This course is designed for individuals looking to deepen their understanding of the science and methods behind horticulture. Participants must register in advance to receive course link and resources!
Participants will explore fundamental plant knowledge and care practices specific to New England. The curriculum equips students with the skills to address common challenges in maintaining healthy plants. Topics include soils and soil amendments, plant physiology, planting and pruning techniques, propagation methods, pest and disease management, plant selection, and planning guidelines. An introduction to plant taxonomy is also included. This virtual format allows you to learn live—or on your own schedule
What You’ll Learn
- How plants function, grow, and respond to their environment
- Practical strategies for planting, pruning, and propagation
- How soil health and amendments influence plant success
- How to identify and manage pests, diseases, and weeds responsibly
- How to select plants suited to New England conditions
Schedule & Format:
Duration: 10 weeks, March 17 - May 19, 2026
Live Lectures: Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Recordings: Recorded lectures are made available within 48 hours. The course will remain open for 30 days after the end date. Please use this time to download any materials you might want to keep. Course closes Thursday, June 18, 2026, 11:59pm.
Certificate Availability:
A digital certificate of attendance is available upon request.
Syllabus Overview
Week 1: How Plants Work 101
Week 2: How Plants Work 102
Week 3: Plants in the Real World
Week 4: Soils
Week 5: Light, Woody Plants, and Pruning
Week 6: Perennials, Biennials, Annuals, and Bulbs
Week 7: Vegetables and Fruit
Week 8: Pests and Diseases
Week 9: Weeds
Week 10: Lawns and Lawn Alternatives
Instructor:
Gretel Anspach is a data-driven, retired systems engineer who brings an engineer’s precision to every horticultural endeavor. A mathematics graduate of MIT, she spent her career at Raytheon before channeling her analytical mindset into the world of horticulture. She currently serves as a trustee of Massachusetts Horticultural Society and is a Lifetime Master Gardener, recognized with MMGA’s 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award.
With over two decades of experience in food pantry gardening, Gretel first led Raytheon’s company garden initiative, then went on to independently establish and maintain a 20,000-square-foot production garden serving the Marlborough and Maynard food pantries.
Gretel is known for demystifying the science behind gardening, combining her background in math and systems thinking with a passion for sharing knowledge. Her work bridges the gap between data and dirt—proving that logical thinking and healthy soil can grow more than just plants.
Class/Program/Workshop: 260317 Introduction to Horticulture: 10 Week Foundations Course
Date: Tuesdays; March 17 - May 19, 2026
Start: 6:00 pm - 7/7:30 pm ET
Location: Virtually, Zoom Platform
You may also like the following events from Massachusetts Horticultural Society:
- This Wednesday, 25th February, 11:00 pm, Style and Purpose in the Native Garden: Using Cues to Care in Wellesley, Massachusetts
- Next Friday, 6th March, 09:00 am, Spring Perennial Plant Symposium in Wellesley
- Next month, 14th March, 10:00 am, Setting Up your Garden: Early Season Prep in Wellesley
Also check out other
Workshops in Saratoga Springs,
Health & Wellness events in Saratoga Springs.
