Environmental Horticulture at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Before I dive into the splendor of all that is the Northwest Flower and Garden Show (happening now through Sunday, February 12th), I have to share my excitement about discovering "Environmental Horticulture" at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

Just yesterday I was scratching my head thinking how liberating it would be, to learn more about gardening in a formal, classroom environment. I took a horticulture class in high school and loved it. Ten (or so) years later, my opportunity to garden has been renewed, and I have been begging for mentors. 

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWIT) had a booth at the Flower and Garden Show with a couple Environmental Horticulture graduates there to answer questions. I compromised their time firing off questions and they came across as love-drunk, excited horticulturists who loved every minute of their time at LWIT. They continued on to jobs in the industry and were able to make valuable connections after having studied with Don W. Marshall.

Garden Landscaping & Design

Q & A
Q. How often do classes meet? 
A. Classes currently meet Monday-Thursday 7am-noon, childcare is available on site.

Q. Where do classes meet?
A. Classes meet in a 1200 sq. ft. state of the art growing facility

Q. What degree or certificate is earned by taking classes?
A. Students can earn an AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degree- 105 credits OR an Environmental Horticulture – Certificate of Proficiency- 84 credits

Q. How much is tuition? Both courses take one full year, including summer.
A. Associate of Applied Science $11,883
A. Environmental Horticulture – Certificate tuition costs $9,745
A. Childcare, if my kid wasn't in school yet, would cost an additional $2,171

Q. What do graduates go on to do?
A. Upon earning their certificate, grads tend to open their own yard care business, work as a sole-proprietor gardening for a handfull of clients, or hold other horticulture-related positions. Alumni Spotlight

Q. What types of students sign up for this course?
A. From what I can tell, it seems like students have left other industries (telecommunications, technology... desk jobs) to "return to their roots" (pun intended).

I could definitely see myself earning the certificate of proficiency in a few years, once both my kids are in school.  I can imagine all the money and plants I would save, just by not killing them the moment we came into contact. 

Environmental Horticulture at Lake Washington Institute of Technology
LWIT Blog