Horticulture Certificate Program
Berkshire Botanical Garden/
Berkshire Community College
Fall 2008/Spring 2009

Level I and Level II Offerings

Course Descriptions/Instructor Information

Horticulture Certificate Program


Congratulations 2008 Horticulture Certificate Graduates!

Top Row from left to right: Thomas Saccone Level I; Andrew Kawczak Level I; Richard Demick Level I; Katherine Tremblay Level I; Lori Belcher Level II; Joan Kirschner Level I; David Golibersuch Level I.

Bottom Row Left to Right: Elisabeth Cary Education Director BBG; Bridghe McCracken Level I and Level II; Abigail Rogers Level I; Cindy Deloy Level I; Shawna Bebo Level II; Patricia Pritchard Level II.

Not Pictured: Rachel Giracca Level I; Karen Joyner Level I; Frances Pekala Level I; Dorothy Balko Level II; Stephen Enoch Level II.

For program overview, requirements and other information, click here (Adobe PDF).

Level I (Core Courses) Certificate in Horticulture, Tuesdays 6--9 pm

Herbaceous Plants I  (core) 
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.
Tuesdays,  September  9 -- 30, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130

Ornamental Woody Plants  (core)   
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, vines and ground covers.  Students will become familiar  with the wide array of garden-worthy woody plants available for gardeners including selection, siting, and cultivation and possible design uses.
Instructor  -- Elisabeth Cary, M.A.
Tuesdays,  October 7 -- 28, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130

Soil and Soil Amendments (core)
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.  Saturday workshop will be held outdoors.  Students should bring a soil sample.
Instructor -- John Howell, M.S.
Sat. November 1 (9--noon) & Tues. Nov. 4, 11, 18, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130

Plant Health Care  (core)  
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.
Tuesdays, November 25 -- December 16, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130

Botany for Gardeners  (core) 
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.
Tuesdays, January 6 -- 27, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130

Sustainable Landscape Care & Garden Maintenance  (core)  
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.
February 3, 10,  24 & Feb. 16, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130

Landscape Design I  (core)
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 a landscape design project, drawn to scale.  This class has 5 sessions.
Instructor -- Chris Tomich, B.S.
 Tuesdays, March 3  -- 31, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 160

Garden Practicum  (core) 
This practicum will compliment 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 through out the year.  Required for Certification.  Students may sign up for either the Fall or Spring term. 
Instructors -- Berkshire Botanical Garden Staff
Initial Fall Meeting, Wed.  Sept. 3. 5 pm.
Cost $ 130


Level II  Certificate in Garden Design  Wed. (6 -- 9 pm)

Advanced Pruning  (elective)  
Pruning is both an art and a science.  This course will address the how, what, where, and when of pruning in the residential landscape.  Students will learn the philosophy of pruning, addressing approaches not only for fall but also for early spring and dormant season pruning. They will be exposed to both coniferous and deciduous ornamental plants in arrangements such as landscape beds, espaliers, foundation plantings, hedges, and individual specimens, both mature and newly planted, ranging in styles from formal to natural. (Sat. workshop is hands-on)
Instructor -- Ken Gooch, Massachusetts Certified Arborist
Weds. Sept  10, 17 &  Sat. Sept 27 (9 am -- 3pm)
Cost $ 130

Ecological Gardening  (elective) 
Consider gardening that blends beautiful design with ecologically principles. These are carefully planned ecological compositions of native and non-invasive exotic plants. Their layered structure provides food and habitat for wildlife while also creating interesting textures and patterns and berries or bark for fall and winter interest. Consider meadow and woodland gardens and how to select plants for these special areas. Learn plant selection using associate planting based on site analysis.  Invasive plants, and control techniques will be covered.  Review native plants for different garden settings.
Instructor -- Drew Monthie, B.S.
Weds, Oct 1, 22, 29 & Sat. Oct. 18 (10 am -- 1 pm)
Cost $ 130

Designs on the Land -- A Historical Perspective  (core) 
Understand the origins of landscape design by exploring the early gardens of Persian and Islamic traditions.  These slide illustrated lectures will cover the classical gardens of Egypt , Greece , and Rome and then travel on to Chinese and Japanese influences in garden design.  The series concludes with with a study of medieval garden design.  Design project required.
Instructor -- Marie Stella, M.S.M
Wed. November 5  -- Dec. 3, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130


Designer Tool Kit I -- Observation & Analysis  (core)
Learn the skills essential for good garden design.  Each week cover a different topic: draw a map, assess drainage and slope, evaluate climatic conditions and develop effective interviewing skills.  These tools provide a vocabulary for observation and analysis essential for assessing a property's potential and problems. Learn the right questions to ask to help realize client's wishes while avoiding common design mistakes.  This tool-set is essential for professional and home gardener's who  design or install gardens.
Instructor -- Walt Cudnohufsky MLAKate Kerivan MAChuck Schnell MA
Wed. January 7 -- 28, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130


Designer Tool Kit II  --  Space and Materials  (core) 
Consider the importance of spatial requirements in a garden space including landings, garden rooms, entrances, focal points and views. Learn how to combine plant material for layering, color, form and textural qualities.  Look at hardscaping materials available for surfaces, walkways, and walls.  Features such as fences, decks, terraces, garden furnishings, containers and ornaments will be cover with a focus on developing the designer's vocabulary.
Instructor -- Walt Cudnohufsky MLAKate Kerivan MAChuck Schnell MA
Wed. February 4 -- 25, 6 - 9 p.m.
Cost $ 130


Designer Tool Kit III --  Project & Presentation  (core)  focus is on individual projects
Work on a professional garden design project.  Students will select a project and take it from creative concept to completed design plan including schematic drawings, and planting plans.  Students will make a formal presentation at the final class before the group including guest designers.  Each class will involve instruction and evaluation of projects in progress and will include both class instruction and studio time.  Group discussion will hone skills learned in the previous two Designer Tool Kit courses.  This team-taught course will have two instructors at each class and is the culminating project for the Level II Certificate in Design.
Instructor -- Walt Cudnohufsky MLAKate Kerivan MAChuck Schnell MA
Wed. March 4 --  25 & Sat. April 4 (10 a.m. -- 4 p.m.) 
Cost $275


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. 

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