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.

EcoQuest Challenge Archive 2022 | New York Botanical Garden

A fern with brown spores on the underside

Tracking Pteridophytes - December 2022

New York City is home to diverse plants that continue to paint the landscape green well after much of it has died back or turned dormant. Many of these winter greens are pteridophytes, which are vascular plants that produce spores instead of seeds.

This group includes ferns, horsetails, and lycophytes (clubmoss, spikemoss, and quillworts), and can be deciduous, semi-evergreen, or evergreen. Find as many of these terrific pteridophytes as you can this December!

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph these plants anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many of these plants in New York City as possible by December 31.

Falling for Galls - October 2022

Galls are abnormal, vegetative growths that develop on various plant parts in reaction to the stimulus of insects, mites, nematodes, viruses, fungi, or even other plant species. The appearance of a gall is unique to the organism that creates it, and they sport a spectacular variety of shapes, colors, and textures. Take a closer look at your favorite plants and see if you can spot any galls!

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.

Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.

Photograph Common Evening Primrose flowers open with or without pollinators anywhere in New York City.

Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many galls in New York City as possible by October 31.

An infloresence of yellow bell like flowers grow on a tall green stalk

Encounter Evening Primrose - September 2022

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a native, disturbance-adapted wildflower that can grow up to six feet tall. Its yellow flowers, which open in the evening, are pollinated by insects such as Hawk Moths (Sphingidae) and the Evening Primrose Sweat Bee (Lasioglossum oneotherae).

Because these interactions occur in the evening, they are under-observed. Can you observe Evening Primrose flowers opening or being visited by pollinators? Can you find any exceptionally tall plants?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Common Evening Primrose flowers open with or without pollinators anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many Common Evening Primrose flowers open with or without pollinators in New York City as possible by September 30.

A green, yellow, and white caterpiller crawls on a green plant with yellow and brown aphids on the stem and viens

August Aphids, Monarchs, and Milkweeds - August 2022

Although Milkweeds (Asclepias) have classically been associated with the valuable and endangered Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), this genus is an actor in a complex community of organisms. The Oleander Aphid (Aphis nerii) is a non-native Aphid that feeds on the sap of Milkweeds, and whose population distribution is increasing worldwide. Their effect on Monarch survival is unknown.

Help us understand the connection between the Oleander Aphid and Monarchs by documenting their presence on Milkweeds.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Milkweed plants with Oleander Aphids and/or Monarchs anywhere in New York City.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many Milkweed plants with Oleander Aphids and/or Monarchs in New York City as possible by August 31.

Juicy July - July 2022

Rubus (Rosaceae) is a large, diverse genus that includes raspberries and blackberries. These plants, which often colonize disturbed areas, can be identified by their compound leaves and berries, shrubby habit, and prickles. Rubus species are an important seasonal food for many birds and mammals. There are more than 10 species found in New York City. How many can you find?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Rubus plants anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture leaves and berries.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many Rubus plants in New York City as possible by July 31.

Green plant with small light purple flowers coming out of it, on a green leaf filled background

Meet the Mints - June 2022

The Mint family (Lamiaceae) is a large group of plants that includes many aromatic species used by humans for food and medicine. They can be recognized by their scent, square stems, opposite leaves, and clusters of flowers with a large lower “lip.” More than 60 species have been observed growing wild in New York City. How many Mints can you find?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

Visit nybg.org/EcoQuest for more information about this activity.
Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.
Photograph Mint plants anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture leaves and flowers.
Upload your observations to iNaturalist.
Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

WHAT IS THE GOAL?

Help NYBG document as many Mint plants in New York City as possible by June 30.

Maianthemum May - May 2022

Maianthemum is a monocot genus including many spring-flowering forest herbs that prefer shaded, moist conditions. They are characterized by a zigzag stem in between alternating, simple leaves with parallel venation, and a terminal cluster of small white flowers.

There are 3 native species of Maianthemum found in New York City: M. racemosum (false Solomon’s seal), M. canadense (Canada mayflower), and the rarer M. stellatum (starry Solomon’s seal). How many can you find?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.

2. Photograph Maianthemum plants anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture flower clusters.

3. Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

4. Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

A mosaic of photos depicting different parts of a Maple tree, including leaves, seeds, and stems

Map Maple - April 2022

Maple (Acer) is an ecologically and economically important genus of trees that have distinctive palmate leaves and winged fruits. There are at least 12 species of Maple that can be found in New York City, including Norway Maple (A. platanoides), a common street tree; Sugar Maple (A. saccharum), the state tree of New York; and Boxelder (A. negundo), the only North American maple with compound leaves.

How many Maples can you find?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.

2. Photograph Maples anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture leaves and fruits.

3. Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

4. Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

More Information:

Guide to Maples of New York City

Pursue Prickly Plants - March 2022

Spines, prickles, and thorns are sharp structures produced by plants that provide protection against herbivores and help climbing plants attach to supporting objects. These structures are differentiated based on which part of the plant they develop from. There are many native and introduced trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs in New York City that have spines, prickles, and thorns.

How many different plants can you find?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.

2. Photograph plants anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture sharp structures such as spines, prickles, and thorns.

3. Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

4. Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

Search for Birch - February 2022

Birches (Betula spp.) are small to medium-size trees and shrubs found in temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere, used extensively for their wood and bark.

New York City is home to five native species of Betula, recognized in winter by their bark, buds, and scent. Betula populifolia (grey birch) and B. lenta (sweet birch) are common; three others are less often seen: B. nigra (river birch), B. alleghaniensis (yellow birch), and B. papyrifera (paper birch). How many Birches can you find?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.

2. Photograph Birches anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture important winter characteristics such as bark and buds.

3. Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

4. Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

More Information:

Guide to Birches in Winter

Behold Bark, Buds, and Berries - January 2022

January is a great month to refine your winter botany skills by learning to recognize important dormant-season plant characteristics such as bark, buds, and persistent flower and fruit structures.

Previous winter-month EcoQuest Challenges provide many examples of common plants that can be identified in winter, representing diverse groups of native and invasive species, including cryptogams and gymnosperms as well as flowering plants (grasses, vines, shrubs, and trees).

How many species can you find this January?

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. Download the iNaturalist app or register at iNaturalist.org.

2. Photograph plants anywhere in New York City. Make sure to capture important dormant-season characteristics, including bark, buds, and persistent flower and fruit structures.

3. Upload your observations to iNaturalist.

4. Respect wildlife (do not touch, feed, or disturb animals, and keep a safe distance).

More information:
What are Lichens?

Bryophyte Guide

Guide to Pines of New York City

Common Reed Guide

Guide to Asian Bittersweet

Guide to Porcelain-Berry

Hedera helix Information Guide

Guide to Euonymus (American Strawberry-Bush) of New York City

Sweetgum in New York City

Tracking Pteridophytes - December 2022

Falling for Galls - October 2022

Encounter Evening Primrose - September 2022

August Aphids, Monarchs, and Milkweeds - August 2022

Juicy July - July 2022

Meet the Mints - June 2022

Maianthemum May - May 2022

Map Maple - April 2022

Pursue Prickly Plants - March 2022

Search for Birch - February 2022

Behold Bark, Buds, and Berries - January 2022

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