Gardening School

Gardening Schools provide current information to those interested in horticulture and related topics. The curriculum has been developed by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC), and is customized by the course instructors. Classes are open to the public as well as garden club members. Garden club members who complete the series of four courses (and pass the exams) are certified as NGC Gardening Consultants.

The courses, which may be taken in any order, are structured to stimulate interest and impart knowledge for growing plants to the peak of perfection. Course content, which is presented in lecture format over the first two days by horticultural professionals, may include tours of botanical and test gardens. Topics include the study of basic botany for gardeners, soils, houseplants, and propagation. Also covered are such topics as how new plants are developed and evaluated, factors that influence plant growth, container gardening, pruning techniques, growing outdoor flowers and vegetables, specialized styles of gardening, growing plants indoors and/or under lights, and growing trees and shrubs, plus other interesting and informative gardening topics.