How-to classes, seminars, and make it/take workshops for both kids and adults from our garden experts.
Get ready to shop, save, and celebrate at Bloom Bash, a redemption event happening July 17th-19th, 2026! This event is your chance to redeem the Bloom Bucks you earn while shopping with us this spring. From Mother’s Day (May 10th) - July 4th, 2026, gardenRewards members will earn $1 in Bloom Bucks for every $10 spent in-store. It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting local and shopping with us during our favorite time of year.
No need to track your purchases, we’ll do that for you! Just make sure your email address is linked to your gardenRewards account and you're subscribed to our emails, so we can send your Bloom Bucks total before the big event. Questions or need to update your info? Reach out to us anytime at info@mcdonaldgardencenter.com.

It’s time for our Customer Appreciation Weekend, happening June 12th-14th, 2026, at our year-round locations and seasonal garden markets. We’re showing our thanks to you, our amazing customers, by offering exclusive deals, exciting giveaways, and seasonal fun made just for you.
Be sure to stop by on Saturday, June 13th from 11am-2pm for our special Grillin’ in the Garden event at our year-round locations, where lunch is on us with a FREE hotdog, chips, and a drink while you shop.

We're showing our appreciation to all our wonderful customers during Customer Appreciation Weekend with our IN-STORE giveaways at our year-round locations and you could be one of the lucky winners!

We’re cookin’ up gratitude with a side of chips and a drink! Join us for Grillin’ in the Garden on Saturday, June 13th from 11am-2pm at all of our year-round locations for a customer appreciation celebration you won’t want to miss. We’ll be firing up the grill and serving FREE hot dogs, chips, and drinks as our way of saying thank you to the incredible customers who have helped us grow for over 80 amazing years.

Join us for a morning of creativity and classic seasonal charm at our Summer Tea & Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, June 13th at 11am, exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location. In this hands-on class, you’ll start with a classic faux boxwood wreath, then let our Green Team guide you through the art of bow-making as you learn tips and techniques for creating the perfect statement bow using sweet strawberry-themed ribbon to complete your design.
To make the experience even better, you’ll also receive additional ribbons to create a second bow in a different style, with step-by-step instruction from our Green Team so you can leave with new bow-making skills and plenty of creative inspiration, all while enjoying tea and crumpets as part of this charming, hands-on experience.

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with us June 22nd–28th, 2026 at both of our year-round locations and select garden markets! It’s the perfect time to give your garden a boost with special savings on pollinator-friendly plants that help attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other essential garden visitors.
Throughout the week, enjoy family-friendly activities, interactive displays, and helpful tips from our Green Team on how to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscape at home. Plus, don’t miss the Monarch Butterfly Tent at our Independence location for a special up-close look at one of nature’s most beloved pollinators.

Flutter into our Independence location for a fun and family-friendly experience this June 22nd-28th, 2026. Wander through our butterfly tent and get up close with beautiful monarch butterflies and hungry caterpillars munching away, forming chrysalises, emerging into stunning adults right before your eyes.
Our friendly Green Team experts will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through this incredible journey of transformation. This is a FREE experience, perfect for the whole family to enjoy, learn, and connect with nature.
Space inside the tent is limited, so please be prepared to wait your turn for entry. Don’t miss your chance to witness the magic of monarchs in action!

Calling all little busy bees! Bring your kiddos to our hands-on Pollinator Planter Workshop for Kids. Each child will paint their own bee-utiful pot, inspired by one of three pollinators, then plant a bright lantana.
As they craft, kids will discover the amazing world of pollinators and the important plants that keep our gardens buzzing with life.

Peach season is right around the corner, and we're excited to host the Georgia Peach Truck once again at our Independence Boulevard location. Enjoy farm-fresh peaches delivered straight from the orchards of Georgia.

Join us for a morning of creativity and classic seasonal charm at our Summer Tea & Wreath Making Workshop on Saturday, June 13th at 11am, exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location. In this hands-on class, you’ll start with a classic faux boxwood wreath, then let our Green Team guide you through the art of bow-making as you learn tips and techniques for creating the perfect statement bow using sweet strawberry-themed ribbon to complete your design.
To make the experience even better, you’ll also receive additional ribbons to create a second bow in a different style, with step-by-step instruction from our Green Team so you can leave with new bow-making skills and plenty of creative inspiration, all while enjoying tea and crumpets as part of this charming, hands-on experience.

