Horticulture Classes

Develop the vital skills needed to protect and manage landscapes, maintain healthy trees, design attractive gardens, and produce landscape plants. Our horticulture classes cater to anyone—from beginners to advanced horticulturists—with an emphasis on real world skill-building. Enroll in a single class or pursue a Horticulture Certificate.

Click here for an overview of the certificate program.


August

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.
261HRT358B 08/20 We 1:00pm-3:40pm Tyson-Strait
NYBG

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.
261PLT140C 09/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Explore how to identify and use major groups of shade trees and shrubs native to and hardy in our region, including Acer, Quercus, and Viburnum, which are particularly ornamental in fall.
261HRT331A 09/06 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Nolan
NYBG

Graphics are essential in developing and communicating your ideas. Practice various graphic techniques on a range of materials and equipment and learn how to organize and render landscape plans on paper for optimal presentation to clients. Homework is required.
261LAN311EO 09/06 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Miller
ONLINE

Go beyond basic soil chemistry and examine how a soil's pH affects what nutrients are available to plants. Explore the ionic exchange capacities of soil, the complex nitrogen cycle, and the effects of composted soil amendments and fertilizers. Discover how more...
261HRT302BO 09/08 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Bulpitt
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...
261HRT142O 09/10 We 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.
261HRT300GO 09/10 We 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE

Fundamentally change the way you view natural landscapes by learning about the complex factors that inform which plants grow in what combinations. Understanding how and why these plant communities form will help you design beautiful landscapes that are more resilient, more...
261HRT353BBL 09/10 We 6:00pm-7:30pm Schuler
BLENDED

Designed for people interested in arboriculture, this course will help students develop their climbing skills. Learn techniques such as rope setting, knot tying, body thrusting, doublecrotching, foot locking, and limb walking. Taught on Garden grounds, this class offers expert instruction more...
261HRT304B 09/13 Sa 10:00am-3:30pm Vitagliano
Davila
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.
261HRT358C 09/13 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.
261GAR301F 09/14 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Explore theories, traditions, and principles that have shaped the design of landscapes from antiquity to the present, through visual presentations, assigned readings, projects, and classroom discussion.
261LAN301BO 09/15 Mo 10:30am-1:30pm Merritt
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.
261HRT411B 09/16 Tu 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

Soil is a dynamic, living organism and the very foundation of sustainable horticulture and agriculture.This course focuses on the texture, structure, density, and color of different soils and the dynamic relationship that exists among soil, water, and plants. Through lectures more...
261HRT301C 09/17 We 11:00am-2:00pm Lozefski
NYBG
261HRT301DO 09/17 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Bulpitt
ONLINE

Explore a holistic approach to keeping trees healthy and vigorous. Topics include planting and transplanting, pruning, fertilization, root system management, common problems, tree defenses, and lightning protection. Samples of tree problems, supplies, and tools are exhibited.
261HRT422 09/17 We 4:00pm-6:00pm Hall
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.
261HRT300HO 09/27 Sa 10:30am-12:45pm Simeone
ONLINE

This course is designed for horticulturists and gardeners who are familiar with the basic culture of perennials. Learn the identifying characteristics, classification, scientific and common names, and landscape uses of approximately 60 summer- and fall-blooming native and non-native perennials and more...
261HRT338A 09/28 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Nolan
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.
261HRT300JO 09/29 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Fundamentally change the way you view natural landscapes by learning about the complex factors that inform which plants grow in what combinations. Understanding how and why these plant communities form will help you design beautiful landscapes that are more resilient, more...
261HRT353CBL 09/30 Tu 6:00pm-7:30pm Schuler
BLENDED

October

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.
262HRT300AO 10/01 We 11:00am-1:00pm O'Brien
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.
262PLT140A 10/01   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.
262HRT300B 10/05 Su 10:00am-12:00pm Halane
NYBG

Explore how to identify and use major groups of shade trees and shrubs native to and hardy in our region, including Acer, Quercus, and Viburnum, which are particularly ornamental in fall.
262HRT331BBL 10/05 Su 6:00pm-8:00pm McLaughlin
BLENDED

Explore theories, traditions, and principles that have shaped the design of landscapes from antiquity to the present, through visual presentations, assigned readings, projects, and classroom discussion.
262LAN301AO 10/05 Su 10:00am-1:00pm Capps Sarathy
ONLINE

Explore how to identify and use major groups of shade trees and shrubs native to and hardy in our region, including Acer, Quercus, and Viburnum, which are particularly ornamental in fall.
262HRT331C 10/09 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Nolan
NYBG

This course is designed for horticulturists and gardeners who are familiar with the basic culture of perennials. Learn the identifying characteristics, classification, scientific and common names, and landscape uses of approximately 60 summer- and fall-blooming native and non-native perennials and more...
262HRT338B 10/09 Th 2:00pm-5:00pm Nolan
NYBG

Learn how to design, install, and maintain conventional, specialty drip, and micro-drip irrigation systems. Drip systems are useful for rooftop and terrace gardens, planters, raised beds, and many landscape and nursery production systems. We will cover basic hydraulics and review more...
262HRT323A 10/15 We 10:00am-4:30pm Elmers
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.
262HRT358A 10/16 Th 10:00am-12:40pm Tyson-Strait
NYBG

Learn common diseases of woody and herbaceous ornamentals and turfgrass, and the cultural, biological, and least-toxic strategies for their control.

