Arlington Community Education

Join us for this information-packed lecture and demonstration to build confidence in your ability to diagnose car problems and communicate with auto repair professionals. Get a general overview of the major systems of an automobile from an experienced mechanic and instructor who can make all things automotive both fun and clear. We will cover basic maintenance, discuss common problems, and troubleshoot ignition, charging, cooling, fluids, electrical, brakes, and exhaust systems.

Transform your outdoor space with a thriving native garden suited to your site conditions. Explore the diverse world of native plants and learn how to select species that will flourish and require low maintenance once established. Get guidance and multiple resources for how to research, select, and source native plants, from nurseries to community plant swaps and sales. Create a beautiful, sustainable garden that supports local wildlife and enhances the beauty of your outdoor space.

Invasive plants—non-natives that spread vigorously outside their natural range—are causing environmental and economic problems globally and can wreak havoc on your landscape. Learn about the identification, biology, and control of troublesome woody, exotic invasive plants plaguing the area. We will cover the invasive traits of these plants and why they are so successful at displacing our native species in local woodlands. We will also review tools for control and helpful websites. All proceeds from this event go towards the ACE Scholarship fund to help make our classes more accessible to all Arlington youth.

If you love flowers and want to learn how to create gorgeous arrangements for your home, this is a fabulous introduction to floral design. With an abundant selection of flowers to choose from, get expert guidance in basic floral design techniques and design principles. Leave with the confidence to create stunning flower arrangements on your own. Please note: A vase, flowers and tools will be provided, but you can always bring your own garden scissors or shears.

Do you ever look at your own garden and know that it could be nicer, but you don’t know how or where to begin? Or are you a new homeowner and unsure of what kinds of plants you have or how to maintain them? It can be overwhelming. Join a passionate garden coach for practical skills and tips on where to start. A few simple things can make a big and immediate difference—and all you need is your enthusiasm, energy, and some basic tools.

Gain a solid overview of the home-buying process in this information-packed workshop that will educate and prepare first-time home buyers for their entry into the real estate market. Discuss how to buy smart: how much you can afford, understanding the mortgage process and home-buying timeline, what to expect from a real estate agent, strategies for getting your offer accepted, typical first-time home buyer pitfalls to avoid, and much more.

Please note: The start time has changed to 6:30 pm from 7:00 pm. A home inspection is a crucial step when buying a home, offering insight into the property’s condition, structure, systems, and components. It’s more than just a walkthrough—this process helps you understand how the property operates and how to maintain it, while also identifying potential issues to avoid costly surprises later on. Explore both the big picture and the details of a home inspection, along with legal and ethical considerations. Have all your questions answered by an experienced, licensed, and certified home inspector.

Your native plant garden has grown and evolved—perhaps in unexpected ways. Some plants have spread, others feel overcrowded, and a few struggle in summer heat while others thrive. Birds, squirrels, and the wind have introduced new plants, and shifting climate conditions may be reshaping your landscape. Explore strategies to manage these changes in a way that suits your site conditions and personal preferences. There will be time for questions and discussion.

Whether you are looking for a refresh, recently bought a new home, or are struggling with some overwhelming design dilemmas, get started on changing up and improving your home design and decor. Learn simple yet powerful tricks that you can easily implement. We will cover: understanding the basics of designing a space; choosing colors with intention; the importance of harmony, functionality, and scale; furniture placement ideas; styling tips; hanging artwork; the importance of lighting; and so much more. Create a home that is fresh, functional, and uniquely yours.

Bring your creativity to an open design workshop. With access to a wealth of locally-grown flowers and greenery, come explore and experiment as you create your own lavish arrangement. In addition to the abundance of materials, the experts at Derby Farm will provide basic design techniques and tips to develop your own skills and knowledge. Please note: Bring a vase or container with a mouth of about 3-5” wide and the ability to hold water. You can always bring your own garden scissors or shears as well.

The horticulturist at one of the country’s premier golf courses definitely knows a thing or two about how to care for lawns. Come hear Bruce Wenning (of Brooklineʼs famous The Country Club!) share his ecologically safe and economical practices for lawn care as he shows you everything you can do to ensure a great lawn. This workshop covers the basics of organic lawn care, including the importance of soil testing to know its pH and fertility, non-chemical control of insect pests and weeds, and other practices that promote and maintain a healthy lawn.

Rat poisons kill not only rats but also threaten many other animals, such as owls, hawks, eagles, foxes, other wildlife, and even pets. What are the alternatives? Learn about some of the more popular and effective solutions, from eliminating what attracts rats to snap traps in bait boxes, electric zappers, dry ice, and more. Learn how to set up these systems in a way that is safe for you, your family, and local wildlife.

Your house tells a story. Its age and architectural style, its place in the community, and the lives of the people who have lived there all contribute to this history. Get an introduction to the methods and sources of researching your home’s history. We’ll look at property deeds and historical atlases, town directories, and annual reports. See how probate records and census listings reveal the families who lived in your house and in your neighborhood. Begin compiling research after the first class and share what you’ve uncovered in the second. Leave with ideas for next steps to finish your house’s story. Please note: Bring the address of a property you wish to investigate or choose one from the instructor’s list of examples. Most of our resources will be Arlington-specific, but the research techniques are applicable broadly.

Create space for the life you want to live and take advantage of spring’s burst of energy to declutter and organize your home. Perfection isn’t the goal—creating a sense of order is. Overcome the psychological hurdles to decluttering and learn the best techniques from organizing pioneers Julie Morgenstern (Organizing from the Inside Out) and Marie Kondo (The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up). Leave inspired with a practical game plan to declutter, organize, and energize your space and life.