Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate Program
Professional Gardener Level 2
In the Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate of Merit Program (PGL2), students gain hands-on horticulture and garden design experience and expertise from industry professionals. This program provides a thorough knowledge of more than 500 native and ornamental plants, focusing on their identification, cultural requirements, and use in gardens and the broader landscape. The certificate coursework focuses on gardening techniques throughout the seasons, and an understanding of soils and plant health. It expands upon the horticulture-based Professional Gardener Level 1 Certificate with coursework in garden design.
Who should participate? Aspiring professional gardeners, landscape technicians, landscape maintenance professionals, and other green-industry individuals seeking professional development. There are no prerequisites to start the program, and no prior horticulture experience is needed. Sign up for a Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate class today.
Student Resources
Course Overview
Program Policies
FAQ Brochure
Graduation
Questions?
Contact Stana, student advisor:
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Program Requirements
The Professional Gardener Certificate represents a competency-based qualification relevant to the region's industry — learn what it takes to meet and exceed standards of horticultural excellence. The program requirements include eleven required horticulture courses.
All requirements for the certificate must be completed within five years of the start date of your first core course. For the certificate, a grade of at least 70 percent must be achieved for each core course.
Ready to get started? Begin your journey with Botany 1, Soil Basics, or any of the four Gardening Techniques courses.
PLG2 Required Courses | Prerequisites |
| Botany 1 | |
| Botany 2 | Botany 1 |
| Gardening Techniques: Session A | |
| Gardening Techniques: Session B | |
| Gardening Techniques: Session C | |
| Gardening Techniques: Session D | |
| Soil Basics | |
| Plant Health 1 | Botany 1 |
| Plant Health 2 | Plant Health 1 |
| Annuals and Biennials | Botany 1 |
| Conifers and Broad-leaved Evergreens | Botany 1 |
| Decidous Flowering Shrubs | Botany 1 |
| Decidous Trees | Botany 1 |
| Ground Covers and Vines | Botany 1 |
| Hardy Bulbs | |
| Herbaceous Perennials | Botany 1 |
| Small Flowering Trees | Botany 1 |
| Graphics | |
| Introduction to Professional Practice | Graphics (can be taken concurrently) |
| Principles of Garden Design | Graphics & Introduction to Professional Practice |
| Hardscape Basics | Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice & Principles of Garden Design |
| Introduction to Grading and Drainage | Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice & Principles of Garden Design |
Available Classes
If a class is sold out, please contact us at (847) 835-6801 to be placed on the waitlist. The Garden will contact you if a space becomes available.
Graphics
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate
and Garden Design Certificate
10 Thursdays:
January 16 – March 20
6 – 8:30 p.m.
2 Saturdays:
January 25 and
February 1
1 – 3 p.m.
Gardening Techniques: Session B
Online and On-site Hybrid
Professional Gardener Level 1 Certificate
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate
and Garden Design Certificate
6 Tuesdays:
January 21 – February 25
5 – 6 p.m. (online) and
6 Saturdays:
January 25 – March 1
10 a.m. – noon (classroom 4)
(rain date Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. – noon)
Plant Health 1
Certificate Professional Gardener Level 1,
Certificate Professional Gardener Level 2
and Certificate Garden Design
6 Tuesdays & 6 Thursdays:
January 21 – March 4
no class February 20 6 – 8 p.m.
Introduction to Professional Practice
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate
and Garden Design Certificate
11 Wednesdays:
January 22 – April 2
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Deciduous Flowering Shrubs
Certificate Ornamental Plant Materials
Certificate Professional Gardener Level 1
Certificate Professional Gardener Level 2
and Certificate Garden Design
7 Tuesdays:
March 11 – April 19
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Garden Walks: Meet at Visitor Center
no class March 18 & 22
Gardening Techniques: Session C
Online and On-site Hybrid
Professional Gardener Level 1 Certificate,
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate,
& Garden Design Certificate
6 Thursdays:
March 20 – April 24
5 – 6 p.m. (online) and
6 Saturdays:
March 22 – April 26
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (classroom 5)
Botany 1
Ornamental Plant Materials Certificate,
Professional Gardener Level 1 Certificate,
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate,
& Garden Design Certificate
5 Mondays & 5 Wednesdays:
March 31 – April 30
6:30 – 9 p.m.
Soil Basics
Professional Gardener Level 1 Certificate,
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate,
and Garden Design Certificate
6 Thursdays:
April 10 – May 22
6:30 – 9 p.m. and
Saturday, May 3
1 – 4 p.m.
no class May 15
Principles of Garden Design
Professional Gardener Level 2
& Garden Design Certificate
8 Wednesdays:
April 16 – June 4
6:30 – 9 p.m.
and
2 Saturdays:
April 19 & May 17
1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Annuals and Biennials
Certificate Ornamental Plant Materials
Certificate Professional Gardener Level 1
Certificate Professional Gardener Level 2
and Certificate Garden Design
7 Tuesdays:
May 13 – June 24
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Garden Walks
Meet at Visitor Center
Botany 2
Professional Gardener Level 2 Certificate
& Garden Design Certificate
6 Mondays & 6 Wednesdays:
May 14 – June 25
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
no class May 26, course starts on Wednesday
Hardscape Basics
Online and On-site Hybrid
Professional Gardener Level 2
& Garden Design Certificate
Online 9 Thursdays:
June 26 – August 21
6:30 – 9 p.m. &
On-site 2 Saturdays:
July 12 & August 9
2 – 5 p.m.