Curriculum
Professional Gardener students participate in a rigorous academic curriculum. Courses are organized into four semesters over the course of two years as follows:
1st Semester - January through March, Year 1
Principles of Horticulture
Fundamentals of Soil Science
Applications of Modern Mathematics
History & Theory of Garden Design
Floral Design
Fruit & Vegetable Culture
2nd Semester - July - through September, Year 1
Entomology
Greenhouse Management
Communication
Introduction to Landscape Design
Turfgrass Management
3rd Semester - January through March , Year 2
Arboriculture & Pruning
Plant Propagation
Landscape Design & Construction
Equipment Operation & Maintenance
Conservatory Plant Identification & Management
Business Management
4th Semester - September through December, Year 2
Floricultural Crop Production
Weed Identification & Management
Plant Ecology & Sustainable Practices
Plant Pathology
Capstone Garden Project
In addition to these courses, Professional Gardener students also are required to complete eight courses from the Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants series. Courses in this series focus on identification, culture, and garden use of hundreds of ornamental plants and are offered in the evening through Longwood's Continuing Education program. Each course covers a group of plants, such as Annuals, Shade Perennials, Deciduous Trees, etc.
2010 Course Catalog Available Now
Lectures, Courses and Workshops
Longwood offers the opportunity to learn directly from our gardeners and horticulturists in the unique Longwood learning environment.
Find out more »
Branches for Impact
Thursday, April 8
Learn about the best woody plants for impact in arrangements as well as ones that perform well in our area.
Find out more »
Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance
on view April 10–November 21, 2010
Longwood Gardens takes you inside the unmapped universe of scent with Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance, an interactive exhibition that explores the art, science and mystery of fragrance.
Find out more »
Orchid Extravaganza
Now through March 31
The divas of the plant world put on an unforgettable show throughout the Conservatory. See thousands of orchids from around the world, including a living orchid curtain and orchid topiaries, among many other innovative displays.
Find out more about what's in bloom »
Blue Poppies
In Bloom Now!
Longwood's famed Blue Poppies are back! These elusive plants are usually found in Scotland, Alaska and the Himalayas, but you need only to travel to Longwood to see these show-stopping beauties.
