Organic Horticulture Specialist
Course Overview
Overview
Whether you are already a landscape professional, just beginning your education, or simply learning for personal enjoyment, this course will give you the knowledge you need to become a better gardener. You will receive a thorough introduction to the science and practice of organic horticulture, facilitating a profound shift in ecological awareness.
Going way beyond the idea of pesticide and fertilizer product substitution, you will understand the concepts of landscape health management as opposed to pest management, building a holistic decision making framework for creating and maintaining vibrantly healthy gardens and landscapes, including turf.
This course prepares you to
- Grow fabulous, healthy gardens
- Gain essential skills to start or enhance your business in the rapidly growing organic land care industry sector
- Write the SOUL Organic Accreditation exam for land care professionals
- Earn generous continuing education credits for landscape professionals to maintain industry certifications (SOUL, ISA, CNLA, BCSLA, NALP, MGOI, IPM, NOFA)
- Become involved in SOUL (Society for Organic Urban Land Care) and share your knowledge with your community through workshops, talks and other creative ways
The on-line version of this course integrates reading, quizzes and discussions with practical, hands-on assignments. Everyone is welcome, no previous experience is required.
Depending on registrations, we may combine students with the Organic Master Gardener course to keep class sizes manageable! The curriculum is identical, but the audience is usually more diverse in the Organic Master Gardener course. Some of the discussions can be quite eye-opening for landscape professionals.
To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend 90% of classes and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.
Student Comment
Just have to say this course is such a priceless contribution to us and our planet. I feel privileged to be taking it, absorbing like a sponge, reveling in what confirms and supports.
Many thanks, Carol McIntyre
Fees
Fees - $795.00
Fees include:
- Book (e-book)
- Printed and on-line handouts
- Unlimited access to our on-line course resources, community center, including 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.
Student Comment
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
Prerequisites
At this time, there are no prerequisites for this course.
Student Comment
I have to tell you how much I am enjoying these classes. Up to now I've taken other courses which have covered much of the same material, but this time things are really clicking. I'm understanding more and retaining more of the information. I'm more aware of the implications of going organic not just in gardening but in other aspects of my life. It's like an epiphany. It sounds silly when I write it down, but it's made me so much more aware. Thank you.
Barb Bancroft, Vancouver
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 attend 90% of all classes and satisfactorily complete all assignments and online quizzes.
Student Comment
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
Today was our first class! I'm so impressed with the course material. Lots of substance and no fluff, just the way I like it! We viewed your DVD today on pesticides and it was so clear and concise. Thank you!
Tara Qua, Gabriola Island
Texts
Recommended Text
Hermary, Heide, Working with Nature - Shifting Paradigms, Gaia College. Particularly designed to lead the student through the paradigm shift that is necessary before he or she is capable of truly holistic thinking.
This book (e-book) is included in the course fees. Some handouts are provided in class. Additional handouts are provided on-line at the course website.
Access to our extensive on-line resource library is included in the tuition.
Required Supplies
Students require bypass pruners and safety goggles for the pruning practice, and basic gardening tools for the garden bed installation and composting classes. All other materials will be supplied.
Student Comment
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, College Instructor
Credits
Attendance at this program earns you the following Continuing Education Credits (CECs):
International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
Pre-approved:
19 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Master Arborist
Pre-approved:
Science 10.5 Credits, Practice 8.5 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Municipal Specialist
Pre-approved:
10 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Tree Worker/Aerial Lift
Pre-approved:
5 Credits
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Pre-approved:
24 credits
B.C. Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA)
As per Society guidelines - eligibilty of this program has been confirmed
Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
Pre-approved:
24 credits
National Association of Landcare Professionals (NALP) - American
Pre-approved:
24 credits
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Canada
Pre-approved: 5.38 Credits
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Pre-approved: 4 Credits
This program partially satisfies the requirements of:
- Gaia College: Core course for Diploma in Organic Land Care
- Royal Roads: Core course for Joint Royal Roads/ Gaia College Diploma in Organic Land Care
- CLD designation offered through CNLA. Successful completion of the course may be used toward the achievement of the requirements for the Education component of the recertification process.
How to Apply for Your Continuing Education Credits
For information on obtaining your credits please see: How to Apply for your Continuing Education CreditsStudent Comment
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