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.


March

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...
263GAR213B 03/07 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...
263GAR280 03/07 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Storrs
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...
263GAR317BO 03/10 Tu 6:00pm-8:40pm 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.
263GAR301EO 03/13 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
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 classroom demonstrations, student pruning of potted plants, more...
263GAR394 03/15 Su 10:00am-1:30pm Perkowski
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.
263HRT300JO 03/16 Mo 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE

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...
263GAR243 03/21 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Palmer
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...
263GAR173B 03/22 Su 10:30am-12:30pm Himmelman
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...
263GAR236 03/28 Sa 10:30am-2:30pm Perkowski
NYBG

Vines and other climbing plants like clematis, wisteria, roses, hardy jasmine, and climbing hydrangea not only sport beautiful blossoms, they also provide strong vertical design—in backyards and patios, or rooftops and terraces. They can create outdoor enclosures and transform unattractive more...
263GAR146 03/29 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Loechle
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...
263GAR315O 03/30 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

April

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.
264PLT140A 04/01   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...
264PLT150A 04/01   ONLINE-FLEX

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...
264GAR287AO 04/07 Tu 6:00pm-7:30pm Hagen
ONLINE

The traditional gardens of Japan have long captured the admiration of many cultures around the world. They are unique in their style, construction, and philosophy. Join landscape designer and author Jan Johnsen, who has lived in Kyoto, Japan and worked more...
264GAR127O 04/10 Fr 10:00am-11:30am Johnsen
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.
264HRT358A 04/11 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
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.
264GAR301E 04/12 Su 11:00am-1:00pm Ruggiero
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.
264HRT358B 04/12 Su 2:00pm-5:00pm Nolan
NYBG

Make a great first impression by creating a welcoming entry garden for your home. Learn how to design a stylish front garden. Review examples that work for different architectural styles, and develop plant liststhat fit the specific needs of every more...
264GAR326O 04/13 Mo 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.
264GAR301DO 04/15 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Gain an understanding of the principles of pollination and learn how to create landscapes that attract a diversity of pollinators. In this class, you'll review pollinator ecology and the varied types of pollinators in the northeast region; explore native plant more...
264HRT125O 04/16 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are amazing creatures and always a delight to see. Learn how to create a haven for these tiny flying jewels in your garden space using a selection of native plants that provide food sources and nesting sites all more...
264GAR144 04/17 Fr 11:00am-1:00pm 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.
263GAR327O 04/21 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Gonzalez
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...
264GAR302O 04/22 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bulpitt
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.
264HRT300AO 04/23 Th 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE
264HRT300B 04/27 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Alvarez
ONLINE

May

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.
264PLT140B 05/01   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...
264PLT150B 05/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn the basics of successfully cultivating perennials in a variety of garden settings. Discussion topicsinclude site selection, soil preparation, tools, planting techniques, maintenance practices, plant selection, landscape use, and design basics.

more...
264GAR323O 05/04 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Cappello-Ruggiero
ONLINE

Learn how to plant and care for a healthy, organic tomato garden. We'll explore how to create trellises, manage pests and diseases, devise a fertilizing regimen, and select and store your most successful plants' seeds.
264GAR143O 05/07 Th 6:00pm-7:30pm Storrs
ONLINE

Examine innovative solutions to managing your garden. We'll look at better plant selection, tools, and techniques to make gardening more enjoyable and less burdensome. In this class, you'll discuss and analyze how to apply specific concepts in a home garden more...
264GAR176 05/09 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Ballato
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.
264GAR301AO 05/13 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Cappello-Ruggiero
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.
264HRT358C 05/16 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm Simeone
NYBG

Discover how to create restorative outdoor spaces that promote mindfulness, sensory engagement, and physical grounding. Through hands-on exercises and a guided walk through the Garden, you'll receive a comprehensive understanding of how to design garden spaces that enhance well-being. This more...
264LAN148 05/27 We 10:00am-12:30pm Johnsen
NYBG

Containers can bring added color, form, and texture to any space-deck, rooftop, terrace, front porch, or window sill. With the right combination of plants, containers provide visual impact, create a small garden, and add pleasure to your living area. Sun more...
264GAR200A 05/30 Sa 10:00am-5:00pm Weinstein
Tyson-Strait
Satch
NYBG

