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.

Adult Education student making a floral arrangement.

Certificate Programs

ON A NEW PATH OR THINKING ABOUT A CAREER CHANGE?

Consider upgrading your professional profile and actively pursue a prestigious NYBG Certificate.
NYBG’s Certificate Programs in Botanical Art and Illustration, Botany, Floral Design, Gardening, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Therapeutic Horticulture, and Urban Naturalist, allow you to develop new skills, build your portfolio and network, gain cross-disciplinary experience, and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. A NYBG Certificate provides you with a serious credential that tells employers and clients that you’ve made a commitment to your professional development.

NYBG’s Horticulture and Landscape Design Certificate Programs are part of the School for Horticulture and Landscape Design, which is licensed by the New York State Department of Education. For more information about SHLD and the State license, please click here.

NYBG Certificate Programs Requirements

The Botanical Art & Illustration requirements provide a solid foundation in scientifically accurate drawing based on observation and fine art techniques.

Certificate students must complete 221 total course hours (167 required + 54 elective). Students are also required to submit a portfolio showcasing class assignments and their own unique creations to the Program Coordinator at bilcoordinator@nybg.org.

COURSES

Botanical Drawing I: Methods and Materials

Botanical Drawing II: Developing Your Skills

The Basics of Visual Composition

Botanical Drawing III: Focus on Flowers

Plant Morphology for Botanical Artists

Botanical Watercolor I

Pen and Ink

Colored Pencil

Practical Aspects of Botanical Art

Plus one of the following:

Internet Tools for Creatives, Part I: Social Media

Internet Tools for Creatives, Part II: Website

Elective courses

LEARN MORE
During the NYBG Botany Certificate Program, students will come to know plants: how they function, grow, develop, and reproduce; and learn to identify a wide array of plants by stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Certificate students must complete 169 total course hours (111 required + 58 elective).

COURSES

Plant Structure

Plant Physiology

Plant Diversity

Dendrology: Woody Plant Identification

Herbaceous Plant Identification

One of the four Native Flora courses:

Native Flora in Autumn

Native Flora in Winter

Native Flora in Spring

Native Flora in Summer

Elective courses

LEARN MORE
The NYBG Floral Design Certificate Program helps you develop your own aesthetic and master the mechanics for everything from simple bouquets to grand-scale arrangements, while giving you a practical, real-world, business foundation.

Certificate students must complete 142 total course hours (116 required + 26 elective), plus an 80-hour internship.

Students are also required to submit a portfolio showcasing photographs of class assignments and their own unique creations.

COURSES

Fundamentals of Form

Fundamentals of Style

Wedding Design I: Personals

Color Theory for Floral Design

Flower ID from A to Z

Interior Plantscapes

Shopping the New York Flower Market

Modern Sympathy Design

Wedding Design II: Ceremony & Reception

Grand-Scale Arrangements

Event Planning for the Floral Designer

Elective courses

LEARN MORE
The NYBG Gardening Certificate Program covers sustainable gardening techniques, soil science, plant propagation, and garden care and design.

Certificate students must complete 187 total course hours (164 required + 23 elective).

COURSES

Fundamentals of Gardening

Introduction to Plant Science

Soil Science for Gardeners

Gardening with Native Plants

Insect Identification and Management

Disease Identification and Management

Fundamentals of Garden Design

Vegetable Gardening

Complete Garden Care and Maintenance

Pruning Principles and Practices

Plants for Landscaping

Plant Propagation I: Basic Principles

Elective GAR or HRT courses

LEARN MORE
The NYBG Horticulture Program blends classroom theory with field studies in the Garden’s historic landscape, teaching students how to form and care for healthy, sustainable landscapes. Licensed by the New York State Department of Education, the Certificate Program is recognized as high quality and career oriented.

This program offers a high standard of training in four areas of concentration:

TRACK 1: PLANT PRODUCTION

Gain the skills to propagate and produce an array of native and non-native plants for nurseries, garden centers, and landscape-restoration projects.

Certificate students must complete 158 total course hours.

COURSES

Introduction to Plant Science

Soil Science I: Physical Properties

Soil Science II: Chemistry and Nutrition

Horticultural Techniques: Greenhouse Practices

Insect Pests of Landscape Plants

Plant Propagation I: Basic Principles

Plant Propagation II: Applications

Disease Identification & Management

Nursery and Greenhouse Management

TRACK 2: SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

Understand landscape maintenance and management practices using the concept “right plant—right place” in residential and commercial landscapes.

Certificate students must complete 201 total course hours.

COURSES

Introduction to Plant Science

Soil Science I: Physical Properties

Soil Science II: Chemistry and Nutrition

Horticultural Techniques: Landscape Gardening

Pruning Principles and Practices

Basic Design and Installation of Irrigation Systems

Business Practices for the Landscape Professional

Insect Pests of Landscape Plants

Tree Management

Landscape Management

Disease Identification & Management

Invasive Weed Identification & Management

Mathematics for Horticulturists

TRACK 3: ARBORICULTURE

Know how to grow, prune, care for, and manage trees in parks, residential sites, and urban environments.

Certificate students must complete 194 total course hours.

