Nestled within the Trinity Church (Sameba) in the heart of Tbilisi, the College of Decorative Gardening and Learning Center is a hub for individuals passionate about fostering an ecologically friendly Georgia. Surrounded by vibrant gardens cultivated by its own students, this unique institution offers free, year-round education in landscape design and horticulture, equipping students with valuable skills to shape Georgia’s green spaces.
Mother Tekla directs the College of Decorative Gardening and Learning Center, Georgia’s first landscaping school. At the core of the center is its state-of-the-art Landscaping IT Center, providing students with hands-on experience, lectures, and a certificate upon program completion. Since its establishment in 2006, the College has empowered 1,450 graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in landscape design and agriculture. Graduates of the College find gainful employment in Georgia, where their expertise is in high demand.
During a recent conversation with Dr. Nino Japaridze, President of the American Friends of Georgia (AFG), Mother Tekla noted that AFG’s support enabled this success. In Mother Tekla’s words: “The foundation of the College of Decorative Gardening was laid in the summer of 2003, at the Summer Camp held at the Bukia Garden in Tbilisi.”
Indeed, during the summers between 2003 and 2006, about 80 socially disadvantaged children attended the camp each year free of charge, thanks to AFG’s philanthropy. The camp nurtured children’s awareness of Georgia’s biodiversity and ecology through field trips and classroom instruction.
She further added:
“The success of the summer camp demonstrated the need to establish a comprehensive, college-level institution, raising new generations of landscape design and agriculture experts whose expertise is on par with the highest international standards in these fields. Without AFG’s sustaining support, we would not be where we are today.”
Mother Tekla expressed gratitude for AFG’s provision of books, computers, and funding for study-abroad opportunities for students and program staff.
With the support of American Friends of Georgia, students planted the very first olive tree on the grounds—marking the beginning of something extraordinary. Thriving in Georgia’s climate, the tree’s success led to the planting of many more, and today, the grounds produce over a ton of olives each year. This achievement didn’t just transform the landscape—it inspired large-scale olive cultivation in Kakheti, paving the way for a growing agricultural movement in the region.
The Learning Center has expanded its reach beyond Tbilisi, making its lectures accessible to students in Lagodekhi, Samegrelo, and Saguramo. Mother Tekla hopes to organize training across other parts of Georgia and eventually offer online classes as part of a long-term plan.
The most immediate needs of the College now include access to international expertise and internship opportunities. Mother Tekla shared her dream of sending at least two of her staff members to attend the Chelsea Flower Show in England, which takes place every May. Additionally, the College needs specialized equipment for cultivating various crops, including harvesting olives.
With your support, we can continue our commitment to fostering environmental education, sustainability, and economic empowerment for Georgia’s most vulnerable populations.
Thank you for your generosity!