Organic Master Gardener

Overview

Be prepared for a major shift in paradigms! This is a gardening course, and so much more. Students have called it "life changing" - because once we truly understand the connection between soil health, plant health, human health and environmental health we look at the world with different eyes.

This is our core course. It is intense - challenging - inspiring, consisting of lectures and hands-on exercises. And it is taking the country by storm!

• Learn to create fabulous food and ornamental gardens without pesticides and other harmful chemicals
• Gain essential skills to start or enhance your own business in the rapidly growing organic land care industry
• Prepare to write the SOUL Organic Accreditation exam for land care professionals
• Earn generous Continuing Education Credits to maintain your industry certifications (SOUL, ISA, CNLA, BCSLA, NALP, MGOI, IPM, NOFA, SOUL) 

Everyone is welcome. No previous experience required. Just come, learn and have fun. To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend 90% of classes and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.

Organic Master Gardener ^®is a registered trademark of Gaia College.

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 - all locations except Stony Plain: 795.00
Fees - Stony Plain: $1250.00 for their longer, extended course

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

B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
As per Society guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Pre-approved:
24 credits

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 Credits

Student 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