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.


November

Botanical Latin is essential for anyone with a serious interest in identifying plants. But, contrary to popular belief, mastering Latin plant names need not be intimidating or boring. Review the rules of taxonomy, Latin grammar, and pronunciation, and learn the more...
252GAR360O 11/04 Mo 6:15pm-8:15pm Bakshi
ONLINE

Learn how to design, plant, and care for a container garden that's both functional and full of four-season beauty, whether it's on your home patio, terrace, or deck—or in your apartment.
252PLT120 11/06   Beyers
ONLINE-FLEX

Learn to prune like NYBG! In this two-week course, our plant experts will guide you through essential pruning techniques for woody plants like small trees and shrubs, and more.
252PLT140A 11/06   Ippolito
ONLINE-FLEX

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...
252HRT142AO 11/07 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Breyer
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.
252GAR301BO 11/08 Fr 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.
252GAR342AO 11/08 Fr 10:00am-12:30pm Forster
ONLINE

Put all your garden ideas into practice with this practical overview of the best layout plans and circulation patterns. Learn how to analyze space and proportions to create a coherent landscape design that complements both home and garden.
252GAR222BO 11/18 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

Through classwork and hands-on practice, develop pruning tools and techniques to help shrubs, conifers, broadleaves, evergreens, and deciduous plants thrive. Explore how woody plant structure and physiology influence pruning. Learn how to create and maintain hedges and explore authentic pollarding more...
252HRT321A 11/19 Tu 10:00am-1:30pm Logan
NYBG

Native Plant Selection
Kim Eierman | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | NYBG

Discover what makes a plant native, how to choose the best species for your garden, where to find them, and how to grow them successfully. We'll also discuss those more...
252GAR202A 11/23 Sa 10:00am-5:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
Marsh
NYBG

Discover what makes a plant native, how to choose the best species for your garden, where to find them, and how to grow them successfully. We'll also discuss those you can plant to support and encourage pollinators in your own more...
252GAR202B 11/23 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

Learn how and when to collect the seeds of different types of native perennials. Growing native plants from seed gives you a much wider selection of plant choices as well as the opportunity to grow them organically and economically. In more...
252GAR202C 11/23 Sa 12:45pm-2:45pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
NYBG

Explore the fundamentals of how native plants can be successfully incorporated into your garden plans to create sustainable garden designs filled with the beauty and diversity you desire.
252GAR202D 11/23 Sa 3:00pm-5:00pm Marsh
NYBG

December

Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment with no access to green space, you can compost! Led by experts from Bronx Green-Up, NYBG's community gardening outreach program, this course—fit for novices and practicing composters alike—will more...
252AGA300AO 12/04 We 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

Learn to prune like NYBG! In this two-week course, our plant experts will guide you through essential pruning techniques for woody plants like small trees and shrubs, and more.
252PLT140B 12/04   Finley
ONLINE-FLEX

Are you looking to up your houseplant game? We can help! We'll walk you through many different species with stunning foliage or flowers—including bromeliads and palms—that will bring a hint of the sun-drenched tropics to your home. We'll discuss the more...
252GAR289A 12/07 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Brown
NYBG

January

Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment with no access to green space, you can compost! Led by experts from Bronx Green-Up, NYBG's community gardening outreach program, this course—fit for novices and practicing composters alike—will more...
253AGA300BO 01/01 We 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

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.

Note: This class more...
253GAR324O 01/07 Tu 6:15pm-8:15pm Kokinchak
ONLINE

Understand how the qualities of soil affect the overall productivity of plants and make sustainable gardening practices possible. Practical application of theory is stressed. Topics include soil formation, physical properties of soil, soil-water relationships, and management techniques such as irrigation, more...
253GAR302O 01/08 We 6:30pm-8:30pm Beyers
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...
253GAR315AO 01/10 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

When winter winds blow cold, bring nature inside with houseplants that provide fragrance and color all year round. Learn the full range of indoor plants with scented flowers and foliage: citrus, jasmines, hoyas, passionflowers, geraniums, orchids, herbs, bulbs, and more! more...
253GAR233 01/11 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Freeman
NYBG

