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FERNS BHT314

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification
Statement of Attainment

Learn about the identification, growth and use of ferns

In this 100-hour course, we take a detailed look at the identification and culture of ferns. There is so much more than meets the eye with these wonderful prehistoric plants.

Such a beautiful and diverse plant variety - ferns are found in many places, e.g., as indoor plants for aesthetics and air filtration purposes; as outdoor plants supporting ecosystem health from groundcovers to tree ferns and everything in between; as delicate green lace mottled across a garden's rock wall.

This course would benefit those who are working in the industry and those who are seeking to. Whether amateur or professional, the knowledge and skills contained within this course will interest plant collectors and breeders, nurserymen, botanists, landscapers, gardeners, horticulturists and more.

 

 

 

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Present since Prehistoric times with over 10,000 species!

This course will teach students about:

  • Propagation (spores, division, tissue culture),
  • Different groupings (e.g., epiphytes, ground ferns, tree ferns) of both common and uncommon species.
  • Various growing techniques (baskets, indoor/outdoor containers, terrariums), and
  • A range of cultural methods (soils, watering, pest & disease control) for various fern species.

Whether professionally or personally motivated, this comprehensive course on 'all things fern' will open your eyes to the diversity and beauty of this variety. 

COURSE CONTENT

Emphasis is placed on the horticulturally valuable species. Each lesson is outlined below:

1. Introduction

  • Review of the system of plant identification,
  • General characteristics of the ferns (especially the fronds),
  • Main groups of ferns (filmy, tree, terrestrial, epiphytic and water ferns),
  • Information contacts (i.e., nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.),
  • Pronunciation of plant names.

2. Culture

  • How best to grow ferns and what conditions they need.
  • Planting, mulching and watering,
  • Pests, diseases and their control,
  • Feeding and pruning,
  • Protection from wind, salt air, etc.,
  • Compost making.

3. Propagation

  •  Methods of propagating ferns - spores, division, tissue culture, and
  • Propagation of selected varieties.

4. The Most Commonly Grown Varieties

  • Maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, common ground ferns, and
  • How to grow and propagate these ferns.

5. Other Important Groups

  •  Asplenium, Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris and other groups.
  • Group characteristics, cultural details, propagation methods.

6. Other Varieties

  • Hares foot fern, Bracken, Fans, Corals and Combs.

7. Making the Best Use of these Plants

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

8. Special Assignment - Detailed culture and identification of one genus.

 

COURSE AIMS

  • Distinguish between different types of ferns in cultivation, including twenty different genera and fifty different varieties.
  • Determine critical cultural practices required to successfully grow ferns in different specified situations.
  • Determine the cultural requirements of specific fern varieties.
  • Apply various specialised techniques to the culture of ferns.
  • Prepare a planting plan for an area using ferns.

Note that this is an experiential learning-based course. Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to network with and learn from a variety of industry professionals. Establishing real-world relationships and confidence is key to career success. Several tasks throughout the course will provide you with the opportunity to start creating a comprehensive network of connections. 

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is marked by an expert tutor and returned to you with feedback including suggestion of additional resources, specialised information, and more. The special assignment which comprises the last lesson will give you an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired throughout the course. 

 

How Can You Propagate Ferns?

Propagating ferns can be one of the most enjoyable and addictive activities you may ever embark upon. Ferns can be propagated either by spores or by vegetative techniques, depending on the variety. Generally, spore propagation is the simplest method and the most economical way of producing a large number of new plants quickly. A few varieties will only propagate by vegetative means. In other instances, vegetative propagation is preferred to spore propagation for one of a number of reasons. Spores are generally produced as a result of two plants cross-breeding with each other, although many plants may self-fertilise. Plants grown as a result of cross-breeding may display a mixture of characteristics from the two parents. That is, they do not necessarily turn out like the plant which the spore originally came from, or in the case of self- fertilisation, different combinations of chromosomes from the same parent produce different characteristics in the offspring; although differences are generally not as great as those produced by cross-breeding.

Almost all ferns can be propagated form spores found on the underside of the fertile fronds. Spores are produced in large quantities and look like a brown dust to the naked eye. 

With vegetative propagation, a piece of existing plant is treated in some way to cause the development of roots and top growth, thus producing a new plant. As there is only one parent, the new plants will have all of the same characteristics of the parent plant.

There are other ferns which can be propagated vegetatively by division, from bulbils, tissue culture, layering or cuttings. It is important to apply the appropriate method to each fern and situation to obtain a successful outcome. 

Dive into the wonderful world of ferns! Gain theoretical and practical knowledge which will last you a life time! 

 

Why Study with ACS?

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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!

 

 

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Meet some of our academics

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.
Maggi BrownMaggi is regarded as an expert in organic growing throughout the UK, having worked for two decades as Education Officer at the world renowned Henry Doubleday Research Association. She has been active in education, environmental management and horticulture across the UK for more than three decades. Some of Maggi's qualifications include RHS Cert. Hort. Cert. Ed. Member RHS Life Member Garden Organic (HDRA) .
Diana Cole (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Permaculturist, Landscaper, Environmentalist. Holds a Diploma in Horticulture, degree in geography, permaculture certificate and various other qualifications. Between 1985 and 94, Diana was a task leader with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. Since 2001 she has been chairperson of the Friends of Mellor Park (with Stockport MDC). From 2005 she has worked exclusively in horticulture as proprietor of her own garden design and consultancy business in and around Derbyshire; and at the same time as part time manager of a small garden centre. Diana has been an enthusiastic and very knowledgeable tutor with ACS since 2008.


Check out our eBooks

Growing ConifersThe great thing about conifers is they look good all year round. Most of them are grown for foliage, and in general, foliage remains the same pretty well all year. Unlike other trees and shrubs, you do not have a month of attractive flowers, followed by an obscure plant the remainder of the year. A brilliant blue of gold foliage conifer will be blue or gold month in, month out.
Starting a Garden or Landscape BusinessExpert advice on how to get started in your own garden or landscape business! Packed with valuable business advice, horticultural and landscaping knowledge, and practical ideas - this book is a must have for garden lovers. It is great for anyone thinking about (or already involved in), a horticultural, landscaping or garden business. This updated re-print is only available as an ebook.
Starting a Nursery or Herb FarmIt's often amazing how much can be produced, and the profit that can be made from a few hundred square meters of land. To work efficiently and profitably, a nursery or herb farm must be both well organised and properly managed. As with any business, it is essential to be confident enough to make firm decisions as and when needed. This e-book is your ticket to a fragrant future.
Growing FernsA complete guide to growing Ferns in Australia, New Zealand and beyond. A great reference for professional and amateur gardeners, and fern enthusiasts from anywhere around the world.