Adult Opportunities

Moss Terrarium Workshop

Create your own moss terrarium in this hands-on workshop.

Content Detail

Discover the wonders of moss and learn to build and care for a miniature moss landscape in a glass vessel. The plants create their own ecosystem in a closed terrarium, watering themselves through transpiration and condensation. Finding the right balance is essential, and may take some trial and experimentation.

This class will equip you with what you need to know to care for your new garden under glass, including:

  • The skills needed to layer the medium for optimal growth
  • How to manage water and drainage
  • How to troubleshoot common issues that arise in a terrarium

You’ll also have a unique opportunity to hear from Arboretum experts about the notable collection of mosses and lichens in the Arboretum’s Herbarium, a 100-year-old collection of preserved plant records.

All experience levels are welcome.

This program meets in person at the Arboretum.

Instructor: Emmy Lou John, botanical arranger

Age: 16 and older

Course number: H170

Instructor

Emmy Lou John, botanical arranger

Emmy Lou John is the facilitator for the botanical arrangers at the Arboretum. She is past president of The Tuesday Garden Club of Aurora. She teaches and gives demonstrations and hands-on flower arranging workshops to various groups.

What to Know

This program meets indoors.

Most supplies included. Please bring gardening gloves, materials for taking notes, and a water bottle.

All experience levels are welcome.

Program Schedule

Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to noon

Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side

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