Through classwork and hands-on practice, develop pruning tools and techniques to help shrubs, conifers, broadleaves, evergreens, and deciduous plants thrive. Explore how woody plant structure and physiology influence pruning. Learn how to create and maintain hedges and explore authentic pollarding more...
253HRT321B 01/13 Mo 10:00am-1:00pm Logan
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.
253HRT300CO 01/14 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Botanical Latin is essential for anyone with a serious interest in identifying plants. But, contrary to popular belief, mastering Latin plant names need not be intimidating or boring. Review the rules of taxonomy, Latin grammar, and pronunciation, and learn the more...
253GAR360BO 01/16 Th 10:30am-12:30pm Bakshi
ONLINE

Whether in a shady corner or a sunny border, selecting the right plant combinations makes the difference between a ho-hum garden and one that gets rave reviews. Concentrating on perennials, learn to use color, texture, height, and bloom when combining more...
253GAR173AO 01/22 We 10:30am-12:30pm Forster
ONLINE

Through classwork and hands-on practice, develop pruning tools and techniques to help shrubs, conifers, broadleaves, evergreens, and deciduous plants thrive. Explore how woody plant structure and physiology influence pruning. Learn how to create and maintain hedges and explore authentic pollarding more...
253HRT321D 01/25 Sa 1:00pm-4:00pm Turner
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.
253GAR301CO 01/27 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Good garden design isn't easy, but for anyone with a passion for plants, a little imagination, and proper guidance, it is possible to succeed. Learn the basics of garden design, review examples that work for different architectural styles and site more...
253GAR317B 01/30 Th 6:00pm-8:40pm Rosiello
NYBG

February

Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment with no access to green space, you can compost! Led by experts from Bronx Green-Up, NYBG's community gardening outreach program, this course—fit for novices and practicing composters alike—will more...
253AGA300CO 02/01 Sa 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

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.
253GAR431B 02/18 Tu 6:15pm-8:15pm Storrs
NYBG

Spring is just around the corner, and with a little advance preparation you will be ready to start the growing season right. Gain insights into getting the soil prepped and ready to go, best pruning practices, and waking up the more...
253GAR225A 02/22 Sa 10:00am-5:00pm Ruggiero
Himmelman
NYBG

Spring cleaning in the garden can be fun. Get shrub and herbaceous borders spruced up and looking good! Review a checklist of tasks to be performed during spring maintenance, ranging from raking off winter mulch to looking for signs of more...
253GAR225B 02/22 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Rich, nutritious soil makes for large, healthy plants and reduces the need for regular fertilization. Learn the difference between soil structure and texture; how these differences affect plant growth; and how you can modify your soil to improve its qualities. more...
253GAR225C 02/22 Sa 12:45pm-2:45pm Himmelman
NYBG

Late winter is a great time to get your woody plants in shape by thinning out overgrowth to create open, healthy, beautiful trees and shrubs. Learn how and when to prune, proper tools for the job, why pruning is necessary, more...
253GAR225D 02/22 Sa 3:00pm-5:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Tending to roses is an art, especially given how many types there are-from shrubs to hybrid teas to ramblers. Proper pruning can encourage bloom production and control plant disease. This informative session combines classroom demonstrations, student pruning of potted plants, more...
253GAR394 02/22 Sa 10:00am-1:30pm Perkowski
NYBG

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.
253HRT411A 02/24 Mo 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

Whether in a shady corner or a sunny border, selecting the right plant combinations makes the difference between a ho-hum garden and one that gets rave reviews. Concentrating on perennials, learn to use color, texture, height, and bloom when combining more...
253GAR173BO 02/26 We 10:30am-12:30pm Forster
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.
253GAR342BO 02/26 We 6:00pm-8:30pm Beyers
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...
253GAR320O 02/27 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Kokinchak
ONLINE

Learn the basics, review examples that work for different architectural styles and site conditions, and develop a go-to plant list for your home landscape. In the second session, you will develop and draw a basic design plan for your garden more...
253GAR367O 02/27 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Moore
ONLINE

