Join us in exploring the wide range of conifers, from shrubby dwarfs to towering trees.
In this course, grow your knowledge on specific identification characteristics of conifer trees as we focus on plants arranged by family including Pinaceae (Pines, Spruce, and Firs), Cupressaceae (Arborvitae, Cypress, and Juniper), Taxaceae (Yews), and others. Once comfortable with your identification skills, deepen your knowledge by learning the growth patterns of different conifer trees and their uses in the landscape. The class includes two walks through Longwood to practice your identification skill.
Certificate Information
This class counts toward the Horticulture and Gardening requirement for Landscape Design.
Course Schedule
Onsite Lectures
Tuesdays, November 4-25, 2025
6:00–8:00 pm
Onsite Walks
Saturdays, November 15 & December 6, 2025
9:00 am–12:00 pm
Inclement Weather Dates: November 16 & December 7
Location
The Grove Studios 104 & 105 and throughout the Gardens.
This program will take place partially outdoors. Please dress for the weather and wear footwear suited for walking on uneven paths and through wet areas.
Instructor
Robert Dougan
Robert Dougan is a graduate of Temple University and has been concentrating on trees for his entire career. He works as Ground Supervisor for Jeanes Hospital where he cares for more than 700 trees on a 34-acre campus in Northeast Philadelphia. Dougan also teaches classes on woody plant identification, residential landscape design, and landscape maintenance at Temple University. He has also presented programs on tree identification for the Penn-Del chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture; the Montgomery County, Penn State, Cooperative Extension; the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; and Tyler Arboretum.
