Dry Garden Botany Certificate Program
October 2023 – March 2024
Join us for a program designed for the plant enthusiast interested in taking a deep dive into the Garden’s unique plant collection.
Course Description
The Ruth Bancroft Garden features a noteworthy plant collection of climate-resilient specimens that thrive in summer-dry climate. In this certificate program, we will first brush up on basic botany before delving into the fascinating world of dry biomes and develop an understanding of the plants’ adaptation traits. The program will then focus on 16 prominent plant families/groupings at the Garden, such as aloes, proteas, cacti and agaves.
The structure of the program will allow students from all over the world to participate in this multifaceted learning experience as each topic will have a webinar and an in-person class option.
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from experts in the field (scroll below to see instructor bios) and forge a deeper connection with the Garden’s collection. Our extraordinary plant palette will enrich your understanding of biodiversity and the importance of plant conservation in various habitats around the world.
Dry Garden Botany Certificate Program Requirements
To earn a Dry Garden Botany Certificate from the Ruth Bancroft Garden, students must participate in webinars, guided garden walks (in-person), quizzes and a present a short talk on a featured plant group.
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 in all 20 webinars. Completion of all of the webinars is a requirement for the certificate. Each webinar will be posted for one week, so participants may watch at their leisure.
Dry Garden Botany 101, Dry Garden Botanical Terminology, Dry Biomes of the World, Plant Adaptations to Dry Biomes, Crassulaceae (Old World), Crassulaceae (New World), Agave, Bromeliaceae & Agavoideae, Misc. Succulents (Part 1 & 2), Proteaceae, Arecaceae & Cycads, Euphorbiaceae, Trees, Asphodelaceae, Aizoaceae, Shrubs/Herbaceous Plants, Bulbs, Cactaceae (Barrel & Globular, Columnar & Opuntioids).
Register for two (or more) classes designated as “Guided Walks” (in-person classes at the Garden). Students must separately register and pay for two (or more) Guided Walks.
Special arrangements may be made for those participating from far distances to the Garden.
Students must have a passing grade of 75% or above on tests that are issued after each webinar.
Students must successfully present a 10-minute Zoom talk on a plant group featured in the program.
Click on the class listings (two pages) below for a closer look at the dates and topics.
Registration Steps
- Registration for the 2023-2024 Dry Garden Botany certificate program will open on 15 August 2023 with limited spots. $550 (RBG Member)/$625 (Non-Member). Registration fees will include: all webinars, supplies, quizzes, a check-in session to help you prepare for your presentation and Final Presentation. Go here.
- Register and pay for two (minimum) Guided Walks (in-person classes) according to your schedule and interest.
Financial Aid Opportunity
We are offering a need-based partial scholarship to three students. Go here to apply; forms are due before September 23rd, 2023. All applicants (awarded or not) will be informed by September 30th, 2023.
Logistics about the Program
Series Schedule
October 2023 – March 2024
The program runs from October 14, 2023 until March 23, 2024. Classes are scheduled on variable days, depending on whether they’re online or in-person.
Webinars: Wednesdays or Saturdays, 10-11:00 a.m. PT
Guided Walk programs (in-person): Saturdays, 1-2:30 p.m. PT
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 (“+”).
Dry Garden Botany 101 (webinar) | 10/14/2023
Date: Saturday at 10 a.m. PT
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.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botanical Terminology (webinar) | 10/18/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
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.
Go here to register.
Dry Biomes of the World (webinar) | 10/21/2023
Date: Saturday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: In this class, we will take a virtual tour of regions of the world that are considered dry, i.e. has low precipitation. We will focus on cold and hot deserts, Mediterranean-climate ecosystems, arid grasslands and shrublands. For each region, we will examine the climate, geography, and characteristic vegetation.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Garden Map & Bed Orientation (guided walk) | 10/21/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: Learn about the design principles of the Garden and become familiar with how the plant collection is organized. We’ll walk through the Garden, identify each bed and review the general plant compositions.
Go here to register.
Plant Adaptations to Dry Biomes (webinar) | 10/28/2023
Date: Saturday @ 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Dry environments present special challenges to the survival of plants. In this class, we will examine features of plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, and ecology that allow plants to acquire and conserve water, protect themselves from extreme heat and light radiation, avoid herbivory, and reproduce successfully. We will also look at adaptations to fire, which is common in some dry biomes.
Go here to register.
