Professional Courses

In keeping with Longwood Gardens’ principle of promoting the art and science of horticulture, the Continuing Education Program continues to expand its diversity of courses designed for the professional gardener and landscape professional.

These informational sessions provide in-depth information on specific topics relevant and useful to those interested in continuing their professional development and/or accumulating training and credit hours toward plant and garden related professional licenses. Please note that while homeowners and garden hobbyists are welcome, these classes are taught on a professional level.

Download information on professional credits for DE, PA, NJ, MD and DC (in pdf format).  Please check with the office at 610-388-1000, ext 559.  Credit information may have been changed.

Courses:

Weed Identification

DATE: Wednesday, May 12, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room

or

DATE: Wednesday, September 15, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room

Meets Horticultural Techniques class requirement

with Nancy Bosold

This hands-on session will go over identification and management strategies for some broadleaf and grassy weeds common to landscape, turf, and roadside sites. Classroom instruction and field observation will focus on life cycles, key characteristics, and plant structures that are useful in identification. Discussion will include control methods to keep weeds in check.

Dress for the outdoors.

Tips for Turf Diagnosis: Insect and Disease Management

DATE: Wednesday, May 12, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room

or

DATE: Wednesday, September 15, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room

Meets Horticultural Techniques class requirement

with Nancy Bosold

What distinguishes an excellent lawn from an average one? It could be your ability to diagnose symptoms of turf grass disease, insect, or cultural damage. In this session, students will learn signs, symptoms, and management strategies to remedy common turf grass problems.

Students will observe samples of pests and beneficial insects that turf managers may encounter.

Pest Identification

DATE: Thursday, June 17, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room & Outdoors

or

DATE: Thursday, September 9, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room & Outdoors

Meets Horticultural Techniques class requirement

with Mike Leventry

Recognizing pest damage and learning to differentiate between harmful and beneficial insects are essential parts of pest management. During a guided walk through Longwood’s outdoor landscape, students will observe and identify common pest signs and symptoms. Discussions will cover pest life cycles and methods of natural, biological, and chemical controls as components of an integrated pest management program.

Bring a good quality l0x hand lens if you have one. Dress for the outdoors.

Plant Disease Identification

DATE: Thursday, May 20, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room & Outdoors

or

DATE: Thursday, June 17, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room & Outdoors

or

DATE: Thursday, September 9, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room & Outdoors

or

DATE: Thursday, September 16, 9:00 am to 12 pm
FEE: $81 Garden pass member / $90 non-member
WHERE: Acer Room & Outdoors

Meets Horticultural Techniques class requirement

with Bob Mulrooney

Monitor landscapes effectively by learning to recognize the symptoms of plant disease, the conditions that cause them, and applying controls as necessary. On a walk through Longwood Gardens, students will see firsthand common diseases of trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Class discussions will cover control measures including proper horticultural practices, sanitation, resistant cultivars, and fungicides.

A 10X hand lens is suggested but not required for use in diagnosing plant diseases. Dress for the outdoors.