Upcoming Events
* * * * *
Van Atta’s Winter Class Schedule
Please pre-register for all winter classes and pre-pay if scheduled class has a fee.
Make Your Own Hanging Grapevine Décor
Saturday, Jan. 14th - 1pm
Make and take home a unique and beautiful creation that can be decorated for any season and will last for years. Class fee: $30
Bonsai Basics
Saturday, Jan. 21st - 1pm
Mike Simmons, from the Mid-Michigan Bonsai Club, will give a slide show presentation and information on the basics of selection and care of bonsai. Warning! This is an addictive “hobby” that can last a lifetime and cause hours of meditative focus and enjoyment! FREE
Creating a Terrarium
Saturday, Jan. 28 - 1pm
Make and take home a mini landscape in glass. Fee includes materials, but you can opt to upgrade container or plants at time of class. Class fee: $30
Phragmites Workshop for Residential and Natural Area Landowners
Saturday, Feb. 4th - 10am to noon
This workshop is presented by the Mid-Michigan Stewardship Initiative. Phragmites australis (often referred to as common reed) is an invasive, non-native species which presents major challenges to the health of Michigan’s wetlands. Learn how to identify and control its spread. FREE
Your First Orchid
Saturday, Feb.4th - 1pm
Presented by the Greater Lansing Orchid Society, this workshop is a basic instruction to the world of orchids, including selection and cultural requirements. You’re encouraged to bring in plants or pictures with your questions. FREE
Bonsai Soil Making
Sunday, Feb 5th - 1pm
If you’re interested in the art of bonsai, please join the Mid-Michigan Bonsai Club as an observer and see if you are interested in joining their group. The club usually meets the first Sunday of the month at 1pm. FREE
Growing Moth Orchids
Saturday, Feb 11 - 1pm
Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) are among the most popular house plants in the world. Learn how to keep them growing and producing blooms year after year. Bring in your orchid if you need help. Presented by the Greater Lansing Orchid Society. FREE
Starting Seeds Indoors
Saturday, Feb. 25th - 1pm
Learn how to successfully start seeds indoors to get a headstart on your season. FREE
Orchid Repotting
Saturday, Mar. 3rd - 1pm
Presented by the Greater Lansing Orchid Society, This is a hands-on workshop on how to repot an orchid. Learn how to pick the right potting media and pot type for your orchid. Bring your orchid and purchase potting media and pots from Van Atta’s if you’d like to repot with assistance. FREE to observe - There will be a fee for repotting.
Bonsai Grafting
Sunday, Mar. 4th - 1pm
Learn techniques as you observe the Mid-Michigan Bonsai Club members graft bonsai they’ve brought in. If you’re interested in joining the MMBC, talk to one of the members at this class. FREE
Growing Orchids Under Lights
Saturday, Mar. 10th - 1pm
Tropical plants normally get 12-14 hours of light each day, so how do you get that in a Michigan winter? Learn how to choose between the many different light options, the light needs of various orchids and what has been effective for our local growers. FREE
Selecting and Caring for Houseplants
Saturday, Mar. 17th - 1pm
Houseplants bring beauty to our homes and help filter our air. Learn how to determine what kind of light you have in your home and what kinds of tropical plants will thrive there, and learn how to care for your new plant once you bring it home. FREE
Growing Tropical Lady Slippers
Saturday, Mar 24th - 1pm
Tropical lady slippers are very different than our native lady slippers, and can be easily grown indoors and are reliable bloomers. Learn the cultural requirements needed to keep these beautiful orchids happy year after year. Presented by the Greater Lansing Orchid Society. FREE
Cold-Process Soap Making
Saturday, Mar. 31st - 1pm
Cara Ludlow, of The Soap Shoppe, will teach you the basics of crafting cold-process vegetable and herbal soaps in this hands-on class! You will take home approximately five pounds of luxurious soap, a soap making kit and instructional materials. Please wear long-sleeved shirts and dress for the mess. All participants are required to purchase the class and materials. (If you have taken the class before and will be re-using your supplies, you are required to pay the full class and materials fee upon sign up and will be reimbursed byThe Soap Shoppe after completion of the class.) Class fee: $30 / Materials fee: $90
Bonsai Repotting
Sunday, Apr. 1st - 1pm
Mid-Michigan Bonsai Club members will bring in their bonsai and repot, so please feel free to observe and learn. If you are interested in bonsai please take this opportunity to see if you are interested in joining the MMBC. Club meetings are usually held the first Sunday of the month at 1pm. FREE
