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.

Photo of the facade of the Library Building at NYBG

Continuing Education FAQs

As a leader in horticultural education for more than 125 years, The New York Botanical Garden offers the nation’s largest plant-related continuing education program for adults. Our certificate programs are at the forefront of education, with classes designed by experts and honed to deliver the necessary skills to start a new career or rewarding personal pursuit. We also bring students in contact with internationally renowned experts through lectures and master classes offered each season. Students have access to the Garden’s unparalleled resources, including its 50 display gardens as well as the LuEsther T. Mertz Library with collections containing well over one million items. Whether you take a class just for fun or enroll in a prestigious NYBG Certificate Program, we have something for you!

NYBG Classes & Registration Information

Program Coordinators are available for student counseling as it relates to course work. Program Coordinators are experts who are experienced instructors and working professionals in their respective areas. You can get in touch with a Program Coordinator through email. See below for contact list based on area of study:

Botanical Art & Illustration: bilcoordinator@nybg.org

Botany: botcoordinator@nybg.org

Floral Design: fdncoordinator@nybg.org

Gardening: garcoordinator@nybg.org

Horticulture: hrtcoordinator@nybg.org

Therapeutic Horticulture: thpcoordinator@nybg.org

Landscape Design: lancoordinator@nybg.org

Urban Naturalist: natcoordinator@nybg.org
In-Person Classes: Classes are offered at NYBG and some select classes at New Canaan Nature Center. Click on the links below to get the class list for each location:
- The New York Botanical Garden
- New Canaan Nature Center
Online Classes: As of January 2024, all multi-session online classes will be conducted through Canvas, NYBG’s Learning Management System. Single-day online classes will be conducted through Zoom.

For more information on classes facilitated through Canvas, view our Canvas FAQs.

Blended: “Blended” means that sessions of a particular class will take place online and in-person. The in-person class sessions take place at NYBG or an off-site location. The online sessions are facilitated through Canvas.
The New York Botanical Garden
2950 Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10458-5126
718.817.8720

When coming to class, please enter via Mosholu Entrance, located at 2950 Southern Boulevard, at all times. And ask for the Watson Building.
See map of path from the gate to the Watson Building.

New Canaan Nature Center (NCNC)
144 Oenoke Ridge (Route 124)
New Canaan, Connecticut 06840
Great question! Please review our handy FAQs About Online Classes.
If you are on the wait list for a class and a space opens up you will be contacted by the NYBG Registration staff by phone and/or email. Students are contacted in the order in which they appear on the wait list. If demand for a class is high, we will occasionally create a new section to accommodate students. If you are on the wait list and a new section for a class is created, you will be contacted.
If a class is canceled because it does not meet minimum enrollment, you will be called and/or emailed approximately one week prior to the class start date. Please make sure that we have your most current contact information on file so we can reach you in the event of cancellation.

In case of inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on the Continuing Education home page. You can also call 718.817.8720 (prompt 2) for information on class postponements. It is the student’s responsibility to call to learn if a class is postponed due to weather. Students are to call the Registration Office for a voice-mail message on class status recorded by:
- 7:30 a.m. for classes beginning 9–11:45 a.m.
- 10:30 a.m. for classes beginning 12–3 p.m.
- 1 p.m. for classes beginning 3:15–8 p.m.
Refunds and Withdrawals

No discounts or refunds will be granted for missed classes. If you decide to withdraw from a course before it begins, you must notify the Registration Office 10 full business days before the first session; we will issue a refund minus a $25 processing fee. We will not issue refunds or credits if you withdraw after the deadline, no exceptions.

Note that there is no refund for any materials fees if you withdraw after the deadline of 10 full business days before the first session.

In the rare case of course cancellation by NYBG, a full refund will be issued to you.
Summer Intensives allow you to take multiple required Certificate classes in a condensed period of time. Summer intensive programs are offered in Floral Design, Landscape Design, Gardening, and Therapeutic Horticulture.
None of the NYBG Certificate programs are full time. Rather, they are designed to be flexible, and taken over time at the student’s own pace. However, the NYBG School of Professional Horticulture does offer a full-time, two year diploma program. Please visit the SOPH website for detailed information.
Need the perfect present for that plant-loving someone? Classes at The New York Botanical Garden make the perfect gift for any occasion. When you purchase a Continuing Education gift card for a loved one, you’re giving them the gift of lifelong learning at one of the world’s foremost horticultural institutions. For the curious beginner, passionate expert, or anyone in-between, the Garden has a class to educate, inspire, and enrich.

Order Now

Gift cards are valid for one year from date of purchase. All purchases are final and valid for NYBG classes only.

The NYBG Certificate Programs

A Certificate signifies that a student has successfully fulfilled all the requirements of a prescribed series of courses. Several Certificates offer students a choice among areas of concentration.

The Garden offers Certificates in Botanical Art and Illustration, Floral Design, Horticulture, Botany, Gardening, Therapeutic Horticulture, and Landscape Design. Certificates are awarded each spring and have been used by many recipients to investigate plant-related pursuits or to qualify for salary increases and/or increased responsibilities in their current positions.

