Plant Knowledge For Organic Gardeners

Organic gardeners focus on the creation of plant and landscape health.

Plant health starts with the right growing conditions. Most of the plants used in our ornamental gardens did not evolve in our climate – are we able to provide them with the soil, water and climate conditions they need to flourish? What about companion plants?

Over the course of several months you will learn to identify approximately 300 plants. For each plant you will then explore its ecosystem of origin, and under which conditions it thrives best, or just marginally survives.  You will learn how it adapts to our environment, and how you can provide it with optimal care. Finally you will learn about its non-ornamental uses, such as food, medicine, fiber, etc.

Over three seasons (March - October), plants are viewed in garden settings, focusing on ecologically sound and successful plant combinations.

This course is open to all who wish to learn more about plants. No prior knowledge or experience required.

Landscape professionals earn generous pre-approved Continuing Education Credits to maintain industry certifications (ISA, CNLA, BCSLA, SOUL).

To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend 90% of all classes and achieve an overall mark of 70% on all quizzes.

This program partially satisfies the requirements of the Diploma in Organic Land Care

There will be additional expenses for entry fees to public gardens.  Students are responsible for their own transportation on field trips – carpooling is encouraged.

Payment Options

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

At this time, there are no prerequisites for this course.

To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend at least 90% of all classes, and achieve an overall mark of 70% on all quizzes.

There are no required texts. Handouts will be provided on-line at the course website. In addition, students will have 1-year access to our on-line resource library and plant database.

Computer access and an e-mail account are essential. All class communication are via the class discussion forum.

This is a paperless course.

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

• International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
  Pre-approved:
  14 Credits
  
  
• International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
  Pre-approved:
  14 Credits (Practice)
  
  
• B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
  As per Society guidelines
  
  
• SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional
  Full required credits for 3-year certification renewal
  
  
• Canadian Horticultural Technician
  Full required credits for yearly certification renewal