Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design
The Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design Certificate programs consist of courses that teach best management practices necessary for designing aesthetically pleasing properties with positive impacts on the environment and essential knowledge on how to best use native plants for habitat and ecosystem preservation.
Ecological Gardening Certificate
Gain a strong foundation in good gardening practices and a holistic look at the native plants and ecosystems of Western Pennsylvania in order to create and care for gardens that reflect an understanding of natural systems and provide beautiful places of refuge for people and local wildlife.
Landscape and Garden Design Certificate
Apply basic design principles and techniques in order to create aesthetically pleasing, environmentally responsible landscapes. Complete a capstone project by working through the design process and use the graphic skills and plant knowledge gained through your studies.
PLEASE NOTE: Those students who have already taken classes in pursuit of earning certificates in our previous programs can review the following documents to see how their credits will transfer to our current program or see how they can complete their certificate with new classes. You can also contact our Adult Education Administrative Assistant Sarah Bertovich at edu@phipps.conservatory.org with questions. We will do our best to help you complete your certificate requirements with our current course offerings.
Sustainable Horticulture Certificate
Landscape and Garden Design Certificate
For more details about our programs, or to receive personalized class recommendations from our helpful staff, please feel free to contact us at edu@phipps.conservatory.org.
Confirmations will be emailed before each class, including a Zoom link for online classes. Please check your spam/junk mail folder, and if you have not received the link, email edu@phipps.conservatory.org.
Virtual classes are recorded and made available to all registered participants for one month after the program.
Cancellation policy:
Contact edu@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-441-4442 ext. 3925 to cancel a class registration.
- Up to two weeks before the class (or the first class date, for a multi-session class), you may receive a full refund minus a non-refundable $10 adminstrative fee.
- Up to 72 hours (3 days) before the class or the first class date, you may receive a 50% refund.
- Less than 72 hours (3 days) before the class or the first class date, there are no refunds.
- Special events like conferences will have a separate cancellation policy and refund deadline.
Mask and COVID-19 Policy:
Masks are optional and welcome in Phipps classes when the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level in Allegheny County is in “Low” (green) or “Medium” (yellow). You can check Allegheny County’s current status here. Masks will be required when the level is “High” (Red). People with symptoms, a positive test or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should refrain from attending classes.
Want to sign up with a gift certificate?
Contact Phipps at edu@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-441-4442 ext. 3925 with your choice of class to sign up with a gift certificate. If there is a remaining balance for the class or a remaining balance on the gift certificate, we will discuss those details.
Current Classes
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Sustainable Gardening Principles and Practices | Meg Graham | Tues., Apr. 4, 11, 18 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. | Sat, April 22 (Rain Date Sun, April 23) | 9 a.m. – noon | This class is now filled.
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Landscape Design III: Principles of Design | Acadia Klain | Wed., April 26, May 3, 10 and 17 | 7 – 9 p.m. | Offsite field trip: Wed., May 24 (Rain Date: June 1) | 6 – 8 p.m.
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Plant Propagation | Linda Kramer with John Totten | Tues., May 2, 9, 16 and 23 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. | This class is now filled.
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Gardening in the Shade | Leslie Kaplan | Mondays, May 8 and 15 | 7 – 9 p.m. | Offsite field trip: Saturday, May 20 (Rain Date: Sun. May 21) | 1 – 3 p.m.
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Invasive Plant Interventions for Spring | Philip Bauerle | Field Experience: Saturday, April 15 | 10 a.m. – noon | Online Class: Monday, April 17 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | This class is now filled.
All times are Eastern Time Zone.
Classes currently in progress
- Landscape Design II: Design Overview and Development | Michele McCann | Wed., Mar. 8, 22, 29 (Snow Date: April 5) | 6:30 – 9 p.m.; Sat. March 11 | 9 a.m. – noon
Detailed Listings
Sustainable Gardening Principles and Practices | Meg Graham
Tues., Apr. 4, 11, 18 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Sat, April 22 (Rain Date Sun, April 23) | 9 a.m. – noon
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
$135 members | $145 nonmembers
Objective: To develop an understanding of current horticultural practices that are environmentally friendly and will result in a healthy, attractive landscape.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Current research-based horticultural practices provide a solid foundation for growing successful and sustainable gardens. This course will cover how to properly select and install native and sustainable plants, ensuring the right plant for the right place. Students will participate in hands-on demonstrations including soil preparation and the use of organic amendments, proper planting and mulching techniques, watering and maintenance practices. Participants will be introduced to proper pruning practices, IPM (integrated pest management), biological controls for pests and diseases, pollinator friendly practices and control of invasive species. Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design certificate programs core course. Approved for 10.5 CEUs for PCH and SLC by PLNA. Approved for 10.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.
