Schools and Programs

Environmental Studies Schools

Environmental Studies Schools are a series of four courses in environmental studies. Students completing the courses may become NGC Environmental Consultants.

The Federation has completed its first course in Environmental Studies this September with 55 students attending for class room work and a field trip.

Above, Past President Maria Nahom and Ann Simpson, past Environmental Studies School Chair, enjoy a moment during the field trip to Lockwood Farm.

UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCHOOLS:

November 2-4, 2009
Course III, "The Living Earth - Air and Related Issues"
Jones Auditorium, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. For more information, contact Kathrine Neville.

As the title "The Living Earth — Air and Related Issues" suggests, participants in the Environmental Studies School’s Course III will have full and enriching days on November 2-4. Lecture, reading, discussions, a field trip, and an optional exam will explore the Earth. Topics include air quality as it relates to climate and vegetation; rainforests and their functions; effects
of natural and man-made pollution. Lecturers will discuss the
principal causes and impacts of species’ extinction and depletion.

Instruction will focus on environmental ethics: the interdependence of all nature, principles of Earth stewardship, and sources of environmental information. Students will review current educational programs and explore ways to work with schools. A field trip to a natural area will emphasize the study of air and related issues.

Text: Living in the Environment.
G. Tyler Miller, Jr. Thomson Books/
Cole, 15th Edition
Registration Deadline: October 19

—Kathrine Neville, Director

Click here to download the brochure and application.

Flower Show Schools

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., through its Flower Show Schools program, provides excellent opportunities for study of horticulture and floral design. Any interested person, garden club member or non-member, may attend these schools by registering and paying the nominal fee.

The horticulture curriculum consists of basic general information on proper gardening techniques from seed/plant selection to plant culture and control of problems. Information is also presented on cultural needs of specific perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs, as well as fruits, vegetables and nuts and how to grow superior container plants.

Design instruction covers traditional floral arrangements through contemporary styles and even designs incorporating lights and motors. Many attendees are particularly interested in table setting designs showing coordination of floral centerpiece, linens and dishes. Vignettes, small segments of rooms, also give ideas on interior decorating.

While the primary purpose of these courses is to train those wishing to become flower show judges, many people attend for information only and those people are not required to take the examinations.

UPCOMING FLOWER SHOW SCHOOLS:

COURSE I

>> RESCHEDULED for OCT. 4-6, 2010!

A new Flower Show School series will begin with Course I from Oct. 4, 2010.  You will learn about Flower Show Procedure, Design and Horticulture (Daffodils and African Violets). It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your knowledge of flower shows and if you’d like to become a NGC Accredited Flower Show Judge, this is where you start.

Note:  The Federated Garden Clubs of CT, Inc. is pleased to offer a special bonus to anyone who is taking this course. You can register and bring a friend with you who can attend for Half Price. Taking the exams won’t be included, but the great learning experience will be half price.

For more information please contact Flower Show School Chair Barbara Bruce via email or (203) 484-9160.

Download the brochure and application here.

Gardening Study Schools

Gardening Study School (GSS) provides continuing education in the study of horticulture. Courses are designed to:

• Stimulate interest in the growth of plant materials
• Teach how and why a plant grows
• Teach soil structure and modification for more productive soils
• Explore growing techniques for garden plants, vegetables, fruits, houseplants, trees, shrubs, and specialized styles of gardening
• Teach what effect weather has on plants and how to modify conditions for optimum growth
• Give an understanding of fungicides, pesticides, and growth regulators

Course content is established by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). Four sequenced courses comprise a series. Each course consists of ten hours of instruction. Optional exams are offered for those wishing to become NGC Accredited Gardening Consultants. Those who have become Consultants are eligible to judge contests and displays as representatives of the GSS program in events participated in by Councils.

UPCOMING GARDENING STUDY SCHOOLS:

Series 5, Course IV of Gardening Study School
Tues. October 6- Wed. Oct. 7, 2009 (with optional exam on Oct. 8)

The course includes: Outdoor Identification of Plants, Specialized Styles of Gardening, Techniques for Growing Woody Ornamentals, Techniques for Growing Fruit, and Home Irrigation Techniques.

For more information, please contact Rodney F. Hayes via email or 203.481.5918

Click here for downloadable brochure with registration form.

Landscape Design Study Programs

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., welcomes all interested gardeners to its educational program in landscape design, under the guidance of the state garden clubs and international affiliate garden clubs. The purpose of the study program is to develop in students an appreciation of the environment, both natural and built.

The curriculum, in a series of four courses, covers a wide range of subjects: from landscape design history to landscape architecture in the year 2000 and beyond. Courses are held once a year, usually in March. The high standards of this program have been maintained through the use of professional instructors. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Many students have been motivated to serve in political decision-making areas where awareness of the impact of a well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of life in the public arena.

UPCOMING LANDSCAPE DESIGN STUDY PROGRAMS:

Landscape Design School, Course IV
March 30, March 31, April 1, 2010
Jones Auditorium, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. For more information, contact Jianny Keegan.

Click here to download a brochure and registration form (PDF format).

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