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.


February

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...
263LAN428B 02/20 Fr 11:00am-2:00pm Phaosawasdi
Moreno-Long
NYBG

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...
263LAN234O 02/21 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Johnsen
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...
263LAN245O 02/25 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Arrington
ONLINE

March

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

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.
263LAN427B 03/03 Tu 10:30am-1:30pm Poccia
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...
263LAN120 03/06 Fr 10:00am-2:00pm Raimondi, CLP
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...
263LAN100O 03/07 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Tryba
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 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...
263LAN403BBL 03/11 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Rosiello
BLENDED

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...
263LAN287O 03/16 Mo 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.
263LAN380B 03/16 Mo 5:00pm-8:00pm Zavaglia
NYBG

April

Learn the identification, classification, and landscape use of spring-flowering trees and shrubs. Major plant groups include Magnolia, Malus, Prunus, Viburnum,and other genera, which are particularly ornamental in spring. The class goes out on the grounds rain or shine. Prerequisite: Introduction more...
264HRT334A 04/08 We 10:30am-1:30pm Himmelman
NYBG
264HRT334B 04/10 Fr 10:00am-1:00pm Nolan
NYBG
264HRT334C 04/11 Sa 9:00am-12:00pm 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.
264HRT358A 04/11 Sa 10:00am-12:40pm D'Antonio
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...
264LAN100AO 04/11 Sa 10:00am-12:00pm Tryba
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.
264HRT358B 04/12 Su 2:00pm-5:00pm Nolan
NYBG

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.
264LAN5550 04/15 We 11:00am-1:10pm Phaosawasdi
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

Precise field measurement is the crucial first step in landscape design. Learn how to properly use automatic levels, tapes, and survey instruments. Topics will include accurately measuring distances, differences in elevation, and angles. Dress for the weather.
264LAN340A 04/17 Fr 11:00am-2:00pm Gillman
NYBG

Learn the identification, classification, and landscape use of spring-flowering trees and shrubs. Major plant groups include Magnolia, Malus, Prunus, Viburnum,and other genera, which are particularly ornamental in spring. The class goes out on the grounds rain or shine. Prerequisite: Introduction more...
264HRT334D 04/21 Tu 5:00pm-8:00pm Gonzalez
NYBG

Native landscape design takes conventional landscape design to another level-providing ecological support and increasing ecosystem health. In this class, you'll learn ecological landscape design principles that incorporate regional native plants, resulting in healthier ecosystems as well as improved benefits for more...
264LAN134O 04/22 We 6:00pm-8:00pm Eierman, EcoBeneficial
ONLINE

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.
264LAN401 04/27 Mo 6:00pm-9:00pm Thomson
NYBG