Landscape Design Classes

The need to develop, preserve, and protect our open spaces and environmental and cultural resources has never been greater. NYBG's engaging program gives you a solid, plant-focused foundation along with the skills and confidence to pursue your passion. What's more, the Garden offers 250 inspiring acres of sustainable, functional landscapes for up-close, in-depth study. Take a single course for fun or pursue a professional certificate in Landscape Design.

Click here for an overview of the certificate program.


September

Survey photographs from dozens of eye-catching gardens to discover how to combine different plant species using the basic criteria of form, color, texture, and height. We will discuss how seasonality, a garden's location, and a plant's native habitat should all more...
271LAN234O 09/26 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Johnsen
ONLINE

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.
271LAN301BO 09/28 Mo 10:00am-1:00pm Capps Sarathy
ONLINE

October

Turning a vision into a plan is the designer's first challenge. Analyze landscapes, formulate the requirements of a design project and then translate them into schematic design solutions. Take part in class discussions and critiques, and present projects.
272LAN401A 10/01 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Rossbach
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.
272HRT331ABL 10/07 We 6:00pm-8:00pm McLaughlin
BLENDED
272HRT331B 10/13 Tu 10:00am-1:00pm Ruggiero
NYBG

NYBG's 28th Annual Landscape Design Portfolios Lecture Series welcomes three renowned professionals who will explore how landscape architecture can honor the past, respond to the present, and cultivate a more resilient future through a deep understanding of place. Across projects more...
272LEC801AO 10/13 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Rockcastle
Hoerr
Kramer
ONLINE

Maura Rockcastle, ASLA, PLA is the co-founder, and principal of TEN x TEN—a transdisciplinary landscape architecture and urban design practice based in Minneapolis, MN that is grounded by a shared curiosity and passion for experimentation, storytelling, and agency.

Across memorials, gardens, more...
272LEC801BO 10/13 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Rockcastle
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.
272HRT358A 10/17 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
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.
272LAN311A 10/17 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Poccia
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.
272HRT331C 10/18 Su 2:00pm-5:00pm Nolan
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.
272LAN301AO 10/19 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Bunnell
ONLINE

Learn the various tools and applications of this software package for landscape designers. Topics include: developing base plans from surveys, techniques for quick estimates, and utilizing the online plant database. Basic computer skills and PC laptop required.
272LAN427A 10/19 Mo 5:00pm-8:00pm Poccia
NYBG

Discover how to use a wide variety of Adobe Photoshop tools and techniques to add vibrancy to your hand- or computer-rendered drawings. Hone your own aesthetic as you craft plan views, section drawings, and design details that are client ready.
272LAN437A 10/19 Mo 10:30am-1:30pm Kramer
NYBG

Douglas Hoerr, FASLA, approaches landscape architecture as an act of exceptional craftsmanship, one that begins not with a signature style, but with a careful reading of place. As the founding partner and president of Hoerr Schaudt, he has shaped some more...
272LEC801CO 10/27 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Hoerr
ONLINE

November

Receive an introduction to AutoCAD—a computer-aided design software commonly used for 2D and 3D drafting, design, and modeling—and learn about its enduring power within the landscape design industry. Through presentation, live discussion, and guidance from your instructor, you'll be able more...
272LAN184 11/05 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Iravanipour
NYBG

Gain an introduction to the terminology, concepts, and basic principles of landscape design through lectures and simple two-dimensional exercises. This course is recommended for students with little or no background in design who want to design for their own home more...
272LAN100CO 11/07 Sa 11:00am-1:00pm Beyers
ONLINE

To plant a tree, to design a garden grove, to nurture an urban forest—these are inherently optimistic acts. Today, landscape architects are working across these scales, designing the spaces of our future and making choices about how we remain in more...
272LEC801DO 11/10 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Kramer
ONLINE

December

Survey the modern green and biophilic hospital design movement as well as the myriad benefits of green spaces within a clinical environment, for families and caregivers alike. You'll review the architectural history of the hospital—from the basilica through Frank Lloyd more...
272WEL212O 12/02 We 6:00pm-7:00pm Morrison
ONLINE

January

Draw upon all of the skills you've developed in NYBG's landscape design program to create a full residential project from start to finish, using actual examples from properties and/or clients. You'll combine design with construction principles as you learn about more...
273LAN520 01/04 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Patchowsky
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.
273LAN301BO 01/05 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Merritt
ONLINE

Learn how accurately estimating landscape materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies can help you stay profitable and compete successfully in today's business climate.
273LAN380A 01/06 We 10:00am-12:15pm Zavaglia
NYBG

Apply basic design to site-specific problems, focusing on the process of design development. Start with a concept, then progress through the schematic phase to a preliminary design solution. Examine the relationships of landscape elements and materials to the design process.
273LAN402 01/06 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Summers
NYBG

