Niagara Parks School of Horticulture is an educational institution located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. The school bills itself as an alternative to post-secondary schooling for horticulture by providing students with a 36 consecutive month program combining practical and academic studies. The School of Horticulture is part of the Niagara Parks Commission which is located along the Niagara Parkway in Niagara Falls, Ontario.[1]
The school was founded in 1936 as the Niagara Parks Commission Training School for Apprentice Gardeners and renamed with the current name in 1959.[2] In the beginning all students were required to be male and single. It wasn't until 1976 that the first female graduated the program.[3]
Admissions and Programs
Admissions to the school requires applicants with prior horticulture experience plus Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent).[4] The school is looking for students of all ages. And often accepts older students who are looking to go back to school or begin a new career path. As of 2024 the school accepts an average of fifteen students per year. Two academic semesters run on a ten-week rotation, starting Labor day. Followed by a practical based summer semester. This program is year round. When students aren't in academic classes they can be found outside, maintaining the grounds of the 99 acre, Botanical Gardens.
The final semester of third year is a 10 week (minimum) internship. Students find placements all over the world.
Graduates receive a diploma in Professional Horticulture upon completion of required courses and practical application over 3 years.
Campus
Training for students are conducted at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory and The Niagara Parks Greenhouses.[5] All students have the opportunity to live in the residence, located on the botanical gardens grounds.
The School of Horticulture students are responsible for maintaining the Niagara Botanical Gardens on a year-round basis. Regular garden maintenance continues into the fall semester of the academic season and winter tree pruning, greenhouse work, and more are completed through the winter semester of the academic season.
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