What will my child do in the Children's Gardening Program?

Throughout the season they are enrolled, Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for a garden and learn about garden-related topics through fun enrichment activities. Each session includes time dedicated to hands-on gardening and time dedicated to learning about a particular theme, through investigations, hikes, discussions, and games. Caregiver accompanying their Sprout actively participates along with their Sprout.

Where does the Children's Gardening Program take place?

The program takes place outdoors at the Edible Academy (EA). The campus is located near the East Gate and includes gardens, classrooms, greenhouse, open air pavilions (offering relief from sun and rain), restrooms, water bottle refill station, and hand sanitizer dispensers. The classrooms and greenhouse will not be utilized during the program. The Edible Academy campus is NOT open to the public during the CGP sessions.

Does my child harvest and keep what they grow?

Many of the crops the Crafters and Sprouts plant and care for are harvested during the season they are enrolled. Some of the crops are left to grow and are harvested by the Crafters and Sprouts enrolled in subsequent seasons. Some of the crops will be harvested by Edible Academy staff and donated to local community-based food providers.

Does my child choose what they grow?

In order to have seeds and seedlings ready each program session, EA staff develop planting plans that include a diversity of crops that are seasonally appropriate. Each season more than a dozen different vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown.

How does my child get to the Edible Academy?

Crafters and Trams are transported to and from the Edible Academy on the NYBG Trams. Trams depart from the Tulip Tree Allee. Crafters Educators join the Crafters to provide supervision during the ride.

Who teaches my child during the Children's Gardening Program?

NYBG hires and trains Crafters and Sprouts Educators to facilitate the gardening and enrichment activities planned by Edible Academy administrators. Each Educator is assigned up to 12 Crafters or 12 Sprouts and accompanying caregivers and is supported during program sessions by several Edible Academy administrators as well as Assistant Educators.

What efforts are being made to promote my child's safety during the program session?

All activities of the Children’s Gardening Program will take place outdoors; all staff and participants are required to wear face coverings indoors and in the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden and the Edible Academy. Hand washing stations and hand sanitizer stations are installed throughout the Edible Academy campus. All garden tools will be disinfected with an alcohol-based disinfectant in between users. Enrichment activities will include hikes and games that promote social distancing.

How do I enroll my child in the Children's Gardening Program?

You can enroll https://www.nybg.org/learn/kids-teens/childrens-gardening-program/ or via phone at 718.817.8181.

When does registration for the Children's Gardening Program begin?

You can register your child for Spring 2022, Summer 2022, and/or Fall 2022 sessions now.

Do NYBG Members receive a discount?

Yes, we offer CGP Crafters and Sprouts at a discounted rate for NYBG Members at the Family Level and above.

Are discounts available for enrolling in more than one season?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount for enrolling your child in three or more seasons. Please use code CGP1022 at check out.

Do you offer financial scholarships?

Yes, you may apply for a https://nybg.doubleknot.com/form/takesurvey.aspx?surveyid=83821&orgkey=3803 .

Who do I contact if I have further questions regarding the Children's Gardening Program?

You can email childed@nybg.org or call 718.817.8181

How can I purchase or renew a Membership?

You can purchase a Membership https://www.nybg.org/join-support/membership/ , on-site at any ticket window, or by calling the Membership Office. To purchase online you’ll have to create a new Member account. Renewing Members have an existing account. https://www.nybg.org/content/uploads/2019/11/ME_Members-Login-Info_2019-Final.pdf

Trade-in Tickets Towards Membership

If you have purchased regular-priced admission to the Garden, during your visit the ticket price can be applied to the cost of a Membership. For Individual and Teacher level, the cost of one regular-priced ticket is applied. The cost of two regular-priced tickets can be applied towards the purchase of a Dual Membership. The cost of two adult and two children’s tickets can be applied towards the purchase of Family–Sustaining Memberships. Please see a Visitor Services Representative on the day of your visit for additional details.

When will I receive my Membership materials?

Please allow 2–3 weeks from the date of purchase to receive your Membership materials. We will assume all proper Membership materials have been received unless notified. Please notify the Membership Office if you have not received your Membership materials 3 weeks after purchase.

Renewals may be processed at any point once your Membership term has commenced. When you renew an active Membership, it will be extended for one year from the current expiration date. The Membership Office does not retain the credit card information. This information must be re-submitted with each renewal.

When can I begin using my Member benefits?