Note: This class is a requirement in NYBG's Horiculture Certificate Program, Tracks 1, 2, & 3. It is not the same more...
262HRT481 10/16 Th 10:30am-1:30pm Kokinchak
NYBG

Become familiar with the cultural requirements, identifying features, and uses of native and non-native broadleaved evergreens, and incorporate them into both naturalistic and formal landscape settings. Major plant groups studied include Ilex, Rhododendron, Buxus, and evergreen groundcovers.
262HRT332A 10/17 Fr 10:30am-12:45pm Simeone
NYBG

Graphics are essential in developing and communicating your ideas. Practice various graphic techniques on a range of materials and equipment and learn how to organize and render landscape plans on paper for optimal presentation to clients. Homework is required.
262LAN311ABL 10/18 Sa 1:30pm-4:30pm Miller
BLENDED

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...
262HRT321B 10/19 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Turner
NYBG

Explore how to identify and use major groups of shade trees and shrubs native to and hardy in our region, including Acer, Quercus, and Viburnum, which are particularly ornamental in fall.
262HRT331D 10/19 Su 1:00pm-4:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Explore theories, traditions, and principles that have shaped the design of landscapes from antiquity to the present, through visual presentations, assigned readings, projects, and classroom discussion.
262LAN301BO 10/20 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Bunnell
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...
262HRT142O 10/23 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Breyer
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.
262PLT140B 11/01   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.
262HRT300CO 11/03 Mo 10:30am-12:30pm Barr
ONLINE

Soil is a dynamic, living organism and the very foundation of sustainable horticulture and agriculture.This course focuses on the texture, structure, density, and color of different soils and the dynamic relationship that exists among soil, water, and plants. Through lectures more...
262HRT301A 11/03 Mo 2:00pm-5:00pm Cheng
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.
262HRT411A 11/06 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Ruggiero
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.
262GAR301AO 11/07 Fr 10:00am-12:00pm Marsh
ONLINE
262GAR301BO 11/10 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

This studio-oriented course covers basic site analysis, planting plans, and color schemes (analogous or sequential, complementary, and monochrome). Presentations, discussions, and design projects combine practical information with theoretical garden design.
262HRT551ABL 11/12 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Gonzalez
BLENDED

Explore how to create a healthy garden while supporting biodiversity and conserving resources. We'll discuss ways to minimize water usage, effectively handle stormwater, create a healthy soil food web, and use non-toxic alternatives to maintain optimal plant health.
262HRT395ABL 11/14 Fr 11:00am-1:00pm Goldberg
BLENDED

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...
262HRT321A 11/18 Tu 10:00am-2:00pm Logan
NYBG

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.
262PLT140C 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.
263PLT140D 01/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Learn basic winter tree identification using dormant-season characteristics of deciduous plants as well as conifers. Dress for the weather.
263HRT440A 01/04 Su 1:00pm-3:00pm Vitagliano
NYBG

Explore theories, traditions, and principles that have shaped the design of landscapes from antiquity to the present, through visual presentations, assigned readings, projects, and classroom discussion.
263LAN301CO 01/06 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Bunnell
ONLINE

Soil is a dynamic, living organism and the very foundation of sustainable horticulture and agriculture.This course focuses on the texture, structure, density, and color of different soils and the dynamic relationship that exists among soil, water, and plants. Through lectures more...
263HRT301B 01/07 We 2:00pm-5:00pm Cheng
NYBG

Whether you are a budding arborist or weekend woodcutter, knowing how to use your chainsaw safely and maintain it properly are keys to success. This lecture-demonstration course by an ISA-certified arborist teaches you the basics of chainsaw use and care, more...
263HRT308 01/10 Sa 10:00am-4:00pm Vitagliano
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.
263HRT300DO 01/13 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Learn to work with plants that are difficult to propagate by seed or cuttings. Subjects include advanced seed propagation and techniques of grafting, budding, and micro-propagation. Learn tissue culture at NYBG's Pfizer Laboratory, and tour a retail nursery for a more...
263HRT412 01/13 Tu 5:00pm-8:00pm Weinstein
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...
263HRT321C 01/14 We 10:00am-1:00pm Cheng
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.
263GAR301FO 01/15 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Bakis
ONLINE

