Organic Horticulture Specialist

"It is the best course I have ever taken and probably one of the best things I have done in my life so far, for a number of reasons, but mostly because the knowledge we gained in the class is invaluable and cannot be bought or acquired anywhere. I thank you also for bringing a lot of energy into the class and you made it fun to be there... I think everyone should learn about organic gardening and organic living. I want other people to learn the same things I did and then educate other people as well. I think with this "snowball" effect, we might eventually have a large percentage of the population engaging in organic gardening, which would be amazing." 

- Erik Mraz

"This course has given me a much deeper understanding of gardens and agroecosystems, how damaging conventional growing methods have been, and how a holistic organic approach offers many advantages, benefits and opportunities. Particularly, I'm grateful for the way you and the other instructors presented the practice of organic gardening within the context of a bigger picture, including ethical considerations and providing important reminders of the limits of the science."

- Ian

"Thank you so much Heide, for your advice on this matter and also for the fabulous programs you have compiled. The OMG really sparked my passion for gardening/landscaping into full flame. I look forward to meeting you one day. The OMG has provided me with a new way to 'dig' my work, a challenging way to look at our whole industry. I think this "Shifting Paradigm" is timely and necessary for those of us who love and honor Mother Earth!"

- Valerie Deakin

Learn more about the Organic Horticulture Specialist course.

Organic Master Gardener

"Thank you again for an awesome Organic Master Gardener Course. I feel very fortunate to be amongst the first graduating class. As I have said to you in person, the course has been life-changing for me, giving me a deeper, richer, more respectful and more aware relationship with my planet, ecosystem, and personal life."

- Anne Finlay, Victoria

"The OMG beautifully illustrated fundamental relationships within all systems on this living planet. It made me feel like I belonged to the earth and knew how to love it. I tell everyone, to take the course.... just take it! I would even take it again in a few years.... because I feel like there is so much more I could learn from it... again! I really enjoyed the experience... that I know is clear. I also really enjoyed you, your passion, your humour, your deeply intuitive knowledge. The OMG has inspired me..."

- Charlese Nan

"Loved the course and can't believe how much it has changed my gardening practices. I read the textbook from cover to cover and plan to read it again. Never did this with any of my university texts!"

- Frances Holbrook

"Gaia College has given a focus to how I've always been wanting to live. Loved the course."

- Gillian

"Once again, you did it. My Paradigms have shifted. I am going to sit down and start going over your book right now. It was a pleasure and very interesting. You did a great job!"

- Greg Kennedy, Trail, BC

"Thanks for a wonderful Organic Master Gardener course! This course has given me much more science and practical wisdom for use in our gardens and our large St. Joseph's Organic Community Garden."

- Linda Gregg, Toronto

"It's incredible the changes that have happened in my life because of the Organic Master Gardener Course I signed up for in 2010. I can't even remember what led me to this class and how I found it. I just know that I have found my "calling". THANK YOU GAIA COLLEGE! I am continually learning this art of organic gardening and find I am pushed over the edge with joy whenever I hear someone new wanting to start a small veggie bed!"

- Lorelie Shoesmith

"I really enjoyed the course and all the hands on experience. I found it inspiring and it has helped encourage healthy changes in our landscapes and in my own back yard. It was truly a great environment for the group to share problems and come up with organic solutions for everyday issues with our businesses and residences. It allowed a renewed confidence in the process and educational information that I can pass along to those around me, co-workers, associates, family and friends."

- Lynette Twigge

"Firstly, my biggest feeling coming away from that marvelous, inspiring course, was a feeling of hope. I truly felt hopeful and convinced that we, us gardeners and farmers, could in fact address the overwhelming insults our beautiful earth is suffering, one garden, farm, public space, purchase, letter, etc. at a time. We are an amazing force, and once we all start learning how great Nature's toolbox is (that kind of knowledge Gaia College is teaching), then it's possible and within our grasp to right all the wrongs. After taking the OMG course, I felt empowered, hopeful and motivated to get the message out to others that we can make a difference and we fix this and we can be a powerful, collective force of change."

- Margo

"We all have questions about the way things work, why the world is the way it is, and how we can help not only preserve but increase its health. Gaia college's Organic Master Gardener course presented simple yet detailed explanations of biological cycles here on earth. Between my classmates and I, we all agreed that there was one thing we were all doing too much of in our gardens, and that was simply just doing too much. There is no landscape crew that manages the rainforests, yet they seem to be doing alright. I will continue to study with Gaia College and further my knowledge in organic growing because there is a need for humanity to step up and correct our mistakes on this planet."

- Micheal Regina

"I really have to comment on the course.The principle is basic and simple but considering ... what has been taught in the academe (at least on my own experience), it was REVOLUTIONARY. Thank you so much for the awakening."

- Raymund Luna, Philippines

"Gaia College brings back all the lost information that previous generations enjoyed; we're here, let's work with what we have and quit wrecking the planet."

- Sandra Hertel

Learn more about the Organic Master Gardener course. 

Ecological Plant Knowledge

"Every time I go out for another trip in the woods for whatever reason, this once alien landscape is beginning to speak to me clearly."

- Bertrand B.

"Thank you to Christina for sharing you wisdom; encouraging me with great feedback; supporting my learning with your responses to discussions."

- Daniela K.

