Horticulture Classes | SUNY Niagara

๐Ÿ  SUNY Niagara Open House | โ˜€๏ธ April 2026: Sanborn + NFCI Open Houses @ SUNY Niagara |

A person wearing white gloves tends to vibrant yellow and pink flowers in a garden, carefully planting or arranging them in soil on a bright, sunny day.

Horticulture

All Horticulture classes through Workforce Development are open to the public and are non-credit. These courses offer a practical, hands-on approach to the industry, whether you are looking for professional development or personal enrichment.

Certification & Academic Credit

  • Certificate of Completion: Awarded if you attend at least 85% of sessions and earn a grade of at least 70%.
  • Credit for Prior Learning: You may turn your certificates into academic credit toward a Horticulture certificate or AAS degree. Up to 7 credits may be awarded through the SUNY Niagara Credit for Prior Learning Process. Contact the Horticulture program coordinator for requirements.

Fall Semester Schedule

Dates: August 31, 2026 โ€“ December 19, 2026

Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn

CourseDay(s) & TimeRoomCost
Floral Design IMon: 6:00 PM โ€“ 7:50 PM & Tue: 6:00 PM โ€“ 8:50 PMC200$200
Landscape Design IMon & Fri: 1:00 PM โ€“ 3:50 PMCA117$100
Landscape Installation & MaintenanceMon: 8:00 AM โ€“ 9:50 AM & Wed: 8:00 AM โ€“ 10:50 AMC225$100
Greenhouse ManagementThu: 11:00 AM โ€“ 1:50 PMC228$100
Art & History of HorticultureWed: 4:00 PM โ€“ 6:50 PMC225$100
Introduction to Plant BiologyLecture: Async Online / Lab: Mon 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:50 PMC200$100
Woody Plant MaterialsFri: 8:00 AM โ€“ 12:50 PM / Lab: Mon 10:00 AM โ€“ 12:50 PME142$100

Course Descriptions

Floral Design I

A hands-on course focusing on design principles using floral materials. Covers elements such as color, form, line, and texture, along with the history of floral art. Includes design projects and critiques to build technical skills.

Landscape Design I

Focuses on the residential design process, from site analysis to final presentation. Develops skills in site assessment, drawing techniques, and visual communication. Field trips are included. Note: Students will receive a list of required textbooks and drawing supplies on the first day.

Landscape Installation & Maintenance

Covers techniques for installing and maintaining trees, shrubs, and plants. Includes training on hand tools and power equipment (skid steers, tillers, chainsaws) as well as hardscaping, water features, and irrigation.

Greenhouse Management

An introduction to commercial greenhouse operations, including construction, climate control, lighting, pest management, and business practices. Includes an introduction to hydroponics.

Art & History of Horticulture

Explores artistic concepts in landscape design and the historical evolution of horticulture. Covers major historical designers and the use of scale, texture, and light in outdoor landscapes.

Introduction to Plant Biology

A detailed study of plant anatomy and physiology, including cell types, reproduction, photosynthesis, and plant nutrition. Covers how environmental factors influence internal plant responses.

Woody Plant Materials

Focuses on the identification and use of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and vines. Includes site assessment, cultivar options, and invasive vs. native plants. Features walks across campus and field trips to local arboreta.


Important Information

  • Seats are limited: Sign up NOW!
  • Policies: SUNY Niagara reserves the right to cancel classes based on enrollment or unforeseen circumstances.

Preview: Spring 2027 Classes

  • Landscape Design II
  • Herbaceous Plants
  • Plant Protection
  • Interior Plantscaping
  • Fruit & Veggie Production

Program Contact

Carolyn Stanko Horticulture Program Coordinator Phone: 716-614-6413 Email: cstanko@niagaracc.suny.edu