rocky mountain gardening certification

Denver Botanic Gardens' Certificate in Rocky Mountain Gardening is a comprehensive study of specific gardening practices for Front Range gardening practices. Instructors for the program are Denver Botanic Gardens' staff members, authorities in the Green Industry, and other regional experts in horticulture and natural sciences. The program is endorsed by the Colorado Nursery Association.

FEES AND REGISTRATION
Students may enroll in the program at any time. There is no program fee, but course fees and materials will apply. Courses may be taken concurrently.

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CERTIFICATE LEVELS AND REQUIREMENTS
Students have up to five years to fulfill all requirements.

Certificate of Completion

• Complete 13 required courses and three elective courses.
• Students must pass a self-graded test at the end of each required group course. Elective course group tests are optional.

Certificate of Merit

• Complete all of the above requirements for a Certificate of Completion.
• Score 70 percent or higher on a final comprehensive exam administered once all requirements are fulfilled.
• Perform 40 hours of hands-on internship work at Denver Botanic Gardens.

REQUIRED AND ELECTIVE COURSES
Students in either certificate program must take all classes in Required Course Group I and at least six classes from Required Course Group II.

Required Course Group I
- Botany for Gardeners - Gardeners Ecology - Principles of Pruning - Rocky Mountain Horticulture I - Gardening Principles - Rocky Mountain Horticulture II - Seven Principles of Water-Smart Gardening - Understanding Front Range Soils

Required Course Group II
- Conifers for Colorado Gardens - Tree Identification and Selection - Vines and Ground Covers - Bluegrass and Other Lawn Grasses - Colorado Ecosystems - Never-fail Perennials - Water-Smart Flower Garden - The Year-round Garden

Elective Course Group - Students must complete any three elective courses.
- Applied Plant Taxonomy - Bursts of Brilliance: Annuals for Easy Color - Colorado Pollinators - Creating a Certified Wildlife Habitat - Garden Hardscape and Structure - Gardens with an Altitude - Hardy Bulbs for Colorado Gardens - Hardy Cacti and Succulents - Introduction to Landscape Graphics - Invasive Plants and Native Plant Conservation - Landscape Design Theory - Native Seed Collection and Propagation - Organic Gardening - Ornamental Grasses - Perennials for Connoisseurs - Plant Doctor 101 - Plant Names for Gardeners - Pots with Panache - Propagation Workshop - Rock Garden Basics - The Rose Garden - Sculpturing the Landscape - Shade Gardens - Shrub Roses-Paradise in Bloom - Summer Garden Maintenance Workshop - Tools for Easier Gardening