California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate Program

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.

“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

Paola Flores Núñez

Paola Flores Núñez

Professional Education Coordinator - TPF
Carol Bornstein

Carol Bornstein

Horticulturist, CNPLC English Instructor
Emerson Funes

Emerson Funes

Horticulturist, CNPLC Spanish Language Instructor
Alejandro Lemus

Alejandro Lemus

Horticulturist-TPF, CNPLC Spanish Instructor
Tim Becker

Tim Becker

Director of Horticulture-TPF, CNPLC Program Director
Katherine Pakradouni

Katherine Pakradouni

Horticulturist, CNPLC English Instructor
Erik Blank

Erik Blank

Nursery Sales Associate-TPF, CNPLC English Language Instructor
Claire Acosta

Claire Acosta

Horticulturist, CNPLC English Instructor