Plant Adaptations to Dry Biomes (guided walk) | 10/28/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Dry environments present special challenges to the survival of plants. In this in-person class, we find examples in the Garden’s collection. Learn about plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, and ecology that allow plants to acquire and conserve water, protect themselves from extreme heat and light radiation, avoid herbivory, and reproduce successfully. We will also look at adaptations to fire, which is common in some dry biomes.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Crassulaceae [Old World] (webinar) | 11/1/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Although succulents are typically known as sun-lovers thriving in arid climates, did you know that there’s a Sempervivum that can withstand high altitude and snowy conditions? Crassulaceae, commonly known as the stonecrop family, is widespread and come from a variety of climates. For this online lecture, we’ll look at Crassulaceae plants in our collection that are native to the ‘Old World’ (the regions of Europe, Asia and Africa). This includes Crassula, Cotyledon, Tylecodon, Kalanchoe, Adromischus, Aeonium, Sempervivum, and European sedums.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Crassulaceae [Old World] (guided walk) | 11/4/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden and get a close-up of the physical traits that enable a Crassulaceae plant to withstand snow conditions. In this class, you’ll learn about the Crassulaceae plants native to the ‘Old World’ (i.e. Europe, Asia and Africa) plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. This includes Crassula, Cotyledon, Tylecodon, Kalanchoe, Adromischus, Aeonium, Sempervivum, and European sedums.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Crassulaceae [New World] (webinar) | 11/8/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: The Crassulaceeae family, also known as stonecrops, have a wide distribution with varying levels of hardiness. Learn about the Crassulaceae [New World] plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture. (This includes Dudleya, Echeveria, Pachyphytum, Graptopetalum and Mexican sedums.)
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Crassulaceae [New World] (guided walk) | 11/11/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about the Crassulaceae [New World] plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. (This includes Dudleya, Echeveria, Pachyphytum, Graptopetalum and Mexican sedums.)
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Agave (webinar) | 11/15/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Ruth Bancroft never admitted to having favorites, yet the profusion of agaves in the Garden makes her inclinations quite evident. Join us in this comprehensive online lecture to explore the remarkable collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. We will examine an array of distinct agave species and hybrids, which owe their existence to Brian Kemble – longtime Curator, renowned agave expert, and accomplished hybridizer.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Agave (guided walk) | 11/18/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: Strikingly ornamental, with the magic that powers tequila production, capable of producing blooms up to 30 feet in height, and crucial to the survival of certain bat species, agaves are a source of endless fascination. Immerse yourself in the world of these captivating plants by discovering the exceptional agave collection at the Garden during this guided walk. Our tour will encompass a diverse array of distinctive agave species and hybrids that are exclusively cultivated here; a testament to the expertise of Brian Kemble — our longtime Curator, agave authority, and accomplished hybridizer.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Bromeliaceae & Agavoideae (webinar) | 11/29/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: When people think of plants in the Bromeliaceae family, the epiphytic air plants growing in the rainforest often come to mind, but the realm of Bromeliaceae is far more expansive. Towers of turquoise puya flowers, vibrant foliage on dyckias — there are many other Bromeliaceae to discover in a dry garden. The diverse array of non-agave Agavoideae species in our Garden is equally astonishing. Join us for a comprehensive online lecture that delves into the multitude of Bromeliaceae and (non-agave) Agavoideae species found in our collection.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Bromeliaceae & Agavoideae (guided walk) | 12/2/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: When people think of plants in the Bromeliaceae family, the ubiquitous pineapple often comes to mind, but the realm of Bromeliaceae is far more expansive. Towers of turquoise puya flowers, vibrant foliage on dyckias — there are many other Bromeliaceae to discover in a dry garden. The diverse array of non-agave Agavoideae species in our Garden is equally astonishing. Join us for a guided walk in the Garden to look at the multitude of Bromeliaceae and (non-agave) Agavoideae species found in our collection.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Misc. Succulents [Part 1 of 2] (webinar) | 12/6/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn about an assortment of succulents [Part 1 of 2] at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture. (This includes Apocynaceae, Commelinaceae, Asteraceae, Fouquieriaceae, Burseraceae, Vitaceae and Rhamnaceae.)
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Misc. Succulents [Part 1 of 2] (guided walk) | 12/9/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about an assortment of succulents [Part 1 of 2] at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. (This includes Apocynaceae, Commelinaceae, Asteraceae, Fouquieriaceae, Burseraceae, Vitaceae and Rhamnaceae.)
