Understanding How Plants Grow

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

Mondays, September 8 through October 6, 2025 – 6:30 pm–8:30 pm

Register (In-person Participants) Register (Online Participants)
Monday Nights | In-Person + Zoom | Recordings Provided

Successful gardening isn't just about planting and watering—it's about truly understanding the living organisms we care for. Why do some plants flourish while others struggle? How do light, temperature, water, and soil interact to influence a plant's health? And what's really happening inside a plant when it grows, flowers, or wilts?

Inflorescence of Lycoris ×haywardii

In this 5-week course, you'll gain a practical, gardener-focused understanding of plant biology and physiology—knowledge that will help you make better decisions in your garden and avoid common pitfalls that lead to plant loss. You don't need a science degree to benefit from this class; concepts are presented in an approachable, engaging way, with plenty of real-world examples you can apply immediately in your own garden.

We'll cover the building blocks of plant life—roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds—and how each part functions and interacts with the environment. You'll learn how plants respond to light, heat, cold, water stress, and nutrient availability, and how to read the “signals” plants give you about their health.

Course Topics Include:
  • Plant anatomy and morphology—what the different parts do and why they matter
  • Plant physiology—how plants grow, reproduce, and adapt to their environment
  • The role of light, temperature, moisture, and soil in plant health
  • Understanding plant stress and how to prevent or address it
  • Seasonal growth patterns and how they affect care routines
  • Practical tips for applying botanical knowledge to home gardens and landscapes
Why Attend?
  • Better Gardening Outcomes – Make informed decisions to keep plants thriving.
  • Approachable Science – Learn complex concepts in plain, engaging language.
  • Hands-On Relevance – Apply what you learn to real-world gardening challenges.
  • Expert-Led Instruction – Benefit from an experienced educator who understands both the science and the art of gardening.

This hybrid course is offered both in person at the JC Raulston Arboretum and online via Zoom, giving you the flexibility to attend from anywhere. Can't make it to every session? All lectures will be recorded and shared with participants each week, so you won't miss a thing.

Sign Up Today!

Whether you're a brand-new gardener or a seasoned plant lover looking to deepen your understanding, this course will give you the confidence and knowledge to grow healthier, more resilient plants.

About Bryce Lane

Bryce has been teaching students, home gardeners and garden professionals for over 40 years. Many may know Bryce from his UNC TV public television show called "In the Garden With Bryce Lane" which was on the air for 11 seasons and won three Emmys. Others may know him as a student from his time in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University.

Bryce Lane

Growing up in Western Massachusetts, Bryce discovered his passion for plants and telling others about them while 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 where he taught in the two-year and four-year programs, majors and non-majors, served as the undergraduate coordinator and even the interim director of the JC Raulston Arboretum.

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. Most importantly, he has been married for over 45 years to his high school sweetheart, has two happily married daughters, and six incredible grandchildren. He is an avid gardener who has gardened in the same spot for more than 40 years with many stories, advice and passion to share with other gardeners regardless of their experience!

Cost
$200.00 for JCRA Members, $250.00 for nonmembers. Note to nonmembers: instead of paying $50.00 more for the program, become a member for $50.00 instead.
Registration

Advance registration is required. Registration is available for in-person, on-site attendance or online attendance.

Registration is considered complete when payment is received. You will receive a confirmation receipt from notify@cashnet.com when registered.

Cancellation
Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program's start date. No refunds will be made after this time. A 15% cancellation fee applies.
Location
Online and in person at the Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 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 the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu for more information about this program.