Arizona and NGC Sponsored Education

Our schools provide you with a range of educational opportunities on the art and science of the environment, gardening, and landscape design. The Environmental, Gardening, and Landscape Design Schools provide continuing education about the land, water, air, and earth on which we live, the field of horticulture, and focusing on recognizing and practicing good land use.

Each school offers a series of four 10-hour courses offered in person, via Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Many of our courses are offered virtually online. Check each school for dates and to determine if it is virtual or in person. Remember, you may take a school offered by any state. No hotel, driving, or travel expenses are required. Each course is followed by an exam for those interested in becoming a NGC accredited Gardening Consultant.

NGC welcomes all students, both members and non-members, to its schools, which are sponsored by the State Garden Clubs and their member organizations (clubs, districts, councils) and Regions or International Affiliates.

Since its founding in 1958, professional instructors have maintained the high standards originally incorporated in the landscape design study program. Students acquire the tools for making their gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Students have been motivated to serve in political decision-making areas where awareness of the impact of a well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of life in the public arena.

The mission of the Environmental 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, encourage action for sustainable development, and appreciation for the interrelation of all natural things. Land conservation, water conservation, and air quality are particularly emphasized.

Gardening Schools provide educational information to those who are especially interested in gardening, horticulture, and related subjects. Courses cover all aspects of horticulture: gardening, understanding soil structure, pruning techniques, identifying plants, etc. Topics include basic botany, soils, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, lawns, pests, plant diseases, plant classification, and selected subjects of local interest. Additional topics may include reconciliation ecology and creating backyard habitats to help endangered species such as pollinators and amphibians as well as working with youth.

We hope that you will avail yourself of the knowledge to be gained in each of the above NGC educational programs!