Course Descriptions

Designed by horticulturists and botanists,the academic courses introduce and explore the multi-faceted field of horticulture. Students are pre-registered for all required courses. Students complete 599 class hours of academic courses, and 60 hours of personal enrichment (optional). Classes are held in the Watson and Library buildings.

- Botany
- Commercial Horticulture
- Communication
- Landscape Design
- College Credit Recommendation
- Personal Development

Botany
courses encompass a broad range of topics including plant physiology, systematics, ecology,evolution, field biology and entomology.

Basic Science Review
Students discuss essential biological concepts and practice hands-on laboratory skills, suchas working with compound, dissecting microscopes and making wet mount slides with fresh botanical materials.
Hours: 9
BOT 314

Botany I: Basic Concepts
Learn about the basic plant body, from the cell to the main component parts: roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Understand the basic chemistry describing the ways plants
function.
Hours:20
BOT 315

Botany II: Plant Anatomy and Physiology
This course covers primary and secondary plant growth, the role of plant hormones in growth and development, plant metabolism including photosynthesis, aerobic and anaerobic respiration and fermentation, the electrontransport chain, glycosis, and the Krebs cycle.
Hours: 20
BOT 316

Botany III: The Plant Kingdom
Study the evolution and classification of plants as the framework for a survey of the major divisions of the plant kingdom. Explore the basics of genetics, nutrient cycles, and plant ecology.
Hours:24
BOT 317

Morphology of Flowering Plants
Through lectures and laboratory work, examine the morphology of the vegetative plant body, flowers, and fruits.
Hours: 16
BOT 431

Systematic Botany
Explore the classification and evolution of the most dominant plants, angiosperms, and the characteristics and principles used to classify and identify them.
Hours: 21
BOT 432

Entomology
Using fieldwork on the grounds and specimen examination in the classroom, gain a basic understanding of the structure, growth, development, evolution, and classification of insects.
Hours: 16
BOT 481

Commercial Horticulture
courses are designed to increase and enhance understanding of plant identification, culture,
selection, and maintenance.

Mathematics for Horticulturists
Master methods of calculating application rates for soil amendments, fertilizers, herbicides
and other pesticides.
Hours:6
HRT 101

Preparation for Pesticide
Applicator’s Exam
A 30-hour course required by New York State for anyone wishing to take the Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s Exam. Pesticide safety and laws are covered.
Hours:30
HRT 281

Soil Science I: Physical Properties
Through lectures and labs, learn about the physical properties of soils, soil/water relationships, and soil development.
Hours: 18
HRT 301

Soil Science II: Chemistry & Nutrition
Explore soil chemistry, nutrient cycles, the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, and the relationship between nutrient exchange and plant growth. Soil ecology, composting,
and soil pH are also covered.
Hours: 16
HRT 302

Weed Identification
Take a field walk through the Garden to observe weeds in their natural habitat and
discuss their identifying characteristics.
Hours: 4
HRT 306

Horticultural Techniques: Landscape Gardening
Gain the basic techniques used in both garden and nursery, with an emphasis on the practical
skills used in commercial horticulture.
Hours:18
HRT 311

Horticultural Techniques: Greenhouse Techniques
Study greenhouse growing techniques,including equipment, growing media,fertilization, and more.
Hours:18
HRT 312

Horticultural Techniques: Basic Horticultural Construction
Learn basic horticultural construction techniques such as path and patio construction, lighting installation, and building dry walls. Proper material selection and tool use will be emphasized.
Hours: 12
HRT 314

Horticultural Techniques: Turf Equipment
An introduction to various equipment useful in basic turfgrass care; safety, proper use, and maintenance procedures are discussed.
Hours:8
HRT 315

Pruning Principles and Practices
In classroom and hands-on work, learn maintenance-pruning techniques for evergreen shrubs and trees.
Hours: 12
HRT 321

Ornamental Woody Plants: Fall Trees and Shrubs
Study the identification and landscape use of major groups of shade trees and shrubs grown for fall ornamental foliage and fruit. Plant groups covered include Acer, Quercus, and Viburnum, with an emphasis on United States natives.
Hours: 12
HRT 331

Ornamental Woody Plants: Broadleaved Evergreens
Study the identification, classification, and landscape use of ornamental confers. Gain a working knowledge of the best species and cultivars of conifers for landscaping.
Hours:8
HRT 332

Ornamental Woody Plants: Conifers
Study the identification, classification, and landscape use of ornamental conifers. Gain a working knowledge of best species and cultivars of conifers for landscaping.
Hours: 12
HRT 333

Ornamental Woody Plants:Spring Trees and Shrubs
The identification, classification, and landscape use of spring-flowering trees and shrubs is the focus of this course. Major plant groups include Magnolia, Malus, Prunus, Viburnum, and other genera that are particularly ornamental in the spring.
Hours: 12
HRT 334

Maintenance of Shrubs, Vines and Small Ornamentals
Explore planting and cultural techniques such as rejuvenation of older plants, dormant season pruning, fertilization, winter protection, and other vital landscape issues.
Hours: 12
HRT 335

Ornamental Herbaceous Plants: Spring Perennials
Learn identification, classification, and landscape use of perennials. Spring plants are explored separately. Learn the scientific names, common names, and identification of approximately 100 plants. Please dress appropriately for outdoors.
Hours: 9
HRT 336

