Events
Check here for upcoming special events, volunteer opportunities & more!
Collaborative Gardeners Mastermind – Ongoing
Join our networking space for garden coaches, garden designers, garden maintenance companies, and cut flower farmers. Meet over Zoom throughout the winter and reap the benefits of talking to other business owners in a similar industry. Learn how they are running their businesses and bring your own challenges to talk through together. Grow your biz in a supportive community.
We’ll discuss:
- Residual forms of income
- Knowing your worth and how to set a fair rate
- Hiring and management
- And more!
Join by filling out our Contact Us page and selecting “Collaborative Gardeners Mastermind.” Jen will reach out with next steps.
Backyard Mini Series 2026
Ready to bring your backyard to life? Our Backyard Mini-Series Workshop is here to guide and inspire you through every season! Join us on May 2, June 6, and October 10 for a fun, hands-on and informative three-part series where you’ll learn practical design tips, seasonal gardening know-how, and creative ideas to help you create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy all year long. (spring clean-up, mid-season maintenance, and fall clean-up). Space is limited so please sign up.
When: May 2, June 6, and October 10
Where: Macomb, MI (address will be sent to those who register)
Cost: Free
How to register: http://www.mythymegardens.com/events
What to bring: Boots, weather-appropriate clothes, and gloves if you have them; if not, we have you covered
Register by filling out this Google Form
Grow Together: Designing Summer Pots
It’s time to play! We’re hosting a class on the basics of creating a beautiful summer container for your front door or patio. Join friends and neighbors as I guide you through choosing plants for maximum curb appeal, pollinator benefits, pairing plants to support a healthy mini-ecosystem, and getting a little creative by tucking edibles in among your ornamentals.
- Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 10am – 12pm at at Macomb Senior Center. 51210 Alma Drive Macomb, MI 48042. Guest Fee $20, Registration opens soon, Contact Us – more info.
Exploring the World of Weeds with Jen
“Weeds: The Wild, Wicked, & Wonderful”
Join Jen for an in-depth look at the world of weeds! Learn the secrets behind these persistent plants, effective strategies to eliminate them from your garden, professional tips to prevent their return, and discover which beneficial weeds are worth planting. Perfect for anyone looking to manage weeds in a sustainable, informed way.
- Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1 pm at Clinton-Macomb Public Library. This talk is brought to you by Clinton-Macomb Adult Services. Attendees will need to sign up before the event. Program registration opens two weeks prior to the event, so participants can sign up starting May 2nd at 9 AM. More information here.
- Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 6:30 pm at at Macomb County Extension Office. 21885 Dunham Road Verkuilen Building #12 Clinton Township, MI 48036. Register here
- Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026 at 6:30pm at at Chesterfield Township Library. 50560 Patricia St, Chesterfield, MI 48051. Register here (registration open after June 1, 2026)
- Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 at 11:40pm at at Troy Garden Club. Big Beaver United Methodist Church, 3753 John R. Road, Troy, MI 48083. Guest Fee $1.
Weeds & Natives
“Weeds: The Wild, Wicked, or Wonderful? The Truth About Natives”
Are weeds really the villains we make them out to be—or misunderstood natives playing an essential role? This talk explores the surprising truth about weeds and how many are vital, beneficial plants in our ecosystems. Understanding the difference between weeds and natives and learn a sustainable way to manage weeds.
- Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm at Chesterfield Public Library. 50560 Patricia Ave, Chesterfield MI. Register here (Opens June 1).
Gardening for Pollinators
“Gardening for Pollinators: Simple Steps to Support Bees, Butterflies, and Birds”
Create a vibrant, life-filled garden by making a few simple, intentional choices. Learn how to support bees, butterflies, and birds with plants, habitat, and seasonal practices that truly make a difference.
- Monday, June 22, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Baldwin Public Library. 300 W Merrill, Birmingham, MI 48009; In-person & virtual options available. Must register to attend either here
Sowing Magic
“Sowing Magic: Collecting, Sowing, and Seed Stories”
Discover the vital role that seeds play in creating a balanced ecosystem and how to embrace their potential to enhance both your garden’s beauty and its ecological health. Join us in the magic of harvesting, planting, and caring for seeds in your own landscapes.
- Monday, Nov 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm at Baldwin Public Library. 300 W Merrill, Birmingham, MI 48009; Must register (link provided later)
From Lawn to Life: Garden Designing with Jen
“Garden Design: Less Lawn, More Life”
Join Jen for a welcoming, beginner-friendly introduction to garden design. You’ll explore classic design principles, how to use native plants creatively, reduce your lawn, attract more life to your space, and have fun experimenting along the way.
This session is perfect for anyone who wants to engage with their garden in a more holistic, sustainable, and joy-filled way.
- Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10 am at Macomb Community College – MORE. Macomb Community College – Center Campus, University Center Building I, Lecture Hall B; 44575 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Registration required. More information here.
- Friday, Aug 7, 2026 at 1 pm at Bloomfield Township Senior Center
Must register to attend, $30 per person, see website above for more information.
Intuitive Garden Design Workshop
Have you been wanting to try your hand at garden design? Jen is offering a virtual garden design workshop that will empower you to create a garden that expresses your values.
Over Zoom, we’ll rekindle the wonder of connecting with nature as we did in childhood. Through guided visualizations, we’ll revisit magical moments in nature, reflecting on how our younger selves engaged with the natural world.
Together, we’ll channel that magic into designing garden spaces that feel deeply personal and meaningful. By tapping into intuition, we’ll uncover what your garden is yearning to express. You’ll also explore the art of co-designing with the earth, embracing practices that align harmoniously with the ecosystem and cultivate a balanced, vibrant space.
- Sharpen your design skills and confidence
- Jumpstart your garden plans for the next growing season with a list of plants for your beds and the proper tools
- Discover field-tested maintenance methods
Session 1:
Choose from three simple design templates provided in advance. We’ll cover the fundamentals of garden design, including design principles, plant growth habits, right plant–right place, seasonality, green mulching, and using native plants.
Between sessions, you’ll create a sketch of a garden bed for your own space using a new template.
Session 2:
Build on your sketch by adding design elements, developing a planting plan, and refining plant choices to bring your garden vision to life for the coming growing season.
Office Hours:
Students are welcome to show their work and talk through any challenges they’re working through, such as design or plant selection.
Build on your sketch by adding design elements, developing a planting plan, and refining plant choices to bring your garden vision to life for the coming growing season.
BONUS Session 3:
After this workshop, you will have the opportunity to book an additional one-on-one session with Jen to address any further questions.
Skill Level: Beginner
Sign up here!
(short bio)
Jennifer Ott from My Thyme Gardens is a dedicated steward of thriving ecosystems. Jen offers personalized garden coaching, education, and custom perennial designs. Her green thumb and passion for environmental care will guide you on a fulfilling garden journey.
(long bio)
Jennifer Ott is the heart and soul behind My Thyme Gardens. With a green thumb and a deep passion for environmental stewardship, Jennifer provides personalized garden coaching, educational experiences, and bespoke perennial designs. Whether in person or through virtual sessions, she is committed to guiding you on a fulfilling garden journey. Join Jennifer in cultivating not just gardens, but sustainable and vibrant havens that harmonize with nature.