Calling all little busy bees! Bring your kiddos to our hands-on Pollinator Planter Workshop for Kids. Each child will paint their own bee-utiful pot, inspired by one of three pollinators, then plant a bright lantana.
As they craft, kids will discover the amazing world of pollinators and the important plants that keep our gardens buzzing with life.

It’s time for our Customer Appreciation Weekend, happening June 12th-14th, 2026, at our year-round locations and seasonal garden markets. We’re showing our thanks to you, our amazing customers, by offering exclusive deals, exciting giveaways, and seasonal fun made just for you.
Be sure to stop by on Saturday, June 13th from 11am-2pm for our special Grillin’ in the Garden event at our year-round locations, where lunch is on us with a FREE hotdog, chips, and a drink while you shop.

Celebrate National Pollinator Week with us June 22nd–28th, 2026 at both of our year-round locations and select garden markets! It’s the perfect time to give your garden a boost with special savings on pollinator-friendly plants that help attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other essential garden visitors.
Throughout the week, enjoy family-friendly activities, interactive displays, and helpful tips from our Green Team on how to create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscape at home. Plus, don’t miss the Monarch Butterfly Tent at our Independence location for a special up-close look at one of nature’s most beloved pollinators.

Calling all houseplant lovers! Join us for our Valentine’s Houseplant Bingo on February 14th, 2026 at 11am, exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location.
This isn’t your classic bingo, our custom houseplant bingo cards feature your favorite plants, which we’ll call out live while you mark your cards. Every round begins with announcing the prize of that round. When you get a BINGO, you can come up to grab your prize! While prizes aren’t guaranteed for every player, everyone can join in for free and enjoy the experience.

Get ready for the ultimate plant parenting extravaganza as Plantopia Presents: Houseplant Adoption Weekend at McDonald Garden Center! This event will be all weekend long Saturday, February 21st - Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 for you to pick the perfect plant that suits you best.
Let’s take a magical journey into the world of houseplants as we open the doors to the lush land of Plantopia at our Independence Blvd. location to get you started on your adoption journey. The quest of becoming a plant parent starts with filling out a questionnaire, where we'll get to know a few things like where your plant will be and what preferences you have for things like care. After that, our Green Team will match you with your perfect plant baby. But the fun doesn't stop there! We've got a whole list of activities to participate in:

Spring is almost here, and with it comes that familiar feeling, long afternoons outside, dirt under your fingernails, and the kind of backyard moments that turn into lifelong memories. There’s no better time to reset, refresh, and get growing. Join us for our Spring Showcase, happening March 6th–15th, 2026 at all of our locations.
This ten-day celebration brings back the magic of spring with in-store seminars, hands-on workshops, and seasonal savings designed to help you start the gardening season with confidence. Even if you’re simply dreaming up new backyard traditions or bringing fresh life to a space you’ve loved for years, our Green Team is here to guide you every step of the way. Explore the full lineup of events below and kick off your spring gardening season the way it was meant to be, rooted in inspiration, creativity, and a little nostalgia.

Give your garden a healthy head start this spring at our Garden Pharmacy Open Clinic. Held during our Spring Showcase on March 7th & 8th and March 14th & 15th, this free, in-store clinic is designed to help you prepare your garden before planting season begins.
Bring in your soil sample for free pH testing and get personalized guidance from our Green Team plant doctors. Proper soil pH is the foundation of healthy plant growth, and we’ll help you understand exactly what your garden needs to thrive. We’re also happy to assist with plant identification, insect and disease concerns, and provide a customized “Plantscription” if needed.

Have questions about your yard or outdoor projects? Stop by our McDonald Landscapes info kiosk on the weekends of March 7th & 8th, 9:00am-2:00pm at our Independence Blvd. location to get expert advice directly from our designers.
Our team will be available to answer your questions about plant selection, hardscapes, lighting, layout, and more. You’ll leave with practical tips and ideas to make your outdoor space look and function its best. Drop by anytime between 9:00am-2:00pm and bring your ideas, questions, and inspiration!

Have you ever dreamt of crafting a stunning, professional landscape design but found yourself uncertain about where to begin? Allow our Green Team experts to guide you through the intricacies of planning and executing a successful landscape project through our DIY Landscape Design Workshop on March 7th at 9:30am at our Independence Blvd. location.
This workshop includes all the materials you need to plan out your new landscape as well as a bonus $10 discount coupon, which can be applied towards the purchase of plants and products to help you transform your outdoor space. Join us to discover your enhanced landscape!

