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Diploma in Organic Land Care

“The Organic Land Care diploma program has transformed my understanding of horticulture, ecosystems and what we need to do to take care of our planet to secure a future for humanity.  I began by taking just the Organic Master Gardener course because I wanted to grow better flowers without using chemicals and pesticides.  After completing this first course, I was even more inspired to take others and then decided that I wanted to earn the diploma. Having now just completed it, I next want to continue my involvement and learning by becoming SOUL accredited and obtaining full-time employment in the field of organic land care or landscape design. 

If we are going to move forward sustainably and make sound ecological and land-use choices, we have to – in the words of founder Heide Hermary - “do things differently”. Thank-you, Gaia College, for opening my eyes to the kind of relationships humanity needs to develop with Nature.” 
- Laurie Smith, August 2021
 

“The Organic Land Care diploma program has transformed my understanding of horticulture, ecosystems and what we need to do to take care of our planet to secure a future for humanity.  I began by taking just the Organic Master Gardener course because I wanted to grow better flowers without using chemicals and pesticides.  After completing this first course, I was even more inspired to take others and then decided that I wanted to earn the diploma. Having now just completed it, I next want to continue my involvement and learning by becoming SOUL accredited and obtaining full-time employment in the field of organic land care or landscape design. 

If we are going to move forward sustainably and make sound ecological and land-use choices, we have to – in the words of founder Heide Hermary - “do things differently”. Thank-you, Gaia College, for opening my eyes to the kind of relationships humanity needs to develop with Nature.” 
- Laurie Smith, August 2021
 

Overview

WHY A DIPLOMA IN ORGANIC LAND CARE

Read more about pursuing our Diploma in Organic Land Care

Upon completion of 4 core courses and 1 elective, students earn the Gaia College Diploma in Organic Land Care. Each of these courses focuses on a unique aspect of organic land care:

ONLINE CORE COURSES

It is highly recommended that students complete the courses in the order listed above. While we do not require this, it does make the successful completion of each course easier. SketchUp Pro for Landscape Design is a pre-requisite or co-requisite to Ecological Landscape Design.

ONLINE ELECTIVE COURSES

All courses are offered on a part-time access basis to allow students to continue to work while studying. Students can combine online courses with classroom courses, regardless of where they are offered. Students can substitute classroom courses for online courses where applicable.

Courses can be taken individually; we strongly suggest that everyone start with the Organic Master Gardener / Organic Horticulture Specialist course.

The Gaia College Diploma in Organic Land Care fulfills the advanced education requirements for becoming a SOUL Certified Organic Land Care Professional.

CLASSROOM COURSE EQUIVALENTS

Classroom courses are not being offered at this time. 

COURSES TAKEN THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PARTNERS

We recognize courses taken through Educational Partners, both online and classroom. 

Student Comment

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate still having access to class materials. It's been very useful, and a luxury compared to most post-secondary institutions. I really appreciate it! I think this should serve as real incentive for potential Gaia students, especially those that know the restrictions and inaccessibility of post-secondary course materials after graduation, because your student account is deactivated or you had to sell your texts. We get a lot for our course fee with Gaia. All the best, and keep up the good work. Brianna van de Wijngaard

Course Schedule
CORE COURSES Jan May Sep
Organic Master Gardener
Organic Horticulture Specialist		 x x x
Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives   x x
Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro x x x
Ecological Landscape Design x   x

ELECTIVES 		     
Business Skills for Land Care Professionals x   x
Growing Food x x x
Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals   x x
Living Green Infrastructure     x
Rainwater Harvesting & Management x x x

Classroom Courses

No classroom courses are currently scheduled.

Diploma Costs

The total cost of acheiving the Diploma is $3995, consisting of five courses (each $795) and an administrative fee of $20.00. The course fees are due upon registration in each course; the administrative fee due when submitting records of course completion. 

Students are required to pay GST or HST on tuition fees as appropriate.

Students will receive the Diploma in Organic Land Care upon submitting records of course completion, together with a fee of $ 20.00.

Please contact us if further clarification is required.

Application and Payment

Once you have completed all requirements for the Diploma in Organic Land Care you may apply for the Diploma by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We will confirm your completion requirements and send you a link for payment. 

Please note: If you've taken any courses via an educational partner, we may request proof of completion.

Ecological Landscape Design Stream

Would you like to learn how to design, install and maintain naturally sustainable, vibrantly healthy gardens and landscapes?
This diploma stream is for new and working landscape professionals who wish to gain a competitive edge by providing Organic Land Care services.

Design, install and maintain naturally sustainable and vibrantly healthy gardens and landscapes, including turf.

 

 

 

Student Comment


"I just wanted to say how much I appreciate still having access to class materials. It's been very useful, and a luxury compared to most post-secondary institutions. I really appreciate it! I think this should serve as real incentive for potential Gaia students, especially those that know the restrictions and inaccessibility of post-secondary course materials after graduation, because your student account is deactivated or you had to sell your texts. We get a lot for our course fee with Gaia. All the best, and keep up the good work."


Brianna van de Wijngaard

 

Living Green Infrastructure Stream

 

Are you a planner, policy maker or developer? Would you like to see more green infrastructure present in your community? The Diploma in Organic Land Care - Living Green Infrastructure Stream can help you make better and more integrated decisions to support the sustainability of the green spaces you develop and create.

Achieve a deep understanding of nature’s contribution to the success of human created infrastructure.

 

 

Student Comment


"I just wanted to say how much I appreciate still having access to class materials. It's been very useful, and a luxury compared to most post-secondary institutions. I really appreciate it! I think this should serve as real incentive for potential Gaia students, especially those that know the restrictions and inaccessibility of post-secondary course materials after graduation, because your student account is deactivated or you had to sell your texts. We get a lot for our course fee with Gaia. All the best, and keep up the good work."


Brianna van de Wijngaard