March 2024 – October 2024
The 2024 Dry Garden Design Certificate Program guides homeowners and experienced designers on an exploration of landscape design through the lens of dry gardening — the utilization of a climate-appropriate plant palette.
Join us for a free info session* about the 2024 certificate program!
December 6th, 2023 (Wednesday) at 5pm PT.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89668990911?pwd=TlFPK1NaSXBmSnR0cGxMc2RScXk0UT09
Meeting ID: 896 6899 0911
Passcode: 290057
*The Zoom session will be recorded and available for a later viewing.
Program Description
In this certificate program, students will build a strong foundation of knowledge about horticultural practices, basic design principles, and plant selection in dry garden landscapes. With each class (primarily online), students will acquire skills to empower them to design, care for and maintain dry gardens as they explore topics ranging from fundamentals of botany and ecology, site selection, and a focus on various plant groups appropriate for dry garden landscapes. Students will participate in a Final Design Project where they will demonstrate their ability to create and present a lawn-to-garden design.
The Ruth Bancroft Garden began in the 1970s as a pioneering experiment in using exclusively dry-adapted plants — including cacti, succulents, and California natives — in landscape design. The result was a garden full of dramatic composition — of form, texture and color — renowned worldwide, that continues to serve as a quintessential model for dry garden design. The Dry Garden Design Certificate Program utilizes the lessons and unique history of Ruth’s Garden to educate and train today’s homeowners and professional landscapers how to create beautiful, healthy and long-lasting gardens in this climate-appropriate, sustainable manner that is dry garden design.
Dry Garden Botany Certificate Program Requirements
To earn a Dry Garden Design Certificate from the Ruth Bancroft Garden, students must take Required Classes, Elective Classes and successfully complete a Final Design Project that is undertaken with the guidance of our instructors.
Classes taken in previous years will not count towards this certificate program.
Courses may also be taken à la carte, for those not interested in the full certificate program.
Students are automatically registered for all the Required Classes.
Dry Garden Botany 101, Dry Garden Botanical Terminology, Basic Garden Designs, Site Analysis (three parts), Environmental Synergy, Dry Garden Installation and Landscape Concept Plans. There will also be an Introductions and Syllabus Review session early in the program.
All Required Classes are online.
Certificate Program students will have access to the recordings of the Required Classes until October 31st, 2024.
Students must separately register and pay for a minimum of three Elective Classes.
Participants have access to the the recordings of the Elective Classes for one week.
In-person Elective Classes are: Case Study- Private Garden Visit, Case Study- Site Analysis Considerations, and Field Trip- Wholesale Nursery.
In this five-part project, students learn to create a lawn-to-garden conversion design and then present for evaluation and feedback. This includes a Plant Master tutorial, overview of the project, Q&A session, 1:1 check-in and presentation. Final projects are to be completed and presented before October 31st, 2024 to earn the certificate. Students are automatically registered for the Final Design Project.
Students must successfully present a 30-minute Zoom talk about their Final Design Project.
Registration Steps
- Registration for the 2024 program will open on January 16th, 2024 with limited spots. $800 (RBG Member)/$877 (Non-Member). Registration fees will include: Required Classes, Final Design Project, a landscape design kit, eight-month subscription to PlantMaster, quizzes and seven check-in sessions.
- Register and pay for three (minimum) Elective Classes according to your schedule and interest.
Scholarship Opportunity
We are offering a need-based partial scholarship to four students. The application form can be found here. The online form is due before February 1st, 2024. All applicants (awarded or not) will be informed by February 16th, 2024.
Logistics about the Program
Series Schedule
March – October 2024
The program runs from mid-March 2024 until end of October 2024. Classes are typically scheduled on Wednesdays or Saturdays
Webinars: Wednesdays or Saturdays, 10-11:00 a.m. PT
In-person Classes: Variable days and times
Questions about the Dry Garden Botany Certificate Program? Contact the Program Director at alice@ruthbancroftgarden.org
Class Details:
To open each section of the class details, click on the plus sign (“+”). Dates TBD.
Dry Garden Botany 101 | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: With a specific emphasis on dry garden plants, brush up on all things botany and prepare to embark on the complete series armed with the necessary background. Through this course, you will gain a solid understanding of the scientific classification of plants into various families, along with an overview of plant structures, functions, and remarkable diversity.
