Multiple Refreshers provide an opportunity for National Garden Club's Environmental, Gardening and Landscape Design Consultants to maintain their accreditation status. Refreshers are open to anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of the natural world in their community or in their own backyard. Local experts engage attendees with topics related to the environment, gardening, and landscape design. The National Garden Clubs, Inc. offers four schools for the enrichment and educational growth of its members. Schools offered are Environmental, Flower Show, Gardening and Landscape Design. Upon completion of four courses in any one school (Environmental, Gardening or Landscape Design), a member attains the status of Consultant. Upon completion of four Refresher Credits, one attains the status of Master Consultant. To maintain Master status, consultants must refresh at least once within a five-year period. A Consultant can receive one refresher credit per school per calendar year. A Master Consultant can receive credit in those schools for which he/she is already a Master Consultant.
NGC School Courses are intended primarily for garden club members, but the public is welcome to attend. In some cases, Master Gardeners from County Cooperative Extension Programs may attend to fulfill requirements for continuing education credits. The goal for offering Multiple Refreshers is not only to maintain Good Standing status; but also provide exploration of current trends and promote interest in NGC Schools. Garden Clubs, Consultants’ Councils, States, Regions or NGC may sponsor a course or Multiple Refresher.