Level I Certificate in Horticulture
Tuesdays 6--9 pm

FALL SEMESTER Level I

Herbaceous Plants I  (core)
Tuesdays, September 8– 29
 Learn about the basic herbaceous plants used in the garden setting including identification, planting, fertilizing, pest control and pruning. Perennial selection will be the focus although some time will be spent on annuals and bulbs. This offering is essential for the serious gardener. Students should dress for outdoor field study including sturdy waterproof footwear and warm outer clothing.
Instructor  -- David Burdick, B.S.
Cost $ 135

Ornamental Woody Plants  (core)   
Tuesdays, October 6 - 20 and Saturday, Oct. 24 ( 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)
Focus on the bones of the garden with a survey of woody plants for landscape design use. This course will cover ornamental shrubs, small flowering trees, shade trees, evergreens. Students will become familiar with the many garden-worthy woody plants that thrive in Zone 5. Course includes selection, siting, cultivation and possible design uses.
Instructor  -- Elisabeth Cary, M.A.
Cost $ 135

Soil and Soil Amendments (core)
Tuesdays, October 27 - November 17
This course will explain how plant growth is affected by soils, from drainage to pH and nutrients. Learn how to evaluate soils, improve those that are less than ideal, and how to amend soils for specific garden uses. Fertilizers, soil amendments, making and using compost, moisture management and the pros and cons of mulching will be covered. Students should bring a soil sample.
Instructor -- John Howell, M.S.
Cost $ 135

Plant Health Care  (core)  
Tuesdays, November 24 - December 15
Look at factors that affect plant health care including insects, diseases, pathogens and abiotic influences. Basic diagnostic techniques will be taught. Learn to minimize potential problems through proper site preparation, plant selection and placement. Managing problems using biological, chemical, and cultural techniques will be discussed with a focus on IPM (integrated pest management).
Instructor -- David Chinery, M.S.
Cost $ 135

Garden Practicum (core)
Initial Fall Meeting, Thursday, Sept. 10, 5 pm (approx 1 hour)
The practicum compliments classroom work through hands-on training in the garden. Work along side garden staff practicing gardening techniques; usually beginning with a demonstration and instruction. Activities include propagation, transplanting, tree care, pruning, dividing, planting, cultivation and maintenance of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. Students need to complete 12 hours of work scheduled on Saturdays and/or weekdays usually Wednesday or Thursday through out the year. Required for Certification. Students may sign up for either the Fall or Spring term. Instructors - Berkshire Botanical Garden Staff
COST $150

SPRING SEMESTER Level I

Botany for Gardeners  (core) 
Tuesdays, January 5 - 26
This is a beginning course in plant anatomy and physiology that covers a wide range of topics. The importance and roles of seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits will be addressed. An understanding of how plants grow is fundamental to the successful planting and cultivation of this enormous class of organisms.
Instructor -- Ron Kujawski, Ph.D.
Cost $ 135

Sustainable Landscape Care & Garden Maintenance  (core)  
Tuesdays, February 2 - 23
Learn about the maintenance considerations that should be integrated into the design process. Students’ horticultural knowledge will expand to factor sustainable maintenance concerns with cost effectiveness into plant selection. Learn procedures for perennials, woody plants and lawns including transplanting, staking, fertilizing, winterizing, mulching, plant pathology and pest control with an emphasis on deer control.
Instructor -- Brad Roeller, B.S.
Cost $ 135

Landscape Design I  (core)
Tuesdays, March 2– 30
Focus on the “big picture” and learn the principles of design, importance of drainage, and view slides of both successful and troubled landscapes. Site selection, design concepts and client presentations will be addressed and students will complete landscape design assignments. This class has 5 sessions
Instructor -- Chris Tomich, B.S.
Cost $ 170

DISCOUNTED COST SPRING SEMESTER LEVEL I $395


Instructor Bios

David Burdick, B.S. a distinguished plantsman and zealous collector, shows regularly at the American Daffodil Society exhibition.  A practicing horticulturalist, he has worked at Berkshire Botanical Garden and Windy Hill Farm.  An engaging teacher, his latest venture is a specialty plant and cut flower business at Holiday Farm, Dalton , Massachusetts .

Elisabeth Cary, M.A. is Education Director at Berkshire Botanical Garden and has worked in the field of horticultural education for over ten years. She organizes the Horticulture Certificate program and has a special interest in woody plants.

David Chinery, M.S. is an extension educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselar County, Troy , N.Y.   He is currently researching alternatives to pesticides for turf grass insect and disease problems, as well as improving and expanding the county's Master Gardener Program.

Walter Cudnohufsky, M.L.A. is a long-time dedicated teacher.  Having founded and for twenty years directed the nationally acclaimed Conway ( Mass. ) School of Landscape Design , he has honed a reasoned approach to planning design.  Currently his firm is engaged in many diverse and stimulating planning/design projects throughout the region.

Ken Gooch, Mass Certified Arborist. is the Department of Environmental Management's Forest Health Specialist for Berkshire County .  A Massachusetts certified arborist, he has worked in the field of forestry for over 25 years including teaching workshops for municipal and non-profit organizations including the Berkshire Botanical Garden .

John Howell, M.S. is the former Extension Vegetable Specialist, for the University of  Massachusetts and currently lectures on vegetables, fruits and soil management  Author of numerous newsletters for growers and is currently the editor for New England Vegetable Management Guide, published biennially by the University of Massachusetts .

Kate Kerivan, M.A., M.S. has designed landscapes in New England for over 30 years, winning MHS's Gold Medal and Arnold Arboretum's Best Use of Hardy Plants Design Awards in MHS's Spring Flower Show.  Her designs emphasize gardens that support native plants while meeting the aesthetic needs of clients.

Ron Kujawski, Ph.D. is the former Landscape and Nursery Specialist for UMass Coop-erative Extension.  He is a garden writer, educator and researcher in IPM, plant nutrition and soil science. He teaches for the horticultural industry throughout New England .

Drew Monthie, M.S. is a horticulturalist, garden designer and ecologist working in upper New York State . He is committed to teaching about the importance of using native plants to provide beauty and preserve biodiversity in yards and gardens.

Brad Roeller, B.S. is the Manager of Gardens at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook , N.Y. where he oversees construction of the Institute's landscaping projects.  Specializing in sustainable gardening he lectures extensively and instructs at the New York Botanical Garden , Berkshire Botanical Garden and for New England Grows.

Chuck Schnell, MA, has both a BA and MA in landscape design.  He works in planning and design for WCLDA in Ashfield , MA .  He is a recipient of the Garden Club of America McLaren Fellowship to study abroad.  His strong knowledge of ornamental plants, and New England flora compliment his landscape design and construction expertise.

Marie Stella, M.A. M.S.M. is a landscape designer, historian and lecturer.  Her design firm, Kirin Farm Enterprises, specializes in historical landscapes and initiatives to foster the preservation of the rural landscape.  She instructs for the New York Botanical Garden , Tower Hill Botanical Garden , The Arnold Arboretum and Berkshire Botanical Garden .

Chris Tomich, B.S. is a principal designer for Tomich Landscape Design and Construction, located in Sheffield , Massachusetts .  His work can be seen through the tri-state region in both public and private properties.  He teaches theoretical landscape design and long-term maintenance for the Berkshire Botanical Garden .

For more information concerning the certificate requirements or general program questions call Elisabeth Cary, Director of Education, Berkshire Botanical Garden, 413-298-3926.