Member admission and discounts can be used immediately upon purchase of Membership. Member Passes for guest admission or parking will be sent with your Membership materials within 2-3 weeks of purchase. Member passes can only be redeemed by presenting the physical pass at the Garden.

What admission benefits do Members receive?

Membership entitles you to year-round admission. Each Membership is allotted a fixed number of complimentary Member tickets per day determined by Membership level.

What discounts do Members receive?

Members receive a 10% discount off purchases at NYBG Shop. Members also receive discounts on education course fees and on select premium events.

Do I have to reserve tickets for timed entry?

Timed tickets may be required for admission to the Garden. This is necessary to alleviate overcrowding, ensure a more pleasant experience, and protect the Conservatory, collections, and delicate exhibitions.

How do I redeem my Member Passes?

To receive complimentary parking, redeem pass to the parking attendant upon arrival on Garden premise. When parking at our secure parking facility at 401 Bedford Park Blvd, Members must validate parking ticket and redeem pass at a Garden ticket window to avoid Event and Standard Weekday non-visitor rates. For guest admissions, passes can only be redeemed at Garden ticket windows; they cannot be reserved in advance. Each pass can be used once. If you do not have your passes when you visit, you will be required to pay regular price (no refunds).

How do I redeem Member Passes for timed-entry admission?

If a Member with a timed ticket brings a friend using a guest pass, Garden Representatives will do their best to accommodate the guest(s) at the same time. Additional timed tickets are available for purchase at regular price if you have exceeded the number of complimentary admissions allowed by your Membership level.

Can I give a friend one of my Member passes?

No. Members are required to accompany their guest(s) when using a guest pass.

Are Member Passes always valid for guest admission?

Member Passes are not valid for guest admission during the Holiday Train Show® or select premium events.

What reciprocal benefits do Members have at participating gardens and arboreta?

Garden Members receive reciprocal benefits at gardens and arboreta throughout the United States through our association with the American Horticultural Society Reciprocal Admissions Program. Benefits vary by organization. Members must contact the Garden they wish to visit confirm what benefits are available. A complete listing can be found https://ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/ .

Can I access the Garden prior to opening hours?

Early Morning Access is a great way to enjoy the beauty and solace of the New York Botanical Garden’s grounds before the Garden is open to the general public. Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Patron level Members can utilize their complimentary Early Morning Access from Tuesday–Sunday, 6–10 a.m. Please have your Membership ID card or proof of Membership purchase (receipt) available when entering the Garden. Please note that no building entry is allowed with the exception of the Visitor Center and East Gate restrooms and parking is only available at the Mosholu Entrance (2950 Southern Blvd.).

How long does it take to receive my Membership card(s)?

Membership cards and passes will be mailed within 2-3 weeks of Membership purchase. Membership is active upon purchase and is not contingent upon the receipt of Membership materials.

How many cards will I receive?

Individual level will receive one Membership card. Memberships that include two or more individuals will receive at most two Membership Cards, one for each adult named on the Membership. If a Member wishes to add a new second individual to the Membership during cycle, there is a $10 replacement card fee.

Do I need my Membership card to access my benefits?

No. If you do not have your Membership card, a photo ID will be requested by Garden Representatives to receive your Member benefits. Member benefits are for the Member(s) listed on the Membership.

I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?

There is a $10 replacement fee for lost, damaged, or stolen Membership Cards You can purchase a replacement card at any ticket window when visiting the Garden or by calling the Membership Office. Please allow 2-3 weeks for the mailing of replacement card(s).

Membership is valid for one year from the date your application is processed. No refunds, extensions, or exchanges will be granted if you are for any reason unable to utilize your Membership Benefits.

Memberships, Membership Benefits, passes, and Membership Cards are nontransferable.

Membership Downgrades

The Garden does not permit a Member to downgrade to a lower Category once the Membership materials have been received and/or benefits have been used.

Membership Terms & Conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all Members of the Botanical Garden. In these terms “you/r” or “Member/s” refer to all people who have purchased or applied for a Membership at the Individual, Individual Senior, Dual, Dual Senior, Family, Family Senior, Friends & Family, Supporting, Contributing, Sustaining, and Teacher categories. The terms “we”, “NYBG”, “the Botanical Garden”, or “the Garden” refer to The New York Botanical Garden. With the exception of the benefit of admission to the Garden, we reserve the right to alter the Membership Categories and Benefits without prior notice. Members and guests are subject to conditions and policies of the Garden. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to refuse entry and/or Membership to a Member and to revoke a Membership without refund if a Member behaves in a threatening or abusive manner toward any person, or damages or threatens to damage any of the collections at The New York Botanical Garden. We reserve the right to amend the terms of these policies at any time. At the time of an amendment, Members will be notified.

