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

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.
261LAN402B 09/02 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Bray
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.
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

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...
261LAN100CO 09/08 Mo 6:00pm-8:00pm Beyers
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.
261LAN427 09/11 Th 5:00pm-8:00pm Poccia
NYBG

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.
261LAN340B 09/12 Fr 10:00am-1:00pm Gillman
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 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

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...
261LAN457BO 09/17 We 10:00am-12:00pm Zavaglia
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.
262LAN401ABL 10/04 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Arrington
BLENDED

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

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.
262LAN437ABL 10/06 Mo 10:00am-12:00pm Harrison
BLENDED

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...
262LAN422 10/08 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Rosiello
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.
262HRT331C 10/09 Th 10:00am-1:00pm Nolan
NYBG

The 27th Annual Landscape Design Portfolios Lecture Series welcomes three outstanding professionals—NYBG's very-own Todd Forrest, award-winning landscape architects Mikyoung Kim, and Walter Hood—to present innovative landscapes that enhance quality of life and satisfy our innate desires for nature and community.
262LEC801AO 10/14 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Forrest
Hood
Kim
ONLINE

The New York Botanical Garden has been a connective hub among people, plants, and the planet since 1891. Since inception, millions of visitors have made the Garden a part of their lives, exploring the joy, beauty, and respite of nature more...
262LEC801BO 10/14 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Forrest
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.
262HRT358A 10/16 Th 10:00am-12:40pm Tyson-Strait
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

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

Bring your landscape designs to life through the power of color. In this hands-on class, you'll explore the art of color rendering as a tool for visual storytelling in landscape architecture and design. Whether you're developing concept sketches or final more...
262LAN179 10/20 Mo 5:00pm-8:00pm Poccia
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

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.
262LAN427A 10/22 We 5:00pm-8:00pm Poccia
NYBG

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...
262LAN184 10/23 Th 6:00pm-9:00pm Iravanipour
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.
262LAN555O 10/24 Fr 12:00pm-2:10pm Arrington
ONLINE

Mikyoung Kim, FASLA, is the founding principal of MYK, a globally recognized landscape and urban design studio that integrates the latest research in neurodivergent science into the design of our shared experiences. Her work bridges public health policy with environmental more...
262LEC801DO 10/28 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Kim
ONLINE

November

MacArthur 'Genius' Grant-winner Walter Hood creates green spaces that resonate with and enrich the lives of residents while also honoring communal histories. As founder and creative director of Oakland-based firm, Hood Design Studio, he has transformed a variety of areas—from more...
262LEC801CO 11/04 Tu 6:30pm-7:30pm Hood
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...
263LAN520 01/05 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.
263LAN301CO 01/06 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Bunnell
ONLINE

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.
263LAN402 01/06 Tu 6:00pm-9:00pm Mickovic
NYBG

Learn how accurately estimating landscape materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies can help you stay profitable and compete successfully in today's business climate.
263LAN380A 01/07 We 10:00am-12:15pm Zavaglia
NYBG

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...
263LAN403ABL 01/07 We 6:00pm-9:00pm Rosiello
BLENDED

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...
263LAN457O 01/08 Th 9:00am-11:00am 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.
263LAN437BBL 01/13 Tu 10:00am-1:00pm Harrison
BLENDED

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...
263LAN444O 01/14 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.
263LAN311B 01/15 Th 5:00pm-8:00pm Poccia
NYBG

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...
263LAN422BL 01/24 Sa 10:00am-1:00pm Arrington
BLENDED

When the sun goes down, the art of landscape lighting can bring a painterly or even sculptural transformation to your design. This course explores the art of landscape lighting from selection and placement to color and composition. Learn the technical more...
263LAN158 01/26 Mo 10:00am-2:30pm Novasel
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...
263LAN428A 01/28 We 11:00am-2:00pm Phaosawasdi
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.
263LAN401B 02/02 Mo 10:00am-1:00pm Kekona
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

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
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 how accurately estimating landscape materials, labor, overhead, and contingencies can help you stay profitable and compete successfully in today's business climate.
263LAN380B 03/02 Mo 5:00pm-8:00pm Zavaglia
NYBG

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

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

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