S C H O O L S
These subjects are offered through National Garden Clubs. Occasionally there is an in-person class; however, most classes are offered virtually via Zoom. When classes become available they will be posted.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1958, professional instructors have maintained the high standards originally incorporated in the landscape design study program. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Students have been motivated to serve in political decision-making areas where awareness of the impact of a well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of life in the public arena.
CONTACT: Susie MacPherson, rmacpham@me.com
Course 1 – Your Ecosystem; Space, Design & People; Principles & Elements of LD; Developing Your Garden Plan; Basics of Site Plan; Color in the Landscape; Design for the Environment; Development of LD - Ancient Times to 1840; Xeriscaping
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Course 2 – LD Process; Designing for Pollinators & Wildlife; Plants in the Landscape; Accessible, Enabling & Therapeutic Gardens; Structures in the Landscape; Redesign of Areas; Development of North American LD; Preservation of Historic Sites & Structures; Overused, Often Invasive Plants & Native Alternatives
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Course 3 – LD Process; Woody Plants in the Landscape; Herbaceous Materials in the Landscape; LD with Maintenance in Mind; Graphics Interpretation; Creating Your Own Home Garden Landscaping Plan
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Course 4 – Contemporary LD Trends; Community Participation in Landscaping Projects; History & Development of Community Gardens; Suburban Design; Guidelines for Evaluating Landscape Designs; Evaluation of Landscape Designs
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
FLOWER SHOW SCHOOL (all FS classes are in-person)
Flower Show School is a comprehensive program that teaches all you need to know about judging, entering, competing, and chairing an NGC flower show. There are 4 courses each generally scheduled over a 2-3 day period, and each with a specific curriculum that includes horticulture, design, and flower show procedure (FSP). If you are considering becoming a flower show judge, planning to chair a flower show, or simply want to learn more, your first step is to attend Course I. Subjects are taught by qualified instructors and outlines will be provided.
CONTACT: Ruth Gorman, ruth.gorman3@gmail.com
Course 1 - An Introductory course which includes an Introduction to the Handbook for Flower Shows, flower show basics, discussions of growing and showing two Horticulture types with emphasis on exhibiting and judging using point-scoring. Instructor's designs illustrate Principles and Elements of Design and include Traditional designs: Line, Line-Mass and Mass.
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Course 2 – Presents photography in the Botanical Arts division, Petite designs and horticulture, and Table designs. Examples provided and critiqued using the Principles and Elements of Design. Two horticulture types are studied and point scored as well as a review of judging vocabulary. Types of innovative staging for horticulture are reviewed. The Elfin Award in Petite Horticulture and Table Design Awards are explained in detail. The duties of the Flower show committees are reviewed along with Standard and Specialty Flower Show requirements.
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Course 3 – In this course we explore the Education Division and Youth/Sponsored Group Divisions. Judging etiquette/ethics are reviewed. Our horticulture section goes into the details of combination plantings along with one specific horticulture type with examples provided and point scored. Several types of creative designs are featured and point-scored along with commenting vocabulary.
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Course 4 – The last class in the series, course 4 discusses the Flower Show Schedule writing assignment, writing a schedule with the emphasis on format and general rules and how to evaluate flower shows. This course explores Abstract Design including plastic organization and dynamic balance. The introduction of Collections and Displays, discussion of Botanical Arts Horticulture and Design sections, Club Competition, and Gardens are the focus of this course.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
GARDENING SCHOOL
Gardening School courses, primarily intended for garden club members, are open to the public. Organizers charge a nominal fee for attending each course. Member clubs, groups of clubs, Districts and State Garden Clubs may sponsor courses. Garden club members completing the series of four courses and passing exams gain the designation of NGC Gardening Consultant. Other attendees may attain Consultant status by joining a garden club during the school series or shortly after completion.
CONTACT: Linda Jean Smith, lindajean.smith@comcast.net
Course 1 - Botany, Soils, Techniques for Growing Outdoor Flowers, Plant Propagation
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Course 2 – Plant Diseases and Garden Pests, Irrigation and Water, Lawn Alternatives and Growing Grass, Growing Fruits and Growing Vegetables
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Course 3 – Factors that influence Plant Growth, New Plant Development and Evaluation, Container Gardening – Outdoor, Houseplant Basics, Native Trees and Shrubs, Teaching Tour of a Botanical Garden
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Course 4 – Plant Classification and Nomenclature, Outdoor Identification of Plants, Specialized Garden Styles, Techniques of Growing Woody Ornaments, Pruning Techniques
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL
Environmental Schools are a fun practical and economical approach to obtain a basic environmental education. Local garden clubs, councils, districts, State Garden Clubs or Region sponsor a series of four courses of 10 hours each. These classes investigate, challenge and explore all aspects of the environment with a focus on the interrelationships of plants, animals, insects and people. The goal is to maintain and renew an energy efficient and sustainable environment. Each course includes a 2-hour field trip. Tours may include natural areas, power or recycling plants, nature centers, sustainable architecture or boat trips to explore aquatic eco-systems.
CONTACT: Pat Rupiper, patrupiper@gmail.com
Course 1 The Living Earth - An Overview and Introduction: Ecology, Plants - Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Issues, Backyard and Wildlife Habitat, Networking and Outreach, Historic Environmental Actions and Leaders, Sustainability
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Course 2 The Living Earth - Land and Related Issues: Ecology - Land, Plants - Agriculture, Source Reduction of Pollutants, Toxics and Materials, Coastal Zone Management, Environmental Resources, Wildlife - Animals -The Misunderstoods, Gardening with Nature
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Course 3 The Living Earth - Air: Ecology - Air, Plants - Rain Forest, Environmental Ethics, Environmental Science - Pollution, Wildlife - Endangered Plants and Wildlife, Initiating Schools Programs, Earth Stewardship, Material Sources and Citizen Education Programs
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Course 4 The Living Earth - Water: Ecology - Water, Plants - Aquatic Plants, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Wildlife - Aquatic Animals, Youth Programs in Environmental Education, Earth Stewardship - Effective Citizenship