Current Classes Fall 2025
Garden:
Seeds of Wonder: An AO Planting Experience
Gardens begin with seeds; tiny packages of possibility. In this design-forward, hands-on workshop, Atomic Octopus brings together expert insight, creative planting techniques, and ecological care to give you a deeper understanding of how to start strong from the very beginning.
We’ll explore why seeds succeed (and sometimes fail), learn multiple ways to plant — from simple sowing to clever tricks for tiny seeds like carrots — and even try out a seed viability test you can repeat at home. You’ll leave with planted trays, an AO seed guide, and the confidence to begin your own garden with curiosity and creativity.
Duration: 3 Hours
October 10, 2025
9:00 AM to 12:00PM
Location: Oakland TBA
Instructor: Anna Hillgruber Smith (AO) + Seed Expert (. )
Cost $125 (Class Size 12 Max.)
Additional class "take home" packages can be purchased in AO's Store (Link)
Class includes a break with Tea & Snack
What You’ll Learn
- Why seeds succeed — and the common reasons they fail.
- How germination rates work and why not every seed in the packet sprouts.
- Insights from a guest seed expert on breeding, selection, saving, and heirloom varieties.
- Multiple planting methods:
- Standard sowing (beans, peas, basil).
- Broadcast + thin (lettuce, spinach).
- Tiny seed tricks (carrot “seed rolls”).
- How to run a germination test at home with a paper towel + baggie.
- Seedling care: watering, thinning, transplanting for success.
What You’ll Take Home
- A planted tray with 3–4 seed varieties.
- An AO Seed Starting Guide with depth chart + troubleshooting tips.
- An heirloom seed packet to grow at home.
- A germination test you set up during class.
- Optional: a DIY carrot seed roll.
- Fresh confidence to grow from seed with creativity + ease.
Additional class "take home" packages can be purchased in AO's Store (Link)
Beneath the Surface: The Secret Life of Bulbs
Bulbs are little packages of magic—tucked underground, they hold centuries of history, vibrant design potential, and even a few quirky secrets. In this Atomic Octopus workshop, you’ll dig into the science of why bulbs thrive (or fail), uncover surprising lore from tulip mania to saffron crocus, and learn design-forward tricks for keeping your garden lush even after the blooms fade. With hands-on planting, edible allium tastings, and take-home guides, you’ll leave with a planted pot, fresh skills, and a whole new way of seeing what’s hidden beneath the soil.
Duration: 3 Hours
October 10, 2025
1:30 PM to 4:30PM
Location: Oakland, TBA
Instructor: Anna Hillgruber Smith (AO) + Bulb Expert (. )
Cost $125 (Class Size 12 Max.)
Additional class "take home" packages can be purchased in AO's Store (Link)
Class includes a break with Tea & Snack
What You’ll Learn
- The science of bulbs: why they thrive (or fail) and how long they last.
- True bulbs vs. corms, tubers, and rhizomes — what’s hiding underground.
- Quirky tales and history: Tulip Mania, saffron crocus, myths & symbolism.
- Edible vs. toxic bulbs: garlic and onions vs. daffodils and tulips.
- Hands-on planting: soil prep, spacing, depth, and container “lasagna” layering.
- Design-forward tips: color palettes, bold mixes, and natural drifts.
- How to handle the “bald spot” problem after blooms fade — underplanting tricks and year-round layering.
What You’ll Take Home
- A planted bulb pot to bloom in spring.
- AO Bulb Guide with depth chart, bloom calendar, and design tips.
- Seasonal bulb calendar for planning.
- A quirky bulb fact card (“Edible vs. Deadly Bulbs”).
- Fresh inspiration and new stories to share.
Garden + Art:
Marigold Magic: Dye & Design
Marigolds are more than just bright garden blooms — they’re protectors, pollinator magnets, sacred flowers, and natural artists’ tools. In this Atomic Octopus workshop, we’ll explore the many lives of the marigold: its role in ecological gardening, its deep cultural roots from Mexico to India, and its surprising creative power as a natural dye and art medium. With hands-on projects — from dyeing fabric to making botanical prints and floral mandalas — you’ll leave with art you’ve created, a marigold guide, and a new appreciation for the “herb of the sun.”
Duration: 3 Hours
October 25, 2025
9:00 AM to 12:00PM
Location: Oakland,TBA
Instructor: Anna Hillgruber Smith (AO) + Dye Expert (. )
Cost $125 (Class Size 12 Max.)
Additional class "take home" packages can be purchased in AO's Store (Link)
Class includes a break with Tea & Snack
What You’ll Learn
- How marigolds work in the garden: pest deterrent, pollinator lure, edible petals.
- Cultural and symbolic roles: Día de los Muertos altars, Indian garlands, Nepalese Tihar festival, European folklore.
- How to make natural marigold dye and shift colors with simple mordants.
- Art techniques using marigolds: botanical prints, dye baths, floral garlands, mandalas.
- How to harvest and prepare petals for art or culinary use.
What You’ll Take Home
- A fabric swatch, silk ribbon, or paper piece dyed with marigold petals.
- A botanical print, garland, or mandala you create in class.
- AO Marigold Guide with planting tips, dye recipe, and cultural notes.
- Optional marigold seed packet to grow your own.
- Fresh inspiration and stories to share about the “herb of the sun.”
