The Plant Identification Summer Course introduces the fundamentals of plant identification, including key features of plants included on the NHCLP Plant Identification List.

This course is designed to support individuals who are new to the industry, as well as those looking to build or refresh their plant knowledge. The first session introduces participants to identification methods and plant families. In the following sessions, participants apply key identification features to a variety of plant materials.

The NHCLP Plant Identification List includes a broad range of commonly used plants in the landscape industry.

Who Should Attend: This course is open to anyone interested in strengthening their understanding of plant materials. It is also designed to help participants prepare for the plant identification portion of the NHCLP Exam. The course welcomes both NHLA members and non-members.

Content: Over 250 woody and herbaceous plants will be reviewed in the course, roughly 18-20 plants per week. Quizzes will be held weekly to review the identification, common name and scientific name of the plants covered. The plant list is posted posted here.

Dates & Times: Fourteen 3-hour sessions covering the basics of plant identification and identification of each of the plants on the NHCLP Plant Identification List. Held on Tuesday evenings, once per week, June 9– September 8, 2026 from 5-8 pm.

Locations: Classes will be held at nurseries, parks and estates in NH, central to the majority of participants. Past classes have been held in the Concord & Seacoast areas.

Cost: $525.00 per student

Instructor(s):

• Andrew Mauch, Sales, Millican Nurseries, Inc.
• Abby Zuidema; Owner, Mosaic Plant Design

Format: Students will learn the identifying features and landscape value of the plants on the Plant List in the Certification manual. Students who attain a 60% average on weekly quizzes and the NHLA Plant ID Exam will receive a certificate of course completion. The Plant ID portion of the NHLA Certification exam is usually held a week or two after the end of this course. For information on the Exam see Steps to Certification.

Registration: Please complete the online registration form linked below. If paying be check, please send payment by May 31, 2026.

For more information: Email Abby Zuidema, NHCLP Coordinator, certification@nhlaonline.org