Main Content
Jump to: Register | Course Details | Overview | Instructor | Reviews | CE Credits | Policies | Contact Us | Related Courses | Join Email List
Register Now
Pay with Credit Card:
Pay with Check, PO, or Money Order:
Course Details
Course Name: Native Plants of Summer: Trees, Shrubs, and More!
Course Code: AL0286CA26
Date: August 28, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time: 8:30 am)
Location: Holly House, 130 Log Cabin Road, New Brunswick, NJ 08816 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with outdoor learning experience in Rutgers Gardens
Registration Fee: $210 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $195 per person (expires August 21, 2025)
Registration Closes: August 26, 2025
Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Course Overview
This class was formerly called “Woody Plants of Summer.”
In this class, instructor Steve Kristoph will teach you about some of New Jersey’s most useful native plants. You’ll learn what they are, where they grow, and when to plant many of the species and cultivars that are leading the current trend in native plants. The course will begin with a classroom presentation followed by an outdoor experience in Rutgers Gardens where students will learn how to identify and appreciate the ornamental value of these wonderful plants.
Featured Topics
Come discover some of New Jersey’s most useful native plants, including but not limited to:
- American Wisteria
- Black Chokeberry
- Climbing Hydrangea
- Hop-Hornbeam
- Moosewood
- Paw Paw
- And much more!
Who Should Attend?
If you want to learn more about some of the woody plants native to New Jersey, this course is for you! Past participants have included:
- Environmental Commission Members
- Groundskeepers
- Home Gardeners
- Landscape Designers
- Master Gardeners
- Propagation Technicians
Meet Your Instructor
Steve Kristoph, Steven Kristoph Nursery
Steve Kristoph is widely known for his encyclopedic knowledge of plant material. He received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in horticulture from Rutgers University, and he has been an adjunct instructor at Rutgers for over 25 years. He also owns and operates Steven Kristoph Nursery in Monmouth County, NJ, where he grows many types of ornamental trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. The landscaping division of his business, P. Steven Kristoph Garden Design, serves both residential and commercial customers and offers a full range of services, including design, installation, maintenance and seasonal color. Steve is passionate about plants and enjoys sharing his passion with others. Plant walks with him are always an adventure!
Student Reviews
“Great opportunity to learn about and see native plants, guided by an expert.”
– Past Participant
Most useful part of the course: “Introduction to so many previously unknown natives.”
– Past Participant
“[I learned about] Various native species that I will recommend our municipality uses in future.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The Native Plants of Summer course (5.5 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 5 Technical Contact Hours (course #DLGS-RUCPE23-43)
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): 5 CEUs
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 5 CEUs
Meals
No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.
NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least two (2) weeks in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.
Course Requirements and Policies
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Please visit our policies page for the latest information.
Pre-registration/Walk-Ins
Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.
Location Changes
Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.
Email Requirement
A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.
- If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
- If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
- Your full name
- The shared email address that needs to be changed
- Your unique email address
- A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions
Cancellations and Substitutions
A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about The Woody Plants of Summer: Native Plants, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
