The Horticulture Certificate Program is a non-credit, adult enrichment program designed for the professional, aspiring professional or serious home gardener. Students can choose to either take classes towards receiving a certificate, or audit individual classes of interest. Staffed by seasoned and practicing horticulturists and landscape designers, these in-depth classes provide a strong foundation for all horticultural pursuits—whether one is exploring or advancing career goals or simply acquiring or expanding their knowledge, skills and enjoyment of gardening. Classes include lectures, hands-on workshops and field trips. This popular horticultural education program is held in Stockbridge, Mass., at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Courses meet on weekday evenings and weekends. The program is designed to meet the needs of all people interested in gardening, regardless of their level of knowledge. Students who enroll in Advanced Certificate courses are expected to have basic gardening knowledge.

The program is comprised of two levels of instruction: 

• Level I Certificate in Horticulture 

• Advanced Certificate in Horticulture and Design

For current students, here are the resources you'll need.

Horticulture Certificate Program FAQs:

Q: Is there homework?

A: Yes, each class has a required assignment. These assignments are designed to enrich your learning and are graded on a pass/fail basis. Each assignment is due by the end of each course.

Q: What happens if I cannot participate in a class because of my schedule?

A: All Level 1 Horticulture Certificate classes are offered each year. If you cannot take a class for whatever reason you can enroll the following year.

Q: Can I take classes out of order? Or a few at a time?

A: Yes, however, please note that due to current restrictions on class size, priority registration will be given to students enrolled in the year-long program

Q: What is the cost of the program?

A: The cost of the program varies. BBG members receive a reduced rate. You have the option of paying by class, by semester, or for an entire year.  Participants who pay by for the whole program receive a 5% discount

Q: Is there financial aid?

A: Yes! For more information on how to apply, email BBG Director of Education Jennifer Patton, jpatton@berkshirebotanical.org

Horticulture Certificate Program Policies & Procedures

Congratulations to our Level I & Advanced 2025/26 graduates!

Level 1

Deborah Amerling

Pallas Augustine

Jinhee Chu

Mary Dugan

Catie Friel

Marion Grant

Angela Humphrey

Richard Kraft

Rebecca Kowalski

Melissa Mattoon

Susan Mullen

Diana Pappas

Justin Phillips

Lee Potter

Kelly Sprague

Dora Wiskirchen

Allie Woodard

Level 2

Christian Branley

Kyra Hart

Ben Perrett

Jane Rebhuhn