Registration for the 2019-2020 program will begin in July. Contact Director of Education, Chris Wellens, at cwellens@berkshirebotanical.org for more details.
Upon completing the Level 1 Horticulture Certificate Program, students can work towards additional Advanced Certificates. Courses can count towards multiple Advanced Certificates simultaneously. The letters in parenthesis denote which certificates courses qualify.
(AH) Advanced Horticulture
An Advanced Certificate in Horticulture expands a student's horticulture knowledge and can be customized to the individual needs of the advanced student. Elective courses cover specific topics in horticulture and will vary from year to year.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture
Certificate Requirements: 70 hours of qualifying courses
Fall 2018 Courses that qualify:
- Designing with Annuals, Tropicals, and Unique Hardy Perennials (AH)
- Goldenrod and Aster Field Study (AH, NP)
- Gardening with Native Plant Communities (AH, NP)
- The Business of Gardening (AH)
- Rooted in Place: Ecological Gardening Symposium (AH, SLS, NP)
- Independent Study (AH, SLS, NP)
Spring 2018 Courses that qualify:
- Organic Vegetable Gardening (AH, SLS)
- Tree Care for Gardeners (AH, SLS)
- Organic Orchard Management (AH, SLS)
- Container Gardening (AH, NP)
- Independent Study (AH, SLS, NP)
(LD) Landscape Design
The Advanced Certificate in Landscape Design prepares students for a career in garden design. Coursework covers drafting, landscape history, site analysis, and landscape design from creative concept to completed design plan, including schematic drawings and planting plans.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture
Certificate Requirements: 70 hours of qualifying courses
Fall 2018 Courses that qualify:
- Drafting for Garden Design (LD)
- Landscape Design Clinic: Introduction to a Coherent Process (LD, SLS)
- Landscape Design II (LD, SLS)
Spring 2019 Courses that qualify:
(SLS) Sustainable Land Stewardship
The Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Land Stewardship prepares gardeners and landcare professionals for the ever increasing demand for sustainable, easily maintained landscapes. Courses will focus on ecologically-sensitive gardening practices suited to our region, and efficient use of land for both ornamental and self-sustaining purposes. Elective courses cover specific topics in horticulture and will vary from year to year.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture
Certificate Requirements: 70 hours of qualifying courses
Fall 2018 Courses that qualify:
- Landscape Design Clinic: Introduction to a Coherent Process (LD, SLS)
- Landscape Design II (LD, SLS)
- Rooted in Place: Ecological Gardening Symposium (AH, SLS, NP)
- Independent Study (AH, SLS, NP)
Spring 2019 Courses that qualify:
- Organic Vegetable Gardening (AH, SLS)
- Tree Care for Gardeners (AH, SLS)
- Organic Orchard Management (AH, SLS)
- Independent Study (AH, SLS, NP)
(NP) Native Plant Landscapes
The Advanced Certificate in Native Plant Landscapes will focus on designing gardens and landscapes using plants native to the Berkshire region and the adjacent tri-state area. Elective courses cover specific topics in horticulture and will vary from year to year.
Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture
Certificate Requirements: 70 hours of qualifying courses
Fall 2018 Courses that qualify:
- Goldenrod and Aster Field Study (AH, NP)
- Gardening with Native Plant Communities (AH, NP)
- Rooted in Place: Ecological Gardening Symposium (AH, SLS, NP)
- Independent Study (AH, SLS, NP)
Spring 2019 Courses that qualify: