What will my child do in the Children's Gardening Program?

Throughout the season they are enrolled, Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for a garden and learn about garden-related topics through fun enrichment activities. Each session includes time dedicated to hands-on gardening and time dedicated to learning about a particular theme, through investigations, hikes, discussions, and games. Caregiver accompanying their Sprout actively participates along with their Sprout.

Where does the Children's Gardening Program take place?

The program takes place outdoors at the Edible Academy (EA). The campus is located near the East Gate and includes gardens, classrooms, greenhouse, open air pavilions (offering relief from sun and rain), restrooms, water bottle refill station, and hand sanitizer dispensers. The classrooms and greenhouse will not be utilized during the program. The Edible Academy campus is NOT open to the public during the CGP sessions.

Does my child harvest and keep what they grow?

Many of the crops the Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for are harvested during the season they are enrolled. Some of the crops are left to grow and are harvested by the Crafters and Sprouts enrolled in subsequent seasons. Some of the crops will be harvested by Edible Academy staff and donated to local community-based food providers.

Does my child choose what they grow?

In order to have seeds and seedlings ready each program session, EA staff develop planting plans that include a diversity of crops that are seasonally appropriate. Each season more than a dozen different vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown.

How does my child get to the Edible Academy?

Crafters and Trams are transported to and from the Edible Academy on the NYBG Trams. Trams depart from the Tulip Tree Allee. Crafters Educators join the Crafters to provide supervision during the ride.

Who teaches my child during the Children's Gardening Program?

NYBG hires and trains Crafters and Sprouts Educators to facilitate the gardening and enrichment activities planned by Edible Academy administrators. Each Educator is assigned up to 12 Crafters or 12 Sprouts and accompanying caregivers and is supported during program sessions by several Edible Academy administrators as well as Assistant Educators.

What efforts are being made to promote my child's safety during the program session?

All activities of the Children’s Gardening Program will take place outdoors; all staff and participants are required to wear face coverings indoors and in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy. Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the Edible Academy campus. All garden tools will be disinfected with an alcohol-based disinfectant in between users. Enrichment activities will include hikes and games that promote social distancing.

How do I enroll my child in the Children's Gardening Program?

You can enroll https://www.nybg.org/learn/kids-teens/childrens-gardening-program/ or via phone at 718.817.8181.

When does registration for the Children's Gardening Program begin?

You can register your child for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and/or Fall 2022 sessions now.

Do NYBG Members receive a discount?

Yes, we offer CGP Crafters and Sprouts at a discounted rate for NYBG Members at the Family Level and above.

Are discounts available for enrolling in more than one season?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for enrolling your child in three or more seasons. Please use code CGP1022 at check out.

Do you offer financial scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for a https://nybg.doubleknot.com/form/takesurvey.aspx?surveyid=83821&orgkey=3803 .

Who do I contact if I have further questions regarding the Children's Gardening Program?

You can email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181

How can I purchase or renew a Membership?

You can purchase a Membership https://www.nybg.org/join-support/membership/ , on-site at any ticket window, or by calling the Membership Office. To purchase online you’ll have to create a new Member account. Renewing Members have an existing account. https://www.nybg.org/content/uploads/2019/11/ME_Members-Login-Info_2019-Final.pdf

Trade-in Tickets Towards Membership

If you have purchased regular-priced admission to the Garden, during your visit the ticket price can be applied to the cost of a Membership. For Individual and Teacher level, the cost of one regular-priced ticket is applied. The cost of two regular-priced tickets can be applied towards the purchase of a Dual Membership. The cost of two adult and two children’s tickets can be applied towards the purchase of Family–Sustaining Memberships. Please see a Visitor Services Representative on the day of your visit for additional details.

When will I receive my Membership materials?

Please allow 2–3 weeks from the date of purchase to receive your Membership materials. We will assume all proper Membership materials have been received unless notified. Please notify the Membership Office if you have not received your Membership materials 3 weeks after purchase.

