PLANT. EDUCATE. SUSTAIN.
The Desert Landscape School is a signature credentialing program at Desert Botanical Garden, offering professionals, homeowners and gardeners an opportunity to learn from experts about all aspects of desert landscaping and earn a credential upon class completion.
LEARN
Experienced Garden horticulturists and landscape architects take you through a comprehensive learning journey, showing you the ropes of landscape design, installation and maintenance.
PRACTICE
Fortify your newly acquired knowledge through practical, hands-on exercises at the Garden. Receive guidance from our experts as your cohort provides feedback that helps build skill and confidence.
EARN
Gain credibility when you complete all six Desert Landscape School certificates, and earn the credential. Distinguish yourself and promote your accomplishment with Desert Botanical Garden.
SHARE
Become part of a community of practitioners who care about making sustainable choices in desert landscape design and maintenance. Receive and offer practical advice in our discussion groups and events.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
DESERT ECOLOGY AND PLANT BIOLOGY
Critical concepts of plant structures and functions with an emphasis on how they relate to desert landscapes
DESERT PLANT PALETTE
A selection of trees, shrubs,vines, cactus and succulents and other plants used in desert landscapes, field identification and proper placement in the landscape
PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE
Appropriate techniques in planting, pruning and diagnosing plant problems
SUSTAINABLE DESERT LANDSCAPES
Designing sustainable desert landscapes, soil sciences, horticulture, water harvesting and sustainable practices in landscape design and management
DESERT DESIGN
Creation and rendering of a residential design concept from a functional diagram to preliminary designs and a finalized master plan
DESERT LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION
Discover the appropriate methods and progression of building a landscape, then apply this knowledge by working on a real-life installation project
Desert Landscape School Frequently Asked Questions
Where are classes held?
With only a few exceptions, classes are held at Desert Botanical Garden, where students have access to a state-of-the-art learning lab and the Garden’s collection of desert plants.
How do I earn the Desert Landscape School credential?
Upon successfully completing all six Desert Landscape School certificates.
How long does it take to complete a certificate?
When are classes held?
What are the requirements to achieve a certificate?
Students who wish to receive a certificate must meet the attendance requirement and reach or surpass the minimum score set for the program’s assessment.
How many hours of studying on my own can I expect?
Students should expect to spend two to five hours each week devoted to studying the materials, reading and/or completing assignments.
How many times a year is each certificate program offered?
Each certificate program is offered two to three times a year.
How do I register for each certificate program?
Which certificate is right for me?
The description for each certificate is a good resource for deciding if the program will meet your needs. If you have further questions about the curriculum, please contact Assistant Director of Public Horticulture Angelica Elliott at aelliott@dbg.org or call 480.481.8171.
Search and Verify Credentials
Desert Landscape School credential holders have the opportunity to list themselves in this online directory. This tool also allows users to verify if a professional currently holds the credential.
Desert Landscape Guide
Learn how to select, install and maintain plants in a desert landscape. Filled with best practices, illustrations and instructions, this guide translates plant science into practical advice, making it perfect for landscape professionals, homeowners and gardeners.
Read our Registration & Cancellation Policies for information about member discounts, refunds and more.
