Why don't you take credit cards here?
I don't have complete confidence in web-security. Although I buy things online quite often and use my credit cards, I have had issues. My banks have covered my losses but I cannot assure you it won't happen here. So I gladly accept checks via mail or just bring payment to the first class. I have credit card processing software in my phone so we can process your payment in class. The fewer steps between your bank and mine, the better. |
Questions?Other than tuition, how much does certification cost?
Textbook, $170.00 + tax for non-members, $120.00 for FNGLA members. Test, $140.00 for non-members, $90.00 for FNGLA members. Order these both through FNGLA, either on line or by calling 1-800-375-3642. They accept credit cards and checks. 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. I believe if you have a keen memory, excellent study skills, and self-discipline, you can study the textbook and sit for the tests without attending a class. I took this class over 20 years ago. We had a great teacher (Rodney Smith) who helped us understand the 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, fun discussion with numerous illustrations to bring the text book to life. I am not a professor but a gardener. This is college-level stuff taught by a dirt-under-the fingernails horticulturist. Academics are for students...this information is useful and valuable for men and women in the field. Do I have to become certified? No. I've found nearly half of the students attend these classes primarily to learn practical, current, useful information. |
Bob and his son John studying the FCHP manual in 1999.
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. “…Your additional knowledge, which you incorporated into the class, has already been a value to me and the clients of the company that I work for. Without all of it, passing the certification tests would have been extremely difficult.” Thomas. |
Who We Are... |
Weeds and Seeds LLC is owned and operated by Bob Cook who is a member of the Florida Nurserymen, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA).
He has served as the President of the Royal Palm chapter in 1993 and 1997. The Royal Palm chapter covers five counties in S.W. Florida and includes over 100 member companies ranging from landscape firms, retail garden centers, wholesale nurseries, and allied supply companies. Bob is an FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) and has been teaching the class since 1999. FNGLA has awarded Bob: Wendell E. Butler Award in 2016. This award recognizes an individual who serves FNGLA and the industry by providing leadership, service, contributions and has shown a sincere interest in the advancement of the association and the industry. The person's involvement in FNGLA has made a positive impact on the success of the association, its members and the industry and serves as an example to others. Outstanding Educator in 2008 and the Horticultural Writer of the Year in 1998. He has published gardening articles in Mower Man magazine, Prime Lifestyles magazine and was the editor of the Royal Palm Frond newsletter for three years. Fine Gardening magazine has published full-page articles by Bob in April, 2007 and June, 2008. He has served as the President of the Landscape Maintenance Association (LMA) Gulf Coast chapter. Radio credits: He appeared weekly on an hour-long, live radio show "Gardening in Paradise" on WINK/WNOG for over three years while with Naples Fertilizer. On television Bob produced and hosted "Gardening in Paradise" on WB10 a Naples cable channel. This was a live, call-in format show for 1/2 hour on Wednesday nights. He graduated from Michigan State University's Landscape and Nursery Management program in 1978. Bob has served on the Overall Advisory Committee in Lee and Collier Counties' Cooperative Extension Service, and teaches their Master Gardeners. Professionally Bob has managed garden centers in Michigan (Frank's Nursery), Illinois (Owen's Nursery), Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples. He has been a field marketer for Ball Seed Company, manager for Forestry Resources Landscape Supply, horticulturist at Naples Fertilizer and is currently a sales representative for Southern Agricultural Insecticides, Inc. |