Fee-Based Classes

Merritt’s Landscape Horticulture Department offers a number of fee-based class series in both Aesthetic Pruning and Floral Design, as well as others. Noncredit courses are intended for students who want to gain general knowledge, learn a new skill, upgrade existing skills, enrich their understanding of a wide range of topics, or develop personal interests. Noncredit classes are NOT applicable toward a degree, and no units are earned. You do not need to be enrolled as a student at Merritt College to take these courses, you simply purchase fee-based classes via PayPal. Please email danielleblack@peralta.edu with any questions about fee-based classes or registration issues.

Aesthetic Pruning

“Aesthetic pruning embraces the creative interpretation of small trees and shrubs in the urban context. The living art form combines the artistic skill of the pruner, the essence of a tree, the science of horticulture, and the needs of clients and surroundings.”

–Dennis Makishima, Founder

Started by Dennis Makishima in collaboration with the Landscape Horticulture Department and Merritt College Aesthetic Pruning Club in 1993, the aesthetic pruning fee-based courses have been going strong for over 30 years! Those students who take the 15 Aesthetic Pruning series classes, along with other requirements, may be eligible to achieve the Aesthetic Pruning Award. The Margie Potts Scholarship is available for those who need help covering tuition costs for this class series. Applications for the Margie Potts Scholarship are due Dec 1st and can be submitted at: https://thepruningclub.org/scholarships.

Bay Area Pruning Calendars are also available for purchase. Created by Margie Potts, the Bay Area Pruning Calendar lists trees, shrubs, and vines that can be pruned each month. Pruning tips and empty calendar pages are also included. Cost: $20 ($25 if mailed) and proceeds from calendar sales fund the Margie Potts Aesthetic Pruning Scholarship. To purchase the calendar: Contact Pete Churgel at petethepruner@earthlink.net and indicate “Pruning Calendar” in the subject line.

Floral Design

This class series is taught by our floral design instructor, Kay Wolff. Kay is an Accredited Member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), a Certified Floral Designer (CFD), and a California Certified Florist (CCF), committed to ongoing study and the promotion of excellence within the industry. Kay is currently serving as the chair of the California Certified Florist Committee of the California State Floral Association (CSFA). For more information about Kay, you can check out her website at: https://www.makingarrangements.com/

Refund Policy

Students who do not attend classes in person or online will be sent a link from a pre-recorded online class to view. Refunds will only be granted with a valid excuse, and all refunds will be subject to a 14% PayPal transaction fee. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you need to seek a refund, please email: danielleblack@peralta.edu.

Contact Information

 

Landscape Horticulture Department
Office Phone: 510-436-2418
Email: mer-lanht@peralta.edu

Department Co-Chair
Chris Grampp
cgrampp@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2593

Department Co-Chair
Laura Forlin
lforlin@peralta.edu

Nursery Manager and
Science Lab Tech
Nia Hill
nhill@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2491

Coordinator
Molly Sealund
msealund@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2491

Staff Assistant
Dani Black
danielleblack@peralta.edu
(510) 436-2418