fairies to your home and garden? This Garden Party is intended for Mother’s & their young Daughters…(or Grandmother’s & Granddaughters, Aunts & Nieces) who want to spend a wonderful “summer-dress” kind of a day together…learning reams of fairy lore.
This special event is held in Kate’s own Unionville Garden who is, of course, a true believer with plenty of plants and garden decor guaranteed to welcome fairies.
Plan to learn lots of fairy lore and gardening tips as you each convert wooden birdhouses into magical Fairy Abodes. A scrumptious picnic lunch for two is included.
Fee: $30 per person plus taxes
Thursday, July 22
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Please wear a hat and sunscreen.
DIY Summer Hostess Gifts
Invitations abound in the summer and so does the need to bring hostess gifts! Up your gift-giving prowess with this demo of DIY hostess gifts guaranteed to garner appreciation…all for $20 or less! All materials and refreshments included.
Fee: This one is on us but please RSVP!
Thursday Afternoon, June 17
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Pruning & Deadheading
Learn how, what and when to prune your flowering shrubs, climbing vines, roses and small trees. We will teach you how to prune with confidence…
Fee: $15 plus tax
Spring Pruning and Deadheading
Monday Evening, May 3
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Summer Pruning and Deadheading
Monday Evening, June 28
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Late Summer Pruning & Deadheading
Tuesday Evening, August 17
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Trees & Shrubs
Choice & Care
Which trees have the greatest energy saving benefits? How do you care for you flowering shrubs to maintain succession of bloom? What is the best hedging for privacy screening? Join us for an informative seminar to help you make these important choices. Notes and refreshments included.
Fee: $15 plus tax
Thursday Evening, June 10
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Winged Miracles
Transform a garden from sublime to magical when you attract butterflies, hummingbirds and birds to your garden. Learn all the tips and tricks to welcome these flying miracles to your garden. Includes our Winged Miracles booklet and refreshments.
Fee: $15 plus tax.
Wednesday Evening, June 16
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Garden Pests & Diseases
Gardening is a labour of love for us…and like any love story it involves some pain. Ours comes in the form of voracious bunny rabbits, slimy slugs and nasty black mold…etcetera. Join us for our tried and true organic methods to fight back against the most common garden pests and diseases. Includes our 50+ Solutions booklet and refreshments.
Fee: $15 plus tax.
Thursday Evening, June 24
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Garden Revival
August is the perfect time to improve your succession of bloom by refresh your fading Summer Garden and planting for a great Fall show. Enjoy this seminar guaranteed to instill plant lust!
Fee: $15 plus tax
Wednesday Afternoon, August 11
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursday Evening, August 12
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Provence Hedge
Make & Take Workshop
Lavender is traditionally harvested in late June and July here in Ontario. When dried, lavender is a beautifully decorative herb that helps induce sleep, reduces stress, relaxes…and repels insects too! Make this lovely Lavender Hedge in a rectangular pot Materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $50 plus taxes
Wednesday Afternoon, June 23
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday Evening, July 15
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Early Summer Wreath
Make & Take
Kate’s Garden is well known for its lush wreaths that combine faux and natural materials for a uniquely upscale, botanical look. Join us to learn how to make your own on a grapevine base covered with preserved salal and lush faux blossoms, berries and branches. Materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $80 plus taxes
Wednesday Afternoon, June 9
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. or
Tuesday Evening, June 22
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Summertime Silk Table Topper
These small silk and preserved flower arrangements are ideal for end-tables or accent corners where your room begs for a dash of colour. Materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $25 plus taxes
Wednesday Afternoon, July 14
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Summer Wall Pocket
Choose a tin, wicker, or glass wall pocket for this silk and everlasting arrangement to grace your wall or front door. Make certain to tell us your preferred colours when registering. Materials and refreshments included.
Fee: $50 plus taxes
Thursday Afternoon, June 10
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Hydrangea Wreath
Make & Take Workshop
You will use freshly dried Annabelle and Endless Summer Hydrangeas to create this gorgeous hydrangea wreath on a salal covered grapevine base. Instructions and materials included.
Fee: $75
Thursday Afternoon, August 26
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Easy Flower Arranging
Learn how to take a grocery store bouquet and convert it into five arrangements; for dining room table, the kitchen counter, the mantelpiece, the coffee table and the powder room. You will also learn how to make flowers last longer and see the latest in floral looks. Great ideas for flowers cut fresh from the garden too!
Our Flower Arranging Booklet and refreshments included.
Fee: $15 plus taxes
Wednesday Afternoon, June 16
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Father's Day Garden Plaque
You will each make your own leaf imprinted concrete garden wall plaque to enhance your garden.
Saturday, June 12 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Teacher Present Potting Class
This make and take workshop focuses on teaching the basics of container gardening but will also result in beautiful potted plants perfect to give as teacher presents. Saturday, June 19 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Framed Pressed Flower Art
Learn how to press flowers fresh from garden and create your very own framed botanical art…as you learn how to convey secret messages in the language of flowers!
Thursday August 5 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Think Pink
Purchase for a Purpose Workshop
This “Purchase for a Purpose” workshop is a make-and-take that is all about thinking pink…and planting pink…to raise funds for the Breast Wellness Centre of Markham Stouffville Hospital.
Drink pink champagne and nosh on pink nibbles as you learn how to container garden from the pros. Then plant up a striking, lush drop pot of predominantly pink flowers to pop into your urn or pot at home.
Fee: $35 plus taxes…plus $10 Donation.
Tuesday Evening, May 18
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday Afternoon, May 20
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Please let us know in advance whether you need sun or shade exposure.
Prefer not to plant? Come along for the festivities anyway and we will do the potting for you…$45 plus taxes…plus $10 Donation.
