for immediate release

Looking for a Second Career in the Green Industry?

School of the Chicago Botanic Garden Offers Three Certificate Programs

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (Nov. 8, 2008)—The Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden offers three certificate programs for working professionals who are seeking to enter or advance their careers in the green industry.

Professional horticulture certificate programs include: Ornamental Plant Materials, Professional Gardener Level 1 and 2. At a minimum, candidates should have the equivalent of a high school education. Programs are work-related and competence-based, giving participants the skills and knowledge necessary to do a job effectively. Courses emphasize science-based techniques and plant knowledge, and are designed to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of the intrinsic value and role of plants in improving people’s lives and creating a sense of place.

“Our hope is that students will begin to view plantings of all kinds – streetscapes, highway berms and medians, public and commercial properties, recreation areas and rooftops, as well as residential ‘yards’ – as gardens,” said Amelia Simmons-Hurt, manager, certificate programs, School of the Chicago Botanic Garden. “As they do, both they and their clients and constituents will develop a deeper relationship with plants and the environment.”

Ornamental Plant Materials

In this certificate program, participants develop knowledge of the ever-expanding variety of ornamentals well-suited to northeastern Illinois. The program covers more than 500 plants, focusing on the identification, cultural requirements and use in gardens and the broader landscape. Candidates for this certificate program may include aspiring horticulture, garden design and landscape architecture professionals, as well as avid amateur gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Requirements include nine core courses, which are offered on a rotating basis over a two-year period, and 24 instructional hours of elective courses.

Professional Gardener Level I

This training program features hands-on learning leading to a new career or career advancement in the green industry. This certificate represents a competency-based qualification relevant to the region’s industry. This program is for aspiring professional gardeners and landscape technicians, and for gardeners seeking professional development.

Professional Gardener Level 2

This comprehensive program leads to a rewarding career as a horticulturist, project manager, estate gardener, ground department worker, or business owner. The program emphasizes solid plantsmanship and science-base gardening techniques, along with sustainability, planning and quality at all levels of work.

A grade of at least 70 percent must be earned for each course to obtain a certificate. Candidates can prove proficiency for up to 20 percent of the coursework by passing proficiency exams or providing college transcripts indicating grades of at least 70 percent for similar courses.

In addition to lecture presentations by expert instructors, most courses include significant hands-on learning opportunities. For more information about certificate programs, visit the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Web site at www.chicagobotanic.org/certificate <http://www.chicagobotanic.org/certificate> . Or, contact Amelia Simmons-Hurt at (847) 835-8293 or school@chicagobotanic.org.

Parking is free for program registrants. For information on professional development opportunities, request a School catalog by calling (847) 835-8261, or visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website at www.chicagobotanic.org/school.

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Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $15; free for members. On Tuesdays, senior citizens age 62 and older pay just $7 for parking. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. The Garden is also breaking new ground in urban horticulture and jobs training through a 15-acre project in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago called Windy City Harvest. The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.