Dry Garden Botanical Terminology | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Latin names and botanical taxonomy doesn’t have to be intimidating. Throughout this course, our emphasis will be on dry garden plants. You’ll learn about the etymology and accurate pronunciation of botanical names, fostering the confidence necessary to grasp Latin naming conventions.
Basic Garden Designs | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:The first thing to decide when planning (or planting!) a new garden is what you want it to look like when it’s finished. This garden style can be inspired by the architecture of house, the existing trees or shrubs, or one of your favorite places (like the Ruth Bancroft Garden). We’ll look at some of the common dry garden styles and highlight the basic elements you can use to achieve the look you want.
Site Analysis & Design Development - Overview | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom
Description: When starting a new design there are many things to consider. What is the exposure of the site, how big is it, and how do you want to utilize the space? We will look at the how to evaluate and record the conditions of the site and the desires of the clients. This is a 3-part series class.
Site Analysis & Design Development - Layout | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: DWhat shape should your garden take? Learn about different garden layouts, flow and access as well as other factors to consider when creating or redesigning the overall structure of your new garden. This is part of a 3-part series class.
Site Analysis & Design Development - Plant Palette | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: There are many factors to consider when selecting your plant palette. We will look at color theory, texture and how specific plants can clearly communicate specific garden styles. This is part of a 3-part series class.
Environmental Synergy | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:In addition to saving water, your dry garden can also reap many other environmental benefits. Join us for an overview of several relationships that are impacted by our decisions & actions when we garden and how we can think through our options to make better decisions going forward. While you tend your garden, being able to understand what you’re doing holistically and how it impacts the environment is a huge step towards having a positive impact beyond the property line.
Creating Landscape Plans | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: In the early stages of garden design, a landscape concept plan is created to capture an overhead view of the design proposal. Learn about the important elements of a successful concept plan and how to convey those initial ideas of spatial arrangement and overall aesthetic of the design. In addition, students will learn how to develop and create a planting plan.
Dry Garden Installation | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: A garden’s success is highly dependent on certain foundational elements. In this lecture, learn how to properly prepare the soil, irrigation and successful planting practices in a dry garden landscape. All participants will receive the Ruth Bancroft Garden Dry Garden Planting Guide.
Final Design Project - PlantMaster Tutorial | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:Dry Garden Design Certificate Program (DGDCP) students will receive an 8-month subscription to PlantMaster. In this class, students will learn how to navigate and create a presentation that will be required for the Final Design Project.
Final Design Project - Overview | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:For this required workshop for Dry Garden Design Certificate Program students, there will be a tutorial on how to create a landscape design incorporating the design principles and plant palette that you’ve explored in the prerequisite and elective classes.
Final Design Project - Q & A | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Dry Garden Design Certificate Program students will have an opportunity to pre-submit questions in regards to their Final Design Project and ask questions about their design development as well as the plant palette choices and the layout.
Final Design Project - Check-In | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Dry Garden Design Certificate Program students will have an opportunity to share a draft of their Final Design Project, in an 1:1 format, and receive feedback before their final presentation in October 2024.
Final Design Project - Presentation | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Dry Garden Design Certificate Program students will present a garden design (via Zoom) for evaluation in an 1:1 setting with the instructor(s). Must be presented before 31 Oct 2023 for a certificate.
Essential Trees & Palms in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:When planning or planting a garden the first thing to consider are the large-scale plants such as trees and palms. Tree and palm selection sets the tone for the entire design and helps determine all the other plantings. In this lecture, we will look at how to select a tree/palm for both aesthetics and conditions. We will also look at a wide range of drought tolerant trees and palms that are commonly available.
Soft Succulents in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:When thinking of a garden with low water requirements, people tend to think of sun-loving plants, including succulents such as sedums and echeverias. In this lecture, learn about the successful succulents at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and how you can incorporate these plants into a successful garden design.
Low-water Container Gardening- Design Elements | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Container gardens are a great way to bring the beauty of plants to areas that have little or no planting beds like balconies, decks or patios. They can also serve as living ‘flower’ arrangements or miniature gardens. Learn about how you can re-imagine your outdoor space with container gardening with a dry garden plant palette.
