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.

Landscape Design IV: Design Development

Wednesdays: Sept. 27, Oct. 11, 18, 25 | 7 – 9 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$160 members | $170 nonmembers

Objective: To gain experience and graphic skills necessary to complete a master plan.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Landscape Design I, II and III [formerly Landscape Graphics, Landscape Design I and II]

Utilizing skills learned in Landscape Design I through III, the student will work through design development to create a master plan. Bring to first class: engineer’s scale; straight edge triangles (45° and 30°-60°-90°); mechanical pencils: 1 soft lead, 1 hard lead; chisel point black marker; extra-fine point black “sharpie” marker; small roll tracing paper (bum wad). Ecological Gardening elective; Landscape & Garden Design certificate program core course. This class has been approved for 8.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LACES.

Small Trees for Small Yards | Leslie Kaplan

Mon., Oct. 2 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$25 members | $30 nonmembers

Objective: To be familiar with the traits, habits, and growing conditions of a range of small trees suitable for our region.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Trees provide multiple benefits to your property - beauty, shade, habitat and food for many creatures. But what if your yard is too small for a big tree?  There are many beautiful and useful smaller ornamental trees. Learn a variety of locally adapted, commercially available species that reach 30 feet or so in height, attract wildlife, and enhance the beauty of your landscape. You will learn about the proper planting, culture, and care of trees. Ecological Gardening and Garden and Landscape Design elective. This class has been approved for 2.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LACES.

Ecology and the Designed Landscape | John Totten and Linda Kramer 

Tuesdays: Oct. 10, 17, 24 | 7 – 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (rain date: Sat., Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.)

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park (Tuesday sessions) | Field trip, details will be discussed in class (Saturday session)
$105 members | $115 nonmembers

Objective: To be able to apply the basic concepts of plant ecology and local plant communities to the designed landscape
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

The fields of ecology and landscape architecture grew up together in the late 19th century. Their close alliance was nearly lost in the mid-20th century but has since been rediscovered as interest in ecological landscape design and sustainability has grown. Students in this course will explore the basics of plant ecology and the plant communities of western Pennsylvania and then learn to apply these ideas to the designed landscape. A field trip to a new plant community based landscape will help students see how these principles can be applied. Ecological Gardening core course; Landscape and Garden Design elective. This class has been approved for 8.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LACES.

Orchid and Fungi Relationship: A Discussion of Mycorrhizae | Tim Choltco

Tues., Oct. 17 | 7 – 8 p.m.

Live webinar presented through Zoom
$12.50 members | $15 nonmembers

Objective:  to learn about the interactions of orchids and fungi and how they both benefit from being in relationship 
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Some plant families are completely dependent upon mycorrhizal interactions for seed germination, like the Orchidaceae (orchids). Mycorrhizae are a symbiotic relationship that occurs between fungi and plants. Approximately 90% of all vascular plant families have a form of a relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. These relationships occur when certain types of hyphal fungi colonize the roots of plants. Such relationships offer benefits to both the plant and the fungi. The plant obtains nutrients and increased water and mineral absorption via the addition the fungal hyphal network. The fungi in return obtains carbohydrates that it cannot synthesize itself. This presentation is an introduction to these interactions, with a focus on orchid and fungi relationships. This presentation is from the botany side rather than the mycology side of the coupling. Ecological Gardening elective

Fall Tree ID | Leslie Kaplan

Sat., Oct. 21 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$25 members | $30 nonmembers

Objective:  to identify trees by their leaf shape and other clues like seeds, bark and overall shape 
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Learn to identify common trees by exploring Mellon Park with residential garden designer and plant collector Leslie Kaplan. Get to know the native and ornamental trees of the park and learn how to use plant books and apps to help with tree identification. This class will take place both in the classroom and outside in the park. Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design elective. Approved for 2.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.

What Your Trees Wish You Knew! | Andrew Tomaskovic

Sat., Oct. 28 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$25 members | $30 nonmembers

Objective:  to understand tree health and structure to improve your interactions with trees 
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Healthy trees provide unmatched beauty and grandeur in the landscape. To keep them around for the long-term, we need to make informed choices about their care and the actions we take in the spaces they occupy.  Understanding the basics of tree biology and structural stability will be key. Join Board-Certified Master Arborist Andrew Tomaskovic for an introductory lesson in tree health and structure, and fundamentally improve your interactions with your trees for the better. Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design elective. Approved for 2.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.

