I have to tell you how much I am enjoying these classes. Up to now I've taken other courses which have covered much of the same material, but this time things are really clicking. I'm understanding more and retaining more of the information. I'm more aware of the implications of going organic not just in gardening but in other aspects of my life. It's like an epiphany. It sounds silly when I write it down, but it's made me so much more aware. Thank you. Barb Bancroft, Vancouver 

Organic Turf Management (2-Day Intensive)

  • Overview
  • Fees
  • CECs
  • Registration and Payment
Lawns have a reputation for being toxic zones and water hogs - but these are not intrinsic qualities of the lawn. They are instead the result of chemical-based lawn management practices, that destroy the soil ecology, reduce the soil's natural water holding capacity, and make the grass dependent on ever increasing chemical inputs.

Certainly, it is possible to manage lawns differently, but this requires a shift in thinking, a different way of looking at your garden.

In this very intensive two-day workshop we will introduce you to the underlying principles and processes at work within natural ecosystems. You will learn how the use of environmental toxins is counterproductive to achieving your landscape goals, and we will construct a new decision making framework that enables you to work with nature to create and maintain healthy, beautiful lawns.

You will also

  • understand the process of transitioning a landscape from chemical dependency to organic self-sufficiency

  • gain a deeper understanding of organic horticulture in general


Topics include:

  • Interdependence within ecosystems
  • Soil ecology, biology and chemistry
  • Soil fertility management
  • Underlying causes of plant & landscape health problems
  • Pesticides and their effect on ecosystems
  • Turf physiology & cultural requirements
  • Maintenance practices for optimal turf health
  • Managing turf problems
  • Preventing turf problems at the design and installation stages


This workshop will be of particular interest to:

  • landscapers and turf managers
  • experienced home gardeners
  • educators
  • professionals working in the areas of land stewardship, land development and restoration
  • policy makers and advisers concerned with pesticide legislation


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 how nature works.

Download a Brochure

This course is only available on request of a sponsoring organization. Please contact us for our contract rates.

In some cases a sponsored course may be opened to the public at a rate agreeable to the sponsor.  These rates may vary by location. Please check the location you are interested in.

Fees include printed and on-line handouts and unlimited access to our extensive on-line resource library, discussion forums and much more.

Fees are payable at time of registration. Gaia College may process registrations through our website on behalf of the sponsor.


You may register on-line or by mail.

 

Payment Options

 

By Mail On-line
Cheque drawn on a Canadian bank
Money order in Canadian funds

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

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

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

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

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

Canadian Horticultural Technician
8 credits - as per certification renewal guidelines

This course is only available on request of a sponsoring organization. Please contact us for our contract rates. In some cases a sponsored course may be opened to the public at a rate agreeable to the sponsor. These rates may vary by location. Please check the location you are interested in.