Soil is the foundation of landscape health. Whether you grow ornamental gardens, turf or vegetables, you need to understand how soil works.

In the past we have looked at soil primarily as a "growing medium" - something lifeless and sterile. But soil is the exact opposite - it's an ecosystem, and needs to be managed as such. The greatest biodiversity on earth occurs - or should occur - in the top few inches of soil. Soil ecosystem health and plant health are inseparably linked.

Soil processes are universal, applying equally to ornamental landscapes, turf and agricultural crops. Our job is primarily one of fine-tuning.

In this three-day intensive, professional workshop you will learn how to

• assess the health of your soil, and
• support the natural processes within the soil that result in plant health.

You will also gain a deeper understanding of organic horticulture, and how you can integrate organic practices into your own.

Topics include:

• Interdependence within ecosystems
• Soil ecology, biology and chemistry
• Soil / water relationship and water management
• Soil fertility management
• Soil testing
• Connecting plant health with soil health
• Pesticides and their effect on ecosystems
• Landscape health management vs. pest management
• Transitioning landscapes to organic practices

This workshop is ideal for gardeners who wish to eliminate their use of toxic chemicals:

• landscapers
• turf managers
• farmers
• experienced home gardeners

Those who have been practicing conventional horticulture will find their practices challenged, nagging doubts exposed, questions answered they didn't even know they had, and new questions arising. Everyone will gain a deeper understanding of now nature works.

Be prepared for a paradigm shift!

Upon completion of the program students will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Click the button below for location-specific information...

Student Comment

I must personally thank you for opening up a new source of knowledge for myself. Your course (Organic Soil Management) has given me a greater understanding of the complexity of nature, and more importantly a source to gain further understanding.The training has confirmed that I was instinctively doing the right things, now I have a little more understanding of why, and the tools to gain greater knowledge understanding. Thank you! Thank you! Your book has become my new bed time reading. Not sure if my wife will thank you as I lose track of time and read into the night.
Allen MacDonald, Irrigation Technician

Fees include printed and on-line handouts, the text "Working With Nature - Shifting Paradigms", as well as 1-year access to our on-line resource library, discussion forum and much more.

Fees $ 395.00

Fees are payable at time of registration.

Student Comment

Thank you! My head is still spinning from the excellent course that you gave us on the weekend. I have already begun educating others and putting things into practice. Look forward to the Turf Management course.
Emma Baker, Organic Gardener

I learned more useful information in 3 days at this seminar, than I had in 2 years of horticulture college.
Dave Dittmar, Organic Landscaper

Attendance at this program earns you the following Continuing Education Credits (CECs):

International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
Pre-approved:
21 Credits

International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
Pre-approved:
21 Credits (17.5 Science, 3.5 Practice)

B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
As per Society guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed

SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional
21 credits - as per certification renewal guidelines

Canadian Horticultural Technician
21 credits - as per certification renewal guidelines

Student Comment

I really have to comment on the course.The principle is basic and simple but considering ... what has been taught in the academe (at least on my own experience), it was REVOLUTIONARY. Thank you so much for the awakening.
Raymund Luna, Phillippines

I've been working in the industry for 12 years in both private and municipal realms, and in all honesty - I've surprisingly absorbed, understood and connected more about soil & landscape health management in this one weekend intensive than I did throughout 4 years of conventional landscape apprenticeship training! I always "knew" that this is the way to go, I just didn't have the knowledge, resources and clarity until now! The solution is so powerful, yet simple and elegant.
Scott Hurst, North Vancouver