Low-water Container Gardening- Care & Maintenance | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Container gardens are a great way to maximize limited space or bring visual appeal to outdoor areas that optimize growing conditions for your beloved plants. Learn about best practices on how you can effectively care and maintain your container gardens that utilize a dry garden plant palette.
Case Study: Private Garden Visit | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: In-person class
Description: Join Cricket Riley, Landscape Design Services Director, for a case study discussion on how to develop a dry garden landscape. The class, held off-site, will go through the private home garden, bed by bed, and talk about soil conditions, sun exposure, site issues and desired feel that govern the plant palette.
Focal Point Plants in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: When planning or planting a garden the first thing to consider are focal point plants as well as trees, palms and other large-scale plants. Focal point plants sets the tone for the entire design and helps determine all the other plantings. In this lecture, we will look at how to select a large scale plant for both aesthetics and conditions. We will also look at a wide range of drought tolerant trees, palms and other focal point plants that are commonly available.
Essential Aloe & Friends in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Aloes and other plants in the Asphodelaceae family (including Gasteria, Haworthia and Bulbine) can be a wonderful addition in dry garden designs, whether as an accent or companion plant. In this lecture, learn about successful aloes (and friends) at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and how to incorporate these plants into a successful garden design.
Essential Shrubs in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn how to incorporate mid-size shrubs (herbaceous and woody plants) into a dry garden landscape. Whether as a border or a focal point plant, you’ll learn the key elements on how to determine the variety of low-maintenance, high-impact specimens that will be ideal for your dry garden setting. Ensure year-round interest by making a smart choice with your shrubs in your garden.
Dry Gardening in Small Spaces | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Have a small front, side or back garden and don’t know what to do? There are many factors that go into designing a beautiful, useful garden. In this lecture, we will cover many of the different factors you need to consider and help you navigate the process of refurbishing a bed or designing a whole new garden. Learn how to create that perfect ‘jewel box’ and how to create big impact in small spaces.
Groundcovers & Vines in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Layering a garden with groundcovers and vines can help highlight hardscapes and focal plants as well as providing a practical element of weed and erosion control. Learn how to incorporate a variety of groundcovers and vines into a dry garden landscape.
Essential Cacti in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: When thinking of a drought-tolerant garden, people tend to think of sun-loving plants, such as cacti. Learn about the successful cacti in the Ruth Bancroft Garden plant collection and how to incorporate these plants into a successful garden design.
Landscape Sketching 101 | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Landscape sketching is an indispensable tool for designers to communicate the look and feel of the proposed design to the client. Learn the steps on how to successfully create a simple but effective sketch and perspective drawing regardless of your artistic abilities.
Basic Irrigation in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Irrigation systems in gardens may seem daunting for some, whether it’s a completely new install or converting a spray system to drip. An irrigation system appropriate for a dry garden is critical for long-term success with your water-wise plant palette. In this introductory course, learn how to assess your landscape and install a drip irrigation system that is suitable for dry gardens.
Essential Agave & Friends in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: With bold, eye-catching features, agaves can be a wonderful addition in dry garden designs, whether as an accent or companion plant. In this lecture, learn about successful agaves and similar plants like Bromeliaceae (bromeliad family) and yucca specimens at the Ruth Bancroft Garden and how to incorporate these plants into a successful garden design.
Hellstrip Gardening | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Medians and hellstrips (the narrow space between the sidewalk and curb) are often overlooked as planting zones. They are often public spaces and it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase a climate-resilient plant palette in your neighborhood. Learn about the conditions that you need to consider and what kind of low-water plants would thrive in a challenging growing space.
Hands-on Hellstrip Gardening Workshop | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: In-person class
Description: Medians and hellstrips (the narrow space between the sidewalk and curb) are often overlooked as planting zones. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn about soil prep, sustainable plant selections and proper planting techniques.
Must be able to bend, shovel and lift 25 pounds.
Spatial Considerations in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Designing a garden space, whether working with a blank palette or an existing garden with mature specimens, can be overwhelming when you want to ensure effective long-term placement of plants. Spatial design is a critical process before plant and hardscape decisions are made in order to lay a strong foundation to define the space. Learn about the considerations that are important factors in designing a successful dry garden landscape.
