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  • Master Gardener Volunteers at the Zoo and Botanical Gardens contriubuted over 2,500 hours of volunteer time last year.
 
 
  • Master Gardener Volunteers at the Zoo and Botanical Gardens contruibted over 2,500 hours of volunteer time last year.
  • Did you know that plants are used by people for everything from food and medicine to building materials, religious ceremonies to materials for musical instrucments and sports equipment. Imagine a world without plants!
 
Master Gardener Training Program
Looking to expand your horticultural knowledge?

The Zoo's Master Gardener Training Program provides Calgary and
area gardeners with the relevant information needed for
successful gardening in the Chinook zone.

Subjects covered include the foundation topics:

  • Plant Taxonomy, Morphology and Physiology
  • Climate
  • Soils, Compost and Mulch
  • Pruning
  • Pests and Diseases
  • Weeds
  • Sustainable Gardening
  • Edible Gardening
  • Garden Design
  • Plant Group Profiles
  • Plant Propagation 
All topics are taught by enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors including Zoo Horticulture staff and industry experts. Wherever possible, hands-on components are included, and the Zoo's plant collection supplements the teaching resources. This intensive course requires a significant time commitment both during class hours and completing home-work assignments. Students will be required to submit 10-15 assignments, and write two mid-term exams and one final exam. Students must obtain a passing grade of 70%.

This comprehensive course is the classroom training required for those seeking to gain Master Gardener status. Click here for more information on the Calgary Zoo's Master Gardener Volunteer Program. It is also suitable for those simply wanting to expand their gardening know-how for personal or professional purposes. Please note, this is a broad survey of horticulture topics, and does not replace programs such as a Diploma of Horticulture, Landscape Gardener Apprenticeship Program or other similar programs. 

Class handouts will be supplied, and additional texts will be recommended in class. For specific questions about this program please contact Susan Blackwood, Botanical Education Coordinator on (403) 232-7768 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pre-requisite: Woody Plant ID

DatesSaturdays, November 9, 2013 - March 8, 2014 with a two week break for Christmas
Time9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Cost$549 (Pre-paid program parking add $105)


This course is pre-approved by the CNLA for 66 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 $7 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 (16 sessions) at a cost of $105.  This parking option is ONLY available at the time of registration.

Daytime Parking Instructions
*  The $7 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