Landscape Design V | Michele McCann

Wednesdays: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 29, Dec. 6, 13 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$300 members | $310 nonmembers

Objective: To complete a landscape design, incorporating the skills and processes learned in the core curriculum of the landscape design program, and drawing on knowledge acquired in the elective courses.
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Landscape Design I - IV

This course is the culminating project of the core part of the Landscape & Garden Design certificate program.  Using a specified design project, the student will work to develop a final design, including a planting plan. Landscape and Garden Design core course.  Approved for 15.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.

Home Garden Design | Meg Graham

Thursdays: Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30, Dec. 7, 14 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$195 members | $215 nonmembers

Objective: to complete a map of a small property or garden and develop concept maps in order to develop the best ideas for a final planting plan. 
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: Sustainable Landscape Plants and/or Ecology and the Designed Landscape are highly recommended.  

Home garden design is more than selecting plants for a project, it is the integration of all the elements and spaces that affect our outdoor living environment. In this course you will be introduced to the objectives and principles that are essential to developing a strong design solution for yourself all the while you'll be introduced to new garden and design ideas to help grow your design acumen. Classes will cover how to determine your goals, draw to scale, and complete site analysis and assessment. You will learn how to take these skills, draw your garden design and create a conceptual garden plan for yourself or family. NOTE: There is a lot to cover in the class and some time spent working on designs at home will be necessary.  Ecological Gardening core course

Creating a Mushroom Garden | Luke Mitchell

Sat., Nov. 4 | 2 – 4 p.m.

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park 
$28 members | $33 nonmembers | Optional supply kit: $18

Objective: to be able to start your own wine cap mushroom garden 
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

In this class we will cover the basics of starting a perennial mushroom bed in your backyard with wine cap mushrooms using easy to obtain supplies. The class will cover the basics of fungal life cycles, inoculating and maintaining the bed, considerations for location, and harvesting. This is a hands on class. Students will gain experience putting these lessons into practice. Students have the option to purchase their own wine cap mushroom kits for a creating a wine cap mushroom garden at home.  Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design elective. Approved for 2.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.

Phipps Sustainable Landcare Accreditation Training

Online classes: Tuesdays and Thursdays: Feb. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29
In-person at Native Plant Conference: Sat., Feb. 3, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Presented as a live webinar through Zoom, with one day in-person

Rate for Professional Landcare Providers (additional attendees from the same business receive a 50% discount; enter code TEAM50 at checkout):  $350 on or before Jan 19, 2024 ($400 after).

Reduced Rate for Environmental Nonprofits and Government and School Grounds Staff: $262.50 on or before Jan 19, 2024 ($312.50 after).

Scholarship Opportunities:

Partial scholarships are available for nonprofit, government and school staff as well as qualifying individuals. Complete our online application for consideration, and contact Juliette Olshock at jolshock@phipps.conservatory.org with questions.

Professional credits for LA CES, ISA, PCH, PLNA and pesticide recertification pending.

For landscape and lawn care professionals looking to distinguish themselves as true sustainable practitioners. Phipps models this intensive training after the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA) Organic Land Care Program. Coordinated by Phipps Sustainable Landcare Staff, this program offers an in-depth look at landscaping sustainably. Local landcare experts and regional professionals serve as instructors in this online course. The course covers content such as soil ecology; site analysis and design; organic pest, weed and disease control; rainwater management; invasive plants and more. The registration fee includes the textbook and catered lunch and evening reception for Feb. 3. To review the curriculum and instructor bios, visit phipps.conservatory.org/landcare.

Sustainable Landscape Plants | Joshua Beblo

Tues., Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Sat., Sept. 9, 16 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Rain date: Sat., Sept. 23)

Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
$150 members | $160 nonmembers

Objective: Students will be able to name a wide variety of landscape plants and discuss their cultural requirements and landscape uses
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Sustainable plants are those which are non-invasive, have minimal pest and disease issues and are well-suited to the climate and soils of gardens in southwestern Pennsylvania. Sustainable plants are also those which provide ecological services such as host plants for butterflies, nectar and pollen producers for bees and other pollinators and seeds and berries for birds. Native plants fit this definition along with many other wonderful landscape plants. In this class, students will become familiar with many landscape plants (perennials, trees and shrubs, etc.) learning their cultural requirements, how they grow and be able to identify them. This class is both lecture based and field study, as students have the opportunity to see these plants in the landscape. Ecological Gardening and Landscape and Garden Design core course. Approved for 12.0 CEUs for landscape architects by LA CES.