Each of the Gaia College core courses focuses on a unique aspect of organic land care.
It is highly recommended that students complete the core courses in the following order as it makes the successful completion of each course easier:
1. Organic Horticulture Specialist or Organic Master Gardener
You will see the world in a new way. Learn the connections between soil health, plant health, human health and environmental health. This is our foundation course and covers the same curriculum. The Organic Horticulture Specialist course is intended for the professional gardener while the Organic Master Gardener course is intended for the home gardener.
Learn more about the Organic Horticulture Specialist course
Learn more about the Organic Master Gardener course
2. Ecological Plant Knowledge - Natives
An exploration of plant and ecosystem relationships as they relate to choosing and planting a variety of native plants.
Learn more about the Ecological Plant Knowledge - Natives course
3. Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro
This is our introduction to the language and tools of landscape design. Students will learn the basic elements of landscape design and how to communicate their work to clients, coworkers and contractors. This includes the landscape design process, project modeling and presentation in 2D and 3D views, as well as some estimate and material specification. We use SketchUp Pro and Layout for the graphic design and presentation tools, and lessons progress through various levels of learning the software.
This course is a pre-requisite or co-requisite to Ecological Landscape Design.
Learn more about the Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro Course
4. Ecological Landscape Design
You will learn the principles and practice of ecological landscape design. Students will explore how the various elements are used in softscaping and hardscaping. In particular, how to achieve aesthetic and functional goals while creating ecologically sound landscapes. This is our capstone course, integrating the knowledge and skills gained from the Organic Land Care Diploma courses.
Learn more about the Ecological Landscape Design course.
Next: Elective Courses