Landscape and Garden Design Courses
Landscape and Garden Design
The objective of the Landscape and Garden Design Certificate program is to prepare students to apply basic design principles and techniques in creating beautiful, environmentally responsible landscapes. Utilizing graphic skills and plant knowledge, students will work through the design process to develop a presentation plan.
Native Plant Landscapes
The Native Plant Landscapes Certificate program consists of a series of courses designed for participants to learn to appreciate and use native plants, discover the importance of habitats and ecosystems, and explore how native plants can fit into our gardens.
Floral Design
The Floral Design Certificate program offers the most extensive course of study available in the region, covering all aspects of floral design. The history and progression of floral design is integrated into each class so that students know how and why arrangements are done in a particular way. Participants are also provided with a strong foundation for building upon their own creativity and imagination.
Botanical Art and Illustration
Students enrolled in the Botanical Art and Illustration Certificate program will learn how to draw botanical subjects with scientific accuracy, artistry and mastery of technical methods. Using a basic knowledge of plant morphology, participants will develop the skills needed to document plants in intricate detail, including the root system, upper and lower leaf surfaces, flowers, fruits and seed heads. This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing art for pleasure and self-satisfaction, and they can choose between two concentrations: watercolor or colored pencil. Beginners, as well as those with art experience, are welcome. Students may repeat most courses in the program at a 10-percent discount; however, a repeat course cannot apply toward certificate credit.
Permaculture Design
Permaculture is synonymous with ecological and regenerative design, and integrates natural environmental processes with human-made systems to enhance both human and environmental health. During this 11-session course, students will visit Pittsburgh’s premier examples of permaculture in action to get a sense of what is possible in urban sustainability. Students then will put their new knowledge into action by co-designing a space at Phipps Garden Center.
Professional Education
As a busy landscaper, you need quality continuing education to stay ahead of the sustainable curve. Our programs are taught by experts in the fields of horticulture, arboriculture, turf management, and forestry. These classes are designed to help landscapers build the skills they need to offer more environmentally-friendly services while taking care of their bottom line.