Jump into some hands-on fun! Join us on Saturday, March 7th at 11:00am at our Independence Blvd. location for a Toad Abode Workshop. For $15 per child, kids will paint their very own 6-inch terracotta pot, get tips on how to set it up at home, and receive a little frog figurine to make sure their toads feel right at home.
This ribbiting workshop is the perfect way for little gardeners to connect with nature, get creative, and give local toads a cozy new home, right in your backyard. All materials are provided, and everyone hops away with a finished toad abode ready to enjoy in their own yard.

Join us on March 8th at 11:00am at our Independence Blvd. location for a unique seminar with the Virginia Bonsai Society. Their experts will guide you through the intricate art of bonsai care, covering everything from pruning techniques to shaping and nurturing your very own miniature masterpiece.
Each participant will take home a starter bonsai, providing the perfect opportunity to put your new skills into practice. Plus, you'll have the chance to connect with fellow bonsai enthusiasts in a relaxed and inspiring setting.

Have questions about your yard or outdoor projects? Stop by our McDonald Landscapes info kiosk on the weekends of March 14th & 15th, 9:00am-2:00pm at our Independence Blvd. location to get expert advice directly from our designers.
Our team will be available to answer your questions about plant selection, hardscapes, lighting, layout, and more. You’ll leave with practical tips and ideas to make your outdoor space look and function its best. Drop by anytime between 9:00am-2:00pm and bring your ideas, questions, and inspiration!

Get your garden in the game - Mulch Madness is back! From March 20th-22nd, 2026, it’s your chance to pile on the savings and give your landscape the MVP treatment it deserves.
Mulch isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s a game-changer. It locks in moisture, smothers weeds, regulates soil temperature, and instantly levels up your yard. For three days only, stock up on top-quality mulch at unbeatable prices. Score big this season and give your garden the edge it needs. These deals won’t last long, so hustle in and load up!

What’s better than pizza? A pizza you grow yourself! Bring your little chefs to our Pizza Garden Workshop for Kids, where they’ll plant their way to delizioso garden-to-table goodness. Designed for kids ages 5 and up, this hands-on workshop will have young gardeners getting their hands in the soil as they plant their own mini herb gardens! Our Green Team will teach the basics of planting and caring for fresh herbs, so they’ll be all set to create their very own pizza masterpiece at home from the container they build in-store.
And because no Italian-inspired gathering is complete without a little something to eat, we’ll be serving up a hot, cheesy slice of pizza after all that planting. Buon appetito!

Celebrate spring with a hands-on wreath-making experience! Join us for our Spring Wreath Workshop on March 21st at 2pm at our Independence Blvd. location. Create a beautiful, seasonal wreath using faux and dried florals, perfect for your door or indoor decor.
Enjoy freshly brewed tea and crumpets while our Green Team guides you step-by-step through designing your 18-inch grapevine wreath. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind creation to brighten your space. Cost is $50, all supplies included. Register online or in-store, spaces are limited!

Shake off some stress and spend a little time with some of our furry friends! Join us on March 22nd at 2pm at our Independence Blvd. location for our Greenhouse Goat Snuggling event. Cuddle, pet, and snap photos with adorable goats right in the heart of Plantopia.
Our Green Team and the Fun with Goats team will be there to guide the fun and ensure everyone (goats included!) has a safe visit. Cost is $10 per person. Spaces are limited, register online or in-store to save your spot!

Spring is in full swing, and so is Bird Fest at McDonald Garden Center! For three days, we’re celebrating the joy of backyard birding with special savings on birding products, favorite seed mixes, bird-friendly plants, and more. Explore ways to attract local birds to your garden and learn from our experts along the way. The weekend will also feature a lineup of events designed to inspire your birding journey, exclusively at our Independence Blvd. location:

Hop in-store this Easter for a fun-filled opportunity to save on spring plants & products! Our Bunny Day Bucks Scavenger Hunt is happening April 4th-5th, exclusively at our year-round locations.
Here’s How to Play:

Get ready for a berry fun adventure in the garden! One of our most loved kids’ workshops is back, Strawberry Pots. Join us on April 4th at 11am for a hands-on activity where little gardeners can paint and plant their very own strawberry planter.
With a parent or guardian lending a helping hand, kids will enjoy getting creative while learning a little about how strawberries grow. It’s a great way to spend time together and leave with something sweet that will keep growing at home.

