The Art and Science of Plant Care
Bryce Lane, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Emeritus and Lecturer Emeritus, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University
Mondays, March 16 through May 4, 2026 — 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Monday Nights | In-Person + Zoom | Recordings Provided
Caring for plants is both an art and a science—part intuition, part know-how. Every gardener, from beginner to expert, faces the same essential questions: When should I prune? How much should I water? What’s the best way to plant, fertilize, or repot? In this class, Bryce Lane brings decades of horticultural expertise to demystify these everyday tasks, showing you not just what to do, but why it works.
Over eight weeks, you’ll explore the fundamental practices that keep gardens thriving, learning how to perform each one with confidence and purpose. You’ll uncover the science behind good technique—understanding how soil, water, nutrients, and plant biology interact—while also developing the practical judgment that comes only with experience.
Each session focuses on one key aspect of plant care, building a complete toolkit for growing healthier, more resilient plants in any garden setting.
Course Topics Include:
- Plant selection and placement—choosing the right plant for the right place
- Soil and bed preparation—building strong foundations for growth
- Planting techniques that promote long-term health
- Watering and water relations—how, when, and how much
- Fertilizing and nutrition—feeding plants wisely, not excessively
- Pruning for structure, beauty, and bloom
- Potting and repotting—keeping container plants vigorous
- Pest management—understanding and addressing common garden challenges
Why Attend?
- Master the Essentials — Learn the right way to perform the core gardening practices that make all the difference.
- Blend Art and Science — Understand both the technique and the reasoning behind it, so you can adapt confidently to any situation.
- Hands-On Relevance — Apply proven methods and insights directly to your own home garden or landscape.
- Expert-Led Instruction — Learn from Bryce Lane, an award-winning educator known for making horticulture accessible, engaging, and inspiring.
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 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 just starting your gardening journey or refining your long-cultivated skills, this course will give you the knowledge, techniques, and confidence to care for your plants like a pro.
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.
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!