NOTE: Phipps is open for your visit. All tickets must be purchased in advance, and safety protocols must be followed. Learn more about how you can join us!

The Sustainable Horticulture, Landscape and Garden Design, and Native Plant Landscapes Certificate programs consist of courses that teach best management practices necessary for gardening with minimal ecological impact, design priciples and techniques for creating environmentally responsible landscapes, and essential knowledge on how to best use native plants for habitat and ecosystem preservation.

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.

Current Classes

Classes in Progress

  • History of the English Garden | Joshua Beblo | Wednesdays: Jan. 13, 20 and 27 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Detailed Listings

History of Colonial American Gardens | Joshua Beblo

Wednesdays: Feb. 24, March 3 and 10 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$66 members | $76 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to describe the key designers and elements of colonial American garden design
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None

When Europeans first began colonizing North America, they brought gardening traditions from their homeland with them. Explore how these cultural styles were modified to fit the differences in the landscapes of North America by selecting different plants or blending elements to produce practical or pleasurable gardens. Compare the designs from different regions to see how some of these elements and values are still present in our gardens today. Landscape and Gardens Design Certificate elective; approved for 6.0 hours CEUs for landscape architects by ASLA

Register

Landscape Revitalization | Leslie Kaplan

Mondays: Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$88 members | $98 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to revitalize and refresh a home landscape without starting from scratch
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

An aging, established landscape often does not need to be removed entirely — only re-envisioned and reworked in order to revitalize it. Learn techniques for enhancing an existing landscape. Discover how to give the landscape a new look by adding fresh plants, removing those that are no longer thriving, engaging in selective pruning and incorporating other garden elements while still using existing plants. Use these skills to think through changes to your own property. Sustainable Horticulture and Landscape and Garden Design elective; approved for 8.0 hours CEUs for landscape architects by ASLA

Register

Spring Ephemerals | Jess Horenstein

Thurs., March 25 | 7 – 8:30 p.m.

$20 members | $25 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to identify and describe spring ephemerals of our region.
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Spring ephemerals offer us some of the first, fleeting glimpse of spring. Dive into what makes these plants unique and exciting and explore the species of spring ephemerals that grow well here in western Pennsylvania, including ones that you can grow in your garden. After this class you will be able to identify different types of ephemerals and where to look for them in the wild. Sustainable Horticulture, Landscape and Garden Design, and Native Plant Landscapes elective

Register

Shrubs for Every Space | Leslie Kaplan

Thurs., April 1 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$22 members | $27 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to recommend shrubs for a range of sites, landscape functions and cultural conditions
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Shrubs are the workhorses of the garden, adding structure and beauty in all seasons. Experience the vast variety available in size, texture, foliage, flower and fruit. Consider environmental conditions — including shade and deer pressure — as you learn how to find the right shrub for that special place. Sustainable Horticulture and Landscape and Garden Design elective

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Long-Blooming Perennials | Leslie Kaplan

Thurs., April 15 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$22 members | $27 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be familiar with long-blooming perennials that are appropriate for western Pennsylvania
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Don’t you wish the perennials in your garden would bloom longer? Often in gardens we balance short bursts of glorious intensity with the doldrums when nothing much is going on. Discover flower-power perennials to help fill your garden with long-lasting color. Plus, discuss gardening techniques to make the most of what you have, staggering bloom, deadheading and more. Sustainable Horticulture and Landscape and Garden Design elective

Register

Annuals, Biennials, and Bulbs | Duncan Himmelman

Tuesdays: May 4, 11 and 18 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$66 members | $75 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To become proficient in the identification, cultural requirements and landscape use of a wide variety of annuals, biennials and bulbs that are hardy in this area
Level: Beginner to intermediate
Prerequisite: None

Although short-lived, annuals are great for color and long bloom, as well as for filling in the perennial bed. Biennials include many interesting flowers and they often re-seed, acting in effect as perennials. Bulbs include the familiar daffodils and tulips, as well as many less common and even tender varieties. Build your repertoire of plants, discover important cultivars, discuss pest and disease issues and explore overall care of these important landscape plants. Landscape and Garden Design Certificate core course; Sustainable Horticulture Certificate elective

Register

History of the English Garden | Joshua Beblo

Wednesdays: Jan. 13, 20 and 27 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

$66 members | $76 nonmembers
Presented as a live webinar through Zoom

Objective: To be able to describe the key designers and elements of English garden design
Level: Beginner to advanced
Prerequisite: None

The English garden has a rich heritage of design, using flower colors and plant forms to dictate its composition. Discover the varied characteristics of gardens throughout several periods, beginning in the medieval garden and continuing through the Victorian era. Consider each style in the geographic, social and political context of its time period and explore plans and images of gardens that are still maintained today. Landscape and Garden Design Certificate elective; ; approved for 6.0 hours CEUs for landscape architects by ASLA

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