Learn the basics for planting and maintaining a healthy outdoor container garden: materials and container styles, potting mixes, fertilization, and watering.
264GAR200B 05/30 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Weinstein
NYBG

Learn a comprehensive approach to designing with containers, including how, when, where and why you should use a particular pot in one spot over another. Gain tips and tricks for great plant combinations in containers of all kinds and walk more...
264GAR200C 05/30 Sa 12:45pm-2:45pm Tyson-Strait
NYBG

Learn how to grow garden-fresh vegetables and herbs year-round. Discover which varieties do best in containers and how to care for them. Special attention is paid to those varieties that not only taste great but also look beautiful, including varieties more...
264GAR200D 05/30 Sa 3:00pm-5:00pm Satch
NYBG

June

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.
264PLT140C 06/01   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...
264PLT150C 06/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Do you prefer simple and clean or wild and lush? Whatever your preference, learn to use basic principles of repetition, symmetry, and color theory to blend your beloved collection of houseplants into a unified design. We'll discuss a broad palette more...
264GAR364 06/06 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

Spice up your garden with your own home-grown culinary herbs. Get started right by learning how to grow for flavor, when to harvest at peak, and how to preserve and serve up your bounty in tasty, unexpected ways.

264GAR329 06/10 We 2:00pm-5:00pm Gordineer
NYBG

Join NYBG's Gardening Certificate program coordinator Daryl Beyers for a special three-day workshop that covers all aspects of gardening. Bringing his latest publication, The New Garden Designer's Handbook, to life through this instructional workshop—Daryl will guide budding gardeners and garden more...
264GAR215BL 06/12 Fr 4:00pm-6:00pm Beyers
BLENDED

Learn the fundamentals for turning ordinary nursery stock into a living work of art. This workshop covers the major styles of bonsai along with plant and container selection, branch and root pruning, wiring, and potting. more...
264GAR912 06/14 Su 11:00am-3:00pm Dillon
NYBG

Take your bonsai training to the next level! In this class, you'll learn different styles of bonsai as you practice advanced techniques and considerations such as wiring, energy distribution, de-candling, needle pruning, shoot selection, air layering, and grafting.
264GAR941 06/28 Su 10:00am-2:00pm Dillon
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.
264HRT300F 06/28 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Smith
NYBG

July

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.
271PLT140D 07/01   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...
271PLT150D 07/01   ONLINE-FLEX

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...
271GAR173O 07/10 Fr 10:30am-12:30pm Forster
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.
271GAR301BO 07/10 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
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.
271HRT300C 07/12 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Halane
NYBG

August

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.
271PLT140E 08/01   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...
271PLT150E 08/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Get a little messy making seasonal berry jam! Learn different methods of jamming that use less sugar and no additives or pectin. You'll come away with three delicious jams that will transport you back to summer whenever you reach for more...
271CKG200 08/02 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Davis
NYBG

Wondering what to do with your bounty of tomatoes? Preserve them, of course! We will show you the best ways to process your harvest in a boiling water bath. Whether crushed, halved, whole, or a sweet and spicy condiment, be more...
271CKG226 08/07 Fr 11:00am-3:00pm Davis
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.
271HRT358D 08/12 We 10:00am-12:40pm Tyson-Strait
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...
271CKG207O 08/20 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Michelotti
ONLINE

Learn time-honored canning techniques to extend the bounty of your favorite stone fruits, such as peaches, plums, apricots and more, long after summer has passed. From jam to chutney to mustard, we'll prepare for the fall and winter seasons with more...
271CKG231 08/22 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Davis
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.
271GAR301CO 08/26 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

September

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.
271PLT140F 09/01   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...
271PLT150F 09/01   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...
271GAR213O 09/14 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Satch
ONLINE

Many native plants can add beauty and ecological support to your garden while providing you with edible fruits, nuts, berries, and more. Discover the best choices of edible native plants, their cultural needs, nutritional content, and how best to use more...
271GAR132O 09/16 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
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.
271HRT358E 09/16 We 2:00pm-4:40pm Tyson-Strait
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.
271GAR301F 09/20 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Ruggiero
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.
271HRT300EO 09/23 We 10:30am-12:30pm Barr
ONLINE

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.
271GAR327O 09/25 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE

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...
271GAR287BO 09/29 Tu 6:00pm-7:30pm Hagen
ONLINE