Renewals may be processed at any point once your Membership term has commenced. When you renew an active Membership, it will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. The Membership Office does not retain the credit card information. This information must be re-submitted with each renewal.

When can I begin using my Member benefits?

Member admission and discounts can be used immediately upon purchase of Membership. Member Passes for guest admission or parking will be sent with your Membership materials within 2-3 weeks of purchase. Member passes can only be redeemed by presenting the physical pass at the Garden.

What admission benefits do Members receive?

Membership entitles you to year-round admission. Each Membership is allotted a fixed number of complimentary Member tickets per day determined by Membership level.

What discounts do Members receive?

Members receive a 10% discount off purchases at NYBG Shop. Members also receive discounts on education course fees and on select premium events.

Do I have to reserve tickets for timed entry?

Timed tickets may be required for admission to the Garden. This is necessary to alleviate overcrowding, ensure a more pleasant experience, and protect the Conservatory, collections, and delicate exhibitions.

How do I redeem my Member Passes?

To receive complimentary parking, redeem pass to the parking attendant upon arrival on Garden premise. When parking at our secure parking facility at 401 Bedford Park Blvd, Members must validate parking ticket and redeem pass at a Garden ticket window to avoid Event and Standard Weekday non-visitor rates. For guest admissions, passes can only be redeemed at Garden ticket windows; they cannot be reserved in advance. Each pass can be used once. If you do not have your passes when you visit, you will be required to pay regular price (no refunds).

How do I redeem Member Passes for timed-entry admission?

If a Member with a timed ticket brings a friend using a guest pass, Garden Representatives will do their best to accommodate the guest(s) at the same time. Additional timed tickets are available for purchase at regular price if you have exceeded the number of complimentary admissions allowed by your Membership level.

Can I give a friend one of my Member passes?

No. Members are required to accompany their guest(s) when using a guest pass.

Are Member Passes always valid for guest admission?

Member Passes are not valid for guest admission during the Holiday Train Show® or select premium events.

What reciprocal benefits do Members have at participating gardens and arboreta?

Garden Members receive reciprocal benefits at gardens and arboreta throughout the United States through our association with the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program. Benefits vary by organization. Members must contact the Garden they wish to visit confirm what benefits are available. A complete listing can be found https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/ .

Can I access the Garden prior to opening hours?

Early Morning Access is a great way to enjoy the beauty and solace of the New York Botanical Garden’s grounds before the Garden is open to the general public. Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Patron level Members can utilize their complimentary Early Morning Access from Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 a.m. Please have your Membership ID card or proof of Membership purchase (receipt) available when entering the Garden. Please note that no building entry is allowed with the exception of the Visitor Center and East Gate restrooms and parking is only available at the Mosholu Entrance (2950 Southern Blvd.).

How long does it take to receive my Membership card(s)?

Membership cards and passes will be mailed within 2-3 weeks of Membership purchase. Membership is active upon purchase and is not contingent upon the receipt of Membership materials.

How many cards will I receive?

Individual level will receive one Membership card. Memberships that include two or more individuals will receive at most two Membership Cards, one for each adult named on the Membership. If a Member wishes to add a new second individual to the Membership during cycle, there is a $10 replacement card fee.

Do I need my Membership card to access my benefits?

No. If you do not have your Membership card, a photo ID will be requested by Garden Representatives to receive your Member benefits. Member benefits are for the Member(s) listed on the Membership.

I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?

There is a $10 replacement fee for lost, damaged, or stolen Membership Cards You can purchase a replacement card at any ticket window when visiting the Garden or by calling the Membership Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the mailing of replacement card(s).

Membership is valid for one year from the date your application is processed. No refunds, extensions, or exchanges will be granted if you are for any reason unable to utilize your Membership Benefits.

Memberships, Membership Benefits, passes, and Membership Cards are nontransferable.

Membership Downgrades

The Garden does not permit a Member to downgrade to a lower Category once the Membership materials have been received and/or benefits have been used.