"Christina, I would also like to thank you for your great instruction throughout the OMG and the plant knowledge course. You're wealth of knowledge and passion for what you teach is incredibly informative and inspiring. So....thank you, it was a pleasure to be in your classes."

- Jesse Matthies

"I feel like this should be offered as a course in any/every municipality and government environmental agency as a prerequisite before any in-depth work begins for major (or minor) land development projects... sigh... maybe one day!"

- S. Unrau

"I have been thinking about what I learned yesterday during our lecture all day today. I saw the world around me in a deeply profound way today, almost in the same wonderment I felt as a child or young adolescent growing up near the woods, being in them and feeling that deep ecological connection with everything. I felt for a long time something had been misplaced for me. Sometimes we lose that ability to see the wonderment as we did, but yesterday instilled in me a memory and also a new way of appreciating the sacredness I once felt but in a mature way."

- Chris Muscat

"I cannot begin to express how much this course, along with the OMG class have changed my worldview. I was already there I think but having the sound information from which to work makes a huge difference. Now, when I try something in the yard, I know why it will work or at least I know better how to find out why. I have developed skills to make a longterm plan and the confidence to see it through, with the understanding that my mistakes and missteps won’t harm everything in the process. Now all I have to do is decide which class to take next! Any suggestions are welcome!"

- Cheers and many thanks, Jen

Learn more about the Ecological Plant Knowledge - Natives course. 

Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro

"Can I just say that Mr. Nentwig has been an absolute great teacher. He has so much patience and kindness and I am not sure I would have been able to be as successful in this course had it not been for him. He taught me the rain harvest and management course as well as this SU course. He gave me the encouragement while teaching the RWM course to take the SU course and has now given me encouragement yet again to take the design course. I didn't realize that I genuinely needed guidance and kindness the way he has given and I could not thank him enough for what he has done for me. I am sad to not have him next course, but I will take what he has taught me and do my best to make him proud."

- Annie James

Learn more about the Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro course.

Ecological Landscape Design

"I have found the courses at Gaia College to be relevant and leading edge in ecological design. Whether it is in person or online, they facilitate ongoing connection between environmentally conscious students and teachers that has been helpful for educational and occupational opportunities."

- Laura Walker

"The course has given me a larger vision: the ability to stand back and assess those practical aspects of drainage, soil structure, irrigation needs, compaction concerns, site features and utilization, plant health and landscape protection. These practical aspects must continuously be related to the ever-present consideration of nature's need to strive towards a more balanced approach.Working with nature has more meaning for me, and, I hope, for those students with whom I interact."

- Laurie Hardy

Learn more about the Ecological Landscape Design course. 

Growing Food

"I want to send my thanks to each of you - I learned so much from all the stories and information you shared. I absolutely enjoyed the Growing Food course, and my 2014 garden is proof of the great education I received."

- Deanna Enman

"This course has taught me to look at the whole picture and realize that I'm not just raising food but caring for and managing an ecosystem."

- Don LaCroix, Organic Farmer

"I am working hard this week, fermenting, canning, drying and freezing. I am thrilled to have found Gaia College and to have been connected to Haliburton Farms and especially to have Elmarie as a teacher. I will certainly share the program with friends and family who might be interested in taking the course for themselves."

- Kami Malone

"I just wanted to share some pics of my garden this year. After taking my gardening course in the spring, I did everything I could to bring "life" back into my soil and this is what I got. The potatoes were left over from last year - they did not grow bigger than a small plum last year. I am so impressed and grateful for this new found knowledge. What is most amazing is that - what I added to my garden was all organic and really easy to get item that were not purchased at any store."

- Love, Nancy

"I have been gardening organically (meaning no restricted pesticides) for 25 years (10 years on Gabriola) and now I have the language, science and tools to confirm what I knew all along intuitively. I'm so excited to apply this course to my market garden at home and do an even better job at growing food through sustainable and ethical methods."

- Tara Qua, Gabriola Island

Learn more about the Growing Food course. 

Diploma

"I am very grateful for the Gaia College courses because I can actually answer the questions that my clients have and sell them on things they didn't even know existed!"

- Elly Cruickshank, Organic Landscaper

"I am grateful for the education I got through Gaia College. The program is well laid out and covers the widest range of topics I could find. I am confident in my skills and knowledge after taking this program. I'm also happy to report that within 6 months of completion I have a wonderful full time job tending an amazing organic garden!"

- Melanie Isles

"I have found the program extremely helpful in operating my business. I now have a lot more knowledge and the confidence to make the right choices."

- Michael Cowan, Organic Landscaper

"When covid forced me out of an occupation I had for over 10 years, I was keen to retrain and follow my heart's desire: being a better gardener. After a search online, I found Gaia College and started with the Organic Master Gardener course, taught by Astrid. She was a wonderful, patient instructor and her passion for organic and ecological gardening was contagious! That was the start. From there I took as many courses as possible until a new career focus took hold of me: becoming a landscape designer, fine tuned by Ken's superb teaching of the Sketch Up and Ecological Landscape Design courses. Christina's Natives I course was excellent for combining all the previously taught courses. Gaia College was instrumental in forming a new career path for me, as well as being a welcoming and exciting forum of like-minded individuals that want to do something to help heal our planet, one garden at a time."

- Sarah Valentine

"Thank you very much for the awesome courses. They have made me a gardener."

- Shane Tillapaugh, Eco Island Gardenscapes, Courtenay, B.C.

Learn more about the Diploma in Organic Land Care.