Horticulture Certificate Program
Berkshire Botanical Garden/
Berkshire Community College
Fall 2009/Spring 2010

Horticulture Certificate Program HomeLevel ILevel IILevel III
 
The Horticulture Certificate Program of the Berkshire Botanical Garden is a non-credit adult enrichment program designed to benefit you: the professional, aspiring professional, homeowner and serious home gardener.  Enroll in a single course of interest or work toward a Certificate of Horticulture by successfully completing seven core courses and a twelve-hour garden practicum.   

Level I Certificate in Horticulture requires completion of the seven Level I core courses and a garden practicum.   Level I courses cover material essential for a foundation in good gardening practices and are designed sequentially beginning in September and progressing through April. The garden practicum is designed to reinforce classroom work with hands-on experience in the garden. Level I Certificate serves as a foundation for all advanced courses.  
Click here for Level 1 classes.

A Level II Certificate in Garden Design requires completion of a Level I Certificate, six core Level II design courses and the final design project.   Level II courses prepare students for a career in garden design. Courses include drafting, landscape history, site analysis and landscape design. The year culminates with a professional garden design project, from creative concept to completed design plan including schematic drawings and planting plans. Level II classes may be attended by all students but basic gardening knowledge is expected.
Click here for Level 2 classes.  

Level III, Advanced Certificate with a Concentration in Horticulture or Design,  requires  a Level I & II Certificate, and six electives course in horticulture or design.  Level III courses focus on the individual needs of the advanced student. Students can concentrate in horticulture or design and chose courses based on individual interest. Advanced courses will focus on specific topics in horticulture or design and will vary from year to year. Level III classes may be attended by all students but basic gardening knowledge is expected.
Click here for Level 3 classes.
 

This popular program is held at the Berkshire Botanical Garden.  Courses meet on weekday evenings with an occasional Saturday workshop.  Students need to sign up for the garden practicum (either fall or spring semester).  Students signing up for the fall semester will have the entire year to complete the practicum.  Those signing up for the spring semester will have only spring semester to complete the practicum. Students working toward a certificate are evaluated in each course and are required to complete all course work.  Class attendance is mandatory. It is the responsibility of the student to make-up any work missed due to absence.  A passing grade in all courses is required for certification.  Students who choose to attend classes on an audit basis will not be tracked for the certificate.

For more information concerning the certificate requirements for this non-credit program call Elisabeth Cary, Director of Education, Berkshire Botanical Garden, 413-298-3926.  An optional informational meeting about the Certificate Program will be held Wed., September 2 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Each year candidates are selected to participate as proctors for the program.  To learn more about this program call 413-298-3926.

Refund Policy:  Withdrawal from a non-credit course at least one week before the first meeting and receive a 100% refund less a $15 processing fee. No refund is given for withdrawals made less than one week before courses begin. If BCC cancels a course, receive a 100% refund of all fees.  Withdrawal from a course requires direct formal notification to the Office of Lifelong Learning.

Congratulations 2009 Horticulture Certificate Graduates!

Left to Right Top Row. Rachel Giracca Level II, Frances Pekala Level II, Dennis Orsi Level I, Candace Thayer Level I, Joan Kirschner Level II, Mary Lynn Kalogeras Level I, Barney Hajduk Level I, Diana Ladden Level I, Patricia Baer Level I, Diane Valenti Level I & Level II, Matthew Fox Level I, Lisa Weinstein Level I

Bottom Row. Elisabeth Cary Education Director, Mary Jeske Level I, Todd Lampiasi Level I, Eric Reder Level I, Francine Scialabba Level I, Daniel Pytko Level I.

Not shown: Level I Isabel Silva, Lesley Nicolucci, Ann Morehouse Level II Veronica Burns, Deborah Dauscher, Andrew Kawczak, Peggy MacIntyre Level III Jenna O’Brien, Pat Pritchard

Horticulture Certificate Program HomeLevel ILevel IILevel III

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

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