March

Whether you live in a house with a backyard or an apartment with no access to green space, you can compost! Led by experts from Bronx Green-Up, NYBG's community gardening outreach program, this course—fit for novices and practicing composters alike—will more...
253AGA300DO 03/01 Sa 12:00am-11:59pm ONLINE-FLEX

Gardening in areas with wildly fluctuating temperatures and conditions can be a tricky business if you lust for colorful and robust hydrangea flowers. Learn what measures you can take to improve the growth and growth frequency of these favored blooms, more...
253GAR272 03/01 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Ballato
NYBG

Raised beds make gardening easier. They allow you to successfully grow vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals in problem soils, gardens with limited space, or on rooftops and terraces. Raised beds are ideal in many therapeutic settings because they elevate the plants, more...
253GAR280 03/01 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Storrs
NYBG

Botanical Latin is essential for anyone with a serious interest in identifying plants. But, contrary to popular belief, mastering Latin plant names need not be intimidating or boring. Review the rules of taxonomy, Latin grammar, and pronunciation, and learn the more...
253GAR360CO 03/03 Mo 10:30am-12:30pm Bakshi
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...
253GAR315BO 03/04 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

Learn how to design, plant, and care for a container garden that's both functional and full of four-season beauty, whether it's on your home patio, terrace, or deck—or in your apartment.
253PLT120 03/05   Beyers
ONLINE-FLEX

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.
253GAR301DO 03/07 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

Pruning hydrangeas can be one of the most confusing chores in the garden. In this class, you'll drill down to explore the pruning needs of the two most troublesome and similar hydrangeas; the big leaf and mountain varieties. Hydrangea expert more...
253GAR177 03/09 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Ballato
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.
253HRT300DO 03/12 We 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE

Are you looking to up your houseplant game? We can help! We'll walk you through many different species with stunning foliage or flowers—including bromeliads and palms—that will bring a hint of the sun-drenched tropics to your home. We'll discuss the more...
253GAR289B 03/13 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Brown
NYBG

Would you like to bring the outside inside? Green walls bring a striking beauty to any room, and help create a calm, healthy environment, by reducing noise, removing air toxins, and adding moisture and fresh oxygen to your living area. more...
253LAN120 03/13 Th 10:00am-2:00pm Raimondi, CLP
NYBG

Low-maintenance dahlias thrive in our coastal climate. When they bloom in mid-July, their spiky, colorful blossoms brighten up gardens and flower beds across the city. In this class, you'll explore the origin and history of dahlia flower forms and learn more...
253GAR243 03/15 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Palmer
NYBG

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...
253HRT142BO 03/17 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Breyer
ONLINE

This one-day course covers the basics of pruning evergreens, deciduous trees, and shrubs, as well as how to maintain the woody plants in your garden. Bring your pruners! We will discuss tool selection and maintenance, while we practice techniques. more...
253GAR236B 03/22 Sa 10:30am-2:30pm Perkowski
NYBG

Good garden design isn't easy, but for anyone with a passion for plants, a little imagination, and proper guidance, it is possible to succeed. Learn the basics of garden design, review examples that work for different architectural styles and site more...
253GAR317CO 03/27 Th 6:00pm-8:40pm Beyers
ONLINE

Whether in a shady corner or a sunny border, selecting the right plant combinations makes the difference between a ho-hum garden and one that gets rave reviews. Concentrating on perennials, learn to use color, texture, height, and bloom when combining more...
253GAR173C 03/29 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Himmelman
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.
253GAR327 03/29 Sa 10:00am-2:30pm Barrie
NYBG

April

Since autumn is the optimum season to plant bulbs, now is the time to decide what will work best in your garden. In this class, you'll receive an overview of bulbs-what they are and how to properly plant them. Common more...
254GAR287O 04/01 Tu 6:00pm-7:30pm Hagen
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.
254HRT358A 04/16 We 11:00am-1:40pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Understand how the qualities of soil affect the overall productivity of plants and make sustainable gardening practices possible. Practical application of theory is stressed. Topics include soil formation, physical properties of soil, soil-water relationships, and management techniques such as irrigation, more...
254GAR302 04/19 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Simeone
NYBG

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.
254HRT358B 04/19 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
NYBG