Details:
Table of Contents
The California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate (CNPLC) is a hybrid online and hands-on learning professional training program designed for practicing and aspiring landscape professionals. Developed by experts in the field of native plant horticulture, it will provide you with the tools you need to successfully manage native plants and California-friendly landscapes. The curriculum includes instruction on plant identification, soil, watering, weeding and integrated pest management, pruning and garden evaluation.
Duration: From October 22 to November 15, 2025 (four weeks), including 20 hours of instruction
Classes will be taught in person at the Garden on these dates and will meet at the Pritzlaff Conservation Center:
- Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, November 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Program participants may park in the staff parking lot located on the east side of Mission Canyon Road when attending these three classes.
The class will meet in person at el Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden on this date:
- Saturday, November 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Classes will be taught online via Zoom on these dates:
- Wednesday, October 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
If you are interested in taking this course in Spanish, sign up now for our Spanish cohort on September 24.
Prices:
$325 per person. The price includes the cost of a set of Native Plant Cards for Southern California Gardens and the CNPLC Student Manual.
Questions?
If you have questions about program content, please contact Alejandro Lemus at alemus@sbbotanicgarden.org or 805-682-4726, ext. 179. If you need help with the program registration process, please contact Kellyn Allavie at kallavie@sbbotanicgarden.org.
About the instructor:
Alejandro Lemus was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has experience in habitat restoration, horticulture and education. As the Garden’s horticultural educator, Alejandro develops and implements horticulture programs for professional landscapers and residential gardeners. Having spent many years working in propagation and retail nurseries, Alejandro is passionate about growing native plants for conservation and educating the public about the benefits and beauty of habitat gardening.