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.

three Venus Flytrap plants with their traps open

Everything You Want To Know About Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants have captivated the minds of horticulturalists, scientists, and plant lovers worldwide for their ability to lure, catch, and digest prey. While most plants draw their nutrients from the soil, carnivorous plants have evolved over time—due to the nutrient-poor soil they grow in—to use small insects as their source of nourishment.

There are over 600 carnivorous plant species living in temperate and tropical regions around the world. These plants are found in nutrient-poor environments such as swamps, bogs, tropical wet and dry forests, and semi-arid habitats. The most common habitat for these plants is in peat bogs that have low nutrient concentrations and plenty of sunshine and water. These plants absorb the nitrogen they need through the animals they eat as opposed to the soil.

Most carnivorous plants trap, digest, and consume their prey through leaves that are modified to capture moving prey. Other variants of these plants, such as the Triantha, use a flypaper method on their flower stalks. And, most commonly known, the Venus flytrap captures insects that land on its traps and then use digestive enzymes to break down the insect and absorb nutrients from it.

In partnership with Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway, this page serves as a resource to learn all about carnivorous plants, how to care for them at home, and ways in which you can support protecting the species worldwide.

infographic of Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors with notes on either side of the drawing explaining botanical habits of the Venus Flytrap and butterwort

Little Shop of Horrors Partnership

We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Off-Broadway show, Little Shop of Horrors! We have created this infographic for theater attendees and plant enthusiasts alike to learn about the common prey capture and consumption processes of carnivorous plants, such as the Venus flytrap and butterwort.

You can get a closer look at Seymour’s notes here.

This infographic serves as Seymour’s way to figure out what exactly Audrey II is by referencing facts about the carnivorous plants she is botanically similar to – the Venus flytrap and butterwort according to the original 1960 film.

But as the notes on the infographic indicate, Audrey II’s behavior does not match those of the Venus flytrap and butterwort. In the musical, Audrey II develops a more unusual palate for human blood. The audience quickly discovers that Audrey II is not a plant from Earth at all, but appeared from outer space during a total eclipse.

In real life, our carnivorous plants at NYBG prefer small insects, such as ants and flies. You can explore our gardens to find our collection of carnivorous plants and learn about their behaviors.

Types of Carnivorous Plant Traps

Check out the various styles of traps that carnivorous plants can have!

five white-topped pitcher plants with their traps open

Pitfall traps are most commonly found in pitcher plants. The leaves fold together and form an enclosed space, with digestives enzymes pooling at the base of the leaves. The pitcher plant will capture the insect that flies near the opening of its leaves. Once trapped in the plant, the insect is digested through its enzymes within the leaves.

a close up image of a Cape sundew with several thin hairs lined with mucus

Carnivorous plants with stalked glands that produce mucilage have flypaper traps. Insects are dissolved and absorbed with the help of the mucliage. Sundews and Butterworts are some examples of carnivorous plants with flypaper traps.

A Venus flytrap with a small insect crawling in its leaves

The Venus Flytrap is a classic example of a snap trap. Once an insect touches the outer hairs and lands on the inner leaves, its hinged leaves close around the insect. Although the Venus flytrap is one of the most famous carnivorous plants, the snap trap is not a common method of plant carnivory. Only two species in the world use this method.

close up image of a bladderwort plant with its bladder-shaped traps along the stem

Suction traps are uniquely shaped like a bladder with a hinged door lined with trigger hairs. The insect enters through the opening of the trap and is digested. Bladderworts are known to have this style of trap.

Image Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

corkscrew plant with long, twisted channels extending outwards

The corkscrew plant has lobster pot traps, which are twisted tubular channels with hairs and glands that trap prey. Plants that have these traps tend to catch very small prey, such as protozoans.

Image Source: Carnivorous Plant Resource

Carnivorous Plants At Home

Do you have a carnivorous plant at home? The Mertz Library has a guide for how to care for some of the most popular carnivorous house plants, such as the Venus flytrap and American Pitcher Plant.

Learn More
Protecting Carnivorous Plants

Due to their popularity, carnivorous plants in the wild have diminished significantly. Local, federal and international laws are in place to protect this species from going extinct. One of the greatest contributors to carnivorous plants is the destruction of their habitats by humans. Draining of wetlands, fire suppression, and changes in weather patterns as a result of climate change all contribute to the dwindling of this species.

