Horticulture Landscape Design

The Merritt College Landscape Horticulture Program and its facilities are among the largest in northern California. These facilities include 5, 000 square feet of computerized greenhouses, a 5, 000-square-foot lath house, floral and drafting lab, library, a rapidly expanding arboretum, and the most up-to-date horticulture equipment. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in all the major horticultural disciplines–including landscape design and construction, nursery and greenhouse management, floral production and design, turf management and arboriculture (see complete list of degree and certificate programs and courses below).

The Landscape Horticulture program at offers many benefits that make us the first choice of over 5, 000 students each year including: our over 45-year tradition of academic excellence most prominently manifested in our distinguished alumni and the faculty who taught them; our small classes, caring faculty, friendly admissions staff, and first-class support services; our great location–the campus is nestled in the scenic Oakland hills with a panoramic view of the San Francisco Bay and out through the Golden Gate and beyond. Prospective students can meet with a counselor or can call the Landscape Horticulture Department at (510) 436-2418 or email mbull@peralta.edu

Career opportunities abound! Graduates are employed by city, county and regional parks departments, the California State Division of Highways, county, state and federal department of agriculture, school and college districts, botanical gardens, golf courses, pest control contractors, landscape contactors, retail and wholesale nurseries and flower shops. Many become self-employed in landscape management and contracting. Entry salaries vary considerably depending on skill level and geographic location.