Sustainable Horticulture
The Sustainable Horticulture Certificate program consists of a series of core courses that includes Basic and Advanced Horticulture, Soils, Diagnosing Plant Problems and Botany for Gardeners. These classes teach best management practices necessary for gardening with minimal ecological impact. Electives further enhance students’ understanding of sustainable practices that help protect soil health, water resources, air quality and land usage, and result in the creation of aesthetically pleasing gardens.
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.
Seed Starting | Linda Kramer
Tues., March 19 (Snow date: March 26) | 7 – 9 p.m.
$22 members | $27 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to successfully start seeds at home
Level: Beginner
Prerequisite: None
Learn the steps to successfully start seeds and transplant them. Discuss heirloom and hybrid qualities and gain the confidence to successfully start seeds at home for spring. Sustainable Horticulture and Native Plant Landscapes elective; PCH 3.5 | LA CES 2.0
This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Seed Starting class.
Soil Ecology | Walter Jarosh
Tuesdays: March 26, April 2, 9 and 16 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$88 members | $98 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To understand soil’s role in the garden and to learn to modify it for successful gardening
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Healthy soil and the beneficial bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms it harbors provide the foundation for optimal plant growth and development. Learn about the physical properties of soils, best management practices, and soil tests and fertilizers. Sustainable Horticulture, Landscape and Garden Design, and Native Plant Landscapes Certificate core course; PCH 8.0 | LA CES 8.0
History of Chinese and Japanese Gardens | Joshua Beblo
Mondays: April 8, 15 and 22 | 7 – 9 p.m.
Field trip: Sat., April 27 | Time: TBD
$88 members | $98 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be conversant in the history and design elements of Chinese and Japanese gardens
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None
Chinese and Japanese gardens are designed to connect with nature on a spiritual level, providing tranquility and subtle beauty. Examine these two distinct styles of Asian gardens through design theories, religious beliefs, symbolism and natural building materials. Survey many authentic examples through images, plans and readings, and learn various methods and techniques to include these elements in the home landscape. Venture outside of the classroom on a field trip on Sat., April 27. Travel will be required; details will be announced in class. Sustainable Horticulture Certificate and Landscape and Garden Design Certificate elective; LA CES 8.0 | PCH 8.0
Fragrant Plants for the Landscape | Leslie Kaplan
Wed., April 10 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$22 members | $27 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to use a wide variety of fragrant plants effectively in the home landscape
Prerequisite: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Learn about the plants suitable for our area that can take your garden’s impact to the next level with fragrance. Sustainable Horticulture and Landscape and Garden Design Certificate elective; PCH 2.0 | LA CES 2.0
Hydrangeas | Leslie Kaplan
Tues., April 23 | 7 – 9 p.m.
$22 members | $27 nonmembers
Phipps Garden Center in Mellon Park
Objective: To be able to effectively select, plant, prune and care for hydrangeas
Prerequisite: None
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Discover how easy it is to have hydrangea blooms all summer long! Learn when to prune and how to get that amazing pink, blue or purple color. We will cover the following topics: culture, pruning, use in your landscape, new varieties and unusual cultivars. Sustainable Horticulture, and Landscape and Garden Design Certificate elective; PCH 2.0 | LA CES 2.0
This class is now filled. Please call 412/441-4442 ext. 3925 or e-mail with questions, or to get an email alert about spaces in this class or the next Hydrangeas class.
