I am very grateful for the Gaia College courses because I can actually answer the questions that my clients have and sell them on things they didn't even know existed!
Elly Cruickshank, Organic Landscaper
 

Instructor

A message from the instructor

Heide Hermary

Heide Hermary


"Organic Land Care - Working with Nature" is the synthesis of information from many different specialties, and the knowledge gained through years of practice and careful observation. It is an introduction into the science of holistic horticulture, and how it applies to our everyday work. As far as I know this is the first comprehensive program in purely organic ornamental land care in North America.

This program is geared towards professionals and others who are serious about organic land care practices. It will challenge you. You are the pioneers, the leaders of the organic horticulture movement, examples to future generations of gardeners. You need to be able to stand up to skeptics, naysayers, and fear mongers: you need to know this stuff.

It is my hope that this program will also lead to long term relationships, so that we can all continue to share experiences and learn from each other as we embark on our new adventures in many different parts of this beautiful planet.

Here is some information about myself:

As a self employed organic landscaper living on Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada, I have a diverse practice in Landscape Design, Installation, Consultation, Maintenance and Education.

In my landscape practice I design and install gardens as small as postage stamp sized urban backyards and as big as 10 acre rural estates. Two of "my" gardens were featured on the CBC "Canadian Gardener" television show with David Tarrant (a Canadian gardening celebrity). I also advise homeowners and private and public organizations on plant and landscape health issues.

As an educator I have developed and teach seminars, short courses, and comprehensive professional development programs in all aspects of horticulture. My audience includes landscape professionals and arborists from the private and public sector, horticulture students, master gardeners, high school students, and the general public. I continue to work with the Burnaby School Board, Royal Roads University, North Islands College, City of Surrey, and many other organizations.

I am one of the founders and past chair of the Society of Organic Urban Land Care Professionals ( SOUL), and - although I recently retired from the board - continue to support the society's important work.

The landscape industry is entering a period of intense change as we adapt our practices to new pesticide legislation. My challenge and passion as an educator is to provide the educational support to enable landscapers to meet the future with confidence and professionalism.