Horticulture

Discover the art and science of growing plants through Brookdale’s hands-on Fundamentals of Horticulture Certificate. Designed for aspiring horticulture professionals, landscape enthusiasts, home gardeners, and career changers, this program provides a comprehensive introduction to plant science, soil health, plant identification, sustainable gardening practices, and landscape design.

Students gain practical experience working in Brookdale’s greenhouse while developing the foundational knowledge needed to care for plants, create thriving landscapes, and explore career opportunities in the horticulture industry.

Topics Include

• Plant Identification
• Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
• Sustainable and Organic Gardening Practices
• Plant Pests and Diseases
• Greenhouse Operations
• Landscape Design Principles
• Plant Selection and Maintenance

Students complete a capstone landscape design project that demonstrates their understanding of horticultural concepts and design principles.

Ideal For

• Aspiring Horticulture Professionals
• Landscape and Garden Enthusiasts
• Home Gardeners
• Garden Center Employees
• Individuals Exploring Career Opportunities in Horticulture

Career Opportunities

• Garden Center Associate
• Nursery Assistant
• Landscape Technician
• Greenhouse Technician
• Horticultural Assistant

Certificate Outcome

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the Brookdale Fundamentals of Horticulture Certificate I.

Program Information

• Format: In-Person
• Location: Lincroft Campus
• Total Program Cost: $959

• Dates: September 2 – November 18, 2026
• Schedule: Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Instructor: Molly Gearty

For payment plans, call 732-224-2315

Transform outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional landscapes with Brookdale’s Garden Design Certificate. This hands-on program teaches the principles of garden design while guiding students through the process of evaluating properties, selecting plants, developing design plans, and presenting recommendations to clients.

Students learn how to create gardens that balance aesthetics, sustainability, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Through site visits and a real-world design project, participants gain practical experience applying design concepts to actual landscapes.

Topics Include

• Garden Design Principles
• Site Analysis and Evaluation
• Plant Selection and Placement
• Native and Pollinator-Friendly Landscapes
• Edible and Herb Gardens
• Sustainable Design Practices
• Installation Planning
• Client Consultation and Presentation

Students complete a comprehensive garden design project based on a real property and present their recommendations as part of the certificate requirements.

Ideal For

• Garden Enthusiasts
• Landscape Professionals
• Horticulture Students
• Garden Consultants
• Homeowners Interested in Landscape Design

Career Opportunities

• Garden Designer
• Landscape Consultant
• Garden Center Professional
• Horticultural Specialist

Certificate Outcome

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Brookdale Garden Design Certificate.

Program Information

• Format: In-Person
• Location: Lincroft Campus
• Total Program Cost: $509

• Dates: September 14 – October 9, 2026
• Schedule: Mondays, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Instructor: Molly Gearty

For payment plans, call 732-224-2315

Build upon the skills developed in Fundamentals of Horticulture I and deepen your understanding of plant science, propagation, botany, and landscape management. This advanced certificate program provides hands-on training for individuals seeking to further their horticultural knowledge or pursue professional opportunities in the green industry.

Students explore advanced plant identification techniques, plant biology, propagation methods, ecosystem relationships, and landscape management practices while continuing to develop practical greenhouse and field skills.

Topics Include

• Advanced Plant Identification and Classification
• Botany and Plant Biology
• Plant Propagation Techniques
• Plant Pathology
• Organic Landscape Management
• Floriculture
• Ecosystems and Plant Relationships
• Greenhouse and Field Applications

Through laboratory activities, field observations, and project-based learning, students gain the skills needed to confidently apply horticultural principles in professional and personal settings.

Ideal For

• Graduates of Fundamentals of Horticulture I
• Landscape Professionals
• Nursery and Garden Center Employees
• Master Gardener Candidates
• Advanced Gardening Enthusiasts

Career Opportunities

• Landscape Specialist
• Nursery Professional
• Greenhouse Grower
• Horticultural Technician
• Garden Consultant

Certificate Outcome

Upon successful completion, participants will receive the Brookdale Fundamentals of Horticulture Certificate II.

Program Information

• Format: In-Person
• Location: Lincroft Campus
• Total Program Cost: $959

• Instructor: Molly Gearty

For payment plans, call 732-224-2315