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.
Core Courses
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
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
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.
Elective Courses
Here is a list of our elective courses. Successful completion of one of these elective courses is required for the diploma, but many of our students have taken more than one for further learning, personal interest and professional development. See the links for more information about each course:
Business Skills for Land Care Professionals
This is a practical introduction to common business solutions. You will build a framework addressing the administrative, operational and marketing requirements for your business. This course is designed for small landscaping businesses, however, it can be applied to many types of small businesses. Participants will develop their own marketing and business plans.
Learn more about the Business Skills for Land Care Professionals course
Growing Food
This is a comprehensive course for students wanting to grow their own food. You will learn organic gardening principles, applied permaculture, harvesting and food preservation. Successfully grow an abundance of healthy, nutritious and delicious fruits and vegetables.
Learn more about the Growing Food course
Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 (Ornamentals)
Students learn to understand plants in the context of their ecosystem. Students are guided in conducting their own research to identify specific relationships for specific ornamental plants. This is particularly important so that ornamental plants will have the environmental support they need to thrive.
Learn more about the Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 (Ornamentals) course
Living Green Infrastructure
This course is designed to provide the knowledge and tools to professionals and practitioners for a solid understanding of living green infrastructure. Learn to implement technologies and best management practices throughout the planning, constructing and maintenance of sustainable land development.
Learn more about the Living Green Infrastructure course
Rainwater Harvesting and Management
Using the concepts of rainwater management, and implementing key components of rainwater harvesting, professionals and trades practitioners will be able to design, create and manage quality systems in a sustainable and environmentally ethical manner.
Learn more about the Rainwater Harvesting and Management course
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