Overview
Typically ornamental plants are grouped for aesthetic effect with little regard for plant compatibility or - for that matter - suitability for their growing environments in geographical areas far removed from their origin. Plants are a product of their native environment, having adapted to specific soil, water and climate conditions. These are complex relationships, and to create thriving landscapes we need to have a good understanding of the growing conditions in the plants' native range.
The plant identification component of this course emphasizes ornamental landscape plants including annuals, perennials, shrubs, deciduous and evergreen trees, which are commonly used in the ornamental landscape of the temperate and cooler northern hemisphere. Weed identification and arboriculture practices such as pruning: what, when and how, will also be covered as it relates to the different plant types.
Self-guided field trips and research enrich and personalize the experience.
Here are some of the topics you will explore:
- World biomes
- Plant nomenclature
- Factors in successful plant groupings
- Weed identification
- Plant maintenance including specialty pruning
Student Comment
I wanted to thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience over the course of this journey into plant science and how important it is to maintain or help restore the delicate balance necessary for the environment we depend on to survive. I've become addicted to learning more. On a personal note, since September when the Ornamentals course started I have experienced a series of unfortunate and even bizarre events. Through it all however, your course work was my comfort and confirmation of a much bigger world out there.
Gwen
Source
Fees
Fees: $695.00
Fees include:
- Unlimited access to our on-line plant database
- Unlimited access to our on-line course resources, community center, including resource library, discussion forums and much more.
Payment Options
By Mail: Cheque drawn on a Canadian bank; Money order in Canadian funds
On-line: Visa, Mastercard
Policies
Please be sure you are familiar with our policies.
Evaluations
There are no formal exams in this course, as the emphasis is on developing practical skills and the ability to synthesize information.
To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.
Texts
Recommended (the definitive Plant Catalogue) – maybe also available in local libraries:
- The Botanical Garden Volume I Trees and Shrubs. Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix. Firefly Books Canada, 2002 – ISBN 1-55297-591-6.
- The Botanical Garden Volume II Perennials and Annuals. Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix. Firefly Books Canada, 2002 – ISBN 1-55297-592-4.
Credits
Attendance at this program earns you the following Continuing Education Credits (CECs):
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Also applies to B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association and Landscape Ontario
Pre-approved:
24 credits
National Association of Landcare Professionals (NALP) – American
Pre-approved:
24 credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
Pre-approved:
10 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
Pre-approved:
10 Credits (Practice)
International Society of Arboriculture: Municipal Specialist
Pre-approved:
10 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Tree Worker/Aerial Lift
Pre-approved:
2.5 Credits
B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
As per Society guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed
Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
Pre-approved:
24 credits
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Canada
Pre-approved: 3.02 Credits
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Pre-approved: 4 Credits
This course partially satisfies the requirements of:
Studying Online
Studying on-line is very different from learning in a face-to-face classroom setting. It may be more convenient – or for some it may be the only way they can take our courses - but it is definitely not easier.
The University of Illinois has provided some excellent pre-assessment information for potential on-line students. Please complete the online Self Evaluation:
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/selfEval.asp
And please read the article entitled 'What Makes A Successful Online Student?'
http://www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/StudentProfile.asp.
If you have any doubts about your ability to dedicate 6-10 hours per week to this course then it is probably not for you. Those who are able to commit themselves to this experience rest assured that our instructors are not only experts in organic horticulture, but are also experienced on-line facilitators. We will do our absolute best to ensure you have an interesting and fulfilling learning experience.
Online classroom versus self-paced studies
The question may arise why we are offering this course over a specific time frame, rather than letting each student study at their own speed. Our experience is that without firm deadlines most students do not finish the longer online courses - and we really want you to succeed!
So, for optimum student success, this course is being offered in an interactive online classroom format. The “virtual classroom” includes group interaction in structured activities such as discussions, experiments, and demonstrations, yet still maintains flexibility for the individual.
Our vast learning resources and networking facilities are always available to students, even after completion of the course. So if for some reason you are not able to complete the course on time you will still retain access to the information to review it at your own pace. However, to earn the Certificate of Completion all course work must be completed by the end of the course term.
How do we handle hands-on activities in an on-line course?
That is indeed a challenge, but frankly, allowing "enough" hands-on experience is always difficult even in a classroom course. So the hands-on portion of the course has been incorporated into the assignments, where students get to put their newly acquired knowledge to practice. This is even more fun if you can get a friend to take the course with you!
Depending on the course, some of these activities may require access to soil and composting materials. Students living in climates where the ground may be covered in 2 feet of snow for the duration of the course have the option to choose an alternative assignment, or take the course at another time of the year.
