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 and Ecological Gardening—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.

Vibrant purple and yellow flowers blooming amidst lush green grass, set against the backdrop of rustic red brick, creating a colorful and charming scene that combines natural beauty with architectural warmth.

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 19 to August 15, 2025
Course fee: $95 AHS Member / $120 non-member

Register

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

Contact

Programs Department
703.768.5700 ext. 121
programs@ahsgardening.org