DURATION: 700 hours
COURSE CONTENT
This certificate entails the following:
- Core studies - half of the course, involving approximately 350hrs over 15 lessons.
- Elective studies - half of the course, involving stream studies specific to landscaping.
Core units
1. Introduction to Plants
Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids.
2. Parts of the Plant
How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, modification of stems and roots.
3. Plant Culture - Planting
How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants.
4. Plant Culture - Pruning
Purpose for pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune.
5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery
Different irrigation systems, components of an irrigation system, designing an irrigation system, maintenance in the garden and for tools.
6. Soils & Media
Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes.
7. Soils & Nutrition
Fertilizers - deficiencies and toxicities, N:P:K ratios, salting, fertilizer programming, compost.
8. Propagation - Seeds & Cuttings
How to propagate plants with the two easiest techniques, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants.
9. Propagation - Other Techniques
Other methods to increase plant numbers - budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture.
10. Identification and Use of Plants
How are plants used in the landscape, how to choose and purchase plants, selecting plants suitable for the climate and site.
11. Identification and Use of Plants
Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites.
12. Identification and Use of Plants
Indoor and Tropical Plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns.
13. Pests
Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical safety precautions.
14. Diseases
Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non pathogenic problems,
interactions with the host and the environment.
15. Weeds
Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology.
Stream(elective) studies: LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN
The aim of the stream studies is to develop skills and knowledge in landscape design, construction, features and landscape business management.
The student will engage in the following activities as part of the stream studies:
Review the historical evolution of gardens.
Obtain pre-planning information and use of that information to draw plans.
Identify different principles and styles of landscape designs.
Analyze garden designs.
Develop graphic skills, and a knowledge of drawing materials and techniques.
Prepare cost estimates for a landscape job.
Describe surfacing materials and their effects.
Explain the quality and cost of different landscape materials.
Develop a knowledge of plants, both native and exotic, suitable for local conditions.
Select plants for difficult sites and conditions.
Describe advantages and disadvantages of various pipes, sprinklers and pumping equipment.
Recommend irrigation systems for different landscape situations.
Design a simple irrigation system.
Design a bush garden and the value and relevance of using native plants.
Analyze and report on a cottage garden design.
Analyze and report on a playground design.
Prepare a playground design for a school or public park.
Draw layout plans for a range of gardens.
Conduct a detailed survey of a site, prepare a detailed plan based on that survey, estimate costs and develop contract documentation for that project.
Explain earthworks and soil preparation techniques used in landscaping.
Describe alternative techniques for establishing and growing plants.
Explain a range of landscape construction techniques including building fences, walls, rockeries, paths, water gardens, paving and drainage.
Compare different landscape materials with respect to their quality, cost, availability and application in garden construction.
Describe the correct procedures for the proper and safe removal of a limb from a tree, and for the felling of trees.
Develop a detailed maintenance program for a garden.
Demonstrate the ability to prepare for, and plant a new lawn.
Explain how to establish turf on a steep slope.
Write and advertisement for a landscaping business.
Explain basic management procedures.
Show a reasonable level of communication skill.
Explain health and safety requirements on a landscape site
Fee Payment Options
You can pay either
- Full Fees
- As a two part payment plan
- As a four part payment plan
If you pay in full on enrolment, the fees are discounted.
If you pay in 2 parts, the first half of the course is supplied initially; and the second part payment is not made until you have completed the first half (at which time the second half of the course is supplied).
If you pay in 4 parts, the first half is still supplied; you are then billed a second payment (due 2 months later). The third payment becomes due when you commence the second half of the certificate.The fourth part is due 2 months after that.
An ideal course for anyone wanting to work as a landscape contractor, supervisor or landscape gardener.
Ideal for people wanting to either:
- start their own landscape business, or
- find employment with someone else in landscaping
This course develops skills in general horticulture, plant identification and use, designing, costing and constructing gardens. This course is similar to other
C12CN002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to landscaping.