Graphics are essential in developing and communicating your ideas. Practice various graphic techniques on a range of materials and equipment and learn how to organize and render landscape plans on paper for optimal presentation to clients. Homework is required.
263LAN311B 01/15 Th 5:00pm-8:00pm Poccia
NYBG

This studio-oriented course covers basic site analysis, planting plans, and color schemes (analogous or sequential, complementary, and monochrome). Presentations, discussions, and design projects combine practical information with theoretical garden design.
263HRT551BBL 01/21 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Gonzalez
BLENDED

Learn how to design, install, and maintain conventional, specialty drip, and micro-drip irrigation systems. Drip systems are useful for rooftop and terrace gardens, planters, raised beds, and many landscape and nursery production systems. We will cover basic hydraulics and review more...
263HRT323B 01/22 Th 10:00am-4:30pm Dobossy
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.
263HRT300EO 01/24 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Alvarez
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...
263HRT321D 01/24 Sa 1:00pm-4:00pm Turner
NYBG

February

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.
263GAR301CO 02/01 Su 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
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.
263PLT140E 02/01   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.
263HRT300FO 02/03 Tu 10:00am-12:00pm Day
ONLINE

Learn basic winter tree identification using dormant-season characteristics of deciduous plants as well as conifers. Dress for the weather.
263HRT440B 02/03 Tu 1:00pm-3:00pm Logan
NYBG

Learn to identify, classify, and use the best regional native and non-native conifers for naturalistic and formal landscape designs.
263HRT333 02/05 Th 10:00am-12:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

Explore theories, traditions, and principles that have shaped the design of landscapes from antiquity to the present, through visual presentations, assigned readings, projects, and classroom discussion.
263LAN301DO 02/06 Fr 10:30am-1:30pm Merritt
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.
263HRT300GO 02/18 We 6:00pm-8:00pm O'Brien
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...
263HRT321E 02/21 Sa 1:00pm-4:00pm Bishop
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.
263GAR301D 02/22 Su 2:00pm-4:00pm Ruggiero
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.
263HRT411B 02/23 Mo 5:30pm-8:30pm Weinstein
NYBG

Become familiar with the cultural requirements, identifying features, and uses of native and non-native broadleaved evergreens, and incorporate them into both naturalistic and formal landscape settings. Major plant groups studied include Ilex, Rhododendron, Buxus, and evergreen groundcovers.
263HRT332B 02/27 Fr 10:30am-12:45pm Simeone
NYBG

Soil compaction, construction damage, and land development practices can lead to tree decline and early tree mortality. Examine the biology of trees, and learn how they respond to changes in the urban environment. Explore techniques for assessing and preserving tree more...
263HRT426 02/28 Sa 11:00am-2:00pm Finley
NYBG

March

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.
263HRT300H 03/01 Su 11:00am-1:00pm Halane
NYBG

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.
263PLT140F 03/01   ONLINE-FLEX

Explore theories, traditions, and principles that have shaped the design of landscapes from antiquity to the present, through visual presentations, assigned readings, projects, and classroom discussion.
263LAN301EO 03/02 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Bunnell
ONLINE

This course is designed for horticulturists who are responsible for maintaining outdoor landscapes. We will cover how to calculate area to help estimate plant and soil needs, apply rates for fertilizers, and calculate amounts of soil amendments.
263HRT356O 03/04 We 5:00pm-7:00pm Weinstein
ONLINE

Graphics are essential in developing and communicating your ideas. Practice various graphic techniques on a range of materials and equipment and learn how to organize and render landscape plans on paper for optimal presentation to clients. Homework is required.
263LAN311CBL 03/07 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Miller
BLENDED

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.
263HRT411C 03/10 Tu 5:30pm-8:30pm Ivanoski
NYBG

Examine sustainable techniques for managing and maintaining commercial and residential landscapes. Develop programs that reduce adverse effects on the environment, including alternative approaches to conventional lawn management.
263HRT443 03/11 We 4:15pm-7:15pm Laswell
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.
263GAR301EO 03/13 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.
263HRT300JO 03/16 Mo 10:30am-12:30pm Day
ONLINE

Learn how to design, install, and maintain conventional, specialty drip, and micro-drip irrigation systems. Drip systems are useful for rooftop and terrace gardens, planters, raised beds, and many landscape and nursery production systems. We will cover basic hydraulics and review more...
263HRT323C 03/17 Tu 10:00am-4:30pm Elmers
NYBG

This course is designed for horticulturists, gardeners, or designers who want to learn to identify and classify familiar and unusual spring-, summer-, and autumn-flowering bulbs. We will also focus on understanding their biology.
263HRT342 03/17 Tu 1:30pm-3:30pm McDowell
NYBG

Go beyond basic soil chemistry and examine how a soil's pH affects what nutrients are available to plants. Explore the ionic exchange capacities of soil, the complex nitrogen cycle, and the effects of composted soil amendments and fertilizers. Discover how more...
263HRT302 03/25 We 11:00am-2:00pm Lozefski
NYBG