Log in
Forgot password

Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals

"I came away from the course with an expanded appreciation for dozens more plants and increased confidence in identifying and working effectively with ornamental plants used in landscaping."

- Laurie Smith

Ornamental plants are typically grouped for aesthetic effect with little regard for plant compatibility or suitability for growing conditions far removed from their origin. This course involves an exploration of the complex relationships plants create in order to thrive. 

Included in the identification component of the course are annuals, perennials and shrubs, as well as deciduous and evergreen trees, commonly used in the ornamental landscapes of the northern hemisphere. Arboriculture practices such as pruning are also covered.

This Course Prepares You to: 

  • Communicate using professional plant nomenclature

  • Understand the practice of successful plant groupings

  • