Educational Programs and Schools

The National Garden Clubs is a not-for-profit educational organization with its headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. As part of its mission, NGC offers educational opportunities for members and non-members.

Basic Horticulture Study Units The Horticulture Study Course provides instruction in basic gardening practices for those members who do not have the opportunity to attend the schools that NGC offers.

Design Study Units come in two sets available for purchase from NGC Headquarters. The sets involve videos and written lessons that can be used by one person or by a group of people.

Flower Show Schools are a series of courses intended to train NGC members to become accredited Flower Show Judges.

Landscape Design Study Courses offer a series of four 10-hour courses. The course curriculum covers the history of landscape design as well as instruction from landscape architects in a variety of design techniques used in home and municipal settings.

Environmental Study Schools are a series of four courses in environmental studies offered over a period of time (usually two years) by local or State Garden Clubs. Students completing the courses may become NGC Environmental Consultants.

Gardening Study Courses focus on helping members become accomplished horticulturists. Courses cover all aspects of growing from understanding soil structure to pruning techniques, plant identification, etc. Courses may be sponsored by member clubs, groups of clubs, State Garden Clubs, etc. and may be open to garden club members and non-members.

Consultants of Environmental Studies, Gardening Study, and Landscape Design Schools are encouraged to refresh in optional events sponsorecd within the organization. A Multiple Refresher may be for two (Bi-Refresher) or three Tri-Refresher) of these schools where subject matter usually overlaps to a large degree.

Symposium is an in-depth course of design, horticulture and allied subjects pertaining to flower shows that is more advanced than presented in Flower Show Schools.  These courses are primarily intended for Flower Show Judges to maintain their credentials, but all garden club members interested in learning more about flower shows, floral design and horticulture are encouraged to attend.