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.

A close-up view of long green leaves, with the letters 'NYBG' overlaid in green neon

Research and Conservation Staff Directory

Gloria Coruzzi, Ph.D.
New York University

Sir Peter Crane, Ph.D.
President, Oak Spring Garden Foundation

Rafaela Campostrini Forzza, Ph.D.
Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden

Sir Ghillian T. Prance, Ph.D.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Quentin D. Wheeler, Ph.D.
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse
Brian Boom, Ph.D.

Bill Buck, Ph.D.

Susan Fraser
Director Emerita, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Roy Halling, Ph.D.

Andrew Henderson, Ph.D.

Noel Holmgren, Ph.D.

Patricia Holmgren, Ph.D.

Jacqueline Kallunki, Ph.D.

Kenneth Karol, Ph.D.

James Luteyn, Ph.D.

Robbin Moran, Ph.D.

Michael Nee, Ph.D.

Christine Padoch, Ph.D.

Charles Peters, Ph.D.

Dennis Stevenson, Ph.D.

Wayt Thomas, Ph.D.

Barbara Thiers, Ph.D
Ashley Aberg
Reference Archivist, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Genesis Abreu
Director of Urban Conservation Partnerships, Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Barbara Ambrose, Ph.D.
Director of Laboratory Research; Associate Curator, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research

Ginger Apolo
Curatorial Assistant, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Kathleen Armstrong, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Center for Biodiversity and Evolution

Michael Balick, Ph.D.
Vice President for Botanical Research, Senior Philecology Curator of Economic Botany, and Director of the Center for Plants, People and Culture

Evelyn Beaury, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Ana Maria Bedoya, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Center for Biodiversity & Evolution

Aleca Borsuk, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research

Laura Briscoe
Assistant Director of the Herbarium for the Cryptogamic Herbarium, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Kelcie Brown
Curatorial Assistant, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Luis Calzadilla
Senior Director of External Relationships and Engagement

Leslie Coleman
Library Assistant – Plant Information, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Leeann Dabydeen
Laboratory Manager, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research

Samantha D’Acunto
Reference Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Douglas Daly, Ph.D.
B. A. Krukoff Curator of Amazonian Botany and Director, Center for Biodiversity and Evolution

Alyssa Daughdrill
Shelby White & Leon Levy Digital Imaging Technician, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Mauricio Diazgranados, Ph.D.
Chief Science Officer and Dean, International Plant Science Center

Corinne Enright
Secretary, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research

Rhonda Evans
Director, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Leanna Feder
Herbarium Digital Asset Manager, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Nicole Font
Reference Archivist, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Annie Fu
Geospatial Developer and Systems Administrator, Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Elizabeth Gjieli
Geographical Information Manager, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Emma Grover
Project Manager, Nurturing Nature Initiative

JianJun Jin, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research

Lawrence Kelly, Ph.D.
Vice President for Science Administration; Director, Graduate Studies; Editor-in-Chief, Flora Neotropica Monographs

Lucja Klebieko
Shipping Supervisor, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Lisa Lall
Secretary, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Damon Little, Ph.D.
Curator of Bioinformatics, Center for Biodiversity & Evolution

Tallia Maglione
Herbarium Aide, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Alex McAlvay, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Center for Plants, People, and Culture

Althea Meer
Systems Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Fabian Michelangeli, Ph.D.
Abess Senior Curator of Tropical Botany, Center for Biodiversity & Evolution

Kelsey Miller
Conservator, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Silvana Monteiro
Research Assistant, Center for Biodiversity & Evolution

Jesse Moy
Visualization Artist, Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Robert Naczi, Ph.D.
Arthur J. Cronquist Curator of North American Botany, Center for Biodiversity and Evolution

Brad Oberle, Ph.D.
Associate Curator, Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Matthew Pace, Ph.D.
Associate Curator, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Kristine Paulus
Collection Development Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Katharine Pigliacelli
Shelby White & Leon Levy Processing Archivist, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Gregory Plunkett, Ph.D.
Senior Curator, Center for Plants, People and Culture

Joel Ramirez
Web Developer for Biodiversity Information Management, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Edgardo Rivera
Senior Curatorial Assistant, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Zachary Rosalinsky
Special Collections Catalog Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Lucy Royte
Manager of Urban Conservation Data, Tools, and Outreach, Center for Conservation & Restoration Ecology

