Events

How-to classes, seminars, and make it/take workshops for both kids and adults from our garden experts.

October122024

The Guru Grand Prix: A Pumpkin Sales Extravaganza

Independence & Great Neck Locations

Get ready to rev your engines at The Guru Grand Prix: A Pumpkin Sales Extravaganza! This high-speed fall sales event is zooming into McDonald Garden Center from October 12th-13th, 2024. Get ready to score unbeatable deals on the best pumpkins, plants, and products to fuel your fall décor. During the weekend, we’ll also have free pumpkin painting and pumpkin yard games as well as our action-packed Hallo-wiener Dog Races on Sunday, October 13th at 1pm (Independence location ONLY). This event is the perfect pit stop for everyone—it's fall at full throttle!

October122024

Pumpkins for Pups

Independence & Great Neck Locations

During The Guru Grand Prix: A Pumpkin Sales Extravaganza, we're adding an extra sprinkle of spooky fun for our furry friends! Bring your dog dressed in their best Halloween costume to our year-round locations from October 12th-13th, 2024, and receive a free mini pumpkin with your purchase! It’s a perfect opportunity to score some great deals and enjoy the festivities with your pup. Mini pumpkins are available while supplies last.

October132024

The Hallo-wiener Dog Races

Independence Boulevard Location ONLY

Get ready for a howling good time at our Independence Blvd. location on October 13th at 1pm for the Hallo-wiener Dog Race! Come watch these speedy little racers zoom to the finish line or enter your own fast and fur-ious dachshund for a chance at some garden-themed prizes! Before the big race, we'll kick things off with a costume contest—so dress your pup in their spookiest attire. Once the costumes are secure, it’s time to hit the track and see who will claim the title of Fastest Hallo-weenie on the Block.

HOW TO ENTER YOUR DACHSHUND -

Remember, you don’t have to enter the race to join in on the fun, but if you do, here’s the next steps:

1. Message Cheryl Padden on Facebook or through email cherylpadden824@gmail.com.

2. Send Cheryl a picture of your pup as well as their name and state you are entering for the McDonald Garden Center Hallo-wiener Dog Race on October 13th.

3. Your ween is officially entered as a racer! Please arrive at our Independence Blvd. location by 12:30pm to check in for the race.

While this tail-wagging event is free to attend, donations are welcome, and all funds will go directly to the SPCA. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled day—come for the race and stay for a great cause!

October192024

Fall Plein Air Painting

Independence Boulevard location ONLY

Plein air painting, which involves creating artwork outdoors in natural light, allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world. Unleash your inner artist and during our Fall Plein Air Painting workshop with Carly Melvin, a Virginia Beach native and lifelong artist with a Bachelors of Art in Illustration from Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), specializing in acrylic painting.

With Carly's expert guidance, you'll learn how to capture the essence of a fall garden through painting, using techniques that will help you refine your skills and develop your own unique style. Regardless if you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get creative and explore new possibilities.

All materials, including a canvas, acrylic paints, and brushes, will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and love for art. Carly will also offer individualized instruction and feedback throughout the workshop, as well as a group review at the end to help you to take your skills to the next level. Join us for this creative workshop on October 19th, 2024, at 11 am, set amidst the stunning natural scenery of our Independence Blvd. location. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience of creating beautiful artwork in the great outdoors!

Cost is $45, and includes all supplies.

Purchase Now
Fall Plein Air Painting