Arizona and NGC Sponsored Education

AFGC Schools provide  continuing education in the art and science of the environment, gardening, and landscape design. We study topics about the land, water, air, and earth on which we live, the field of horticulture, and focus on recognizing and practicing good land use.

Each AFGC School offers a series of four 10-hour courses offered via Zoom. No hotel, driving, or travel expenses are required. The curriculum follows the National Garden Clubs’ school format. AFGC organizes and hosts the courses by contracting with professionals in the fields of study. Each course is followed by an optional exam for those interested in becoming a NGC accredited Gardening Consultant.

AFGC invites everyone to participate in any school course including members, family, friends, Master Gardeners, Plant Society members or any mindful person. You are welcome to join in the fun learning opportunity.

We hope that you will avail yourself of the knowledge to be gained in AFGC Schools!

Questions? contact AFGC Tri-Schools Chairman Peggy Ahola at azgardenschools@gmail.com

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.

LDS Course 1 will be hosted via Zoom on Friday, January 30th and Saturday, January 31st, 2026, from 9:30am MST until 4:00pm MST.

ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JANUARY 23, 2026. The LDS Brochure has more information; it is highly recommended that you download the PDF document and read it, even if you register online. Refer to the pricing list below for the different student levels of pricing. All participants must participate in brief Pre-Course Orientation Session on Saturday, January 24th, 3 pm MST (Arizona time); if schedule conflict, contact Peggy Ahola at azgardenschools@gmail.com

Topics to be covered include:

1. Learning About Your Ecosystem
2. Space, Design and People
3. Principles and Elements of Landscape Design
4. Developing Your Garden Plan
5. Basics of a Site Plan
6. Color in the Landscape
7. Design for the Environment
8. Development of Landscape Design: Ancient Times to 1840
9. Xeriscaping in the Desert
10. Edible Gardens

Download the LDS Course 1 Brochure here

NOTE: if mailing in a paper registration, it must be postmarked before January 15th.

Pricing Chart

• Students, non-AFGC members – $110
• Students, AFGC Members – $95
• Refreshers, non-AFGC members – $105
• Refreshers, AFGC Members – $90
• Audit only (no credit received) – $90

Register online or by mailing in the brochure form.

AFGC proudly offers a line-up of dynamic professionals who will teach the Landscape Design School courses.

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.