Looking to decipher the world of trees and shrubs? This challenging but rewarding course will teach you the tools of plant identification and the universal language of Latin plant names that will enable you to communicate with other gardeners. With an introduction to woody plant material commonly seen in Calgary and how to use it in the landscape effectively, this class will set the foundation for your future gardening education.
Course materials are included, and additional texts are suggested in class. Be prepared to spend time outside of class reviewing at home and studying the plant material on Zoo grounds. Master Gardeners will schedule regular plant walks to aid in your learning. Weekly quizzes will help you to evaluate your progress and participants must attain a mark of 70% or higher to successfully complete the course.

This 20 hour course is a pre-requisite for the Zoo's Master Gardener Training Program and Landscape Design Level 1. 

For our FAQ sheet on commonly asked questions about this course, please click here 

For specific questions about this program please contact the Botanical Education Coordinator Susan Blackwood, (403) 232- 7768 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

This course has been pre-approved by the CNLA for 9 CEU's.

To register for Zoo programs.

Phone (403) 232 – 9300 or visit our Guest Relations Area at the Zoo’s North entrance between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Calgary Zoo. Discovery Passport members receive a discount on select education programs. Program fees do not include GST and are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Registrations are accepted in the order in which fees are received. Please note that prices and dates are subject to change.

PLEASE NOTE: 

**Daily parking may be purchased at a cost of $5 per day OR
**When registering for this course, students may choose to purchase Pre-Paid Program Parking at a discounted price, valid for the duraction of your course (9 sessions) at a cost of $40.  This parking option is ONLY available at the time of registration. 

Daytime Parking Instructions
*  The $5 fee is payable at the Pay-On-Foot stations located in the Zoo's North Parking Lot
*  There is a 30-minute grace period for drop-offs

Pre-paid Program Parking Instructions
*  Please register your car's license plate with our guest relations department at the time of booking