Study how to effectively organize and operate a small landscape business that will sustain itself and earn a profit. Learn how to attract new clients, position oneself in a crowded market, and choose the right type of business model. Gain more...
273LAN457O 01/07 Th 6:00pm-8:00pm Zavaglia
ONLINE

Discover how to use a wide variety of Adobe Photoshop tools and techniques to add vibrancy to your hand- or computer-rendered drawings. Hone your own aesthetic as you craft plan views, section drawings, and design details that are client ready.
273LAN437B 01/12 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Kramer
NYBG

Now more than ever, clients expect to see beautiful digital plans. Learn the basics of how to scan and enhance hand drawings. Gain familiarity with the tools to create digitally rendered plans, sections, perspectives, and collages. Basic computer skills are more...
273LAN444O 01/13 We 6:30pm-8:30pm Matz
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.
273LAN311BBL 01/14 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Poccia
BLENDED

Create visually compelling print and digital portfolios to present to potential clients. Learn how to develop professional documentation for a variety of audiences through in-class design charrettes and individualized projects.
272LAN555O 01/15 Fr 3:00pm-5:10pm Arrington
ONLINE

Gain an introduction to the terminology, concepts, and basic principles of landscape design through lectures and simple two-dimensional exercises. This course is recommended for students with little or no background in design who want to design for their own home more...
273LAN100AO 01/23 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Tryba
ONLINE

Learn the basic principles of constructing residential landscape features such as walks, steps, simple decks, garden structures, walls, and benches. Study landscape construction standards, techniques,and commonly used materials, and learn to draft construction details. more...
273LAN422BL 01/24 Su 10:00am-1:00pm Patchowsky
BLENDED

Through a series of design assignments, prepare a variety of planting plans that are practical, appropriate, and aesthetically satisfying. Explore the significance of site conditions as well as plant form, text, color, and ecological associations. Recommended courses to take prior: more...
273LAN403BL 01/25 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Tryba
BLENDED

Through discussion, fieldwork, and homework, students will identify landforms and watersheds, calculate slopes, and manipulate contours to create garden rooms, and control water flow. Learn how to communicate design ideas to contractors and evaluate the opportunities and constraints of a more...
273LAN428A 01/27 We 9:30am-12:30pm Phaosawasdi
Moreno-Long
NYBG

February

Turning a vision into a plan is the designer's first challenge. Analyze landscapes, formulate the requirements of a design project and then translate them into schematic design solutions. Take part in class discussions and critiques, and present projects.
273LAN401B 02/03 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Galarza
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.
273LAN301CO 02/21 Su 11:00am-2:00pm Merritt
ONLINE

Berms-manufactured undulations in a landscape-are an exciting aspect of greenspace design in urban environments, offering protection from street noise and creating intimate spaces for both people and wildlife. Using previously built urban projects as our guide, we'll cover the specifics more...
273LAN245O 02/24 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Arrington
ONLINE

Gain an introduction to the terminology, concepts, and basic principles of landscape design through lectures and simple two-dimensional exercises. This course is recommended for students with little or no background in design who want to design for their own home more...
273LAN100BO 02/27 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Tryba
ONLINE

March

Learn the various tools and applications of this software package for landscape designers. Topics include: developing base plans from surveys, techniques for quick estimates, and utilizing the online plant database. Basic computer skills and PC laptop required.
273LAN427B 03/02 Tu 10:30am-1:30pm Poccia
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.
273LAN311CBL 03/06 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Poccia
BLENDED

Through a series of design assignments, prepare a variety of planting plans that are practical, appropriate, and aesthetically satisfying. Explore the significance of site conditions as well as plant form, text, color, and ecological associations. Recommended courses to take prior: more...
273LAN403 03/11 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Beazely
NYBG

Through discussion, fieldwork, and homework, students will identify landforms and watersheds, calculate slopes, and manipulate contours to create garden rooms, and control water flow. Learn how to communicate design ideas to contractors and evaluate the opportunities and constraints of a more...
273LAN428B 03/11 Th 6:15pm-9:15pm Phaosawasdi
Martinovic
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.
273LAN301DO 03/15 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Bunnell
ONLINE

Combining expertise in play design and small-scale site construction, this class offers a hands-on, thought-provoking introduction to professional practice. Because play design demands that we create spaces for someone fundamentally different from ourselves, it serves as a powerful lens through more...
273LAN227 03/16 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Moreno-Long
D'Aurizio
NYBG

Study three pioneering women designers—Beatrix Farrand, Marian Coffin, and Ellen Shipman—who shaped America's tastes in the early 20th century. We'll focus on gardens that showcase Farrand's knack for innovation and infallible eye for design, Coffin's use of contrasts in color, more...
273LAN287O 03/16 Tu 6:00pm-8:00pm Capps Sarathy
ONLINE

Learn how accurately estimating landscape materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies can help you stay profitable and compete successfully in today's business climate.
273LAN380B 03/16 Tu 5:00pm-8:00pm Zavaglia
NYBG