Contact
Programs Department
703.768.5700 ext. 121
programs@ahsgardening.org
Self-Paced Online Courses
Excited to delve deep into a horticultural topic, but need to do so on your own schedule? Our Self-Paced Online Courses—Gardening in America, Ecological Gardening and Horticultural Design—are for you. Each course, accessible 24/7 for five months, has seven engaging modules packed with AHS-produced texts, videos, articles, activities, and resource recommendations. Learn at your own pace and connect with other fellow gardening enthusiasts in our online forum.
REGISTER
Register for one course or for all. No prior experience required. On average, participants take nine to twelve hours to complete each course. Participants receive a digital badge upon completion. AHS members receive discounts on registration. Not a member and would like to join? You can sign-up here.
Course runs from March 20 to August 21, 2026
Course fee: $95 AHS Member / $120 non-member
These courses are approved for 10 CEUs each with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers
Register here for Gardening in America
Register here for Ecological Gardening
Register here for Horticultural Design
GARDENING IN AMERICA
Each year, over 121 million Americans visit public gardens. From public green spaces to community gardens to private yards, gardening is a critical part of our country’s culture. Gardening in America offers an introductory overview to the state of the country’s gardening culture, contexts that inform gardening, and ways to apply gardening approaches, styles, and practices for the greater good.
Module 1: Gardening Factors
Climate, Soil, Light, Water, Wind
Module 2: Gardening Where You Are and With What You Have
In ground, Container, Raised Bed, Square Foot
Module 3: Gardening Approaches
Design Philosophy and Principles, Beauty, Function, Materials, Senses
Module 4: Garden Styles
Garden Design History and Influences, American Models
Module 5: Gardening Practices
Plant Choices, Design, Site Preparation, Seasonality, Maintenance
Module 6: Garden Movements
Ecosystems, Conservation, Climate, Beautification
Module 7: Gardening for Community
Health, Heritage, Service, Beauty, Global Connections
ECOLOGICAL GARDENING
Over 114 million American households engage in gardening. From public green spaces to community gardens to private yards, gardening is a critical part of our country’s culture. A garden is a living ecosystem that impacts the health of people, plants, animals, and the environment. Ecological Gardening is designed to share ecologically sound gardening methods and practices that promote sustainability in your own gardens that will grow a greener future.
Module 1: Elements of Ecological Gardening
Ecosystems, Habitats, Climate, Biodiversity, Sustainable Techniques, Restoration
Module 2: Soil and Plant Health
Soil Composition and Testing, Composting, Fertility Techniques
Module 3: Sustainable Garden Design for Your Site
Site Preparation, Design Types and Components, Plant Selection
Module 4: Natural Habitats for Pollinators and Wildlife
Native Plants, Pollinators, Multi-function Plants
Module 5: Sustainable Gardening Practices
Climate, Conservation, Waterwise Design, Ecotypes
Module 6: Prevention and Maintenance
Restoration, Pest and Invasives Management, Irrigation
Module 7: Sustainability for the Community
Reconnecting People to Ecology, Local Support, Networking, Resources
HORTICULTURAL DESIGN
Over 114 million American households engage in gardening. From public green spaces to community gardens to private yards, gardening is a critical part of our country’s culture. A garden is a living ecosystem that impacts the health of people, plants, animals, and the environment. Through thoughtful observation and strategic planning, the horticultural design approach we take can be not only beautiful, but purposeful, sustainable, and suited to personal lifestyle. Garden Design & Techniques will share professional processes and holistic approaches to plan and construct garden designs that fulfill preferences and promote ecological sustainability.
Module 1: Introduction to Garden Design & Techniques
History, Design Approaches, Trends, Themes & Styles
Module 2: Discovering the Garden as a Sense of Place
Personal Style, Lifestyle, Purpose
Module 3: Observation & Site Assessment
Understanding Your Site, Environment, Microclimates, Soil Analysis, Sustainable Design
Module 4: Functionality, Conceptualizing & Mapping Your Site
Existing Features, Spatial Design, Garden Rooms, Hardscaping
Module 5: Design Principles & Elements
The Design Process; Principles: Unity, Focalization, Scale & Proportion, Symmetry, Repetition, Transition, Simplicity; Elements: Color, Texture, Style, Line, Mass, Form
Module 6: Planning, Plant Selection, Choosing Materials
Seasonal Plantings, Layered Designs, Succession of Bloom, Containers and Accents
Module 7: Putting It All Together
Layout, Garden Beds, Graphic Design