The certificate program comprises a series of engaging, approachable classes that blend science, real-world application, and time spent in the gardens. Participants may take courses in any order, and courses include:

• Botany for Gardeners – Build a deeper understanding of how plants grow, how they interact with pollinators, and how to identify key plant families using hands-on tools like microscopes.
• Native Plants of Spring, Summer, and Fall – Get to know more than 180 native plants and how to use them for beauty, seasonal interest, and ecological value.
• Enhancing Life in the Soil – Explore the vibrant ecosystem beneath our feet and learn how healthy soil supports strong plants and resilient landscapes.
• Plant Health Care – Understand common plant diseases and how to manage them responsibly within ecological systems.
• Inviting Wildlife into the Garden – Learn how to create welcoming spaces for birds, butterflies, beneficial insects, and amphibians by providing food, shelter, and water where they need it most.
• Gardening for Watershed Conservation – Discover how gardens can protect local waterways through rain gardens, sustainable watering practices, and thoughtful landscape design.
• Managing Invasive Plants – Learn to recognize common invasive species and apply effective strategies to protect native plant communities.
• Plant Propagation – Gain money-saving skills by growing your own plants from seed and cuttings, while learning ethical and sustainable collection practices.
• Ecological Arboriculture – Apply ecologically centered options to the decision-making processes of traditional arboriculture.

The program culminates with Ecological Landscape Design, a capstone course that weaves these concepts together into a holistic approach to creating functional, beautiful, and sustainable landscapes.

Note: Courses that are not currently open for enrollment will be offered in the next scheduled cycle.

The program is delivered through both onsite and hybrid instructional models. In the hybrid format, students watch pre-recorded lectures independently at their convenience and subsequently participate in onsite experiences such as guided garden tours, field sessions, and other experiential learning activities.  Both formats fully engage students through meaningful, hands-on experiences that leave a lasting impact.

There are no prerequisites or electives.  All courses must be completed to earn the certificate.

Student Testimonial:
“The classes were varied, interesting and provided a good foundation. The instructors, some work at Mt. Cuba and some work outside of Mt. Cuba and teach there, were very knowledgeable, energetic and passionate about their area of expertise.”

Students are welcome to start with any course in the program; however, there are several courses that are an ideal staring point such as the Native Plants of Spring, Summer, or Fall courses; Botany for Gardeners; and Enhancing Life in the Soil. It is best to take Ecological Landscape Design at the end of the program due to the complexity of the course, which references and applies concepts learned in other Certificate courses.

Most Mt. Cuba Center courses are approved for continuing education units (CEUs) through organizations that serve arborists, certified nursery professionals, landscape architects and designers, organic growers, and other green industry professionals including the following:

• CBLP / Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals
• DNLA / Delaware Nursery and Landscape Association
• LACES / Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System
• Master Gardeners
• NOFA / Northeast Organic Farming Association
• Pennsylvania & Delaware Master Naturalist
• PLNA / Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association