Farm & Garden Classes


General Information

Age: Classes are intended for participants 16 years and older unless otherwise noted. (Centennial Farm is open to the public, but we ask that you do not leave your children unattended on the farm.)

Location: Silo Building at Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Cost: Fees for each class vary and are noted in the class description.

Refund Policy: NO refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class.


November

Winter’s Sweet Harvest With Persimmons

Nov. 22

 

About the Class:

Get ready to uncover the secrets of cultivating bountiful persimmon trees that yield nature’s candy! Led by seasoned horticulturist Isabel Barkman, you’ll explore the intricacies of different varieties. Proper soil, sunlight and other tips to nurture these exquisite fruits will be covered. From selecting the right varieties to pruning techniques, this class will give you the knowledge to grow your own delicious persimmons in your backyard. A favorite persimmon recipe will also be shared!

When:

Saturday, Nov. 22

Time:

10 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Nov. 19

About the speaker:

Isabel Barkman is a local gardening expert and has been a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers Inc. since 1991. She is a former volunteer with the UCCE Orange County Master Gardener program. Barkman has presented at numerous plant and gardening events and volunteers at the South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine. She also volunteers at Centennial Farm, focusing on the care of various fruit and deciduous trees.

Tools & materials:

A $6 fee covers materials and any handouts.

Refund Policy:

There will be no refunds for cancellations made within 48 hours of a class. For cancellations made prior, only the class fee will be refunded, not the booking fees.

Class Maximum:

40 participants

 

 

December

Make It, Take It – DIY Winter Wreaths (Session 1)

Dec. 6

 

About the Class:

Embrace the magic of the holiday season by creating a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm! This class has become a beloved tradition at Centennial Farm and is sure to be a memorable activity for friends and family to enjoy together! All fresh greens, materials and instruction will be provided for this hands-on course to help you create a delightful wreath.

When:

Saturday, Dec. 6

Time:

9:30 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Nov. 30

About the speaker:

Marie Gregory AIFD, CFD is an accomplished professional floral designer with experience in every field of floral design, with a specialty in wedding florals. As a freelance designer, Gregory’s custom arrangements and stylish designs have brightened homes, offices, holiday and community events and wedding ceremonies (700 happy couples and counting) for more than 30 years. Each December, she lends her talents to the Fiesta Float Company, helping to create floats for the Rose Parade. She is also a board director for the Southwest chapter of the American Institute of Floral Design, a certified floral evaluator and judge, and has served as a judge at the Orange County and San Diego County fairs.

Tools & materials:

$75 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited – feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves. 

Refund Policy:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the class, as supplies will have been ordered. For earlier cancellations, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.

Class Maximum:

30 participants

 

 

Make It, Take It – DIY Winter Wreaths (Session 2)

Dec. 6

 

About the Class:

Embrace the magic of the holiday season by creating a fresh winter wreath in the beautiful Millennium Barn at Centennial Farm! This class has become a beloved tradition at Centennial Farm and is sure to be a memorable activity for friends and family to enjoy together! All fresh greens, materials and instruction will be provided for this hands-on course to help you create a delightful wreath.

When:

Saturday, Dec. 6

Time:

1 – 3:30 p.m. 
RSVP online by Nov. 30

About the speaker:

Marie Gregory AIFD, CFD is an accomplished professional floral designer with experience in every field of floral design, with a specialty in wedding florals. As a freelance designer, Gregory’s custom arrangements and stylish designs have brightened homes, offices, holiday and community events and wedding ceremonies (700 happy couples and counting) for more than 30 years. Each December, she lends her talents to the Fiesta Float Company, helping to create floats for the Rose Parade. She is also a board director for the Southwest chapter of the American Institute of Floral Design, a certified floral evaluator and judge, and has served as a judge at the Orange County and San Diego County fairs.

Tools & materials:

$75 fee covers materials and any handouts. Ribbon and décor selection will be limited – feel free to bring your own to personalize your winter wreath. We recommend participants bring their own pruners and gloves. 

Refund Policy:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within 7 days of the class, as supplies will have been ordered. For earlier cancellations, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.

Class Maximum:

30 participants

 

 

Make It, Take It – Scents of the Season

Dec. 20

 

About the Class:

Immerse yourself in the scents of the season while learning how California’s Mediterranean climate makes it ideal for growing aromatic herbs and spices at home. Master Gardener Kylie Gilliam will begin with a short lecture on the history, cultivation and uses of herbs such as rosemary, bay and peppermint before guiding you through the creation of your own holiday simmer jar. Choose from a variety of ingredients such as dried citrus slices, apples, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and star anise or follow one of Gilliam’s suggested blends. Each participant will assemble and decorate a Mason jar, complete with a simmering instruction tag and ribbon, ready to enjoy at home or give as a unique handmade holiday gift.

When:

Saturday, Dec. 20

Time:

9:30 a.m. – noon
RSVP online by Dec. 15

About the speaker:

Kylie Gilliam is a certified Gardenary consultant and founder of Blue Ribbon Garden, where she designs and installs edible gardens for urban spaces. With a passion for sustainable living, Gilliam empowers communities to grow their own food and create eco-friendly environments. Her work is rooted in permaculture principles, blending productivity with natural harmony to foster a deeper connection between people and the planet.

Tools & materials:

$40 fee covers all materials, including a Mason jar, a selection of dried fruits, herbs and spices, ribbon and string for decorating, and a simmering instruction card. Participants will also receive an herb clipping from Centennial Farm’s garden to include in their blend.

Refund Policy:

No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within five days of the class, as materials and supplies will have been ordered. For earlier cancellations, only the class fee will be refunded, not booking fees.

Class Maximum:

24 participants