The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a diverse range of professional development opportunities, including certificate programs, workshops, and courses in horticulture, botanical illustration, and environmental education. These programs cater to both beginners and advanced learners, providing hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. With a focus on the unique ecosystem of the Rocky Mountain region, these offerings are designed to enhance skills and knowledge in various botanical and horticultural fields.
What Certificate Programs Does Denver Botanic Gardens Offer?
Denver Botanic Gardens provides several certificate programs tailored to different aspects of botanical studies and horticulture:
- Beginning Farmers Core Curriculum & Hands-On Workshops
- Partnership with Colorado State University Extension
- Focus: Small-scale market farming
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Format: Multi-session classes and hands-on workshops
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Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate
- Focus: Gardening practices specific to the Front Range
- Key Topics: Plant selection, care, and local climate adaptation
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Options: Comprehensive study or shorter hybrid course
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Herbalism Certificate Program
- Focus: Health and wellness through herbalism
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Sessions: ‘Herbs in the Body’, ‘Seed to Remedy’
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Botanical Illustration Certificate Program
- Focus: Fusion of art and science
- Options: Multiple pathways for beginners and advanced learners
- Format: Online and in-person classes available
How Can One Register for These Professional Development Programs?
Registration for Denver Botanic Gardens’ professional development programs follows a specific schedule:
- Winter and spring certificate programs: Registration opens on November 12, 2023, at 10 a.m.
- Course catalogs: Updated seasonally with specific class schedules
- 2024 Session 1: Classes start on various dates in January and February 2024
To register:
1. Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens website
2. Navigate to the Education section
3. Select the desired program
4. Follow the registration process outlined for each course
What Are the Costs and Prerequisites for These Programs?
Costs and prerequisites vary by program:
| Program | Cost | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Programs | Varies | Listed in course descriptions |
| Individual Workshops | Varies | May have specific requirements |
| Members Discount | 20% off course fees | Garden membership |
Prerequisites are detailed in:
– Course descriptions
– Prerequisite charts (available for some programs)
What Types of Courses Are Offered for Professional Development?
Denver Botanic Gardens offers a variety of course types to accommodate different learning styles and schedules:
- Certificate Programs
- Multi-session classes
- Both in-person and online options
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Examples: Beginning Farmers, Botanical Illustration, Herbalism, Rocky Mountain Gardening
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Hands-On Workshops
- Classroom and practical learning
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Taught by local experts and Denver Botanic Gardens horticulture staff
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Virtual, Hybrid & Online Programs
- Designed for accessibility and flexibility
- Accommodate busy schedules
What Are the Certification Outcomes?
Upon completing the required courses, participants can earn certificates in their chosen programs. The certification process typically involves:
- Completing all required courses
- Submitting a portfolio (for certain programs)
- Passing a review or examination
For example, the Botanical Illustration program requires:
– Completion of required courses
– Preparation of a portfolio with five finished botanical plates
– Review by a jury
How Can Participants Access Educational Resources?
Denver Botanic Gardens provides various resources to support professional development:
- Helen Fowler Library
- Programs focused on books as resources
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Access to library materials for members and participants
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Online Resources
- Many programs offered online
- Some courses include recorded content
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Note: Live online classes are not recorded
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Freyer – Newman Center for Science, Art & Education
- Facilities for in-person classes
- Includes studios, herbaria, and library
What Professional Courses Are Available in Horticulture and Related Fields?
Denver Botanic Gardens offers specialized courses in various botanical and horticultural fields:
Horticulture
- Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate
- Focus: Gardening practices for the Front Range
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Topics: Native plants, climate adaptation
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Beginning Farmers Core Curriculum & Hands-On Workshops
- Focus: Small-scale market farming in the region
Landscape Design
While there’s no specific certificate in landscape design, related topics are covered in:
– Rocky Mountain Gardening Certificate
– Aspects of landscape management
– Plant selection for local conditions
Environmental Education
- No specific certificate program
- Environmental topics integrated into various workshops and lectures
- Water-wise gardening
- Conservation practices
How Does Denver Botanic Gardens Ensure Quality in Professional Development?
Denver Botanic Gardens maintains high standards in its professional development offerings through:
- Expert Instructors
- Local experts
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Denver Botanic Gardens horticulture staff
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Low Student-to-Instructor Ratios
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Especially in programs like Botanical Illustration
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Practical Application
- Hands-on workshops
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Real-world scenarios
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Specialized Facilities
- Freyer – Newman Center for Science, Art & Education
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Access to gardens and plant collections
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Continuous Program Updates
- Seasonal course catalogs
- Adaptation to current trends and needs
By offering these diverse and specialized professional development opportunities, Denver Botanic Gardens plays a crucial role in advancing botanical knowledge and skills in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start a career in horticulture or an experienced professional seeking to expand your expertise, these programs provide valuable resources and learning experiences tailored to the unique environmental conditions of the area.
References:
1. https://www.botanicgardens.org/education/adult-programs
2. https://www.botanicgardens.org/education-programs/certificate-programs-gardens
3. https://www.botanicgardens.org/sites/default/files/file/2023-11/2024_SBAICatalog-Session1.pdf