Step through the looking glass and into one of our biggest spring sales events, A Garden Party, happening April 10th-12th, 2026. Our year-round locations and exclusive pop-up markets will transform into a storybook-inspired wonderland filled with vibrant blooms, exciting deals, and a touch of springtime magic.
Discover incredible savings across our beautiful selection of flowers, plants, garden accessories, and more. The deals are so good, you might feel like you’ve tumbled right down a rabbit hole. Get ready to paint the roses red, or any color your garden dreams of, with an amazing variety of plants at prices worth celebrating. A Garden Party is every gardener’s wonderland, filled with color, inspiration, and savings you won’t want to miss.

Join us at our Independence Blvd Location on Sunday, April 18th at 11am for a FREE seminar on ridding your yard of moles and voles! These small but mighty creatures can wreak havoc on your lawn and garden, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep them at bay.
Mike Westphal, the Garden Guru, will share his expertise on effective and organic solutions to managing moles and voles, ensuring that your lawn and garden stays healthy and safe for you and the environment. With his expert guidance, you'll learn how to effectively identify and prevent mole and vole damage and learn about deterrents to keep them under control.

Dive into the season during our Spring Fling sales event! For one weekend only, enjoy fresh deals on annuals, perennials, garden tools, accessories, and more. Refresh tired beds, expand a pollinator patch, or finally plant that show-stopping container you’ve been dreaming about. All of our locations are bursting with color, the selection is at its peak, and inspiration is everywhere!
Visit any of our Virginia Beach year-round locations at Great Neck or Independence, or stop by one of our Garden Market pop-ups to take advantage of this limited-time event happening April 24th - 26th.

This Mother’s Day, skip the standard bouquet and go full bloom. Flower Bomb Mom with fresh color, creative gifts, and garden inspiration. From May 4th-10th, our year-round stores and seasonal garden markets are celebrating with handpicked selections, special pricing, and thoughtful ideas that make it easy to treat her to something meaningful.
She deserves more than breakfast in bed. She deserves something that lasts. Here are just a few ways to make her feel special:

Welcome to McDonald Garden Center’s Veggieland, where everything is growing, glowing, and ready to inspire your best garden yet. From May 13th-19th, 2026, enjoy a full week packed with veggie-focused fun, great deals, and plenty of garden inspiration.
Our Green Team will be on hand all week long, sharing tips and tricks to help you grow a thriving, homegrown harvest, from first-time planters to seasoned veggie gardeners.

Join us on May 16 at 11am at our Independence Blvd. location for a hands-on veggie gardening experience made just for kids! Each participant will plant up three 4-inch veggie starters that are perfect for growing at home in a sunny spot, then they can get creative by painting their own rock markers to label each plant. It’s the perfect mix of planting and creativity, giving kids something they can care for, watch grow, and feel proud of.
Cost is $30 per participant, all supplies are included. Recommended for ages 3 and up. Parental supervision is required.

Love the taste of a fresh, homegrown tomato? Join Mike, the Garden Guru, for a hands-on Tomato Masterclass dedicated to helping you grow your best crop yet.
From choosing the right varieties to mastering planting, feeding, and season-long care, Mike will share his go-to tips for producing strong plants and incredibly flavorful harvests all summer long. This in-store seminar is perfect for gardeners of any experience level looking to grow tomatoes with confidence.

Get ready for a weekend of creativity you can take home! Our Green Team has turned iconic works of art into living, breathing container gardens and we’re handing you the “recipe” so you can recreate the masterpiece yourself.
From May 22nd–25th, 2026, stroll through our year-round locations and garden markets to discover container combinations designed by the pros, inspired by legendary art, and ready to spark your next planting project. Plus, enjoy special savings on plants, pottery, and accessories to bring your own work of art to life.

Join us on May 23rd at 11am at our Independence Blvd. location for a watercolor painting workshop set right in the garden center. Led by Carly Melvin, a Virginia Beach native and lifelong artist with a BFA in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), this hands-on class focuses on capturing the beauty of the garden through watercolor and ink.
With Carly’s guidance, you’ll learn techniques to paint from real-life garden scenes, build confidence with watercolor, and develop your own artistic style in an inspiring outdoor setting. Perfect for both beginners and experienced artists, this workshop includes personalized instruction and plenty of creative freedom.