Membership Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all Members of the Botanical Garden. In these terms “you/r” or “Member/s” refer to all people who have purchased or applied for a Membership at the Individual, Individual Senior, Dual, Dual Senior, Family, Family Senior, Friends & Family, Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Teacher categories. The terms “we”, “NYBG”, “the Botanical Garden”, or “the Garden” refer to The New York Botanical Garden. With the exception of the benefit of admission to the Garden, we reserve the right to alter the Membership Categories and Benefits without prior notice. Members and guests are subject to conditions and policies of the Garden. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse entry and/or Membership to a Member and to revoke a Membership without refund if a Member behaves in a threatening or abusive manner toward any person, or damages or threatens to damage any of the collections at The New York Botanical Garden. We reserve the right to amend the terms of these policies at any time. At the time of an amendment, Members will be notified.

What’s the advantage of attending the school of professional horticulture versus earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture?

The advantage can be summarized with one word—skills! The School’s strength is that it teaches students valuable horticulture skills, which give our graduates a competitive advantage over other programs based solely on coursework. The School’s program combines the theoretical and the practical, teaching not just how to grow plants, but why plants grow the way they do. It is due to this kind of education that our students are highly sought after, not just for internships, but also for full-time employment upon graduation.

As someone who is switching careers, what is it like to work in the horticulture industry?

It is a close-knit community of dedicated and passionate professionals who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, information, and employment opportunities. As a student, you meet many key people in this profession from around the world in diverse areas of horticulture, and as a graduate, you become part of that community. One of the biggest benefits of attending the School is making these lifelong contacts here at NYBG and beyond.

What is the typical demographic of students in the school?

Students come from all over the country and world. Most students have some college background, and many have degrees in fields other than horticulture. The majority of students are career changers and range in age from their late teens to mid-50s.

What is the job placement rate for graduates?

The School has had a job placement rate of 100% for the past 8 years. Our alumni are highly sought after by botanical gardens, public parks, celebrity estates, and even major league sports stadiums. Exceptional students also are often hired at NYBG upon graduation when a position is available. However, the School does not promise or guarantee employment.

What kind of salary can I expect to recieve

Generally, private industry pays more than public parks and gardens. The starting salary range in private industry is typically $50,000–$60,000; for non-profits it is $40,000–$55,000.

How is the two-year program divided?

The program is divided into nine terms. Academic classes are concentrated between rotations and include evening sessions.

What if I have fewer hours of experience by application deadline, should I still apply?

Yes; contact the Director to assess your situation.

How many course hours should I expect to take?

Students are required to complete 630 Course Hours and 1,990 Horticulture Rotation and Internship Hours in order to qualify for graduation.

How many hours of studying can I anticipate?

On horticulture rotation days, students start at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. On class days, students may start at 10 a.m. and finish at 6 or 9 p.m. Students also can expect to have classes some evenings throughout the year. Some courses require homework and studying outside class hours.

Why are some courses taught in the evenings?

Many courses are taught by our expert Horticulture staff. Due to their daytime schedules, they are only free to teach after 4 p.m.

Is it possible to work part-time while I am a student in the School?

Due to the intense schedule of academic courses and work rotations, in addition to various lectures, field trips, and plant ID walks, it’s nearly impossible to hold a part-time job, find time to study, and stay in good academic standing for the two-year program.

What does one recieve after Graduating from the school?

After successfully completing the program, students receive a Diploma in Horticulture from The New York Botanical Garden.

Housing is available in the Bronx and lower Westchester County within a convenient distance from the Garden. Housing is not provided by the School, and out-of-town and international students are advised to secure housing prior to arriving in New York.

When does orientation start?

Orientation starts the last week in January. New students meet staff and become familiar with the Garden’s philosophies, policies, and facilities. Orientation and special group projects with Horticulture continue through February and March to prepare students for their horticulture rotations in the spring.

Does the school provide computer access?

Computers are available 24 hours a day in the Student Room, M-280. Students may be assigned an NYBG e-mail address if desired. In addition, there is Wi-Fi service in the Watson Building and other buildings on campus.

What study and dining facilities are available to students?

