Horticulture Classes

Fall Semester: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26

Class times may vary. See class descriptions below:

Floral Design I

Hands-on course focusing on the principles of design illustrated through the use of floral materials; floral design elements and techniques including color, form, line and texture; and the history and utilization of floral art in society. Design projects and critiques are conducted to build the student’s sense of aesthetics and technical skills.

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/2026
Mondays 6-7:50pm and Tuesdays 6-8:50pm
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, Room C200
Cost: $200

Landscape Design I

The student will experience the process for residential design by working through the design process steps from site analysis through final design presentation. Class focuses on developing the students’ site assessment skills, drawing technique, and visual communication of landscape designs on paper. Landscape design principles, elements, and graphics standards are emphasized. Field trips to landscape sites will be held during class hours. Students will be given a list of required textbooks and drawing supplies to obtain on the first day of class.

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/2026

Mondays and Fridays 1:00 – 3:50pm
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, Room CA117
Cost: $100

Landscape Installation & Maintenance

A hands-on course demonstrating the techniques for installing and maintaining trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants in the landscape. Course includes the use and operation of landscape hand tools and power equipment such as skid steers, tillers, and chainsaws, and basic construction techniques in a variety of landscape environments. Emphasis is placed on current industry practices and the latest research. Hardscaping, water features, and irrigation are also covered.

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26
Mondays 8-9:50am and Wednesdays 8-10:50am
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, Room C225
Cost: $100

Greenhouse Management

This is a practical course introducing the principles of commercial greenhouse management. Topics covered include location, construction, efficient operating and management practices, soil/media, watering systems, lighting, climate control, pest and nutritional issues, and new greenhouse technology and business management practices. An introduction to hydroponics production will be included. Some classes will be spent working on

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26
Thursdays 11-1:50pm
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, Room C228
Cost: $100

Art & History of Horticulture

This is a two-faceted course that first introduces students to the artistic elements and concepts used within horticulture and landscape design as well as reviewing the part horticulture and landscape design has played in history. An introduction to major historical designers and their contributions to society is included. This course will provide insight into the artistic use of color, form, scale, texture, light, dark, and season in horticulture and give the student an opportunity to observe the use of these elements within artwork and designs created by historically significant designers in art, the outdoor landscape, and other horticultural media.

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26
Wednesdays 4-6:50pm
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn C225
Cost: $100

Introduction to Plant Biology

A detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of plants. This course introduces students to the basics of plant biology: cell types, tissues and tissue systems, reproduction and development, mechanisms of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration, plant nutrition, hormone effects and growth regulation. Topics will be presented to increase awareness of the role external environmental factors play in producing internal responses in plants. Brief introductions to plant genetics and the evolution and taxonomy of vascular plants are also included.

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26
Lecture is Asynchronus online.
Lab on Campus: Mondays 10-12:50 Room C200
Cost: $100

Woody Plant Materials

Study of selected deciduous and evergreen woody trees, shrubs and vines used in the landscape industry. Emphasis is on identification characteristics, horticultural uses, cultural requirements, site assessment and design attributes. Includes the latest variety and cultivar options, insect and disease concerns, invasive plants and native plants. Required campus walks and field trips to local arboreta, botanical gardens and noteworthy woody plant installations will be held during class hours.

Dates: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26
Fridays 8-12;50pm
Lab on Campus: Mondays 10-12:50 Room E142
Cost: $100

Please Note

All classes are open to the public.

These classes are non-credit.

You will receive a certificate of completion for the non-credit course, if you attend at least 85% of all sessions of the course and earn a grade of at least 70%.

If you would like to turn your certificates of completion into credit towards a Horticulture certificate or AAS degree, up to 7 credits may be awarded through the NCCC Credit for Prior Learning Process.

For information on class content, email:
Carolyn Stanko, Program Coordinator cstanko@niagaracc.suny.edu

Seats are limited: Sign up NOW!

SUNY Niagara reserves the right to cancel classes based on enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.

Upcoming Spring 2027 Classes

– Landscape Design II

– Herbaceous Plants

– Plant Protection

– Interior Plantscaping

– Fruit & Veggie Production

– Soil Science