Carnivorous Plant Care 101

Most carnivorous plants prefer bright light, and many, such as Sarracenia spp., are best with direct sunlight. Fluorescent or other LED grow lights can be used for indoor cultivation of many species. A terrarium of smaller carnivorous plants on a windowsill or under lights can make a great set-up.
Almost all carnivorous plants require high humidity. An indoor terrarium or an outdoor bog garden in humid regions will meet this requirement.
Do not use tap water or mineral water on carnivorous plants. Rainwater, reverse osmosis, or distilled water are ideal. Water must be low in dissolved solids. Most carnivorous plants require moist to wet soil in the warmer months and slightly less moisture in winter. Tropical species will require moisture year-round. Species with specialized ecology will vary in moisture and temperature requirements.
Temperature requirements vary with species and some require a distinct cool dormancy period (Dionaea, Sarracenia, some Drosera and Pinguicula.)
Dividing and planting is best done in early spring for many species. Many species resent much root disturbance and care should be taken when repotting. Some species need to be kept evenly moist with no drying. Plants should be potted in relatively large containers to prevent excessive drying of plants. These plants should be placed in saucers of water or irrigated regularly. Water tolerance at the root zone can vary by variety and season.
It is best to avoid fertilizers when growing carnivorous plants. Fertilizers that have high salts can quickly kill many species and the damage is difficult to recover from. Despite popular opinions, carnivorous plants can be fed with fertilizers, but they must be a low concentration and preferably not derived from salts (seaweed/fish emulsion) and only done very sparingly. Any buildup of nutrients in the substrate can be fatal to many varieties. Do not feed any with actual meat, as they are incapable of digesting complex proteins!

Check out these fun facts about Carnivorous Plants!

LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Our Library’s collection has great images, books, and more on all things carnivorous plants!

Illustrations of North American pitcher plants

Title: Illustrations of North American pitcher plants
Source: Mertz Folio collection

Biodiversity Heritage Library

a chart with details about various carnivorous plant parts

This 1942 edition of The Carnivorous Plants by Francis Ernest Lloyd has information about carnivorous plants and detailed, black and white images of plant cells.

Biodiversity Heritage Library

A man using a magnifying glass to look at Elizabite, a carnivorous plant, with four green leaves and a red bud

Before the Little Shop of Horrors came Elizabite by Hans Augusto Rey. Written in 1942, housed in Mertz Juvenile Collection, Elizabite is a classic carnivorous tale about a Venus Flytrap named Elizabite who eats everything on sight and finds herself on an interesting plant adventure.

Visit the Mertz Library to check this book out and more!

Learn More

Image of a plant with three traps open that are featured in the publication Weird Plants by Chris Thorogood

Visit the library to read and see Thorogood highlight weird plants and their evolution, plant behaviors, the interrelationships among plants and the interdependencies between plants and animals.

Visit the Mertz Library to check this book out and more!

Learn More

Here's Some Carnivorous Plants You Can Find Around NYBG!

Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
White-Topped Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia leucophylla), Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Sundew (Drosera), Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Hybrid Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia 'Judith Hindle'), Perennial Garden
Cape Sundew (Drosera capensis), Enid A. Haupt Conservatory
Hybrid Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia x excellens), Native Plant Garden

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Everything You Want To Know About Carnivorous Plants

Little Shop of Horrors Partnership

Types of Carnivorous Plant Traps

Pitfall Traps

Flypaper Traps

Snap Traps

Suction Traps

Lobster Pot Traps

Carnivorous Plants At Home

Protecting Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous Plant Care 101

Check out these fun facts about Carnivorous Plants!

LuEsther T. Mertz Library

North American Pitcher Plants

Carnivorous Plants Chart

Elizabite by Hans Augusto Rey

Weird Plants By Chris Thorogood

Here's Some Carnivorous Plants You Can Find Around NYBG!

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about all things NYBG

Little Shop of Horrors Partnership

Types of Carnivorous Plant Traps

Pitfall Traps

Flypaper Traps

Snap Traps

Suction Traps

Lobster Pot Traps

Carnivorous Plants At Home

Protecting Carnivorous Plants

Light

Humidity

Water

Temperature

Planting

Feeding

Check out these fun facts about Carnivorous Plants!

LuEsther T. Mertz Library

North American Pitcher Plants

Carnivorous Plants Chart

Elizabite by Hans Augusto Rey

Weird Plants By Chris Thorogood

Here's Some Carnivorous Plants You Can Find Around NYBG!

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