DonateHorticulture Classes For Every Skill Level
As the foundation for all life on Earth, native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems. They provide habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects, save water, reduce erosion and fire risks, and they can even help mitigate the impacts of climate change. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why native plants are a delightful addition to every garden.
With your help, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden can reach our goal of ensuring 30% native plant coverage in the places where we live, work, and play. Whatever your skill level, we invite you to join us for one of our many horticulture classes so you can grow with success. Learn more about our introductory, intermediate, specialty, and professional courses below and check out our calendar to get started!
Introduction
Classes in this track introduce participants to the foundational tools needed for native plant gardening. Each class focuses on the basic principles – from learning how to assess your garden conditions to proper planting techniques – aimed at setting every gardener up for success.
Classes within this track include the Introduction to Native Plant Gardening, California Native Plant Irrigation, Seasonal Native Plant Maintenance, and more.
Intermediate
Classes in this track build upon the skills learned within our introductory offering. Participants of our intermediate classes should have some foundational knowledge of native plant horticulture.
Classes within this track include propagation (seed and vegetative), pruning (offered every fall), our “Get to Know and Grow” series, and more.
Specialty
Classes in the specialty track celebrate the joy and beauty of native plants. Anyone with curiosity and piqued interest in native plants is welcome to take one of our classes. From learning more about the nature of oaks to spring super blooms, there is sure to be a class for you.
Classes within this track include Native Plants for Birds, the Horticulture of Wildflowers, Gardening Under Oaks, Cultivars for the Garden, and more.
Landscaper Certification
Our California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate Program (CNPLC) 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 are accessible anytime. At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate of completion and get support promoting their business.