Nature reverberates with percussion–from rain on the roof to cicadas in the trees to a woodpecker hammering away in the distance. For this first performance in the 2026 Hauck Concert Series, we’ll explore the interplay between human-made and natural percussion through unique works that range from literal to philosophical.

Recent CCM graduate Jacob Ottmer will perform works such as Elainie Lillios’s “After Long Drought,” in which different implements and electronic effects are used on the vibraphone to simulate being entrenched in a rainstorm; “Syntax of Snow” by Matthew Burtner, which combines amplified snow, a glockenspiel and an ambient soundtrack to evoke feelings of meditation in the composer’s home state of Alaska; and John Cage’s “Child of Tree,” which features amplified plant matter and symbolically represents Cage’s idea that all things come from natural beginnings.

PRICING:

• Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)

• Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.

Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

COST: Free!

Each class in our Houseplant How-To series will include a deep dive into specific indoor plant species, their unique characteristics and growing needs, common problems associated with their long-term care and the best ways to propagate them. In Indoor Jungles, we’ll cover the color foliage, vibrant vines and indoor trees that can give a home that tropical feel even in the coldest days of winter.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

One of the earliest flowers in the gardens at the Civic Garden Center is Hamamelis vernalis, commonly known as Ozark witch hazel. These early blooms adorn a tree that is packed with medicinal benefits.

Join our February Herb Circle as we celebrate the season, dive into the history and horticulture of witch hazel and create our own witch hazel cleansers!

PRESENTER: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: Included with CGC membership

Did you know that the CGC is host to seven different types of composting systems? Take a walk with us to learn about the different methods of composting we have and how you can incorporate composting into your life! You’ll see Earth Cubes, vermicompost, bokashi, Johnson-Su bioreactors, a three-bin system, a tumbler and a top-loading composter.

COST: Free!

Want fresh vegetables but feel daunted by the idea of all that planting, weeding and watering? Here’s when to start, what to grow, and how to succeed in growing a bountiful vegetable garden. Gardeners of all skill levels are welcome.

INSTRUCTOR: Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)

COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers

Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

COST: Free!

Come explore a wide range of topics related to regenerative agriculture, including enhancing soil and plant health, biodiversity and principles of a healthy ecosystem. We'll also discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in implementing these practices.

INSTRUCTOR: Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)

COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers

​You’ve begun removing the invasive plants from your property...now what?

Once invasive plants have been removed, it’s important to start establishing native plants in their place. In this class, we'll focus on the steps that follow invasive plant removal and what it takes to establish a healthy native plant community on your property. We'll discuss timelines, site conditions, planting options, species selection and ongoing maintenance.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers

So you’re ready to tear up your lawn and plant your first native garden! What does it take to prepare your site and get it ready for planting? Come ready to learn or to share your favorite techniques for garden site preparation.

SPEAKER: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: Included with CGC membership

Ever wanted to start your own plants from seed—but felt overwhelmed or intimidated by the task? This class will simplify the process! You'll learn what supplies you do and don't need, best practices for achieving great germination rates and how to support healthy, strong seedlings to set you up for a successful gardening season to come.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers

Have you checked out our Green Learning Station recently? We have rooftop gardens, a compost demonstration area, rainwater catchment systems and an indoor green wall, just to name a few of our current projects! Join us for an informative, informal tour and have your sustainability questions answered by Mary Dudley, our Director of Education.

COST: Free!

The Hauck Arboretum may just be Cincinnati’s best kept botanical secret! A stroll along the pathways of this historic public garden reveals new surprises on each visit. Join us for an informal walk around Hauck Botanic Garden and discover the history of the park and the plants growing within it.

COST: Free!

Kickstart your week with a trip to the garden and engage in seasonally relevant activities with the Lil’ Sprouts in your life! This free drop-in series for children ages 3 to 8 and their caregivers offers our youngest gardeners and nature lovers an opportunity to learn more about the natural world. We hold Lil' Sprouts on the second and fourth Monday of each month.

COST: Free!

Learn the principles and practices of integrated pest management and how to choose the most appropriate method of control, with emphasis on sustainable remedies and techniques. We'll also discuss how to identify plant disease and symptoms and implement basic control measures and disease management strategies.

INSTRUCTOR: Carter Spires (ANR Extension Educator, Southern Region, Central State University Extension)

COST: $20 / $10 for active CGC volunteers

Greenspaces come in many shapes and sizes. From a neighborhood pocket park to your local forest preserve, every greenspace is important. They provide crucial ecosystem services and give people a place to play, relax and connect with nature. However, managing these spaces can be a challenge. Greenspace Guardians gives people the resources and know-how to start and sustain greenspace projects in their community. If you’d like to learn how to play a leadership role in conservation projects on public lands, you’re in the right place!

