Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Core Series

Have you heard about the Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate Core Series? This is a comprehensive study of specific gardening practices for our unique Front Range region offered by the Gardens. Classes include soil preparation techniques, horticulture and basic plant science. It can be completed as a cohort in five months or by taking classes individually over a two-year period.

I was curious about what inspires people to take the Rocky Mountain Gardening certificate program, so I asked the latest cohort. Each had distinct reasons but similar passions and goals for investing the time and energy in completing the certificate in five months. The program is deeply rooted in fulfilling our mission to connect people with plants and promote the Gardens’ values. Recipients had this to say:

• Diversity: “Weeding is a waste of time! I wanted to create a model low-maintenance urban garden with native trees and xeriscape and share the possibilities with neighbors and friends.”
• Relevance: “I’ve always been amazed by the beautiful power of trees and never realized it could become a career path to nurture trees. Even though I’m a busy mom of four and help with the family business, the certificate course helped me realize a career goal. The instructors were great at answering questions.”
• Sustainability: “The certificate course gave me a great toolbelt for working with native plants. It stimulated my interest in regenerative gardening practices.
• Transformation: “I learned so much about the importance of soil and organic composting. I have a kitchen garden because cooking is my passion. I gained knowledge and confidence to figure out what has gone wrong and not give up with skills learned in the diagnosing problems classes.”
• Stewardship: “I wanted to change my ‘do nothing but create water bills’ lawn and create a home space that showed stewardship of Earth values. I felt empowered to have discussions with my HOA and with yard experts after earning my certificate.”
• And, with a vision for professional development: “I work with city residents who want to find cost-effective methods to improve their land. Now I feel confident that I can address their questions with reliable information and resources. People want to build ecosystems through smart gardening and now I know how to help them.”

The Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate’s importance goes beyond knowledge and skills. Even though participants have individual goals, they are connected by a passion for the environment by wanting to support sustainable ecosystems and create healthy habitats. Find out more about the certificate.