If your interest is in all areas of landscaping: design, contracting and construction then this course is for you.
Coupled with this you will also gain a sound understanding of horticultural principles and practice - most important for the designer! An effective garden cannot be designed without this knowledge.
A 600-700 hour course designed to train landscape contractors and/or designers. This course develops skills in general horticulture, plant identification and use, designing, costing and constructing gardens. This course is similar to other VHT002 horticulture certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to landscaping.
COURSE CONTENT
This certificate entails the following:
-
Core studies
- half of the course, involving approximately 350hrs over 15 lessons.
-
Elective studies -
half of the course, involving stream studies specific to landscaping.
Core units
1. Introduction to Plants
Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids.
2. Parts of the Plant
How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, modification of stems and roots.
3. Plant Culture - Planting
How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants.
4. Plant Culture - Pruning
Purpose for pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune.
5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery
Different irrigation systems, components of an irrigation system, designing an irrigation system, maintenance in the garden and for tools.
6. Soils & Media
Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes.
7. Soils & Nutrition
Fertilizers - deficiencies and toxicities, N:P:K ratios, salting, fertilizer programming, compost.
8. Propagation - Seeds & Cuttings
How to propagate plants with the two easiest techniques, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants.
9. Propagation - Other Techniques
Other methods to increase plant numbers - budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture.
10. Identification and Use of Plants
How are plants used in the landscape, how to choose and purchase plants, selecting plants suitable for the climate and site.
11. Identification and Use of Plants
Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites.
12. Identification and Use of Plants
Indoor and Tropical Plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns.
13. Pests
Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical safety precautions.
14. Diseases
Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non pathogenic problems, interactions with the host and the environment.
15. Weeds
Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology.
Stream(elective) studies: LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN
The aim of the stream studies is to develop skills and knowledge in landscape design, construction, features and landscape business management.
The student will engage in the following activities as part of the stream studies:
-
Review the historical evolution of gardens.
-
Obtain pre-planning information and use of that information to draw plans.
-
Identify different principles and styles of landscape designs.
-
Analyze garden designs.
-
Develop graphic skills, and a knowledge of drawing materials and techniques.
-
Prepare cost estimates for a landscape job.
-
Describe surfacing materials and their effects.
-
Explain the quality and cost of different landscape materials.
-
Develop a knowledge of plants, both native and exotic, suitable for local conditions.
-
Select plants for difficult sites and conditions.
-
Describe advantages and disadvantages of various pipes, sprinklers and pumping equipment.
-
Recommend irrigation systems for different landscape situations.
-
Design a simple irrigation system.
-
Design a bush garden and the value and relevance of using native plants.
-
Analyze and report on a cottage garden design.
-
Analyze and report on a playground design.
-
Prepare a playground design for a school or public park.
-
Draw layout plans for a range of gardens.
-
Conduct a detailed survey of a site, prepare a detailed plan based on that survey, estimate costs and develop contract documentation for that project.
-
Explain earthworks and soil preparation techniques used in landscaping.
-
Describe alternative techniques for establishing and growing plants.
-
Explain a range of landscape construction techniques including building fences, walls, rockeries, paths, water gardens, paving and drainage.
-
Compare different landscape materials with respect to their quality, cost, availability and application in garden construction.
-
Describe the correct procedures for the proper and safe removal of a limb from a tree, and for the felling of trees.
-
Develop a detailed maintenance program for a garden.
-
Demonstrate the ability to prepare for, and plant a new lawn.
-
Explain how to establish turf on a steep slope.
-
Write and advertisement for a landscaping business.
-
Explain basic management procedures.
-
Show a reasonable level of communication skill.
-
Explain health and safety requirements on a landscape site.
-
THE ACS TEAM APPROACH
ACS was founded by John Mason in 1979 as Australian Horticultural Correspondence School.
Right from these very early times, we've always believed that the best education only comes when the student is learning from the experience of a whole range of industry experts (rather than just a single teacher).
Every ACS course is a work in progress, continually evolving, with new information being added and old information being updated by our team of internationally renowned professional horticulturists.
Over the decades more than 100 horticulture experts from across the world have contributed to these courses, bringing their individual knowledge and experiences from as wide afield as England and Spain to Australia and America.
While may colleges and universities focus on providing courses that relate only to the country where they are based, ACS has always strived to make it's courses relevant to all parts of the world; any climate, economic or cultural situation. This has been achieved by involving a large number of professionals in the course development.
When it comes to tutoring, marking papers and mentoring students, the team approach is just as strong as with our writing. ACS students have the ability to obtain advice and support from staff across the world, with horticulture tutors located in the UK, Australia (both the north and south) and New Zealand.
The ACS team approach and global focus to both course content and student support, ensures our graduates have a unique and "real world" skills set. This unique approach is highly regarded by our colleagues in horticulture.
Contributors to ACS Courses over the years have included:
John Mason -former parks director (Melton, Essendon and Heidelberg), Landscape Designer (Playgrounds and recreation Association of Victoria), Nurseryman, President Australian Institute of Horticulture (Victoria), Committee International Year of the Child (Australia), Author ove over 40 books, Editor Garden Guide Magazine, Editor Your Backyard Magazine.
Maggi Brown - Education officer, Henry Doubleday Research Association (UK), gold medal winner Chelsea Flower Show, Garden consultant.
Adriana Fraser - Horticultural Consultant, TAFE Lecturer, Project Manager - Parks and Gardens, Horticultural writer.
Iain Harrison -Garden Manager Fibremakers, Garden Consultant, Lecturer Swinburn TAFE
Katie Freeth - Manager Commonwealth War Graves (France), Horticultural Consultant (France & UK), Board member Institute of Horticulture, and International Federation Parks & Recreation Administration
Tony Bundock -Horticulture Businessman, Consultant, Head of Horticulture Dept. TAFE
Jim Davis -Horticulture Businessman, Lecturer TAFE (NSW), Principal VCAH Burnley College
Dr Lyn Morgan -author and internationally renowned hydroponics consultant (New Zealand)
Dr Valeria Astorga -horticultural consultant, lecturer (Spain, Peru, Australia)
Alison Bundock -Editor (Kangaroo Press; Southern Cross University), Technical Writer (APM), Consultant
Rosemary Davies -Horticultural concultant, journalist, media personality (Victoria)
