Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Series
The Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Full Series is offered January – May of 2024. This certificate provides the foundation necessary to have a successful garden or landscape. From professional development to the home gardener, we welcome all levels as we discuss soils, trees, ecology and food production in Colorado’s harsh climate and growing conditions.
The full certificate series includes 12 core classes. In addition, students are required to register for any of the three Rocky Mountain Gardening course electives of choice. Students earn their Denver Botanic Gardens Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate upon completion of 12 required core courses and 3 electives.
Core Certificate Series Courses
Bluegrass and Other Lawn Grasses
Botany for Gardeners
Colorado Ecosystems
Ecology for Gardeners
Pruning Basics for Gardeners
Rocky Mountain Horticulture I
Rocky Mountain Horticulture II
Seven Principles of Water-Smart Gardening®
Tree ID and Selection
Understanding Front Range Soils
Vines and Groundcovers
Water-wise Landscape Planning for Non-designers
Courses are clearly identified as required core or as electives in the description.
Attend all required courses. Upon completion, email adult.programs@botanicgardens.org to request your certificate.
Register for Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Series
Downloadable Rocky Mountain Gardening 5-year checklist.
Downloadable Rocky Mountain Gardening 24-month checklist.
The next round of the Adult Education Programs financial assistance program is anticipated to open in May. The link to the application will be posted here.
FAQ
How do I register?
Register for any of the three certificate options online. There is no application process. Registration for the winter and spring courses opens Friday, Nov. 17.
How much will the full certificate program cost?
Courses are offered individually or as a series at a discount. Courses are offered both online and onsite for any learning style at any location.
Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Series (full registration both online and in person)
$1,014, $869 member, $600 student
Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Series (individually self-paced)
$1,595, $1,369 member
Rocky Mountain Gardening Short Certificate Course
$389, $345 member
Who should participate?
Aspiring horticulturists, hobby gardeners, experienced gardeners looking to develop expertise, landscape maintenance professionals and other Green Industry individuals seeking a deeper knowledge of best growing practices in horticulture.
What if I want to take two years to complete my certificate?
Students have 24 months to complete the 12 core courses and three electives if you take courses individually. Your certificate starts when you sign up for your first course. Courses may be taken in any order. Upon completion of the required courses and electives, apply for the certificate by submitting your course completion list by email to adult.programs@botanicgardens.org.
What if I already started the certificate under the five-year option?
If you began taking courses prior to 2024, you still have five years to complete the certificate. Access the Self-paced Five-year Plant Checklist. A link to the five-year requirements document coming soon.