California Native Plant Landscaper Certification Program | February 2026

Details:

The California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate (CNPLC) is a hybrid hands-on and online learning program for vocational training 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. The curriculum includes instruction on plant ID, soils, irrigation, weeding and integrated pest management, pruning, and garden assessment.

Duration:  February 14 – March 7, 2026 (four weeks) including 20 hours of instruction

Classes will be held in-person at the Garden on these dates and will meet in the Pritzlaff Conservation Center:

Saturday, February 14, 10:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 28, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Program participants are welcome to park in the staff parking lot on the east side of Mission Canyon Road when attending these three classes.

Class will meet in-person at Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden on this date:

Saturday, February 14, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Classes will be held online via Zoom on these dates:

Wednesday, February 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 18, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Pricing:

$375 per person (includes the costs for a set of Native Plants for Southern California Gardens flashcards and the CNPLC student handbook)

Questions?

If you have questions about the content of the program, please contact Alejandro Lemus at alemus@sbbotanicgarden.org or 805-682-4726, ext. 179. If you need assistance with the registration process for the program, please contact Kellyn Allavie at kallavie@sbbotanicgarden.org.

About the Instructor:

Alejandro Lemus was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has experience working in habitat restoration, horticulture and education. As the Garden’s Horticultural Educator, Alejandro develops and implements horticulture programming for professional landscapers and residential gardeners. Having spent many years working in propagation and retail nurseries, Alejandro is passionate about growing native plants and informing the public of the benefits and beauty of habitat gardening.