Gardening Classes

Today more and more people are realizing the physical, social, and psychological benefits of working with nature, and home and community gardening is a great way to make that connection. Whether you are new to gardening or already working in the field, NYBG's gardening classes are a great place to increase your knowledge and improve your skills. Taught by top professionals, each course provides cutting-edge information on ecologically responsible garden care and design, including plant use, soil husbandry, composting, and pest control. Lectures are supported by hands-on study on the Garden's historic grounds. Enroll in a course for fun or pursue a Certificate.

Click here for an overview of the Certificate Program.


June

Choose the right plant for the right place, based on site-specific design and maintenance criteria. Learn landscape values such as size, texture, color, and flowering and fruiting seasons. Review trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, and perennials suitable for this region.
234HRT358D 06/03 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
NYBG

Study the entire cannabis growing cycle, including best practices for critical harvest and post-harvest procedures, and how artificial lighting and carbon dioxide enrichment can help maximize production. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different grow sites and media, with more...
234HRT156AO 06/05 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm DeBacco
Crosson
ONLINE

Learn principles and techniques of plant propagation by seed and cuttings. Explore basic sexual and asexual propagation, focusing on fruit development, seedling production, root initiation, stem and leaf cuttings, and layering.
234HRT411A 06/05 Mo 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

This user-friendly intro course surveys the major plant groups-flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and bryophytes-focusing on their form and structure. Become botanically literate and gain practical experience in dissecting and analyzing plant structures.
234HRT300DO 06/06 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Naghshineh
ONLINE

A successful pollinator garden must provide appropriate food and habitat for a diverse array of species, including bees, beetles, butterflies,moths, birds, and even pollinating flies. Explore best practices for attracting and supporting our native pollinators, as well as which native more...
234GAR340 06/10 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

Expert rosarian Shauna Moore walks you through the history of a wide variety of rose types and classifications while explaining how to select the best ones for your garden. On a walk through the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, she'll share more...
234GAR361BL 06/11 Su 9:30am-11:30am Moore
BLENDED

Choose the right plant for the right place, based on site-specific design and maintenance criteria. Learn landscape values such as size, texture, color, and flowering and fruiting seasons. Review trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, and perennials suitable for this region.
234HRT358E 06/11 Su 11:00am-1:40pm Nolan
NYBG

Explore the basics of successful, environmentally friendly gardening. Topics include soils and their improvement, seed sowing, vegetative propagation, planting, pruning, watering, weeding, mulching, and disease and pest control. This course is also required for the Horticultural Therapy Certificate.
234GAR301C 06/15 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

This class introduces basic garden design principles using the interplay of structural features, plant characteristics, and site assessment. Learn to creatively combine trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs based on color, shape, texture, and size.
234GAR342O 06/22 Th 6:00pm-8:30pm Beyers
ONLINE

Learn the fundamentals for turning ordinary nursery stock into a living work of art. This workshop covers the five major styles of bonsai along with plant and container selection, branch and root pruning, wiring, and potting. more...
234GAR912 06/24 Sa 11:00am-4:30pm Capobianco
NYBG

July

Get a little messy making seasonal berry jam! Trained in preservation techniques at Cornell, Stephen Nocera will show you three distinct methods of jamming, using less sugar and no additives or pectin. You'll come away with the techniques and recipes more...
241CKG200 07/08 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Nocera
NYBG

Discover plants native to our region that flower in summer, such as Hairy Penstemon, Spotted Beebalm, Shrubby St. John's Wort, and Northern Bush Honeysuckle. Learn how to choose the right plants for your landscape conditions and explore the benefits they more...
241GAR212 07/09 Su 10:30am-12:30pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

In just three weeks, complete more than 40% of the coursework required for the Certificate and gain a solid base in the principles of environmentally sound gardening from expert professionals. You'll also see how these principles are put into practice more...
241GAR950 07/10 Mo 9:00am-4:00pm Himmelman
Eierman, EcoBeneficial
Kokinchak
Ruggiero
Tryba
NYBG

This user-friendly intro course surveys the major plant groups-flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and bryophytes-focusing on their form and structure. Become botanically literate and gain practical experience in dissecting and analyzing plant structures.
241HRT300EO 07/13 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Design, plant, and harvest a cutting garden that's productive throughout the seasons. You'll get hands-on practice starting seeds to ensure you always have something fresh to cut. We'll cover traditional and unexpected annual and perennial cut flower species and varieties more...
241HRT142O 07/20 Th 11:00am-1:00pm Breyer
ONLINE

August

"Put up" your peaches using time-honored canning techniques for three preparations that will extend the bounty of your favorite stone fruits long after summer is gone. Create a compote to top your summer desserts; prepare for fall with warming spices; more...
241CKG231 08/05 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Nocera
NYBG

