Upon completing the Level 1 Horticulture Certificate Program, students can work towards additional Advanced Certificates.  Courses can count towards multiple Advanced Certificates simultaneously. 

(AH) Advanced Horticulture

An Advanced Certificate in Horticulture expands a student's horticulture knowledge and can be customized to the individual needs of the advanced student.  Elective courses cover specific topics in horticulture and will vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture 

Level II Certificate in Horticulture further advances the gardener’s knowledge of horticulture in areas of specialty gardening, including growing fruits and vegetables, permaculture, propagation, pruning, perennial gardening and other elective topics. Level II classes are intended for students with a Level I Certificate but may be attended by all students. Note that Level II instructors assume that a student has a basic knowledge of gardening.

Fall 2021 Elective Courses

Click on the links below to register. Questions? Call Director of Education at 413 354 8410 

Northeast Ethnobotany: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021 to THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 - 5:30-8:30 PM

Field Survey of Grassland Meadows: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021 - 9:00AM - 2:00PM

Ornamental Tree and Shrub ID and Insect Walk: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 - 2:00 - 4:00PM

Rendering: The Next Step in Landscape Design: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 to THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 5:30 - 7:00PM

Goldenrod and Asters Field Study: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2021 - 9:00AM - 3:00PM

Botanical Names for the Fearful: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021 to WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021 5:30 - 7:00PM

Marketing your Gardening Business: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2021 - 4:00 - 5:00PM

Design for Landscape Regeneration: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021 to THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021 6:00 - 8:00PM

7th Annual Rooted in Place Ecological Gardening Symposium: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 - 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Winter Wow: Beautiful Containers for the Colder Months: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2021 - 1:00 - 3:00PM

Beginners Chainsaw Skills Workshop: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2021 - 8:30AM - 3:30PM

Women’s Chainsaw Skills Workshop: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 - 8:30AM - 3:30PM

10% discount for enrollment in 3 or more Fall Elective Courses

Spring 2022 Elective Courses (Anticipated)

Check back soon for details

• The Business of Gardening 
• Organic Vegetable Gardening 
• Landscape Design II
• Grafting
• Intermediate Chainsaw Skills
• Landscape History

Level II Advanced Certificates

(LD) Landscape Design: Click here to register for qualifying classes

The Advanced Certificate in Landscape Design prepares students for a career in garden design.  Coursework covers drafting, landscape history, site analysis, and landscape design from creative concept to completed design plan, including schematic drawings and planting plans.

(SLS) Sustainable Land Stewardship:  Click here to register for qualifying classes

The Advanced Certificate in Sustainable Land Stewardship prepares gardeners and Landcare professionals for the ever-increasing demand for sustainable easily maintained landscapes.  Courses will focus on ecologically-sensitive gardening practices suited to our region, and the efficient use of land for both ornamental and self-sustaining purposes.  Elective courses cover specific topics in horticulture and will vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture

(NP) Native Plant Landscapes:  Click here to register for qualifying classes

The Advanced Certificate in Native Plant Landscapes will focus on designing gardens and landscapes using plants native to the Berkshire region and the adjacent tri-state area.  Elective courses cover specific topics in horticulture and will vary from year to year.

Prerequisite: Level 1 Certificate in Horticulture