Responsible Gardening in a Changing Climate

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

Mondays, July 6 through August 10, 2026 — 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Monday Nights | In-Person + Zoom | Recordings Provided

For generations, gardeners have relied on familiar rhythms and dependable rules of thumb. But as temperatures shift, weather patterns become less predictable, and pests and plant stresses change, many gardeners are finding themselves unsure of what practices still work—and what needs to change.

In this 6-week course, you’ll learn practical strategies for gardening responsibly and resiliently in the face of a changing climate. Together, we’ll explore how climate change is affecting home landscapes and gardens, from rising temperatures and shifting hardiness zones to changing rainfall patterns, longer growing seasons, and increasing pest pressures.

You’ll also learn how to adapt through thoughtful plant selection, waterwise gardening practices, soil stewardship, and climate-smart design strategies that make gardens healthier, more sustainable, and better prepared for the future. Along the way, we’ll discuss biodiversity, resilient plant choices, energy-efficient landscaping, and how gardeners can make informed decisions even when conditions feel increasingly unpredictable.

Course Topics Include:

• How climate change is affecting gardens, landscapes, and growing conditions
• Understanding shifting hardiness zones, rainfall patterns, and pest dynamics
• Waterwise gardening and building healthier, more resilient soils
• Selecting climate-adapted plants and designing sustainable landscapes
• Using “Climate-Smart Gardening” practices to create healthier gardens and communities

Why Attend?

• Practical Guidance — Learn realistic, achievable strategies for adapting your garden to changing conditions.
• Expert-Led Instruction — Learn from Bryce Lane, an award-winning educator known for making horticulture accessible, engaging, and inspiring.
• Flexible Learning — Join us in person at the JC Raulston Arboretum or virtually via Zoom—whatever works best for your schedule.
• Meaningful Impact — Discover how thoughtful gardening practices can support both your landscape and the broader environment.

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? No problem. All lectures will be recorded and shared with participants each week, so you won’t miss any valuable content.

Sign Up Today!

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!

Cost

$225.00 for JCRA Members, $275.00 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. Register for in-person attendance (on-site) or register for online attendance (via Zoom).

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.

To request a cancellation, send an email to the JCRA Education Team at jcraprograms@ncsu.edu with the participant name and program information.

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

Get directions to the JC Raulston Arboretum.

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.