Hardscape & Garden Lighting | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn about how hardscape and lighting design can enhance your garden and the importance of investing in an appealing and functional outdoor space. In this lecture, we’ll talk about lessons learned, challenging projects and tips how how you can effectively project manage hardscape and lighting installations in your garden.
Dry Garden Care & Maintenance- Succulents | Elective Class
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: A well-maintained garden will only become more beautiful with time. Learn how to properly care for your succulents in a dry garden landscape. We will cover basic pruning, fertilization, and common pest control techniques. We will also look at important annual and semi-annual tasks in the garden.
Dry Garden Care & Maintenance- Woody & Herbaceous Plants | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: A well-maintained garden will only become more beautiful with time. Learn how to properly care for your woody and herbaceous plants in a dry garden landscape. We will cover basic pruning, fertilization, and common pest control techniques. We will also look at important annual and semi-annual tasks in the garden.
Proteaceae & Pals (2 parts) | Elective Classes
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Join us for two lectures about plants in the Proteaceae family (such as Protea, Leucadendron, Leucospermum and Grevillea). For the first lecture “Proteaceae & Pals- Overview,” we will focus on the tried and true performers, a few new releases and some rarities that have excelled at the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
For the second lecture, “Proteaceae & Pals- Care & Maintenance,” we’ll talk about best planting practices, pruning recommendations, fertilizer amendments and soil/water requirements for these Australian and South African plants.
Registration fees will automatically enroll you in both lectures.
Dry Shade Plants- Shrubs & Perennials | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: When thinking of a garden with low water requirements, people tend to think of sun-loving plants, including succulents such as cacti and aloes, or dry-growing shrubs such as manzanitas and lavender. When it comes to dry shade, the choices are not as obvious, but there are plenty of shrubs and perennials that do well in lower-light spots and still need very little irrigation.
Dry Shade Plants- Succulents | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: When thinking of a garden with low water requirements, people tend to think of sun-loving plants, including succulents such as cacti and aloes, or dry-growing shrubs such as manzanitas and lavender. When it comes to dry shade, the choices are not as obvious, but there are plenty of succulents that do well in lower-light spots and still need very little irrigation.
Value Engineering in Dry Gardens | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn how to create a landscape design that fits in your budget. This can be a challenge, as there are many variables to consider. Learn about the general guidelines of what you need to know (whether as a homeowner or a designer) for a realistic and successful project management in the context of landscape design.
Landscape Design as a Career | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Creating beautiful and long-lasting successful garden spaces take more than just having an eye for detail and a creative vision; practical expertise in fundamental design principles, horticultural knowledge and many other skill sets are critical to success when creating residential or commercial outdoor spaces. Join us for a discussion on pursuing a career in this field and the different ways you can be a designer (ex. landscape contractor, maintenance gardener, garden coach, consultant, landscape architect, etc.) and what the legal parameters are for each option.
Choosing Plants Like a Pro | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Once you’ve done the homework and decided what plants to buy, now comes one of the most exciting parts: bringing them home! Join us for a look at how you should choose the best plant to buy when visiting a nursery. Whether you shop at a retail nursery or work with wholesalers, choosing your exact plants from among the multitude available still takes a bit of discernment.
In the process, we will touch on the working relationship designers can build with suppliers and take a quick behind the scenes look at a wholesale nursery’s online ordering system.
Field Trip: Wholesale Nursery | Elective Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Join us for a field trip to a wholesale nursery and learn about the ins and outs of plant selection, ordering and setting up deliveries. This well-organized nursery serves landscape professionals who hold accounts with the business. There will be a brief orientation covering the layout of the grounds, how to apply for an account, how to work with this nursery, and Q&A. Participants will then be given a map and suggested things to think about while there. After this, you’ll be free to wander around and check things out. Instructor will be available to answer questions for the whole class time. Whatever path you are considering in the landscape industry, seeing how the wholesale plant sourcing side works can be very helpful.
Soil Basics in Dry Gardens | Required Class
Date: TBD
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Soil is the foundation of healthy plants. Join us for a lecture to learn about the content of soil, recommendations for the perfect ratio of materials, and the care that your soil needs in order to keep your dry garden plants healthy and happy. We will also talk about current techniques that we’re employing in the Garden to encourage healthy soil conditions.
