Schools and Programs

Environmental Studies Schools

Environmental Studies Schools are a series of four courses in environmental studies. Students completing the courses may become NGC Environmental Consultants.

The Federation completed its first course in Environmental Studies in September of 2007, with 55 students attending for classroom work and a field trip.

Environment Studies Schools "Pioneers" — the first group to complete all four ESS courses in 2010. Above, first row, left to right: Nancy Lenoce, Maria Nahom, Helen Pritchard, Donna Nowak, Mary Fallon, Kathrine Neville, and Dagney Hassinger. Back row, left to right: Ellie Tessmer, Carole Golitko, Janet Valencis, Barbara Ljunggren and Ronnie Schoelzel. Below, left to right: Johnna-Claire Metz, Anne Harrigan and Terry Pitt.

UPCOMING ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES SCHOOLS:

April 3-5, 2012
Environmental Studies School, Course I

Click here to download the brochure and registration form.

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:

COURSE III

October 10-12, 2012

For more information please contact Flower Show School Chair Jessica Fischer via email.

Check back for brochures and registration form.

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, houseplants 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

Septmber 24-26, 2012

The curriculum, divided into four individual courses, is open to any garden club member.  Anyone is welcome to attend who wishes to receive information about and develop skills in many horticultural and gardening subjects.

Course content includes the study of basic botany for gardeners, soils, houseplants, propagation.  Also covered are how new plants are developed and evaluated, factors that influence plant growth, container gardening, pruning  techniques, growing outdoor flowers, specialized styles of gardening, growing plants indoors and/or under lights, and growing trees and shrubs, plus other interesting gardening topics.

For more information please contact Gardening Study School Chair Katherine M. Patrick via email or telephone at 203-878-5302.

Check back for brochures and registration form.

Landscape Design Study School

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.

UPCOMING LANDSCAPE DESIGN STUDY SCHOOLS:

Course II

March 27, 28, and 30, 2012

The Landscape Design Study School was developed by the National Garden Clubs, Inc. in 1958 and has been offered by The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut since 1978.  The stated purpose of this four-course study is “to educate garden club members and the public to know good landscape architectural practice and to serve as guardians and critics of the natural and man-made landscape.”  Anyone is welcome to attend who wishes to familiarize themselves with the principles and practices of landscape design as stewards of the outdoors.

The curriculum of the program is divided into four courses; one course is given each year.  Courses may be taken in any order.  Each course can stand alone to increase your knowledge and appreciation of landscape architecture, but students are encouraged to attend all four courses to complete the series.  Material is presented in lecture format over two days by licensed landscape architects and other professionals.

Topics in this excellent program include design process and principles, plant materials, public and private spaces, land development, environment and natural resources, and history of landscape design.  Most lectures include visual presentations.

Students are urged to take the optional exam offered on the morning of the third day to get the most value from this study.  Examination questions are based on the required reading.  Garden club members may apply for a Landscape Design Consultant Certificate by attendance at all four courses and grades of 70 or better on the examinations.  The four courses must be completed in not less than two years and not more than seven years.

For more information please contact chair Leslie Martino via email.

Click here to download brochure.
Click here to download registration form.

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