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.

A tour group sits in a circle in a green forest

Certificate Program Policies and FAQs

The Director and Program Coordinators formulate policy regarding standards of student performance, including awarding Certificates, rules of conduct, and student appeals. Please contact NYBG Continuing Education with any questions or concerns at continuinged@nybg.org.

Academic Policies & Procedures

In order to register for courses with prerequisites, students must have received a passing grade in the prerequisite course(s).
Student progress is measured by grades.

Students must maintain a cumulative weighted average of 70% on a 100% scale, and must pass all courses with a minimum grade of 60%. All students are required to complete a minimum of 90% of their cumulative registered clock hours. Students who do not meet the 90% cumulative completion percentage will be placed on probation. Courses for which a student receives a letter grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, and P (passing) are included in the calculation of cumulative clock hour completion percentage as courses successfully completed.

Courses for which a student receives a letter grade of INC and F will be treated as courses attempted, but not successfully completed. Students are required to meet these minimum standards at each point of their program evaluation. A student must repeat a course and earn a passing grade in order to fulfill the Certificate requirements; additional course materials will be charged at cost.

All coursework (final exams, papers, projects) must be completed on time unless the instructor grants additional time for extenuating circumstances.
A student may qualify for course exemption by completing college courses taken for degree credit from an accredited college or university, evaluated non-collegiate sponsored instruction, or proficiency exams.

Students who wish to be granted exemption from a required course must:
1. Complete the Course Exemption Request Form
2. Present transcripts showing an earned grade of C or higher
3. Present the course outline, syllabus,and/or relevant supporting documentation.
The School will then evaluate these submissions and make a decision on course exemption. If a student is exempted from the course, s/he is required to take an equal number of hours of an approved elective course to complete the Certificate.
On-time attendance is required at all classes. Unexcused tardiness and absences are not accepted and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

A student who is absent from a class without adequate reason may be assigned a failing grade. Absences due to serious illness or death within a student’s family are recognized as excused absences. To validate such absences, the student should present evidence to the Director, who will then provide a letter of verification to all of the student’s instructors for the term.

Makeup quizzes and exams must be requested by the student and will be scheduled at the instructor’s discretion. Deficiency in any required work resulting from absence from class must be made up at the student’s own expense to satisfy the instructor.
Students have 8 weeks following the last day of class to pick up any work left by instructors at the Registration Office. After that time, unclaimed assignments will be discarded.
- Certificate requirements are those stated in the catalog from which the student first registered for a Certificate course.
- To qualify for a Certificate, students must receive passing grades in all required courses.
- A student has six (6) years from the start of their first required course, to complete a Certificate.
The annual Certificate Award Ceremony is held the first weekend in June. If you expect to complete your Certificate requirements or enroll in all remaining classes by June, you must complete and submit an application for graduation which will be available in March.

Call NYBG Continuing Education at 718.817.8720 or email graduation@nybg.org with any questions.
Official ($15 each) and Unofficial transcripts (free) are available from the Registration Office year-round. Official transcripts must be requested in writing, including the name and address of the institution to which the transcript is being mailed. Transcripts are mailed within two (2) weeks and a copy is sent to the student.
The School of Horticulture and Landscape Design—which includes Horticulture and Landscape Design—is licensed with the New York State Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS), a division of the New York State Department of Education. Licensure under the state recognizes the Certificate Programs in Horticulture and Landscape Design as high quality and career oriented.

Students of Licensed Private Schools in the State of New York have the right to file a complaint with the New York State Education Department if they believe that the School or anyone representing the School has acted unlawfully. Students may make complaints about the conduct of the school, advertising, standards and methods of instruction, equipment, facilities, qualifications of teaching and management personnel, enrollment agreement, methods of collecting tuition, School license or registration, School and student records, private School agents, and other charges.

To file a complaint, students should write to the New York State Education Department’s Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision at 116 West 32nd Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001, or call the Department at 212.643.4760, requesting an interview for the purpose of filing a written complaint. All relevant documents must be brought to the interview. If you cannot attend an interview, send a letter or call the Bureau to request a complaint form. You must complete and sign the form and mail it to the Bureau, including copies of all relevant documents. The Bureau cannot investigate any complaint made more than 2 years after the date of alleged occurrence.

For more information about The School of Horticulture and Landscape Design,
visit this page.
Content of courses and opinions expressed by instructors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of The New York Botanical Garden. The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. No representation is made that any information provided constitutes the most up-to-date legal or other information.

Certificate Program FAQs

A Certificate signifies that a student has successfully fulfilled all the requirements of a prescribed series of courses. Several Certificates offer students a choice among areas of concentration.

The Garden offers Certificates in Botanical Art and Illustration, Floral Design, Horticulture, Botany, Gardening, Therapeutic Horticulture, and Landscape Design. Certificates are awarded each spring and have been used by many recipients to investigate plant-related pursuits or to qualify for salary increases and/or increased responsibilities in their current positions.

Please note: You have six (6) years to complete a Certificate. The catalog from which you start your Certificate program contains the requirements you must fulfill for the completion of your Certificate. See each section for the Certificate requirements.
Students generally complete our certificate programs in 2 to 3 years. However, you are free to complete the requirements at your own pace and credits do not expire for a full six years, from the start date of your first Certificate class. Certificate requirements are based on the program of courses stated in the catalog from which you started. You can accelerate your Certificate program through Summer Intensives.
You may register for as many classes and Certificate Programs as you wish as long as you have completed the prerequisites, if any are required.
Yes! You may are welcome to register for any course that does not have a prerequisite, including those labeled “Certificate Requirement” or “Elective”. You may also register for classes that require a prerequisite, as long as you have completed the prerequisite(s) required. You do not have to be working toward a Certificate to register for Certificate-level courses.
In rare cases, students may qualify for exemptions based on:
- College courses from an accredited college or university
- Evaluated non-collegiate sponsored instruction
- or proficiency exams.
Note: if you are exempt from a course, you must make up the hours through elective classes.
The NYBG Continuing Education Department has relationships with multiple institutions and companies in the New York metro area that have accepted NYBG students as interns in the past. NYBG instructors are working professionals in their field and may also be able to assist with internship connections. Contact the registration office at 718.817.8720 for further assistance.

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Courses with Prerequisites

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Previous Education Credit

Attendance

Student Work

Certificate Requirements

Certificate Graduation Ceremony

Transcripts

State Licensing and Accreditation

Disclaimer

What is a New York Botanical Garden Certificate?

How long does it take to complete an NYBG Certificate?

Can I enroll for more than one NYBG Certificate at a time?

Can I take an NYBG Certificate class without doing the entire program?

Can I receive an exemption from prerequisite classes?

Can I receive help with an internship placement?

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