Ornamental Herbaceous Plants: Summer Perennials
Broaden your knowledge of identification, classification, and landscape use of perennial and selected biennial plants.
Hours: 9
HRT 337

Ornamental Herbaceous Plants: Annuals
Examine the identification, culture, and landscape use of rare and familiar annuals and selected tender perennials.
Hours:8
HRT 341

Ornamental Herbaceous Plants: Bulbs
Discover spring, summer, and autumn flowering bulbs, from old favorites to lesser-known exotics.
Hours: 12
HRT 342

Ornamental Tropical Plants
Learn the identification, classification, and culture of interior and greenhouse plants. Gain a working knowledge of this important group of plants through slide lectures and field visits to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory and the Nolen Greenhouses.
Hours: 14
HRT 361

Insect Pests of Ornamental Plants
Study insects common to the northeastern United States that feed on ornamental plants. Learn how to identify insects, the type of damage they cause, judge the severity of an infestation, and how to select control measures based on an insect’s biology.
Hours: 15
HRT 381

Plant Propagation I: Basic Principles
Gain an understanding of professional methods of plant production, practicing the basic techniques
of seed and asexual propagation.
Hours: 18
HRT 411

Plant Propagation II: Commercial Applications
A continuation of HRT 411, this course covers further propagation methods in detail.
Hours: 18
HRT 412

Turf and Grounds Management
The basics of turf grass identification, selection, use, and care are covered here. The stress is on efficient management of soil and turf on large or small grounds. Learn landscape maintenance practices for use throughout the year.
Hours: 16
HRT 421

Tree Management
Trees living in artificial environments (such as gardens) require much more care than those in the forest. Explore the various techniques and procedures of tree care, viewing examples of tree problems, supplies, and tools.
Hours: 14
HRT 422

Plant Disease Identification and Management
Learn about common diseases of woody and herbaceous ornamentals caused by bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses, and the cultural, biological, and chemical strategies for their control.
Hours: 12
HRT 481

Commercial Greenhouse Management
Gain the knowledge necessary to operate a commercial greenhouse successfully and profitably.
Topics include crop scheduling and planning, market trends and the development of a market,
types of structures, methods of automation, energy conservation, and record-keeping.
Hours:12
HRT 511

Nursery Management
An introduction to the practical application of the principles of nursery management, focusing
mainly on wholesale growing techniques.
Hours: 16
HRT 512

Communication
courses help students prepare for the horticulture profession by providing them with skills for public speaking, job acquisition, and business management.

Introduction to Public Speaking
Possessing effective public speaking skills is as crucial as knowing how to edge a display border.
Both skills indicate that the practitioner has a high level of professionalism. Learn the skills to become a good public speaker: how to research, write, and deliver. Students will deliver a short presentation at the end of the course.
Hours:10
COM 101

Career Preparation
How do I start? Where do I look? These are some common questions that people have, whether they are seasoned horticulturists or looking for a career change. This course is geared specifically for the horticulture profession, from preparing resumes with key industry terms to targeting public gardens and dressing for the interview. This course prepares students to embark on their secondyear internship search.
Hours:8
COM 102

Advanced Presentation Skills
This advanced level course focuses on how to create presentations for different purposes (sales pitch, slide presentation and graduation speech), how to utilize audio-visual equipment and computer programs and how to deliver varying lengths of speeches. Students prepare and deliver speeches of varying lengths.
Hours:10
COM 103

Introduction to Business Management
Through fieldtrips, lectures and assigned readings, students learn different components of business management: staffing, marketing, operations, financial management, and customer/client development. Students prepare a business plan.
Hours: 12
COM 104

All communication classes are workshop style.

Landscape Design
courses include graphics, design, development, and construction of outdoor landscapes.

Landscape Design History and Theory
Theories and principles have shaped the design of landscapes throughout history from antiquity to the 21st century. Explore Eastern and Western garden traditions. Survey all types of gardens and landscapes including corporate and public spaces.
Hours:20
LAN 301

Graphics I
Graphics are used to develop and communicate landscape design ideas. Examine and practice
techniques of graphic expresssion, and learn how to organize and render landscape plans
for optimal presentation and construction work. Work with drawing materials and drafting
equipment. A separate expenditure beyond tuition is necessary for drafting equipment.
Hours: 24
LAN 311

Landscape Design I: Site Analysis and Schematic Design
Learn how to understand and analyze landscapes, and to formulate programmatic and functional requirements of a design project. Translate these into schematic design solutions. Take part in class discussions and critiques, and present projects. This is the first of four studio courses. Extensive out of class design homework is required.
Hours: 24
LAN 401

College Credit Recommendation
The New York State Education Department’s Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) licenses the School. Most required courses are recognized by the New York State Education Department as equivalent to college-level credit under the National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (NPONSI). Students matriculating for a degree at a college or university may
apply to that institution for credit for all NPONSI-approved courses taken at the Garden. The School is authorized under Federal Law to enroll non-immigrant, alien students, and is approved for the training of veterans by the New York State Education Department.

Personal Development
Students are allowed to take 60 hours of courses of their choosing offered by the Garden. These courses are optional and are solely for students' personal enrichment.