COST: $300 (scholarships available)

Start the new year off right with a clean home using homemade products. You'll learn about time-tested methods while avoiding the harsh chemicals that harm our health and environment. The ingredients you need might already be in your cupboard! You'll leave with your own 8-ounce cleaning solution and the knowledge to make your space shine.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $35

Knowing how to capture and store rainwater gives gardeners vital access to a necessary resource for thriving plants. Come learn the basics of managing rainwater, including building rain gardens, capturing and storing rain for future use, and plants that do well in our climate.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Many of the plants that grow in our yards and gardens have medicinal properties that can be used to treat minor skin irritations, relieve the itch of a bug bite or provide protection in dry conditions. This hands-on workshop will cover the basic process of making handmade herbal salves and balms, giving you the skills to create your own unique creations! You'll go home with resources for making herbal salves and balms as well as your very own herbal salve.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $35

Tired of doing everything right for your crops...but they still don’t seem happy? Then it’s time to dig deeper into the most important factor contributing to plant health: soil!

This class will demystify the subject of soil, covering common problems with growing food in urban sites (such as soil quality and nutrition deficiencies) and demonstrate sustainable practices to overcome these challenges, proving that agriculture can happen anywhere. Our goal is that you'll come to appreciate this most fundamental natural resource, gain the skills to improve and conserve the soils of your own garden, and feel confident in your ability to problem-solve your unique soil conditions.

INSTRUCTOR:Tired of doing everything right for your crops...but they still don’t seem happy? Then it’s time to dig deeper into the most important factor contributing to plant health: soil!

This class will demystify the subject of soil by exploring basic soil science and composition as it applies to the casual gardener and translating scientific horticultural concepts into usable, actionable information. We'll cover common problems with growing food in urban sites (such as soil quality and nutrition deficiencies) and demonstrate sustainable practices to overcome these challenges, proving that agriculture can happen anywhere. We'll also touch on non-soil growing (such as potting mix for containers).

Our goal is that you'll come to appreciate this most fundamental natural resource, gain the skills to improve and conserve the soils of your own garden, and feel confident in your ability to problem-solve your unique soil conditions.

INSTRUCTOR: Jack Parlin (CGC Program Associate)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Finding native plants for the shady parts of your garden can be such a struggle. Traditional shade gardens tend to rely on exotic—and even invasive—species, and native shade plants are still so hard to find. This class will explore native plants that have evolved to thrive in shady conditions.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Gardening with herbs lets you to freshen up your favorite recipes, cultivate natural medicines and foster ecologically sound gardening methods. This class will cover the basics of growing and using herbs for tea, cooking, medicine and cleaning. We'll taste common herbs and discuss recipes to try at home.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Early spring is the ideal time to get overgrown trees and shrubs trimmed back and ready for the season. In this class, we’ll clear up all your pruning confusion as we cover specific techniques for each type of woody plant. Then, weather permitting, we’ll get out into the garden for some hands-on practice.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Native plants are the cornerstone of healthy ecosystems. Discover the simplicity of local plants and thriving, sustainable habitats while you learn the basics of why and how to embrace native plants in our local landscape. This basic overview class will focus on healthy ecosystems and highlight some of our favorite native plants.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Plant pressing is more than just a creative hobby—it’s a way to document, appreciate and preserve the rich biodiversity that surrounds us; to connect with nature, slow down and truly observe the intricate details of plants that often go unnoticed. In this introductory workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of plant preservation while getting hands-on experience and creating your own pressed-flower layout to take home.

INSTRUCTOR: Luis Aguilar-Dwyer (CGC Environmental Education Specialist)

COST: $35

In this class, we’ll cover the current science on nativars’ impact on pollinators and some of our favorite varieties—as well as a few we recommend avoiding. Then we’ll take a tour around Hauck Botanic Garden to see some nativars growing in the landscape. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what these plants are and how you can make them work in your native plant garden.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

As Earth Day draws near, join us for a two-part event examining the state of our planet and the roles we play as part of its rich and tightly woven tapestry.

During the first half of the performance, professional choral ensemble Heri et Hodie and recent CCM graduate percussionist Jacob Ottmer will present Canadian composer Andrew Staniland’s deeply moving “7 Last Words for the Earth.” Performed with non-traditional staging, this concerto for women’s choir and percussion takes its name from the seven last words of Christ from the cross and sets an abstract text taken from a speech by Greta Thunberg. Through movements such as “Rage,” “Secrets,” “Rain,” “Hope” and “Words,” the piece urges us to pay attention while we still can. The performance will begin with a presentation about the music and its themes.

When the final notes have faded, we’ll hear from Mary Kroner, who uses her thoughtful weaving of stories, song and humor to open us to new ways of remembering that we are part of the natural world with vital roles to play. Hope comes from understanding our part in the working systems of our planet, giving us a way to participate; teaching Reverence is an important goal. Mary’s original works “X Marks The Spot” and “Welcome to the Ever Rotating Constantly Changing Circulating Mystical Earth Pageant” are past offerings made at the CGC and other settings.

