Horticulture Classes

FALL SEMESTER: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025

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: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025 (Mondays 6-7:50pm and Thursdays 6-8:50pm)
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, Room C203
Cost: $200

Landscape Design I

The student will experience the process of residential design by working through the design process steps from site analysis through the 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: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025, Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:15 a.m. -10:50 a.m.
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn, Room C226
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: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025, 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 projects in the campus greenhouse. Field trips to commercial businesses will be held during class hours.

Dates: 9/2/2025-12/20/2025
Option 1: Thursdays 11am – 1:50pm Room C228
Option 2: Thursdays 2:35-5:20pm Room C233
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn
Cost: $100

Art and 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: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025 Tuesdays 2-4:50pm
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: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025
Option 1: Lab on Campus: Mondays 11am-1:50pm
Option 2: Lab on Campus: Mondays 2-4:50pm
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn C203
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: 9/2/2025 – 12/20/2025 Fridays 8am-12:50pm
Location: SUNY Niagara 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd. Sanborn, Room E142

Upcoming Spring 2026 Classes

– Landscape Design II

– Herbaceous Plants

– Plant Protection

– Interior Plantscaping

– Fruit and Vegetable Production

– Soil Science

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.

Seats are limited: Sign up NOW!