Education
The National Garden Clubs, located in St. Louis, MO, manages four schools that offer continuing education to garden club members and non-members with a range of educational opportunities on the art and science of the environment, gardening, landscape design, and flower arranging. These classes are informational for everyone, but also serve to fulfill the required criteria to become a consultant in a given area. The NGC website maintains an excellent calendar for upcoming classes, as does the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc.
NGC ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOOL
Environmental School consists of a series of four courses, scheduled over two days of instruction, followed by a exam for those interested in becoming a NGC accredited Environmental Consultant. The mission of the Environmental Schools is to teach environmental literacy to cherish, protect and conserve the living earth. The courses teach appreciation of the natural world, encourages action for sustainable development, as well as appreciation for the interrelation of all natural things. Land conservation, water conservation, water and air quality are particularly emphasized. For more information, contact
FFGC State School Chairperson—Jennifer Barber—jenniferbarberffgc@gmail.com
NGC GARDENING SCHOOL
Gardening School consists of a series of four courses, scheduled over two days of instruction, followed by an exam for those interested in becoming an NGC accredited Gardening Consultant. Courses cover all aspects of horticulture: gardening, understanding soil structure, pruning techniques, identifying plants, etc. Topics include basic botany, soils, annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, lawns, pests, plant diseases, plant classification and selected subjects of local interest. Additional topics may include reconciliation ecology and creating backyard habitats to help endangered species such as pollinators and amphibians as well as working with youth. For more information, contact
FFGC State School Chairperson Sally Flanagan—sfflan@aol.com
NGC LANDSCAPE DESIGN SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1958, professional instructors have maintained the high standards originally incorporated in the landscape design study program. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Students have been motivated to serve in political decision-making areas where awareness of the impact of a well-designed landscape can enhance the beauty and enjoyment of life in the public arena. The diversity of the course curriculum, from the history of landscape design to that of contemporary landscape architecture, appeals to a broad range of interests. The Landscape Design School includes a series of four courses. Those who complete the series and pass each examination with grades 70 or above will receive the NGC Consultants Certification Card, an NGC credential. Besides gaining a greater enjoyment in their gardens through this knowledge, members have found the program inspirational, leading to the development of important civic and private projects. For more information, contact
FFGC State School Chairperson Susan MacPherson—rmacpham@mac.com
NGC FLOWER SHOW JUDGE SCHOOL
Flower Show School is a comprehensive program that teaches about judging, entering, competing and chairing a NGC flower show. There are four courses each with a specific curriculum that includes horticulture, design and flower show procedure. If you are considering becoming a flower show judge, planning to chair a flower show, or are just curious, your first step is to attend Course I. Subjects are taught by qualified instructors and outlines are provided. Examples of horticulture and design are displayed and critiqued. Learn point scoring to evaluate how entries are judged, and see what it takes to get the blue ribbon. Learn about awards, types of shows and what committees are needed to produce a show. We invite you to join this unique experience and become an active part of flower shows. For more information on Flower Show Schools, please contact
State School Chairman Susan Hillson—susan.hillson@gmail.com
SYMPOSIUM— Flower Show Judges
The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs offers symposiums every year. The dates will be posted on the FFGC website.
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.
All NGC Accredited Flower Show Judges are required to attend NGC Symposiums in order to remain in Good Standing. Good Standing is necessary if a judge wishes to continue judging and evaluating flower shows. By attending and passing all Point Scoring Examinations, a judge advances from Accredited Judge to Accredited Life Judge and then finally Accredited Master Judge.
For more information, visit
National Garden Clubs, Inc. Lynn Fronk—lynnfronk353@gmail.com
FFSJ Symposiums Chair Claudia Bates—cbates727@gmail.com
FFGC Floral Design Study Series
The Floral Design Study Series is a unique series of lectures, demonstrations, and critiqued workshops sponsored by FFGC. Talented, accredited instructors are available throughout the state to teach the classes. This is a comprehensive program by Bob Thomas, internationally renowned floral designer from Florida. Bob was responsible for the Basic Six Units, and Florida's own, Wilma Paulauskas, wrote the curriculum for the Three Advanced Units. The program focuses on Basic Floral Design for the home and for Flower Shows using fresh LIVE plant materials and flowers. Those who attend all nine lectures and workshops will receive a Certificate suitable for framing. Live Materials, greens and flowers are supplied for the first three classes. Advance registration required. An Information packet is available for the Chairperson/Committee hosting the program. For more information, contact
Jan Griffin—billjangriffin@gmail.com