Horticulture & Gardening Courses

California native landscapes are adapted to our climate, and provide habitat to many California native bees, birds, and mammals. Using native plants in a landscape can make a garden more resilient and drought tolerant.

The Dos and Don'ts of Effective Fire Mitigation.

A foundational course in the practice and methodology of horticultural therapy. Accredited by the American Horticultural Therapy Association. 

A practical introduction to the basics of maintaining a home garden. 

Botany, the scientific study of plants, is the basis for understanding and using plants in the human habitat; covering plant diversity, physiology, and natural adaptation as a foundation for applied uses and plantings.

Teaching and using gardening Practices that are sustainable, this course covers composting, irrigation, water harvesting, as well as weekend field trips to LA's sustainable gardens.

This class covers both biological and non-chemical methods of insect control, andintegrated pest managemen (IPM).

Join us for a free virtual horticultural therapy information session.

An introduction to program management strategies and plans that lead to the establishment of an effective and successful horticultural therapy program.

Learn the necessary skills to successfully complete client assessments, evaluations and documentation. 

Attend a virtual information session about the certificates and specializations available in the Horticulture & Gardening program.

Internships provide students the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience.

Students will gain hands-on horticulture experience working at the LA County Arboretum.

An introduction to the fundamentals of growing plants indoors. Learn how to identify your unique indoor environment, how to choose appropriate and healthy plants, and how to create a maintenance schedule for plant success!  Elective course in the horticulture certificate.

An overview of horticulture and plant care, this course provides the knowledge to solve many of the problems commonly faced in keeping plants healthy.

Students are introduced to various irrigation components, hydraulic concepts, irrigation design techniques and scheduling approaches.

Core course in the Arboriculture Specialization. Focusing on recognized industry standards for care, protection, preservation and industry ethics, leading to certification.

This course focuses on plants appropriate for use in Southern California. Students learn plant names, both common and scientific, cultural requirements and proper placement within the landscape. The class uses local botanical gardens and nurseries to introduce students to over 150 plants.

This course covers the fundamental tools and processes used in plant propagation. Students will learn a variety of techniques to propagate plants.

This course introduces students to the tools needed for navigating and identifying the diverse kingdom of plants.

A primer on residential design, site analysis, designing with plants and your site.

Learn the physical, biological, and chemical properies of soils; learn what is in a soil report and how to improve your soil's yield.

An introduction to starting, developing and growing a horticulture business. 

For individuals interested in selling plants, this course provides you with the knowledge and skills to help you succeed. 

Trees provide shade, food, habitat, and clean our air. Selecting and caring for trees is the study of arboriculture.