This user-friendly intro course surveys the major plant groups-flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and bryophytes-focusing on their form and structure. Become botanically literate and gain practical experience in dissecting and analyzing plant structures.
241HRT300FO 08/05 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Day Nishiura
ONLINE

Learn how native plants enhance gardens and augment biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Hear about the significance of woodland soils, and how to promote a healthy environment to support spring ephemerals, summer perennials, more...
241GAR315BO 08/06 Su 10:30am-12:30pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

Study the entire cannabis growing cycle, including best practices for critical harvest and post-harvest procedures, and how artificial lighting and carbon dioxide enrichment can help maximize production. We'll discuss the pros and cons of different grow sites and media, with more...
241HRT156BO 08/09 We 6:00pm-8:00pm DeBacco
Crosson
ONLINE

Explore the basics of successful, environmentally friendly gardening. Topics include soils and their improvement, seed sowing, vegetative propagation, planting, pruning, watering, weeding, mulching, and disease and pest control. This course is also required for the Horticultural Therapy Certificate.
241GAR301DO 08/17 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

Return to great-grandma's tried-and-true process to make pickled cucumbers in three styles—spicy dill, sweet bread-and-butter, and zesty relish. Designedfor beginners, this class covers the basics—from recipes to food prep to sterilizing. You'll pick up tips and tricks for pickling all more...
241CKG221 08/19 Sa 11:00am-3:00pm Nocera
NYBG

Explore the many classifications of heirloom roses as you delve into their history, lore, and beauty. You'll gain a better understanding of the importance of this beloved flower type and why we must continue to grow and maintain them in more...
241GAR290 08/19 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Moore
NYBG

Wondering what to do with your bounty of tomatoes? Preserve them, of course! We will show you the best ways to process and hot pack your harvest, with a simple method borrowed from industrial canning. We'll make a chili tomato more...
241CKG226 08/26 Sa 11:00am-3:00pm Nocera
NYBG

Mushrooms have been utilized for thousands of years for medicinal and edible purposes. John Michelotti, owner of Catskill Fungi, will show you how to cultivate gourmet mushrooms at home using safe and simple techniques. Using cardboard and coffee grounds, create more...
241CKG207O 08/30 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Michelotti
ONLINE

September

Examine pre-planting procedures, from soil preparation to crop rotation planning. Study the timing and techniques of planting, pest management, and harvest and post-harvest handling. Survey heirloom varieties, new cultivars, and classic selections.
241GAR431BO 09/06 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Nocera
ONLINE

This user-friendly intro course surveys the major plant groups-flowering plants, conifers, ferns, and bryophytes-focusing on their form and structure. Become botanically literate and gain practical experience in dissecting and analyzing plant structures.
241HRT300GO 09/06 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bucuvalas
ONLINE

It's essential to identify plant diseases before they become widespread in your garden. Explore the basics of disease management, and learn how the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can help you maintain a strong and healthy garden.
241GAR324O 09/12 Tu 6:15pm-8:15pm Kokinchak
ONLINE

Pest identification is key to maintaining a healthy, beautiful garden. Learn to identify which insects are pests and which are beneficial to your home garden. Learn the most common orders of insects and the damage they can cause, as well more...
241GAR320O 09/16 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Kokinchak
ONLINE

Do you want to create an eco-friendly garden that is also beautiful and functional? Sustainable gardening hinges on a gardener's ability to develop a long-term strategy by employing tactics that conserve natural resources over time. Explore how to make the more...
241GAR375O 09/16 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Simeone
ONLINE

Choose the right plant for the right place, based on site-specific design and maintenance criteria. Learn landscape values such as size, texture, color, and flowering and fruiting seasons. Review trees, shrubs, groundcovers, annuals, and perennials suitable for this region.
241HRT358A 09/16 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
NYBG

Small steps can have big effects. Learn how the plants you choose and the landscape practices you use can help reduce the impacts of climate change and improve the environment around you.
241GAR379O 09/17 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

Learn principles and techniques of plant propagation by seed and cuttings. Explore basic sexual and asexual propagation, focusing on fruit development, seedling production, root initiation, stem and leaf cuttings, and layering.
241HRT411B 09/28 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Learn how to create a container garden for your patio, terrace, or entryway that's both functional and gorgeous-and helps your plants thrive in all four seasons.
241GAR327BO 09/29 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

October

With a little bit of planning, your garden can look beautiful in all seasons, even after the flowers fade. Knowing which plants to select is key, since, according to rock star garden designer Piet Oudolf, it's about "texture and shape, more...
242GAR369 10/14 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

This class introduces basic garden design principles using the interplay of structural features, plant characteristics, and site assessment. Learn to creatively combine trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and bulbs based on color, shape, texture, and size.
242GAR342AO 10/18 We 10:00am-12:30pm Beyers
ONLINE