Intro Classes

From indoor houseplant care and maintenance to expert tips on planting outdoors—browse these introductory-level classes and workshops that can enable you to become a better plant parent and home gardener.


October

Many gardeners, both beginners and experts alike, believe roses are difficult to grow but this simply isn't true. In this class, you'll explore rose varieties that are low maintenance and easy to grow without a lot of extra maintenance—such as more...
272GAR230 10/03 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Moore
NYBG

Learn how to use native plants and native gardening practices to enhance garden ecosystems and increase biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Discover how to promote a healthy environment using native spring ephemerals, herbaceous more...
272GAR315AO 10/07 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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.
272HRT300AO 10/14 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Simeone
ONLINE

Kick mulch to the curb! Learn how to replace this common garden material with a beautiful tapestry of foliage and flowers that is visually appealing and ecologically valuable. Explore a selection of versatile, tough, native ground-covering plants to use as more...
272GAR140 10/16 Fr 10:30am-12:30pm Himmelman
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.
272HRT358A 10/17 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
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.
272HRT300FO 10/26 Mo 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE

What can you do this fall to ensure a healthy garden next spring? Get a head start on your best garden ever by taking care of it now! Learn techniques to improve soil quality, protect perennials and tender plants through more...
272GAR185O 10/28 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

November

Learn the essential pruning techniques for woody plants used by NYBG experts. In this course, our plant professionals will guide you through the key principles of pruning woody plants such as small trees and shrubs.
272PLT140B 11/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to grow a variety of plants in pots and planters for your patio, terrace, front porch or even windowsill that's both functional and gorgeous in any season. This course teaches you the basics of choosing and using materials more...
272PLT150B 11/01   ONLINE-FLEX

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...
272GAR302A 11/03 Tu 10:30am-12:30pm Himmelman
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 Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
272GAR301AO 11/04 We 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

Dahlias are the stars of the fall garden, producing spectacular blooms from midsummer until the first frost. In this workshop, you'll explore the history of dahlias and their many flower forms while learning how to care for plants through the more...
272GAR279 11/07 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Koether
NYBG

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.
272GAR222AO 11/12 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
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 Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
272GAR301BO 11/16 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

A hedgerow is a line of shrubs and trees typically planted to create a boundary. Learn how to design a hedgerow that serves two purposes-creating a privacy screen for your outdoor space as well as providing a protective habitat for more...
272GAR153O 11/19 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

December

Learn the essential pruning techniques for woody plants used by NYBG experts. In this course, our plant professionals will guide you through the key principles of pruning woody plants such as small trees and shrubs.
272PLT140C 12/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to grow a variety of plants in pots and planters for your patio, terrace, front porch or even windowsill that's both functional and gorgeous in any season. This course teaches you the basics of choosing and using materials more...
272PLT150C 12/01   ONLINE-FLEX

January

Learn the essential pruning techniques for woody plants used by NYBG experts. In this course, our plant professionals will guide you through the key principles of pruning woody plants such as small trees and shrubs.
273PLT140D 01/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to grow a variety of plants in pots and planters for your patio, terrace, front porch or even windowsill that's both functional and gorgeous in any season. This course teaches you the basics of choosing and using materials more...
273PLT150D 01/01   ONLINE-FLEX

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.
273HRT300BO 01/05 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Day
ONLINE

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...
273GAR202A 01/09 Sa 10:00am-5:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
Rosiello
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...
273GAR202B 01/09 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...
273GAR202C 01/09 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.
273GAR202D 01/09 Sa 3:00pm-5:00pm Rosiello
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 Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
273GAR301CO 01/13 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Learn how to use native plants and native gardening practices to enhance garden ecosystems and increase biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Discover how to promote a healthy environment using native spring ephemerals, herbaceous more...
273GAR315BO 01/13 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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...
273GAR360AO 01/14 Th 11:00am-1:00pm 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...
273GAR173AO 01/20 We 10:30am-12:30pm Forster
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...
273GAR317B 01/20 We 6:00pm-8:40pm Rosiello
NYBG

