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AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FERNS VHT116

  • Duration (approx) 100 hours
  • Qualification Statement of Attainment

Course Description

A Unique Opportunity for focused Study of Australian Ferns

Developed and tutored by horticultural and taxonomy experts from across Australia.

Australia is home to a wide variety of ferns; and many Australian ferns have become popular garden, or indoor plants in places beyond their natural habitat. Certain Australian tree ferns for instance, are extremely popular garden plants in other countries. Some others (e.g., Australian Maiden hair Ferns) are widely grown as indoor plants.

Any type of plant culture deals can be somewhat unpredictable and requires both knowledge and experience to be successful. The best way to treat any fern is different in different places, time and according to what you are trying to get from the plant. Taking a course like this helps you not only gather factual information; but also develops a feel for the way you should adapt to different plant cultivars and different growing conditions.

  • Learn which ferns occur naturally in Australia and how to identify them,
  • Study their culture as indoor or outdoor plants, in the ground or in containers
  • Learn propagation skills, managing of fertility, watering, drainage, light conditions and other factors that can vary from one species to another.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The content of each of the eight lessons is as outlined below:

1.         Introduction

  • Review of the system of plant identification,
  • General characteristics of the ferns,
  • Main groups,
  • Information contacts (i.e., nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.)

2.         Culture

 Planting, mulching and watering,

  • Pests and diseases,
  • Feeding and pruning, 
  • Protection from wind, salt air, etc.

3.         Propagation

  •  Methods of propagating ferns and
  • Propagation of selected varieties.

4.         The Most Commonly Grown Varieties

  • Maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, and common ground ferns.

5.         Other Important Groups

  • Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris, etc.

6.         Other Varieties

  • Hares foot ferns, Bracken, Fans.

7.         Making the Best Use of Native Ferns

  • In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants,
  • Growing and showing, and
  • Growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce).

8.         Special Assignment

  • A major project on one genus of ferns. 
 
Start Date: You can start the course at any time to suit you.
 

Scope of Ferns Covered by this Course

Ferns have been around for millions of years -they are prehistoric plants.  

Australian ferns include a few which occur outside of Australia, some that are tropical, and others which are native to temperate regions.

Ferns do not have flowers or fruits; but they do have stems, roots and leaves. The stem (rhizome) is often below the ground and insignificant. From the stem grows numerous leaves (fronds) and wiry roots.

The main families of ferns considered in this course are:

  • Schizaeaceae - Comb Ferns, a primitive family, rarely cultivated.
  • Gleicheniaceae - Coral Ferns and Fan ferns
  • Hymenophyllaceae - Filmy ferns
  • Cyatheaceae - Tree ferns (genus Cyathea)
  • Dicksoniaceae -Tree ferns (genus Dicksonia)
  • Dennstaedtiaceae - Bracken and other ground ferns
  • Pteridaceae - Brakes
  • Adinantaceae - Maidenhairs
  • Polypodiaceae -Kangaroo ferns, Elks, Stags, etc.
  • Davalliaceae - Hares, Foot ferns
  • Aspleniaceae - Spleenworts
  • Aspidiaceae - Shield ferns
  • Blechnaceae - Rasp ferns & Water ferns

 

Why Study with ACS?

Design your own learning pathway.

Study at your own pace, from anywhere, at any time.

Receive prompt, expert support from our team of committed and friendly tutors. 

Your learning is our priority. We are flexible and adaptable to meet your educational needs!

 

 

 

WHAT NEXT?

Register to Study - Go to “It’s Easy to Enrol” box at the top of the page and you can enrol now.

or

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Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

Mitchell SkillerAssoc. Dip. In Horticulture (UQ, Gatton), Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Marie Beerman B.Sc.,M.Hort.Marie has been involved in horticulture since 2003. She completed a Masters degree in Horticulture at Hannover University in Germany in 2007, and has worked with ACS since 2011 She has co-authored of several ebooks including one on Roses and has a very sound knowledge and experience with horticultural science and research ranging from plant taxonomy and plant breeding to pest, disease and soil management.,
Rosemary Davies (Horticulturist)A graduate of Burnley Horticultural College; Rosemary has over 30 years of experience in horticulture. Her training was extensive covering both amenity and production horticulture; developing pactical skills and a deep understanding of the sciences that underpin horticulture. She worked with the Agriculture Dept in Victoria as a consultant or advisor to both farmers and home gardeners. Over the years, her experience has been as broad as her training, working on radio with ABC radio, a garden editor (with several major publications) and as a teacher, writer, garden designer and consultant. Rosemary has led several garden tours to the UK and Europe. In 1999 Rosemary was BPW Bendigo Business Woman of the Year and is one of the founders and the Patron, of the Friends of the Bendigo Botanic gardens. She has written six gardening books and collaborated on many others. Rosemary brings a unique personality, knowledge base and passion to the school; an an infectious love of horticulture in support of our students. She holds a B.Sc Hort,, Dip.Hort.Sc., Dip. Advertising & Marketing and B.Ed.
John Mason (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Nurseryman, Landscaper, Garden Writer, Parks Manager and Consultant. Over 45 years experience; working in Australia and the UK. He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world; author of more than 100 books and editor for 4 different gardening magazines. John has been recognised by his peers being made a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture in the UK, as well as by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.

Check out our eBooks

Trees and ShrubsUseful for students, tradespeople already working in the field, or the home gardener who needs a quick reference when choosing plants for a garden.
Trees and Shrubs for Warm PlacesA stunning book with around 300 colour photos! A comprehensive reference to thousands of tropical plant varieties (mostly different information to the Tropical Plants book) . An classic reference for nurserymen, landscapers, interior plantscapers, horticulturists and any tropical plant enthusiasts. 209 pages
Tropical LandscapingTropical Landscaping is a style that may be used more in tropical places, but can still be created in cooler climates. This book provides practical advice and inspiration over 8 chapters: “Garden Design”, “Components of a Tropical Garden”, “Building the Garden”, “Outdoor Living Areas”, “Pools, Ponds and Water Features”, “Lawns”. “Plants (to use), and “Caring for Plants”. 103 pages 69 colour photos
Tropical PlantsThis luscious, illustrated ebook covers hundreds of different plant genera, and many more cultivars. You will learn how to grow plants commonly cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. It contains everything you need to know about growing tropical plants, managing them and working with them (they can be a little temperamental). Many of the plants can also grow in milder climates as indoor plants or in protected places. Previously published in print form by Kangaroo Press (Simon and Schuster).

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