Classrooms and academic facilities are in the Watson and Library buildings. The Student Room is available for meal breaks, studying, drafting, and computer use. Horticulture training is carried out at locations throughout the Garden. The Garden’s Pine Tree Café on Garden grounds is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and students enjoy a 20% discount. The Café serves pizza, panini, salads, snacks, and beverages. The Hudson Garden Grill is a more formal dining option on Garden grounds. There are also several moderately priced diners, cafés, and pizzerias within walking distance of the Garden.

Kids watering plants in the Edible Academy

Meet Our NYBG Leaders in Education

A person with a shaved head, dark glasses, and a white shirt poses outdoors for a photo

Jamie Boyer, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Education, overseeing all aspects of the Garden’s educational programming and facilities. Jamie joined NYBG in 2001 overseeing the Garden’s Professional Development for Teachers Program, working with Bronx-based teachers on improving science education. In early 2009, he was promoted to Director of Children’s Education, and in late 2012 was once again promoted to Vice President for Children’s Education, overseeing all aspects of the Garden’s children’s, family, student, teen, and teacher programs, staff, and facilities.

During those years, Jamie also served as the Botany Coordinator for the Continuing Education Program, and worked closely with the School of Professional Horticulture providing botany instructor for students in the program. In addition to his work at the Garden, Jamie has been Adjunct Faculty member in Lehman College’s Department of Middle & High School Education, as well as an instructor in the CUNY Graduate School. He holds an M.S. from Southern Illinois University in paleobotany researching the origin of trees on Earth, and a Ph.D. in botany from SUNY-Binghamton, where he studied the relationship between the development and evolution of early land plants.

Pattie Hulse is the Associate Vice President of Children’s Education, overseeing all our Children’s Education programs and facilities, including the Edible Academy, The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, the GreenSchool, and Professional Learning for Teachers. For over 25 years, Pattie has developed and led nature-based science programs, exhibits, and gardens for children, teens, and adults. Pattie’s love of plants and nature began while growing up on her parents’ farm on Eastern Long Island.

Graduating from Boston University with degrees in elementary education and science education, she has been able to share her love of nature and scientific inquiry with students and staff in informal learning environments including the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG), and The New York Botanical Garden, as well as in school-based settings. In addition, she has been a co-author for two BBG Guides for a Green Planet series titled—Gardening with Children and The Kids Guide to Exploring Nature.

Erin Sircy is the Senior Director of Operations and Student Success. Erin oversees the operations of NYBG Education programs, both in person and online, for children and adults, with a particular focus on financial sustainability, establishing consistent processes for contracts and pay across Education, and enhancing the student experience for learners of all ages. Erin has been with NYBG since January of 2023 and came with substantial experience in higher education and the arts after initially working in K–12 arts education.

Before coming to the Garden, she held increasingly senior administrative positions with Sotheby’s Institute of Art and the Department of Art and Art Professions in Steinhardt at NYU. In these roles she oversaw a range of academic operations including student advisement, course scheduling, student support policies, academic affairs, and accreditation, along with budget management. Erin enjoys collaborating with content specialists to create administrative systems that ensure both students and instructors have a robust and meaningful learning experience. NYBG’s commitment to youth education and life-long learners is a natural extension for her expertise and she’s thrilled to grow in her professional journey with the Garden.

A person in a navy blue button-up shirt poses for a photo in front of a wall of green foliage

Toby Adams is the Gregory Long Director of the Edible Academy, responsible for the site management, daily operations, programming, budgeting, long-range planning, and supervision of staff and volunteers at the Edible Academy. He joined the Garden as a GreenSchool Intern in 2001, as the Coordinator of ECAG in 2002, and was promoted to Manager of the Family Garden in 2005. In 2012, Toby became the Director of the Edible Academy, in which he was instrumental in the development of the new design, garden configurations, program concepts, and staffing.

He has collaborated with the NYBG Professional Learning Program to develop and implement several teacher institutes dedicated to school gardening, has executed several grants to promote garden and nutrition education, and has presented at numerous local and national conferences dedicated to youth and garden-based education.

