Current Messages

The Fall class is full and underway. Check the Classes page for the next one, starting in January.

Sincerely, Bob Cook

Frequently Asked Questions:

Other than tuition, how much does certification cost?

Textbook, $105.00 + tax for non-members, $75.00 for FNGLA members

Test, $150.00 for non-members, $85.00 for FNGLA members.

Order these both from FNGLA, either on line or by calling 1-800-375-3642. They accept most credit cards and checks.

Why is the class held in Naples?

I used to live in Naples and attend Eagle's Nest Worship Center on Sundays. The adjacent school has excellent classroom facilities. They were kind enough to allow me to hold these classes there at night. I now live in Fort Myers, 18 miles away. But I find that at least half the class lives in Collier County so (on average) it is a convenient location. Over the years students have come from Cape Coral, Alva, Englewood, and Arcadia.

Do I have to take this class in order to take the tests?

No, the class is optional. See FNGLA's website for pre-certification requirements.

Frankly, if you have a keen memory, excellent study skills, self-discipline, and college experience you can study the textbook and sit for the tests without attending a class.

I took this class 20 years ago. We had a great teacher (Rodney Smith) who helped us understand this complex textbook and gave us several quizzes along the way. When the three hour final exam came up we were prepared.

Most of our students are working professionals with experience here and/or out of state. This course is a structured, paced, fun discussion with numerous illustrations to bring the 400 page book to life. I am not a college professor. This is college-level stuff taught by a dirt-under-the fingernails horticulturist. Academics are for students...this information is useful and valuable for working horticulturists.

Do I have to become certified?

No. I've found nearly half of the class is there to learn practical, current, useful information, not to take any tests.

Unsolicited comments from graduating students:

 “I passed all four exams... I could not have done it without a good instructor such as you.” Lou.

 “I would like to thank you for all the information that you provided to us in class, it was very helpful. I took the certification test and passed. The additional tabs that you suggested we do were a great help, I used those a lot. ” Liz.

 “It was a great learning experience and you were a very informative teacher. Oh, and those stories you had for every chapter, very amusing.” Deb.

P.S. Click here for my salsa recipe and vegetable gardening  information.