COURSES

Introduction to Plant Science

Soil Science I: Physical Properties

Soil Science II: Chemistry and Nutrition

Tree Climbing for Arborists

Chainsaws: Use, Safety, and Maintenance

Pruning Principles and Practices

Landscape Plants: Fall Trees and Shrubs

Landscape Plants: Conifers

Landscape Plants: Spring Trees and Shrubs

Insect Pests of Landscape Plants

Tree Management

Urban Tree Care

Winter Tree Identification

Disease Identification & Management

TRACK 4: SUSTAINABLE GARDEN DESIGN

Be able to design small-scale gardens for homes, communities, and private clients.

Certificate students must complete 202 total course hours.

COURSES

Introduction to Plant Science

Soil Science I: Physical Properties

Landscape Plants: Broadleaved Evergreens

Landscape Plants: Spring Trees and Shrubs

Landscape Plants: Spring Perennials

Landscape Plants: Late Season Perennials & Grasses

Landscape Plants: Annuals

Landscape Plants: Bulbs

Annual and Perennial Garden Maintenance

Plants for Landscaping

Plant Communities

Sustainable Garden Care

Sustainable Garden Design

Landscape Design History

Graphics I

LEARN MORE
NYBG’s Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate Program emerges from a health and wellness model of human development, combined with research supporting nature as an effective therapeutic medium. Learn to create experiences that utilize plants, gardening, and nature to empower individuals and groups whose lives have been affected by illnesses, injuries, disabilities, and life circumstances in order to achieve improvements in their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Certificate students must complete 176 course hours, 10 site visit hours, and 100 hours of field experience.

COURSES

Introductory & Service Community Classes

Introduction to Therapeutic Horticulture

Therapeutic Horticulture for Older Adults

Therapeutic Horticulture for Youth with Disabilities

Therapeutic Horticulture for Mental Health

Therapeutic Horticulture for Neurological Conditions

Therapeutic Horticulture for Chronic Health Conditions

Foundations of Horticulture Classes

Fundamentals of Gardening

Introduction to Plant Science

Plant Propagation I: Basic Principles

Therapeutic Horticulture Techniques & Materials

Accessibility in Therapeutic Horticulture Programming

Indoor Plants for Therapeutic Programs

Outdoor Plants for Therapeutic Programs

Therapeutic Horticulture Activity Planning

Therapeutic Horticulture Program Management

Elective Courses

Site Visits

LEARN MORE
The NYBG Landscape Design Certificate Program prepares students for creative careers as landscape designers. Licensed by the New York State Department of Education, the Certificate Program is recognized as high quality and career oriented.

Certificate students must complete 349 total required course hours.

COURSES

TIER 1—INTRODUCTORY CLASSES

Landscape Design History

Graphics I

Landscape Measurement

Landscape Plants: Fall Trees and Shrubs

Landscape Plants: Spring Trees and Shrubs

Plants for Landscaping

TIER 2

Landscape Design I: Site Analysis & Schematic Design

Landscape Design II: Design Development

Estimating

Graphics II

Site Materials and Details

TIER 3

Graphics III

Landscape Design III: Planting Design

Landscape Design IV: Design and Construction

Portfolio and Presentation Skills

LEARN MORE
The NYBG Urban Naturalist Certificate Program equips you with the observation, identification, and documentation skills you need to become a citizen scientist and an effective environmental steward.

Certificate students must complete 107 total course hours (77 required + 30 elective) and submit a field study project.

COURSES

Basic Plant ID

Two of the four Native Flora courses:

Native Flora in Autumn

Native Flora in Winter

Native Flora in Spring

Native Flora in Summer

Natural History of Birds

Natural History of Insects

Introduction of Urban Ecology

The Ecosystems of New York City

Urban Ecology Field Study Workshop

Elective courses

LEARN MORE

FIELD STUDY PROJECT

In order to receive a Certificate, you must complete an in-depth study of a natural site of your choosing based on observations made there over many months that includes a survey of the plants and animals found there and a plan for how the site can be improved to provide ecological and social benefits. For more information, see project description here.

In order to receive a Certificate, you must submit a final project is an in-depth study of a natural site of your choosing, which should be done based on observations made over many months. Your study will include the geology and human history of your patch, a survey of the plants and animals found there, and a plan for how the site can be improved to provide ecological and social benefits. Guidelines can be obtained from the Registration Office.

In order to be considered for graduation, you must submit a project proposal for approval to the Program Coordinator.

Certificate Graduation Ceremony

The annual Certificate Award Ceremony is held the first Sunday in June. If you expect to complete your Certificate requirements or enroll in all remaining classes by June, you must complete and submit this Application for Graduation.

Browse these FAQs to learn more about next steps.

Email the Registration Office at graduation@nybg.org with any questions.

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ON A NEW PATH OR THINKING ABOUT A CAREER CHANGE?

Botanical Art & Illustration

COURSES

Botany

COURSES

Floral Design

COURSES

Gardening

COURSES

Horticulture

TRACK 1: PLANT PRODUCTION

COURSES

TRACK 2: SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

COURSES

TRACK 3: ARBORICULTURE

COURSES

TRACK 4: SUSTAINABLE GARDEN DESIGN

COURSES

Therapeutic Horticulture

COURSES

Landscape Design

COURSES

TIER 1—INTRODUCTORY CLASSES

TIER 2

TIER 3

Urban Naturalist

Certificate Graduation Ceremony

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