Eric Sanderson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Urban Conservation Strategy

Emily Sessa, Ph.D.
Patricia K. Holmgren Director, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Stephen Sinon
William B. O’Connor Curator of Special Collections, Research and Archives, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Tynisha Smalls
Laboratory Manager, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research

Lior Statman
Digital Imaging Technician, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Catherine Stephens
Conservator, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Lisa Studier
Catalog Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Nicole Tarnowsky
Noel H. Holmgren Assistant Director, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Benjamin Torke, Ph.D.
Associate Curator, Center for Biodiversity and Evolution, Editor-in-Chief, Brittonia

Rose Vincent
Resource Sharing Librarian, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Kimberly Watson
Assistant Director of the Herbarium for Botanical Information Management, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Amy Weiss
Collections Manager, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Ash Welch
Herbarium Aide, William and Lynda Steere Herbarium

Elizabeth White-Pultz
Conservation Technician, LuEsther T. Mertz Library

Cecilia Zumajo, Ph.D.
Assistant Curator, Laboratory for Integrative Biodiversity Research
Lauren Audi
New York University

Fabio Andres Avila
City University of New York

Tori Barrow
City University of New York

Alejandra Carvajal
Florida International University

Arun Dayanandan
Yale University

Manuel Flores
Yale University

Jeremy Howland
City University of New York

Toni Johnson
City University of New York

Taylor McNamee
Columbia University

Kathryn Mercier
City University of New York

John Mwihaki
City University of New York

Meredith Preve
Florida International University

Kate Samra
City University of New York

Amaya Sathurusinghe
Yale University

Karam Sheban
Yale University

Luke Sparreo
City University of New York

Akshay Surendra
Yale University

Stanley Tan
Yale University

Alma Trujillo
Yale University

Marco Zanghi
Columbia University
Bobbi Angell
Botanical Illustration

Robert Bye, Ph.D.
Ethnobotany
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

Ricardo Callejas, Ph.D.
Systematics of Piperaceae, Flora of Colombia
Universidad de Antioquia

Paul Cox, Ph.D.
Ethnobotany
Institute of Ethnomedicine, Jackson Hole WY

Wade Davis, Ph.D.
Ethnobotany
National Geographic Society

Linda Einbond, Ph.D.
Pharmacology and phytochemsitry

Paul Fine, Ph.D.
Burseraceae
University of California, Berkeley

David K. Harrison, Ph.D.
Linguistics and anthropology
Vin University, Vietnam

Flor Henderson, Ph.D.
Food and nutrition
Hostos Community College

Edward Kennelly, Ph.D.
Phytochemistry
Lehman College

Colin Khoury, Ph.D.
Global Conservation Consortium-Food Plants Initiative

Paulo Labiak, Ph.D.
Fern systematics
Universidade Federal do Parana, Brazil

Fiona Yu Yin Law, Ph.D.
Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence

Wayne Law, Ph.D.
Ethnobotany
Lynn University, Florida

Lucia Lohman, Ph.D.
Bignoniaceae
Universidade de São Paulo

David Lorence, Ph.D.
Pacific Island Floristics
National Tropical Botanical Garden

Maria Cristina Martinez-Habibe, Ph.D.
Burseraceae, Flora of Colombia
Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia

John D. Mitchell
Angiosperm systematics

Antoine Nicolas, Ph.D.
Angiosperm systematics
Manhattan College

Paola Pedraza, Ph.D.
Ericaceae

Lauren Raz, Ph.D.
Dioscoreaceae, Flora of Colombia
Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Colombia

Michael Tessler, Ph.D.
Phylogenomics
St. Francis College

Thet Yu Nwe
Myanmar Pteridophytes

Ina Vandebroek, Ph.D.
Senior Research Fellow
The University of the West Indies

Eleanor Wurtzel, Ph.D.
Plant molecular biology
Lehman College

Thomas Zanoni, Ph.D.
Cupressaceae, Flora of the Caribbean
New York Botanical Garden

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

Subscribe Now

Distinguished Counsellors to the Board

Curators Emeriti

Core NYBG Science Staff

Graduate Students

Affiliated Scientists

Section Navigation

Section Navigation

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