Landscape Gardening
For more than 50 years the Landscape Gardening Program at Sandhills Community College has been attracting students from across the state who have a passion to make the world a greener place. We hone our craft in our 32-acre living laboratory, the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Set yourself apart by engaging in our unique hands-on learning opportunity.
The Landscape Gardening Program prepares individuals to manage and maintain sustainable ornamental landscapes, fruit and vegetable gardens, and high quality turfgrass. Our curriculum focuses instruction in the areas of landscape design and installation, arboriculture, greenhouse production, and irrigation. Other potential coursework covers applicable principles of horticulture and gardening, plant and soil nutrition, integrated pest management, equipment operation, and personnel supervision. As part of the required coursework, students also take the NC Pesticide License and the Certified Plant Professional Exams.
Qualified graduates have secured employment in a variety of positions across the Green Industry: nurseries, garden centers, greenhouses, landscape operations, governmental agencies/parks, golf courses, sports complexes, highway vegetation, turf maintenance companies, and private and public gardens.
Unique, you say? Learn here. Grow here!
- 32 acres of Living Laboratory provide students with a hands-on learning experience like no other.
- Work Based Learning courses provide students with over 500 hours of guided practice before graduation.
- Opportunities to operate and gain proficiency on equipment relevant to landscape management
- Five greenhouses for propagation and production of a variety of woody and herbaceous crops for ornamental and culinary use
- External learning opportunities such as field trips and intercollegiate competitions allow students to expand their networks within the industry
Special Requirements
- Test Score/Class Requirements
- Use of computers is integral to this program. Some classes will be offered in a hybrid or online format.
- Students must complete or place into:
- ENG 111
- MAT 110 or Higher
- Work-Based Learning
- Students are required to participate in 2 semesters of on-campus field experience in the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens. Students are expected to log approximately 160 contact hours during the semester.
- In your final semester, students are required to complete a paid internship. Expenses incurred for room and board are the responsibility of the student.
- Summer Field Trip – Additional expenses required
- Optional Travel:
- International Plant Propagation Society Meeting – Southern Region – participation will require additional funds
- National Collegiate Landscape Competition – participation will require additional funds
Certifications & Licenses
Pesticide Applicators Information
Estimated Program Expenses
| ITEM | IN-STATE COST | OUT-OF-STATE COST |
| Tuition* | $5,548.00-5,776.00 | $19,564.00-20,368.00 |
| Student Activity Fee | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Technology Fee | $240.00 | $240.00 |
| General Education Course fees | $0-100.00 | $0-100.00 |
| Additional Program fees | $0-60.00 | $0-60.00 |
| Program Travel fee (optional) | $0-1,000.00 | $0-1,000.00 |
| Textbooks | $650.00-900.00 | $650.00-900.00 |
| Supplies | $120.00 | $120.00 |
*Program credit hours: 73-76 – $76.00 per credit hour in-state tuition, $268.00 per credit hour out-of-state tuition. Tuition is based on concentration selected.
Contact Information
Hilarie Blevins, Coordinator
209 Steed Hall
910.695.3885
blevinsh@sandhills.edu