A person in a green shirt and navy blazer poses for a photo before a wall of green foliage

Richard Smith is the Director of the School of Professional Horticulture. He is a public garden leader with expertise in planning and implementing horticulture programs, focusing on experiential learning, strategic planning, and resource mobilization. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Florida studying Plant Science, Environmental Horticulture, Nursery and Greenhouse Management, and Specialty Crop Production, Richard has received the Duke Energy and Lockheed Martin STEM Partnership Impact Grants for his work in experiential education. He directs the School of Professional Horticulture at the New York Botanical Garden, advancing hands-on learning and fostering leadership in the green industry.

A person wearing a purple shirt and golden hoop earrings poses for a photo in front of a wall of green foliage

LaToya Strong, Ph.D., is the Director of Continuing Education. LaToya is a former high school science teacher with experience developing STEM programs in formal and informal educational settings. With a Ph.D. in Urban Education and expertise in the learning sciences, they bring a wealth of experience in teacher education, education research, and online education. LaToya is passionate about plants and green spaces and is excited to join our community.

A person with long dark hair and a beige shirt poses outdoors for a photo

Arvolyn Hill is the Associate Director of the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden. Arvolyn has been working in Outdoor Education since 2015 in New York City. In 2019, she participated in the Lawrence Hall of Science Best Environmental Education Teaching Learning Expertise Sharing (BEETLES) Emerging Leader cohort in California. Where she learned best practices from experts in the field on outdoor education. She also received the Critics’ Choice Award from the National Science Foundation’s STEM Dive Challenge in 2020 for her role in the cohort.

Arvolyn is an avid Community Herbalist and studied at Twin Star Connecticut’s School of Herbalism and Energetic Studies in 2015. She has taught Herbalism workshops for New York Botanical Garden Continuing Education, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Museum of Natural History and The Cloisters. She also holds a Degree in Pan African Studies from Drew University. In 2023 Arvolyn was selected as TEDx speaker at the TEDxCUNY conference presenting on Environmental Education as Empowerment. Over the years, Arvolyn has significantly contributed to ECAG’s visibility and accessibility and worked closely with the Explainers and Coordinator to increase the family experience at the Adventure Garden. In her new role, Arvolyn will oversee the ECAG facility and its programs, including school and drop-in programs, Nature Explorers, camps, and the Explainer Program.

A person with red glasses and a navy blazer poses for a photo in front of a landscape of fall foliage and green leaves

Tai Montanarella is the Marian S. Haskell Associate Director of School and Out-of-School Programs. She joined NYBG in 2006 as a Garden Educator for GreenSchool. By 2009, she became Manager, and in 2014, the Marian S. Heiskell Associate Director. Tai develops and leads educational programs for school groups visiting the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and various Garden collections, including the Thain Family Forest, Native Plant Garden, and special exhibitions. She also manages partnerships with organizations like the Bronx Institute at Lehman College, the Cultural After School Adventures (CASA) Program, and NYC Public Schools STEM Matters to offer enriching out-of-school programs.

A person in a brown shirt, with large golden disc earrings, poses for a photo in front of a large, green tropical plant

Ico Romero is the Associate Director of Digital Learning, leading the design of digital education programs with a focus on user-centered learning experiences. With over a decade of experience, Ico has developed educational products and multimedia content at institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History and within the EdTech industry.

A person in a colorful floral shirt and tinted glasses poses for a photo in front of a wall of green foliage

Shannon Valdes is the Associate Director of Teacher Professional Learning. She has been an integral part of Children’s Education at the New York Botanical Garden since 2014, currently serving as the Associate Director of Professional Learning. In this role, she collaborates with science-focused cultural institutions to enhance the science education goals of NYC’s public middle and elementary schools through the Urban Advantage (UA) program. Shannon leads professional learning internally for NYBG educators and for partnership programs such as District 75’s Plant, Learn, and Grow!, the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation, and more. With a passion for integrating informal outdoor education with formal science instruction, she is committed to creating accessible learning experiences for individuals of all ages.

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