The landscape is changing
Join the evolution
A new idea has taken root in California gardening. The movement towards native landscaping is already widespread and growing every year, opening new opportunities for professional landscapers.
Our California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate Program (CNPLC) is a job-training program for landscape professionals developed and taught by highly respected native plant experts. Designed with the professional —and the aspiring professional— in mind, this four-week course is offered in Spanish and English with flexible hours that include nights and weekends as well as recordings that can be accessed anytime. At the end of the course, you’ll get a certificate of completion and learn how to promote your business.
We’re committed to helping landscapers compete and win new clients in the changing So Cal landscaping business. Apply today and get the tools you need to succeed.
- 100% FREE
- Flexible hours including nights and weekends
- Available in English and Spanish
- Comes with FREE set of Native Plant Flashcards as well as materials for you to promote your certificate
- Broaden your client base
- Gain a competitive advantage
- Increase profits
- Build professional credibility
- Help usher LA into a new sustainable future
- How to identify native and California-friendly plants
- Irrigation efficiency
- Garden evaluation
- Weed and pest management
- About the LADWP Rebate program and how it can create new business opportunities
LADWP grant program
Full scholarships are available
Enrollment is open to actively working landscape professionals, garden designers and educators who operate within the LADWP service area. Scholarships are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Click below to take a short survey to find out if you’re eligible.
Scholarships are made possible with the generous contribution of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Community Partnerships Program.
Grow your business
Group training opportunities
More and more homeowners are transitioning from traditional to native gardening. Our CNPLC course gives you and your crew the tools you’ll need to create and keep a native garden thriving. Let us create a custom class for your company.
Developed by industry leaders
Our Partners
This program is offered by the Theodore Payne Foundation in partnership with California Native Plant Society, the US Green Building Council Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Community Partnerships Program.
“As we continue to build a more sustainable plant palette with California natives and drought-tolerant species at the stadium, Theodore Payne's educational programs have been critical in developing our team's knowledge and skillset.”
– Chaz Perea Landscape Manager, Dodger Stadium & Professor of Horticulture Science, Mt SAC.
Our Teachers
Carol Bornstein
Horticulturist, CNPLC English Instructor
Alejandro Lemus
Assistance Sales Manager-TPF, CNPLC Spanish Instructor
Tim Becker
Director of Horticulture-TPF, CNPLC Program Director
Katherine Pakradouni
Horticulturist, CNPLC English Instructor
Erik Blank
Nursery Sales Associate-TPF, CNPLC English Language Instructor
Emerson Funes
Horticulturist, CNPLC Spanish Language Instructor
Brenda Kyle
Community Engagement Coordinator-TPF, CNPLC Coordinator
