Education

Below is information on the NGC educational programs and schools. Click here to see upcoming National Garden Club Schools. Classes are being added all the time, so be sure to check regularly.

Gardening School

The NGC Gardening School courses are designed to provide information on topics of interest to those especially interested in gardening, horticulture, and related topics.

The school consists of a series of four courses, usually scheduled for two days of instruction, followed by a general examination on certain subjects in the course. Courses cover all aspects of growing, from understanding soil structure to pruning techniques, plant identification, etc. Topics include basic botany, soils, growing annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, fruits and vegetables, lawns, pests and diseases of plants, plant classification, pruning, and selected topics of local interest.

Although the courses are intended primarily for garden club members, they are open to the public, requiring only the payment of a nominal fee. Courses may be sponsored by member clubs, groups of clubs, and State Garden Clubs. Garden club members completing the series of four courses are awarded the designation of Gardening Consultant. Attendees from the public may attain Consultant status by joining a garden club during the course series or shortly after completion.

Environmental Study School

The mission statement of the Environmental Studies Schools is to teach environmental literacy to cherish, protect and conserve the living earth. The courses teach participants environmental literacy, appreciation of the natural world, encourages action for sustainable development and appreciation for the interrelation of all natural things. Particular emphasis is presently placed on land conservation, water conservation and air quality.

Landscape Design Study Program

The Landscape Design Schools (LOS) provide continuing education in landscape design. Course content is established by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). A series includes 4 sequenced courses consisting of 10 hours of lectures. A written examination is based on required reading and lectures.

After passing 2 courses, a student becoming a Provisional Consultant may join a Landscape Design Council, that provides educational programs and tours. NGC members passing courses I-IV receive a Consultant Certification Card, which is recognized as a special achievement, but does not convey professional status. Master Consultants have attended 4 refresher events or schools.

To learn more about this course, download our Landscape Design Mini-Guide.

Floral Design Symposium

Symposium is an in-depth course of design, horticulture and allied subjects pertaining to flower shows that is more advanced than presented in Flower Show Schools. These courses are primarily intended for Flower Show Judges to maintain their credentials, but all garden club members interested in learning more about flower shows, floral design and horticulture are encouraged to attend.

All NGC Accredited Flower Show Judges are required to attend NGC Symposiums in order to remain in Good Standing. Good Standing is necessary if a judge wishes to continue judging and evaluating flower shows. By attending and passing all Point Scoring Examinations, a judge advances from Accredited Judge to Accredited Life Judge and finally Accredited Master Judge.

Flower Show School

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 four courses each with a specific curriculum that includes horticulture, design, and flower show procedure.

If you are considering becoming a flower show judge, planning to chair a flower show, or you are just curious, your first step is to attend Course 1.

Subjects are taught by qualified instructors, and outlines are provided. Examples of horticulture and design are displayed and critiqued. Learn about point scoring to evaluate how entries are judged and see what it takes to get a blue ribbon. Learn about awards, types of shows, and what committees are needed to produce a show. We invite you to join this unique experience!