What’s the advantage of attending the school of professional horticulture versus earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in horticulture?

The advantage can be summarized with one word—skills! The School’s strength is that it teaches students valuable horticulture skills, which give our graduates a competitive advantage over other programs based solely on coursework. The School’s program combines the theoretical and the practical, teaching not just how to grow plants, but why plants grow the way they do. It is due to this kind of education that our students are highly sought after, not just for internships, but also for full-time employment upon graduation.

As someone who is switching careers, what is it like to work in the horticulture industry?

It is a close-knit community of dedicated and passionate professionals who are willing to share their knowledge, experience, information, and employment opportunities. As a student, you meet many key people in this profession from around the world in diverse areas of horticulture, and as a graduate, you become part of that community. One of the biggest benefits of attending the School is making these lifelong contacts here at NYBG and beyond.

What is the typical demographic of students in the school?

Students come from all over the country and world. Most students have some college background, and many have degrees in fields other than horticulture. The majority of students are career changers and range in age from their late teens to mid-50s.

What is the job placement rate for graduates?

The School has had a job placement rate of 100% for the past 8 years. Our alumni are highly sought after by botanical gardens, public parks, celebrity estates, and even major league sports stadiums. Exceptional students also are often hired at NYBG upon graduation when a position is available. However, the School does not promise or guarantee employment.

What kind of salary can I expect to recieve

Generally, private industry pays more than public parks and gardens. The starting salary range in private industry is typically $50,000–$60,000; for non-profits it is $40,000–$55,000.

How is the two-year program divided?

The program is divided into nine terms. Academic classes are concentrated between rotations and include evening sessions.

What if I have fewer hours of experience by application deadline, should I still apply?

Yes; contact the Director to assess your situation.

How many course hours should I expect to take?

Students are required to complete 630 Course Hours and 1,990 Horticulture Rotation and Internship Hours in order to qualify for graduation.

How many hours of studying can I anticipate?

On horticulture rotation days, students start at 8 a.m. and finish at 4 p.m. On class days, students may start at 10 a.m. and finish at 6 or 9 p.m. Students also can expect to have classes some evenings throughout the year. Some courses require homework and studying outside class hours.

Why are some courses taught in the evenings?

Many courses are taught by our expert Horticulture staff. Due to their daytime schedules, they are only free to teach after 4 p.m.

Is it possible to work part-time while I am a student in the School?

Due to the intense schedule of academic courses and work rotations, in addition to various lectures, field trips, and plant ID walks, it’s nearly impossible to hold a part-time job, find time to study, and stay in good academic standing for the two-year program.

What does one recieve after Graduating from the school?

After successfully completing the program, students receive a Diploma in Horticulture from The New York Botanical Garden.

Housing is available in the Bronx and lower Westchester County within a convenient distance from the Garden. Housing is not provided by the School, and out-of-town and international students are advised to secure housing prior to arriving in New York.

When does orientation start?

Orientation starts the last week in January. New students meet staff and become familiar with the Garden’s philosophies, policies, and facilities. Orientation and special group projects with Horticulture continue through February and March to prepare students for their horticulture rotations in the spring.

Does the school provide computer access?

Computers are available 24 hours a day in the Student Room, M-280. Students may be assigned an NYBG e-mail address if desired. In addition, there is Wi-Fi service in the Watson Building and other buildings on campus.

What study and dining facilities are available to students?

Classrooms and academic facilities are in the Watson and Library buildings. The Student Room is available for meal breaks, studying, drafting, and computer use. Horticulture training is carried out at locations throughout the Garden. The Garden’s Pine Tree Café on Garden grounds is open Tuesdays through Sundays, and students enjoy a 20% discount. The Café serves pizza, panini, salads, snacks, and beverages. The Hudson Garden Grill is a more formal dining option on Garden grounds. There are also several moderately priced diners, cafés, and pizzerias within walking distance of the Garden.

Do students receive any Garden benefits?

In addition to a 20% discount at the Pine Tree Café, students also enjoy a 20% discount at NYBG Shop, which stocks a wide range of horticultural and botanical books, plants, gardening equipment, and gifts.

Does the garden provide security to students?

The Garden is committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors. The grounds are protected by licensed security personnel. The School submits an annual Campus Security Report to the U.S. Department of Education, as is required from Title IV schools.

New York Botanical Garden

Spring Is Here!

Immerse Yourself in a Landscape of Flowers

It's officially spring in New York City, and signs of this season of renewal are popping up all around our 250 acres! Follow along with the bloom of cherry blossoms, daffodils, lilacs, azaleas, and more as color fills the Garden in the coming months.

White and yellow flowers bloom in the sunlight

The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion

Open Through April 22 | Get Tickets Now

Strike a pose! The Orchid Show brings the catwalk to the Haupt Conservatory in a fashion-inspired celebration of all things orchids—and we want YOU at the center of the sartorial experience.

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Orchid Nights

April 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, & 20

Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing array of orchids at New York City’s most fantastical night out. Exploring the exhibition in the evening with a cocktail in hand, underneath the twinkle of the Conservatory, provides a picture-perfect night of flowering beauty.

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Wonderland: Curious Nature

Tickets Now On Sale

Head down the rabbit hole this spring as the sights, settings, and scents of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland transform our 250 acres with an immersive experience that grows curiouser and curiouser as you explore.

A collection of colorful illustrations of yellow flowers, red and white mushrooms, and a bright red rose, mingled with pictures from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Plant Studio

Registration Now Open!

Ready to set off on your journey into the plant world? Dig into NYBG’s world-class Continuing Education offerings—now with flexible online courses available anywhere, anytime, for busy plant lovers.

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Earth Month Celebration

Through April 30

Join us here at the Garden in celebration of Earth Month, and learn to better care for our shared environment now and all year round through meet-and-greets with scientists, tours, and workshops.

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Make Nature Second Nature

Become a Member Today

There’s something new to discover at the Garden each and every season, and as a Member, you can experience it all year round, as often as you’d like—with free admission and exclusive benefits.

Explore Children’s Education

Drop-In and Registered Programs Available

Kids grow their love of nature at NYBG! From camps that get them outside to explore the wonders of the plant world, to drop-in activities harvesting veggies and planting seedlings, young botanists get their start here.

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NYBG Shop

Bring the Garden into Your Home!

Check out NYBG Shop’s curated selection of rare plants, home decor, gardening tools, books, and garden-inspired gifts. All purchases support our work in science, horticulture, and education.