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Elevate your garden designs by incorporating hardscape elements. Structural components of a landscape provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. Create garden design plans that integrate hardscape structures such as paving, landscape lighting, and garden walls to achieve your landscape design goals. The last class is a field trip to view examples of content learned in class. Portions of this class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. A supply list will be sent. Prerequisites: Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design. PGL 2 and GDC requirement
9 Thursdays, September 10 - November 5, 2026, 6:30 – 9 p.m. (online) and 2 Saturdays, October 3 & 24, 2026, 1 - 4 p.m. (Classroom 1) Paul Laiblin, landscape designer and garden consultant Classroom 1, Learning Center |
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Not Available
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Apply knowledge and skills developed in previous design courses toward a working understanding of planting design. Acquire a critical understanding of how to enhance your planting design through color and texture, plant combinations, planting bed layout, installation techniques, and maintenance practices. A supply list will be sent. Prerequisites: Four OPC core courses, Graphics, Introduction to Professional Practice, Principles of Garden Design. Strongly recommended Prerequisite: Hardscape Basics GDC requirement
8 Wednesdays, October 14 – December 16, 2026, 6:30 – 9 p.m. and 2 Saturdays, October 24 and November 7, 2026, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. (no class November 11 and 25)
Diane Smith, owner, The Perennial Professionals
Classroom 4, Learning Center
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Not Available
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Maximizing Texture in the Garden | Online

While a progression of interesting flowers and colorful foliage is appreciated in the garden, the visual texture of your compositions is equally important. You will explore textural examples of plants and combinations that take full advantage of your garden for a bold presence. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. The School’s CEUs=2 hours GDC elective
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Mark Dwyer, owner, Landscape Prescriptions by MD
Online Course
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11/17/2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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Conifers | Form, Texture, and Impact | Online

New! Conifers offer immense variety in form, color, and texture due to the array of species. Discover a wide selection of conifers and how to best use them as accents, for screening, as focal points, and in a mixed border. The thoughtful and intentional use of conifers will make your garden more beautiful. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance. The School’s CEUs=2 hours GDC elective
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Mark Dwyer, owner, Landscape Prescriptions by MD
Online Course
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12/1/2026 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
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The Business of Gardening and Landscaping

Turn your passion into profit. Learn the principles and practices of operating a successful landscape design and installation business. This course is designed for both prospective and established business owners who want to have a more profitable operation. You will explore the components of pricing, how to determine your overhead expenses, estimating the costs of a job, common pitfalls of quoting jobs, and how to price projects accurately. You will also learn purchasing strategies and how to source materials. The School’s CEUs=3 hours GDC elective
Tuesday, December 8, 2026, 6 – 9 p.m.
Diane Smith, owner, The Perennial Professionals
Classroom 2, Learning Center
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12/8/2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Garden Design | An Artistic Approach | Online

New! Gardeners are artists, painting their landscape with plants. Learn how color theory, plant combinations, hardscape, and garden features all play a part in garden design. Explore uses of plants and art in public and private landscapes. Get inspired to use all the tools discussed in class to plan your own stunning artwork—your garden. This class will be taught online via Zoom. All registrations must be submitted online two days before your class starts. Registered students will receive login instructions one day in advance.
Wednesday, January 20, 2027, 6 – 8 p.m.
Nina Kozial, horticulturist and writer
Online Course
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1/20/2027 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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