Flower Show Schools

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., through its Flower Show Schools program, provides excellent opportunities for study of horticulture and floral design. Any interested person, garden club member or non-member, may attend these schools by registering and paying the nominal fee.

The horticulture curriculum consists of basic general information on proper gardening techniques from seed/plant selection to plant culture and control of problems. Information is also presented on cultural needs of specific perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs, as well as fruits, vegetables and nuts and how to grow superior container plants.

Design instruction covers traditional floral arrangements through contemporary styles and even designs incorporating lights and motors. Many attendees are particularly interested in table setting designs showing coordination of floral centerpiece, linens and dishes. Vignettes, small segments of rooms, also give ideas on interior decorating.

While the primary purpose of these courses is to train those wishing to become flower show judges, many people attend for information only and those people are not required to take the examinations.

UPCOMING FLOWER SHOW SCHOOLS:

A new series of Flower Show Schools will begin with Course I from May 13-15, 2008.  Included will be Flower Show Procedure, Design and Horticulture.  For those of you who would like to become a judge this is the perfect place to start.

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut is offering a special bonus to anyone taking this course!  You can sign up to take the course and bring a friend who can attend free.  Taking the exam won’t be included, but the great learning experience will be free.  You can’t go wrong!

For more information please contact Flower Show School Chairman, Barbara Bruce or (203) 484-9160.

[Click here to download an application for this course.]

Gardening Study Schools

Gardening Study School (GSS) provides continuing education in the study of horticulture. Courses are designed to:

• Stimulate interest in the growth of plant materials
• Teach how and why a plant grows
• Teach soil structure and modification for more productive soils
• Explore growing techniques for garden plants, vegetables, fruits, houseplants, trees, shrubs, and specialized styles of gardening
• Teach what effect weather has on plants and how to modify conditions for optimum growth
• Give an understanding of fungicides, pesticides, and growth regulators

Course content is established by National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC). Four sequenced courses comprise a series. Each course consists of ten hours of instruction. Optional exams are offered for those wishing to become NGC Accredited Gardening Consultants. Those who have become Consultants are eligible to judge contests and displays as representatives of the GSS program in events participated in by Councils.

UPCOMING GARDENING STUDY SCHOOLS:

Course III, Series 5 of Gardening Study School
Tues. October 7th - Wed. Oct. 8th (exam on Oct. 9)

Topics will be The Environment, Pruning Techniques,
Techniques for Growing Outdoor Flowers, Classifying
Plants (Plant taxonomy) and a Teaching Tour of a
Botanical Garden. The course will be held at Jones Auditorium, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven. For information, contact Rodney Hayes (203-481-5918).

Landscape Design Study Programs

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc., welcomes all interested gardeners to its educational program in landscape design, under the guidance of the state garden clubs and international affiliate garden clubs. The purpose of the study program is to develop in students an appreciation of the environment, both natural and built.

The curriculum, in a series of four courses, covers a wide range of subjects: from landscape design history to landscape architecture in the year 2000 and beyond. Courses are held once a year, usually in March. The high standards of this program have been maintained through the use of professional instructors. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Many 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.

DATES OF UPCOMING SCHOOLS:

Landscape Design Study Program
March 25-March 27, 2008

The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, Inc. will be offering Course II of the Landscape Design Study Program on March 25-27, 2008 in Jones Auditorium at The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT 06504. The program is open to the public.

The four courses in the program may be taken in any order. Each course has a two-day lecture period taught by landscape architects and other professionals. An optional exam may be taken on the morning of the third day. The purpose of the study program is to develop an appreciation of the environment, both natural and built. The curriculum covers a wide range of subjects: from landscape design history to current trends landscape architecture. Students acquire the tools for making their own gardens more beautiful and easier to maintain. Many 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.

Pre-registration is required. For more details contact Margery Winters (email preferred) or call 860-658-5416.

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