While Windmill Island Gardens does not open for the 2026 season until Monday, April 13, they are still thinking spring! Starting March 19, Windmill Island Gardens is launching an all-new monthly gardening class series geared towards those who are ready to dig-into gardening at home! In partnership with the Michigan State University Extension, Windmill Island Gardens is excited to host a variety of classes covering topics like site assessment, composting, starting a vegetable garden, design tips, preserving and canning, trees, and so much more. Learn from the experts at these once a month classes from March – October on the third Thursday of the month from 6:00pm – 7:30pm for just $15 a class, or save $20 when you sign up for them all for $100!
Are you planning new garden plantings this season? Or trying to determine why certain plants aren’t thriving in your landscape? Beautiful gardens start from the ground up! On Thursday, March 19 from 6:00pm-7:30pm Windmill Island Gardens will host the first De Tuin Klas (The Garden Class) where Deanna F. Hedlund, MSU Extension Horticulture Educator, will help you better understand your existing site conditions before you start to make potentially costly changes, including soil testing options and what the test results can mean for your landscape. You will leave this class armed with a site assessment checklist, pH testing strips to take home, and knowledge to give your plants the best chance of flourishing!
“Helping the community learn how to garden in a way that feels both authentic to them and is rooted in evidence is a personal goal of mine.” Says Windmill Island Gardens Grounds and Horticulture Manager, Emily VanStaalduinen. “I'm really excited for these classes, especially for young homeowners or those who are newer to gardening. Not only can your garden be your personal refuge, but also a refuge for native wildlife and your neighbors if done intentionally. And what better place to share this information than our beautiful gardens at Windmill Island!”
De Tuin Klas: Ground Rules will be held at Windmill Island Gardens in the white Celebration Pavilion (1 Lincoln Ave, Holland, MI 49423). Class fees are $15 per person and include all needed supplies. Tickets are non-refundable. For questions about De Tuin Klas Series, please contact Laura at l.ambruso@cityofholland.com. Space in each class is limited, so secure your spot today!
The full schedule of De Tuin Klas series can be found below with more information available about other upcoming programming on the Windmill Island Gardens Facebook page and at www.windmillisland.com/programs.
Upcoming De Tuin Klas Dates & Topics
Ground Rules- Thursday, March 19
Beautiful gardens start from the ground up! Learn to understand your site conditions before you dig-in to gardening at home!
Scraps to Soil – Thursday, April 16
Learn the basics of composting to help your garden thrive, and take home plans to build your own composting bin!
Pots & Plots – Thursday, May 21
Discover the basics of garden design to build a beautiful garden space that's ready to thrive!
Garden to Table – Thursday, June 18
Start your own vegetable garden, learn to care for it, and have the freshest produce possible at home!
Garden Guardians – Thursday, July 16
Learn the best garden maintenance practices from weeding and watering to plant nutrition to help your garden thrive!
Patch to Pantry – Thursday, August 20
Learn to preserve and can your fruits and vegetables so you can have fresh homegrown produce, all year long!
Branching Out – Thursday, September 17
Landscaping is more than beautiful garden beds! Learn the basics about trees to branch out your gardening skills!
Bulbs & Beyond – Thursday, October 15
Prepare your garden spaces for winter, and get a head start on spring blooms by cleaning and planting now, to enjoy later!
