Introduction to Plant Identification: The Path to Successful Gardening

Full – Registration Closed

Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University

  • Tuesday, September 1, 2015 – 6:00 pm8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, September 8, 2015 – 6:00 pm8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, September 15, 2015 – 6:00 pm8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, September 22, 2015 – 6:00 pm8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, September 29, 2015 – 6:00 pm8:00 pm
  • Tuesday, October 6, 2015 – 6:00 pm8:00 pm
  • Saturday, October 17, 2015 – 9:00 am12:00 pm

Knowing the art and science of plant identification and plant nomenclature (names) makes all kinds of gardeners (novice all the way to hard core) more successful in their gardening endeavors. This class will equip you with the basics of plant identification, allowing you to expand and enhance your plant identification skills and abilities. By knowing some basic plant anatomy and morphology you will be able to tell the difference between all kinds of plants that at first glance appear to be very similar and therefore confusing ("is that a boxwood or a Japanese holly?") We will spend lots of time in the "outdoor classroom" called the JC Raulston Arboretum looking at, and identifying plants. Don't worry, you will learn a lot plus it'll be lots of fun!

This six-week course is designed for all gardeners who want to learn, and/or improve their plant identification skills. Whether you are just a beginner, a novice, just moved to this area, or an advanced gardener, this course is designed to help us all become better gardeners!

beautiful landscape with lots of color

Syllabus

September 1 – Welcome and Introduction
September 8 – Plant anatomy, morphology and naming
September 15 – Plant list 1 Focus: Deciduous Trees
September 22 – Plant List 2 Focus: Deciduous Shrubs
September 29 – Plant List 3 Focus: Herbaceous plants
October 6 – Plant List 4 Focus: Evergreens
October 17 – Wrap up and potluck brunch at Bryce Lane's home

Bryce Lane

About Bryce Lane

Bryce grew up in Western Massachusetts, where he discovered his passion for plants and telling others about them, working at a local garden center through high school and college. After earning his B.S. in plant science from the University of Massachusetts in 1979 and an M.S. in horticulture from The Ohio State University in 1981, he came to the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University as a lecturer, teaching in both the two-year and four-year programs. He taught plant identification at NC State for 18 years. In 1987, he became the undergraduate coordinator, serving the department in that capacity for 26 years. Bryce taught both large and small courses, for majors and non-majors. In the past 30+ years, he has taught more than 20,000 students. He has received numerous local, regional, and national teaching awards and is frequently invited to speak at many workshops and symposia, about teaching as well as horticulture and gardening. He hosted and produced a three-time, Emmy winning UNC TV public television show called "In the Garden With Bryce Lane" which was on the air for 11 seasons. Most importantly, he has been married for 37 years to his high school sweetheart, has two happily married daughters, and six incredible grandchildren.

Bryce retired from NC State in January 2014, and is now spending more time with his family, pursuing the next chapter in his public speaking career, and teaching part time at NC State and the JC Raulston Arboretum. He served as interim director of the JC Raulston Arboretum from July through November 2014. He is an avid gardener who has gardened in the same spot for 32 years!

Cost
$180.00 for members, $220.00 for nonmembers. Note to nonmembers: instead of paying $40.00 more for the program, become a member for $50.00 instead.
Registration
Advance registration is required. Please register online using our registration e-store. Registration is limited to 24 people and is considered complete when payment is received.
Cancellation
Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks in advance in writing. A 15% cancellation fee applies.
Location
JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.
Directions
Need directions? Click here.
Parking
Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions
Contact Chris Glenn at (919) 513-7005 or chris_glenn@ncsu.edu for more information about this event.