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Proteaceae (webinar) | 12/13/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description:Proteaceae plants are well-known for their distinct and intricate floral structures and have gained popularity in summer-dry climate gardens. Mainly from Australia and South African (with some outliers in other regions), these plants have specialized pollinators and some are adapted to fire-prone ecosystems. Learn about the Proteaceae plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Proteaceae (guided walk) | 12/16/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: JProteaceae plants are well-known for their distinct and intricate floral structures that have gained popularity in summer-dry climate gardens. Mainly from Australia and South African (with some outliers in other regions), these plants have specialized pollinators and some are adapted to fire-prone ecosystems. Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about the diverse Proteaceae plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Arecaceae & Cycads (webinar) | 1/17/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn about the Arecaceae (palm) and cycad plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Arecaceae & Cycads (guided walk) | 1/20/2024
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person class
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about the Arecaceae (palm) and cycad plant collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Euphorbiaceae (webinar) | 1/24/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: With over 7,500 species, Euphorbiaceae stands out as one of the largest plant families. From the baseball-shaped Euphorbia obesa, the cactus-like Euphorbia horrida, and even the vibrant Euphorbia pulcherrima (commonly known as Poinsettia), the remarkable diversity within this genus is truly awe-inspiring. Join us for a comprehensive online lecture as we delve into the expansive Euphorbiaceae collection at the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Euphorbiaceae (guided walk) | 1/27/2024
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: With over 7,500 species, Euphorbiaceae is one of the largest plant families, and Ruth’s fascination with their diverse forms was well-founded. Join us for a guided walk through the Garden as we discover the myriad of Euphorbiaceae plants in our collection.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Trees (webinar) | 1/31/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: With guidance from Lester Hawkins, Ruth Bancroft added a wide array of trees to her garden, adding an extra layer of interest and diversity to the landscape. Today, these trees stand as prominent features, offering shade for visitors and plants, serving as structural focal points, creating distinctive planting microclimates, and forming ‘garden rooms.’ Immerse yourself in the vast array of trees at the Garden in this comprehensive online lecture.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Trees (guided walk) | 2/3/2023
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: With guidance from Lester Hawkins, Ruth Bancroft added a wide array of trees to her garden, adding an extra layer of interest and diversity to the landscape. Today, these trees stand as prominent features, offering shade for visitors and plants, serving as structural focal points, creating distinctive planting microclimates, and forming ‘garden rooms.’ Immerse yourself in the vast array of trees at the Garden in this guided walk.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Misc. Succulents [Part 2 of 2] (webinar) | 2/7/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: When people think of succulents, they often envision diminutive rosettes like echeveria or aeoniums. However, a succulent encompasses any plant with the capacity to store water. In this guided Garden walk, we will discover the many forms of succulent plants. We will also spotlight the graceful Nolinaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae plant groups in the Garden.
naceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae plant groups in the Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Misc. Succulents [Part 2 of 2] (guided walk) | 2/10/2024
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: When people think of succulents, they often envision diminutive rosettes like echeveria or aeoniums. However, a succulent encompasses any plant with the capacity to store water. Discover the extensive array of succulents at the Garden in this guided walk. This presentation will also spotlight the graceful Nolinaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae plant groups in the Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Asphodelaceae (webinar) | 2/14/2023
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn about the Asphodelaceae plant collection (such as aloes, gasterias and haworthias) at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Asphodelaceae (guided walk) | 2/17/2024
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about the Asphodelaceae plant collection (such as aloes, gasterias and haworthias) at the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Aizoaceae (webinar) | 2/21/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn about the Aizoaceae plant collection (formerly referred as the “mesembs” or ice plant family) at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Aizoaceae (guided walk) | 2/24/2024
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about the Aizoaceae plant collection (formerly referred as the “mesembs” or ice plant family) at the Ruth Bancroft Garden.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Shrubs & Herbaceous Plants (webinar) | 2/28/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Learn about shrubs and other herbaceous plants at the Ruth Bancroft Garden in this comprehensive online lecture.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Shrubs & Herbaceous Plants (guided walk) | 3/2/2024
Date: Saturday @ 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: Join us for a walk through the Garden to learn about shrubs and other herbaceous plants at the Ruth Bancroft Garden
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Bulbs (webinar) | 3/6/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: For much of the year, bulbs lie in wait, but with the arrival of spring in the Garden, they begin to burst forth, gracing us with their fantastical flowers. Many of these blooms are rarely seen in the U.S. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of extraordinary bulb collections at the Ruth Bancroft Garden through this comprehensive online lecture.
Note: There will be no Guided Walk equivalent to this topic, as there will not be enough bulbs in bloom at this time of the year.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Cactaceae [Barrel & Globular] (webinar) | 3/13/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: Ruth didn’t initially collect cacti, but as her garden expanded, she received numerous gifts of these plants. Over time, she recognized the incredible structure and texture they contributed to the Garden. Presently, the Garden features a substantial collection. In our first of two online Cactaceae lectures, we’ll concentrate on barrel and globular varieties found in the collection.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Cactaceae [Barrel & Globular] (guided walk) | 3/16/2024
Date: Saturday at 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: Spines on a cactus are often regarded as modified leaves that now offer protection, shade, and a surface for gathering airborne moisture. Venturing into the Garden, this guided walk will lead us in pursuit of the barrel and globular forms of these prickly characters.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Cactaceae [Columnar & Opuntioids] (webinar) | 3/20/2024
Date: Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT
Format: Zoom webinar
Description: With their paddle-shaped arms or soldier-like verticality, columnar and Opuntia cacti are not only iconic but also serve as excellent accents in any dry garden. This online lecture will encompass the extensive spectrum of columnar and paddle cacti thriving in the Garden, offering glimpses of their ephemeral flowers, textured coverings, and vibrant fruits.
Go here to register.
Dry Garden Botany- Cactaceae [Columnar & Opuntioids] (guided walk) | 3/23/2024
Date: Saturday at 1 p.m. PT
Format: In-person program
Description: Living on the edge in some of the most extreme conditions, cacti prove themselves as genuine survivors. During this guided walk through the Garden, we will delve into the world of Opuntia and columnar cacti within our collection.
Go here to register.