PRICING:

• Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)

• Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.

Native plants are the cornerstone of a healthy ecosystem. Native shrubs especially are essential for supporting birds and other wildlife...but in every discussion, native perennials seem to get all the love! This class is dedicated to the wonderful native shrubs that grow in our region and all the benefits that they provide. We’ll start by introducing some of our favorite species, give an overview of how to plant and care for them, then (weather permitting) take a tour around the Hauck Botanic Garden to see some mature specimens growing in the landscape.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Dennewitz (CGC Horticulturist)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Want to maximize your options for cultivating fruits and veggies? Container gardening is a great option! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll learn how to choose the right containers, soil amendments and plant varieties for a successful harvest. You'll leave with the confidence to grow all season long and a list of plants best suited for container gardening in the Cincinnati region.

INSTRUCTOR: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Come explore the wonderful world of tomatoes—just in time for the CGC's GrowFest plant sale on Saturday, May 2, which is known for its wide selection! You'll learn what type of tomato plant works best for your garden or patio, how to plant prune and stake your tomato plants, the difference between heirloom and hybrid, seed saving, disease prevention and integrated pest management (IPM). What better way to set yourself up for a successful tomato season?

INSTRUCTOR: Kymisha Montgomery (CGC Urban Agriculture Coordinator)

COST: $20 / $15 for active CGC volunteers

Join us for a day of celebrating all things urban agriculture and gardening! We’ll have plenty of classic warm weather crops, CGC-grown rare and heirloom veggie starts, a rainbow of herbs, native and native cultivar shrubs (including dwarf options), native spring ephemerals and native trees on hand.

The day will also include the beloved Green Flea and bake sale, kids’ activities, Plant Sitters, volunteer opportunities and a food truck.

We invite you to be part of a community that’s growing together!

COST: Free!

Think you know the facts about urban agriculture in Cincinnati? Test your knowledge at the Civic Garden Center as we enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship. Start studying your seed catalogs now (as all good gardeners are) and we’ll see how well you know your frost-free dates and more!

HOST: Mary Dudley (CGC Director of Education)

COST: Included with CGC membership

Calling all nature lovers going into second through fifth grades...we want YOU to be part of our Summer Sprouts Camp!

The Civic Garden Center is excited to welcome ten incoming 2nd to incoming 5th graders to Hauck Botanic Garden for a week-long immersive day camp experience! Led by our experienced Youth Education Team, campers will work together to garden, cook, explore nature, play outdoor games, make eco-friendly crafts and more.

COST: $250

Calling all nature lovers going into second through fifth grades...we want YOU to be part of our Summer Sprouts Camp!

The Civic Garden Center is excited to welcome ten incoming 2nd to incoming 5th graders to Hauck Botanic Garden for a week-long immersive day camp experience! Led by our experienced Youth Education Team, campers will work together to garden, cook, explore nature, play outdoor games, make eco-friendly crafts and more.

COST: $250

The twelfth-century composer, herbalist and mystic Hildegard von Bingen, while better known to modern audiences for her music, was a careful and scientific observer of the natural world, cataloguing and detailing the uses of herbs for both physical and mental wellbeing and finding solace and health in nature. In her expansive work Physica, we see a curious mind placing scientific inquiry within a theological framework of the goodness of creation.

Join us as we experience Hildegard’s soaring music while participating in simple activities that help us see the world through her eyes. After a brief introduction to Hildegard, we’ll break into three groups and make our way out into Hauck Botanic Garden to explore three stations, each with a performer offering a sampling of Hildegard’s music and an accompanying activity: herbs for health and herbal tea in the Herb Garden, an overview of botanical salve-making (sample included!) in the Food Forest, and creating a small piece of meditative personal art in the Tranquility Garden. Each group will have the opportunity to experience all three stations.

Please note that this event will be held outdoors. In the event of bad weather on September 27, the performance will be moved to October 4 at 3pm. We will be standing and walking a considerable amount during this event, occasionally over uneven or unpaved terrain. The Herb Garden and Tranquility Garden are accessible by mulched or paved path, but the Food Forest is more difficult to reach.

PRICING:

• Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)

• Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.

For our final performance in the 2026 Hauck Concert Series, we’ll gather together in the CGC’s auditorium to hear beautiful string quartet music. Throughout the afternoon, we’ll share spiced wine and mulled cider, light bites, guided conversation and good company. At the end of the event, we’ll raffle off the one-of-a-kind centerpieces–all made by CGC Horticulturist Julie from garden findings–for lucky audience members to take home. Each ticket includes one (1) drink ticket and light bites.

PRICING:

• Through December 15, all four concerts in the series can be purchased together for a discounted series price of $125 (a $35 savings)! (Please note that ticket exchanges and partial refunds are not available on series tickets.)

• Starting December 16, any remaining tickets to individual concerts will be available for purchase; see pricing information for individual concerts below.