Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden that aims to connect people to the world of plants, promoting an appreciation for the environment. Through educational programs, research, and garden renewal efforts, the school inspires people of all ages to learn about and conserve plants and plant communities.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Crown Heights, Brooklyn 1000 Washington Ave Btwn Flatbush & Franklin Avenues Brooklyn, New York 11225
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden that connects people to the world of plants, fostering delight and curiosity while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment.
In the Garden, in its community, and well beyond, BBG inspires people of all ages through the conservation, display, and enjoyment of plants; with educational programs that emphasize learning by doing; and with research focused on understanding and conserving regional plants and plant communities.
In the most significant garden renewal effort since the garden’s founding 100 years ago, the school is currently engaged in a dramatic and ambitious effort for the future. With projects that affect virtually every part of the garden and extend beyond our borders, these enhancements will help the garden meet the rapidly changing needs of our audience and our world—fostering a love and understanding of plants and the natural world and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. FAQs
What are some of your most popular classes that you offer on CourseHorse? Some of our most popular classes are “Birding,” with Joseph Giunta, “Waking the Garden for Spring,” with Leda Meredith, “Kokedama: Hanging Garden Workshop,” with Krissie Nagy,” and “Nature in Pastel with Mixed Media,” with Enid Braun.
How long have you been in business? Can you share a bit more about your history? Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910, and from its first days was dedicated to connecting people to the world of plants. Since 1914, when the Children’s Garden program began, BBG has engaged in teaching both children and adults about gardening and horticulture, ecology and environmental stewardship, and other ways to appreciate the natural world.
What is your average class size? Our average class size for small, hands-on workshops is as few as seven students, while Certificate in Horticulture courses could include as many as 25. Our average class size is 13 students.
What is your typical student like? What are their goals? Because we offer a wide range of classes, no student is typical. Our Certificate in Horticulture classes are often comprised of adults who are interested in making a career switch into the field of horticulture or are hoping to advance their professional practice. Our gardening classes draw backyard gardeners and indoor hobbyists. Our art classes welcome a range from crafty 20-somethings to retired watercolor aficionados. We feature floral arranging classes at many levels, inviting both amateurs and those looking for professional development. Our classes in wellness and edibles are short, accessible workshops about plant lore, cooking, and practical applications for plant materials.
Can you recommend activities to do in the neighborhood before or after class? Brooklyn Botanic Garden is located next to the Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park and is near the neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, and Park Slope, all rich in restaurants and bars.
Reviews of Brooklyn Botanic Garden
(4.3-star rating across
165 reviews)
Watercolor Painting: A Bouquet of Flowers (Online)
Reviewed by MARY B. on 6/12/2021
Terrific instructor. Fully knowledgeable and professional.
Autumn Floral Workshop
Reviewed by Iris G. on 11/25/2019
Instructor Robb Moss is excellent. He provides guidance and suggestions, but allows students to be creative and individualistic. Always a pleasure taking a class with him. Wish there were more.
Flower Arranging (Beginners)
Anonymous review on 7/9/2019
Little instructions were given in the basics and principles of flower arrangement. Bulk of time was spent working quietly on own pieces. Though more learning could’ve been done, it was still a good value for class considering the quality of flowers and number of arrangements done during the two sessions.
Flower Arranging (Beginners)
Reviewed by Iris G. on 7/2/2019
Excellent instructor, beautiful flowers, can’t tell you how much I enjoyed classes. Can’t wait to take more.
Flower Arranging (Beginners)
Reviewed by Maria T. on 7/2/2019
This class rocked! I never knew I could make such amazing arrangement. Thanks Bob Moss!!
Fearless Frida Botanical Earrings
Reviewed by Carmen K. on 5/26/2019
Extremely interesting topic. Teacher was knowledgeable, thorough and friendly. Very happy with my creations!
Shrubs: Tasty, Tangy Beverages
Reviewed by HANNAH K. on 5/10/2019
Cheryl was a great class leader! Her expertise, teaching ability, & fun personality made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Planting for a Spring Harvest
Reviewed by Amanda L. on 4/21/2019
It was great! Teached was very informative. Only wish it was a little longer, that would have made it 5 stars.
Royal Hues: Dyeing with Cochineal and Logwood
Anonymous review on 4/14/2019
It was an good class and delivered as advertised. It just didnt quite have the technical info I was interested in.
Fermentation 101: Miso
Reviewed by Holland M. on 12/10/2018
An amazing introduction into a whole world of fermentation I didn’t know was there!
Natural Perfume Blending
Reviewed by Joshua A. on 12/9/2018
This class was awesome. My wife and I loved it and we’re already figuring out how we can sign up for our next course with this instructor.
Kitchen Botany for the Apartment Gardener
Anonymous review on 11/4/2018
Great class for beginners. Instructor was engaging and effective in her lecture presentation. You can tell she loves her job. I loved that I came home with new plants. Awesome!
Creating an Indoor Garden
Reviewed by Gunjan K. on 9/17/2018
This was a great class! Krissie was an awesome teacher, completely engaged in the material, and she answered everyone’s questions patiently, with an infectious enthusiasm for gardening :)
DIY Wedding Flowers
Reviewed by Suzanne N. on 7/9/2018
The class was excellent! Lots of information and Zara was amazing!
Fermented Nut Cheeses
Reviewed by Glenda P. on 6/10/2018
Overall this class was fun and informative. The instructor was really passionate about her work, and the cheeses she made to share with the class were really delicious! I was a bit disappointed that almost everything had been made in advance of the class instead of providing us with more hands on experience with the actual process. However she did answer all our questions thoroughly and I walked away inspired to try her methods at home.
Natural Perfume Blending
Reviewed by Jonathan M. on 5/21/2018
The instructor was very personable and thorough. It was a great class that I fully enjoyed
Introduction to Organic Vegetable Gardening
Reviewed by Rick M. on 5/18/2018
Our instructor was very personable and very willing to answer all of our questions. She taylored the course to the needs of the
Japanese Tea Ceremony and Garden Tour
Reviewed by Lisa R. on 5/11/2018
The tea ceremony was pleasant. The tour was short and only included the Japanese garden. Could have included the cherry blossoms as well.
DIY Wedding Flowers
Anonymous review on 4/24/2018
Zara was amazing! This class was super informative and fun. Overall great vibes- worth every penny!!
Students who have taken classes at Brooklyn Botanic Garden have generally positive things to say about their experiences. Many students praise the instructors for their knowledge and professionalism. They appreciate the guidance and suggestions provided, but also the freedom to be creative and individualistic in their work. The classes themselves cover a range of topics, from flower arrangement and gardening to fermentation and essential oils. Overall, students feel that they have gained new skills and knowledge from the classes and are eager to take more in the future.
Quotes:
1. "Excellent instructor, beautiful flowers, can’t tell you how much I enjoyed classes."
2. "An amazing introduction into a whole world of fermentation I didn’t know was there!"
3. "If you have some knowledge of essential oils and aromatherapy, you will learn about some new oils and absolutes."
Be the first to know about new dates and discounts on your favorite classes. Get $10 off your first class!
Save this class to your wishlist.
Forgotten Password?
We can send you an email that contains instructions on how to reset your password.
Request Group Booking Options
Get special date and rate options for your group. Submit the form below and we'll get back to you within 2 business hours with pricing and availability.