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...
273GAR236 01/23 Sa 11:00am-3:00pm Perkowski
NYBG

Learn about one of the most popular plant families—aroids from the Araceae family, which include many common houseplants such as philodendrons, pothos, monsteras, aglaonemas, and more. Often considered the understory plants in nature, aroids grow in many different varieties. Gain more...
273GAR285 01/23 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Satch
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.
273HRT300C 01/23 Sa 10:30am-12:30pm Alvarez
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...
273GAR302BO 01/25 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Bulpitt
ONLINE

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 demonstrations, student pruning of potted plants, more...
273GAR394O 01/30 Sa 10:00am-1:30pm Perkowski
NYBG

February

As pollinators face existential threats, more people are learning ways to thwart their decline by making changes in their daily lives. The Pollinator Pathway? is an organization that educates the public about how to contribute to pollinator survival—either small or more...
273GAR248O 02/01 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Roman
ONLINE

Learn the essential pruning techniques for woody plants used by NYBG experts. In this course, our plant professionals will guide you through the key principles of pruning woody plants such as small trees and shrubs.
273PLT140E 02/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to grow a variety of plants in pots and planters for your patio, terrace, front porch or even windowsill that's both functional and gorgeous in any season. This course teaches you the basics of choosing and using materials more...
273PLT150E 02/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Myths abound about how hard it is to care for this ever-popular flowering plant. Dispel them with plenty of sensible advice on how to treat a variety of orchids including Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, Dendrobium, and more. Light, water, nutrients, repotting, more...
273GAR213AO 02/20 Sa 12:00pm-2:00pm Satch
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.
273GAR222BO 02/22 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Rosiello
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.
273HRT300DO 02/22 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

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...
273GAR225A 02/27 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...
273GAR225B 02/27 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...
273GAR225C 02/27 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...
273GAR225D 02/27 Sa 3:00pm-5:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

March

Learn the essential pruning techniques for woody plants used by NYBG experts. In this course, our plant professionals will guide you through the key principles of pruning woody plants such as small trees and shrubs.
273PLT140F 03/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn how to grow a variety of plants in pots and planters for your patio, terrace, front porch or even windowsill that's both functional and gorgeous in any season. This course teaches you the basics of choosing and using materials more...
273PLT150F 03/01   ONLINE-FLEX

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...
273GAR367O 03/03 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Moore
ONLINE

Learn how to design, plant, and harvest a cutting garden that's productive throughout the seasons. Through discussion and live demonstrations, you'll receive tips on how best to start seeds to ensure that you'll consistently have fresh blooms to cut. Discover more...
273HRT142O 03/04 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Breyer
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.
273HRT300EO 03/04 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Halane
ONLINE

Orchids are one of the most common houseplants in America. While this exotic flower is widely available, many do not know how to properly care for it. In this class, you'll explore how orchids grow in nature and learn the more...
273GAR213B 03/06 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Schmidt
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...
273GAR280 03/06 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Storrs
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 Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
273GAR301E 03/07 Su 2:00pm-4:25pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Dahlias bring months of bold color to the summer garden and thrive in our coastal climate with the right preparation and care. In this spring class, you'll explore the history of dahlias and their many flower forms while learning how more...
273GAR243 03/13 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Koether
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...
273GAR317O 03/16 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

Learn how to use native plants and native gardening practices to enhance garden ecosystems and increase biodiversity. Study native herbaceous and woody plants: their identification, habitat, and culture. Discover how to promote a healthy environment using native spring ephemerals, herbaceous more...
273GAR315CO 03/18 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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...
273GAR360BO 03/25 Th 11:00am-1:00pm 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...
273GAR173B 03/30 Tu 10:30am-12:30pm Himmelman
NYBG

April

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 Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate.
274GAR301AO 04/02 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE