Register Now for the Garden’s Horticulture Certificate Program

Berkshire Botanical Garden/Berkshire Community College
Fall 2011/Spring 2012

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.  There are three levels of certification available to students.

This popular program is held at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Courses meet on weekday evenings with an occasional Saturday workshop.  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.

Optional Information Meeting:

An optional informational meeting about the Certificate Program will be held Tuesday, August 30 at 5 p.m. at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This meeting is for prospective students only and is not required for those already signed up for the program.

Proctor Positions:

Each year a candidate is selected to participate as a proctor for each Level of the program. To learn more about this program call 413-298-3926.

New for 2011:

Gardeners can earn an advanced certificate in Sustainable Horticulture and Native Plant Garden Design.  This certificate is becoming increasingly more important for gardeners given client demands for sustainable, easily maintained landscapes with a focus o native plant selections and garden designs that create "a sense of place."  the course of study will focus specifically on the landscape, plants and designs especially suited to the Berkshire region and the adjacent tri state area. 

Garden Practicum:

Level I students are required 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.

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

To register call Linda Pierce Office of Lifelong Learning, Berkshire Community College, 350 West Street, Pittsfield, Ma 01201 at 413 236 2127 or

email: lpierce@berkshirecc.edu

LEVEL III

Three options are available to students with Level I and Level II certificates.  Level III certificates focus on the individual needs of the advanced student.  Students can concentrate in horticulture or design or may choose a concentration in  sustainable horticulture and native plant garden design.  Courses choices are based on personal interest.

Level III courses are electives and topics rotate based on student interest. Courses this year include The Business of Gardening, Plant Propagation, Native Plant Selection and Identification, Organic Vegetable Gardening, Invasive Plant Identification, Removal and Control Strategies, Practices and Principles of Growing Nutrient Dense Vegetables and Advanced Pruning.   Level III classes may be attended by all students but basic gardening knowledge is expected.  Level III courses are designated with NP, D or H codes.

H denotes courses that satisfy the Advanced Certificate in Horticulture

D denotes courses that satisfy an Advanced certificate in Garden Design

NP denotes courses that satisfy an Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Horticulture and Native Plant Garden Design

Advanced Certificate with a Concentration in Horticulture

Requirements: Completion of both Level I certificate and six course with the designation H. Certificate will read Level II Advanced Certificate in Horticulture

Advanced Certificate with a Concentration in Design

Requirements: Completion of both Level I & Level II certificates and six course with the designation D. Certificate will read Level III Advanced Certificate in Garden Design

New for 2011:

Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Horticulture and Native Plant Garden Design

Requirements: Completion of both Level I & Level II certificate and six course with the designation NP. Certificate will read Level III Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Horticulture and Native Plant Garden Design

This certificate is becoming increasingly more important for gardeners given client demands for sustainable, easily maintained landscapes with a focus o native plant selections and garden designs that create "a sense of place."  the course of study will focus specifically on the landscape, plants and designs especially suited to the Berkshire region and the adjacent tri-state area.

»View Level III courses

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.