This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.
Invasive Plant Interventions for Spring | Philip Bauerle
Field Experience: Saturday, April 15, 10 a.m. – noon
Online Class: Monday, April 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
$50 members | $55 nonmembers
Objective: To identify invasive plants and problematic ornamentals and learn strategies for removal and/or control
Level: beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: none
Did you know that timing is an important factor in controlling invasive species? Spring is the right time to tackle species such as garlic mustard, non-native shrub honeysuckle and Japanese hops. Early season interventions can also help reduce the vigor of tenacious weed species such as Canada thistle and Japanese knotweed, slowing their spread and making ongoing interventions less laborious. This class will provide hands-on learning in the field to identify these plants and other problem weeds, and will cover interventions that are most helpful for their control at this time of year. Ecological Gardening certificate program elective course. Approved for 4 CEUs for PCH and SLC by PLNA.
This class is now filled. Please email edu@phipps.conservatory.org to be placed on the waiting list.
Landscape Design III: Principles of Design | Acadia Klain
Wed., April 26, May 3, 10 and 17 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Offsite field trip: Wed., May 24 (Rain Date: June 1) | 6 – 8 p.m.
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
$200 members | $210 nonmembers
Objective: To understand and to begin applying the principles of aesthetics and design, including form, scale, rhythm, axis, color and texture, to landscapes.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: Landscape Design I, Landscape Design II
This course will explain design principles which will then be reinforced in class with exercises in both two and three dimensions. You will analyze the use of these design concepts in landscapes through slides, photos, magazines and a field trip. Landscape and Garden Design certificate program core course and Ecological Gardening certificate program elective course. Approved for 10.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.
Plant Propagation | Linda Kramer with John Totten
Tues., May 2, 9, 16 and 23 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
$130 members | $140 nonmembers
Objective: To master the techniques of plant propagation for landscape plants
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Plant propagation is a valuable skill and one that is easier to master than you may think. An interactive, hands on approach will lead you through the basics of producing new plants via seeds, cuttings and division. You’ll practice the art of propagating perennials, annuals, woody plants and vegetables and take home the results. NOTE: This class will not cover house plant propagation. Ecological Gardening Certificate core course.
Gardening in the Shade | Leslie Kaplan
Mondays, May 8 and 15 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Offsite field trip: Saturday, May 20 (Rain Date: Sun. May 21) | 1 – 3 p.m.
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
$75 members | $85 nonmembers
Objective: To develop an appreciation of the shade garden and be able to select and situate appropriate plants for the shady site
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Gardening in the shade is not difficult — it is just different! Shade gardens provide a peaceful retreat where you can highlight the simplicity and elegance of plants. Expand your plant palate and learn to combine a variety of forms, foliage textures and variegation to make your garden come alive. We will discuss different types of shade, as well as annuals, perennials and shrubs that thrive in shady conditions. Explore tried and true varieties as well as some of the newest cultivars that have recently been introduced to the trade. Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design certificate elective. Approved for 6 CEUs for PCH by PLNA.
Landscape Design II: Design Overview and Development | Michele McCann
Wed., March 8, 22, 29 (Snow Date: April 5) | 6:30 – 9 p.m.; Sat. March 11 | 9 a.m. - noon
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
$210 members | $220 nonmembers
Objective: To be able to understand and demonstrate the logical process of landscape design.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: Landscape I: Landscape Graphics [Note: This class was previously titled Landscape Design I: Design Overview and Development.]
Learn practical aspects of developing a landscape including site analysis, surveying and graphics, regulations and restrictions, and soil and natural communities. Using a site specified by the instructor, you will develop a site inventory and landscape plan, practicing skills which can be used for your own landscape. A materials list will be provided by the instructor. Landscape and Garden Design certificate program core course and Ecological Gardening certificate program elective.
