A Two-Session Workshop for Beginning and Engaged Gardeners
INFORMATION & REGISTRATION
OBJECTIVES:
Learn the basics of how to design a garden
Create a practical & beautiful garden design for your own space
Build community with local gardeners
DATES: March 3 & 10, 2026
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00pm
LOCATION: Spruce Coffee, 952 State Street, New Haven, CT
REGISTRATION: $ 50 per session, $90 for both as package
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Have you ever walked through a lovely garden space and wondered “How did they do this??” It’s time to find out!
This two-session workshop will offer you the basics on how to design a garden. Together, we will explore practical design elements, tips for plant selection & placement, and creative options for hardscaping. Half of each session will be presentation-format, with the second half dedicated to workshop-style practical application. The two sessions will build off of each other; while you can take just one or the other, we recommend diving into both!
Please come to the workshop with an idea of a space you’d like to design — whether that’s an actual space (your backyard, terrace, or stoop), or a hypothetical space that you would simply dream of re-designing (The New Haven Green! The Beinecke Plaza! Times Square!). All materials will be provided, simply bring your curiosity about garden design and the desire to have a good time in community. And, bring some extra cash to buy some delicious coffee, tea, and snacks from our wonderful hosts at Spruce!
Note: We will be primarily concerned with ecological and ornamental gardening, working with native perennials, trees and shrubs rather than vegetable or kitchen gardens.
This workshop will be led by Chris Freimuth, a local garden designer and the director of CF Gardens. Chris has worked for the last ten years on urban and estate properties throughout the area, including for folks like Drew Barrymore and Michael Kors. Johannes Setzer will be managing the workshop — please feel free to reach out to him with any questions or concerns at info@cfgardens.com
HOW TO REGISTER
Fill out the form below with your name, email, and anything you’d like us to know in advance (not required, but feel free to let us know your motivation for registering, what you hope to learn, etc.)
We will reply with a payment request via Venmo, along with an email that has all of the information you will need for the event. Once payment is confirmed, you’re all set and we’ll plan to see you in March!
