New York Botanical Garden Classes, New York

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 or who are considering a Certificate.

Rich, nutritious soil makes for large, healthy plants and reduces the need for regular fertilization. Learn the difference between soil structure and texture; how these differences affect plant growth; and how you can modify your soil to improve its qualities. Give your garden a solid foundation, and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.

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 factor in to your decision of which plants make the best partners.

Are you looking to up your houseplant game? We can help! We'll walk you through many different species with stunning foliage or flowers—including bromeliads and palms—that will bring a hint of the sun-drenched tropics to your home. We'll discuss the light, soil, water, and maintenance requirements of a broad array of plants, so you can select...

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 Horticultural Therapy Certificate. Recommended Texts: The New Gardener's Handbook:...

Florists and floral designers who want long-lasting, gorgeous interior plantings won't want to miss this unique class from florist, horticulturist, and indoor plant expert Chris Raimondi. In this class, Chris shares essential horticulture practices for proper selection and maintenance of plants used in atria,corporate offices, and for special events....

Chanticleer Garden, a gracefully designed series of thoughtfully planted rooms, is also known for the whimsical artwork crafted by its staff in the off-season. Their original metal sculptures, ceramic containers, wooden furniture, carved stone elements, and creative plant supports are an integral part of the visitor experience. Horticulturist Dan...

Discover the magic of the Costa Rican rain forest and how its diverse world of plants, insects, vertebrates, and fungi are vital to its survival, which in turn affects the weather patterns of the entire world. We'll cover the intricacies of tropical soils, forest structure, biodiversity, symbiotic relationships, and forest disturbances, and study...

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 plants to create a harmonious look for your garden come spring.

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.  Learn best practices to help your dahlias flourish, including how and when to disbud, stake, water, and much more.

Nourishing broths are one of the foundational foods of any nutritional healing regime. Learn the basics of making vegan and bone-based broths, and how to enhance them with medicinal herbs. We'll discuss medicinal mushrooms, seaweeds, mineral-rich herbs and other tasty ingredients to enhance the nutritional experience. Participants will make two herbal...

When the trees have dropped their leaves and there is a chill in the air, there are still many things to see in the woods and wide open spaces. Join wild foods author and forager author Marie Viljoen for a brisk walk in the garden to discover and identify edible, fragrant, and useful plants, such as juniper, spicebush, and bayberry in their winter...

Go beyond the garnish to explore the world of oleo-saccharums, infusions, simple syrups, and tinctures using plants and ingredients accessible to the urban gardener. You'll learn history and receive growing advice, as well as recipes. Jim will demonstrate how to make your own tincture to perk up your homemade cocktails!

Pruning hydrangeas can be one of the most confusing chores in the garden. In this class, you'll explore the pruning needs of the two most common and similar hydrangeas-the big leaf and mountain varieties. Hydrangea expert Lorraine Ballato will teach you how to properly examine what stays and what goes, and discuss the best time to prune during the...

Scented smoke has been used traditionally throughout human history to create a sense of well-being. Learn several different methods for creating your own at home incense experience with a mix of woodland material and culinary herbs in this exploration of an ancient craft. All materials provided.