Grow — California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Program

Get Horticultured & Grow

Join the Evolution

The Landscape is Changing

A new idea is taking root in California gardening. The movement towards native landscaping is growing every year, opening new opportunities for professional landscapers.

Our California Native Plant Landscaper Certification (CNPLC) program is a job-training course for landscape professionals developed and taught by highly respected native plant experts. Designed with the professional —and the aspiring professional— in mind, this 19-hour course is offered in Spanish and English with flexible hours including nights, weekends, and recordings that can be accessed anytime. At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and learn how to promote your business.

We’re committed to helping landscapers compete and win new clients in the changing Central Coast landscaping business. If you’re interested in joining our next session, register today!

“I chose to take this program because I am in the middle of taking up someone’s turf and I was interested in putting in a native landscape. I found this course and it’s been awesome!”

Gina Roduski

“I have always been interested in drought-tolerant landscapes and I wanted to deepen my understanding of how to engage with a native plant environment and also how to promote that in my neighborhood.”

Ross Foti

“It has been such a fantastic course and I highly recommend it. I’ve been wanting to take this course to learn more about California native plants and now I am able to incorporate them into my garden at home.”

Steven Thorne

“There are just so many little bits of knowledge that come from having so many experts around you, and you know, this is the authority… Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. These folks know what they are doing.”

Collin Grant

Curriculum

The CNPLC program is a hybrid online learning and hands-on vocational training program designed for working and aspiring landscape professionals. Developed by experts in the field of native plant horticulture, it will give you the tools you need to successfully manage native plants and California-friendly landscapes.

At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and learn how to use your new knowledge and skills to promote your business.

Lesson 1: Introduction

Learn about habitats, native and California-friendly plants, lawn removal, and alternatives for replacing lawns, and discover how to grow natives in almost any garden condition.

Lesson 2: Plant ID

Study and learn about the most common California-native plants for the central coast that are available in the landscape industry.

Lesson 3: Soils

Learn to identify soil texture and its relationship to infiltration, soil-based problems encountered when gardening with native plants, and how to discuss proper soil management with your clients.

Lesson 4: Irrigation Part I

Although native plants are adapted to our climate, new plants must be established to survive summer. This means they must be watered more regularly. Learn how to successfully irrigate native gardens based on the age, plant material, and soil type.

Lesson 5: Irrigation Part II

Explore strategies to transform lawn areas into beautiful, water-efficient landscapes and how to keep them thriving with long-term irrigation techniques, and more. Then, learn more about money-saving rebates available to your clients.

Lesson 6: Weeding & Integrated Pest Management

Learn to manage weeds, identify the key conditions and pests commonly seen in native gardens, and how to use integrated pest management techniques.

Lesson 7: Pruning

Find out why proper pruning is essential to native plant maintenance along with techniques to achieve the desired effect. Plus, learn the basics of proper tool hygiene.

Lesson 8: Garden Assessment & Putting it All Together

Learn to identify native plants, soil types, irrigation, and more. You’ll also learn how to identify and troubleshoot problems, create cost analysis, and promote your business.

Workshop 1: Irrigation Practices

This in-person workshop helps you establish native plants by season, run irrigation assessments, determine irrigation scheduling, and review equipment.

Workshop 2: Pruning

This in-person workshop covers California native plant maintenance.

Developed By Industry Leaders

The Garden is proud to offer the CNPLC program in partnership with Theodore Payne Foundation and California Native Plant Society.

Thank you to our partners and our growing community of devoted native plant professionals. Together, we can ensure biodiversity thrives across California!

Garden group standing and learning together — Coming together to learn and grow

Grow Your Business

More and more homeowners are transitioning from traditional to native gardening. Our CNPLC course gives you and your crew the tools you’ll need to create and keep a native garden thriving. Let us create a custom class for your company.