Since 2003, Gaia College has been offering holistic horticulture education to students all over the world. Our courses integrate essential knowledge of ecology, permaculture and organic gardening to build a solid ecological foundation for your career and/or personal life.
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
Students can expect to dedicate 6-10 hours per week to successfully complete this course.
As well, our courses are offered in the continuing education realm and are designed so students can complete them according to their own schedule. The work is divided up into 14 weekly topics and students are expected to complete their assigned work and quizzes by the given deadlines.
Our courses do not use online meetings, so we are not using Google Meet, Zoom or other online meeting applications.
If you have any questions about studying online with Gaia College please see our FAQs page
Fees
Fees: $795.00
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.
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
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.
