Welcome!

The mission of the Environmental Schools is to teach environmental literacy to cherish, protect and conserve the living earth. Participants learn about the environmental, gain an appreciation of the natural world, encourage action for sustainable development and appreciate the interrelation of all natural things. Emphasis is placed on land conservation, water conservation and air quality.

Welcome to Flower Show School, a comprehensive program that teaches all you need to know about judging, entering, competing and chairing an NGC flower show. There are four courses each with a specific curriculum that includes horticulture, design and flower show procedure. If you are considering becoming a flower show judge, planning to chair a flower show, or you are just curious, your first step is to attend Course I. Subjects are taught by qualified instructors and outlines are provided. Examples of horticulture and design are displayed and critiqued. Learn point scoring to evaluate how entries are judged and see what it takes to get the blue ribbon. Learn about awards, types of shows and what committees are needed to produce a show. We invite you to join this unique experience and become an active part of flower shows.

Gardening School consists of a series of four courses, scheduled over two days of instruction, followed by a exam for those interested in becoming a NGC accredited Gardening Consultant. 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.

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 own 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.

NGC academic outreach is clearly observed in the work of national and international members when serving in civic activities, being involved in environmental protection, while promoting horticultural education events and during our Flower Shows, where outstanding horticulture is displayed and creativity is expressed in the unique floral designs exhibited.