Please note: You have six (6) years to complete a Certificate. The catalog from which you start your Certificate program contains the requirements you must fulfill for the completion of your Certificate. See each section for the Certificate requirements.
We offer Certificates in the following disciplines:
Students generally complete our Certificate Programs in 1 to 2 years. However, you are free to complete the requirements at your own pace and credits do not expire for a full six years, from the start date of your first Certificate class. Certificate requirements are based on the program of courses stated in the catalog from which you started. You can accelerate your Certificate program through Summer Intensives.
Yes, Summer Intensives allow you to take multiple required Certificate classes in a condensed period of time. Summer Intensive programs are offered in Floral Design, Landscape Design, and Gardening.
You may register for as many classes and Certificate Programs as you wish as long as you have completed the prerequisites, if any are required.
Yes! You may are welcome to register for any course that does not have a prerequisite, including those labeled “Certificate Requirement” or “Elective”. You may also register for classes that require a prerequisite, as long as you have completed the prerequisite(s) required. You do not have to be working toward a Certificate to register for Certificate-level courses.
In rare cases, students may qualify for exemptions based on:
- College courses from an accredited college or university
- Evaluated non-collegiate sponsored instruction
- or proficiency exams.
Note: if you are exempt from a course, you must make up the hours through elective classes.
The NYBG Continuing Education Department has relationships with multiple institutions and companies in the New York metro area that have accepted NYBG students as interns in the past. NYBG instructors are working professionals in their field and may also be able to assist with internship connections. Contact the registration office at 718.817.8720 for further assistance.
While our Certificate Programs are not accredited by the US Department of Education, the School of Horticulture and Landscape Design is licensed with the New York State Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS), a division of the New York State Department of Education. Licensure under the state recognizes the Certificate Programs in Horticulture and Landscape Design as high quality and career oriented.

For more information, visit our State Licensing & Accreditation page.

The School of Professional Horticulture has a two-year full-time accredited Title IV program.
The annual Certificate Award Ceremony is held the first weekend in June. If you expect to complete your Certificate requirements or enroll in all remaining classes by June, you must complete and submit an application for graduation which will be available in March.

Call the Registration Office at 718.817.8720 or email graduation@nybg.org with any questions.

Resources and General Questions

Returning students should log in with the email address and password provided to them by the Registration Office. If you did not receive this, please call us at 718.817.8720.

New students should begin by creating an account.

Please contact the Registration Office at 718.817.8720 for further assistance.
Yes. Among other benefits, the Garden members receive 10% off all Continuing Education classes. Visit the membership page to learn more about becoming a member and saving on classes. Select NYBG Corporate Members are eligible for course discounts.
Yes. A limited number of work-study opportunities are available for students who wish to gain class credit by working in the NYBG Education Department. Computer skills are required. Email ContinuingEd@nybg.org for details.
For accommodation requests related to a disability, questions, comments, or more information about the accessibility of Continuing Education programming, please contact us by emailing continuinged@nybg.org.
All NYBG Continuing Education students have full access to the Garden’s LuEsther T. Mertz Library – the most comprehensive botanical and horticultural library in the world. Students can register for a library card which will provide offsite access to all of the Library’s electronic journals and databases and a 4,000 volume circulating collection for home reference use. Librarians are available to assist students during opening hours or you may also e-mail your questions to libref@nybg.org.
Visit the instructor page to read the instructor bios and search classes by instructor.
To inquire about becoming an NYBG instructor, please contact NYBG Continuing Education at ContinuingEd@nybg.org.
NYBG Continuing Education currently has one alumni group that current students or alumni can join for professional advice, networking and friendship: The Landscape Design Students and Alumni Association (LDSA). For information about LDSA contact Ellen Yellen at 914.723.4090.

To inquire about alumni groups across other disciplines, please contact studentservices@nybg.org.

CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

Select Landscape Design courses are available for CEU’s for American Society of Landcape Architects (ASLA) and Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) members. CEU’s are also offered in select Horticulture, Gardening and Botany courses for International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA).

Contact Us

Email: ContinuingEd@nybg.org
Phone: 718.817.8720

Mailing Address

Continuing Education Department
The New York Botanical Garden
Watson Building Rm 306
2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10458-5126

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How do I get help choosing classes?

How and where are classes offered?

How do I get to my in-person class?

How do I access my online class?

What is the process for getting off the wait list?

How do I find out if class is cancelled?

How do I transfer or get a refund?

What are the Summer Intensives?

Do you offer a full-time program?

Can I buy gift cards from NYBG Continuing Education?

What is a New York Botanical Garden Certificate?

What Certificates does NYBG offer?

How long does it take to complete an NYBG Certificate?

Is there a way to fast-track an NYBG Certificate program?

Can I enroll for more than one NYBG Certificate at a time?

Can I take an NYBG Certificate class without doing the entire program?

Can I receive an exemption from prerequisite classes?

Can I get help with an internship placement?

Are your Certificate programs accredited?

How can I graduate this year?

How do I get help logging into my Continuing Education account?

Are there discounts for NYBG classes?

Are there work study opportunities?

Who do I contact about accommodations regarding accessibility?

What NYBG resources are available to Continuing Education students?

How do I learn more about NYBG instructors?

How do I become an NYBG instructor?

How can I get in touch with NYBG alumni?

Can I get CEU or other credits for taking NYBG classes?

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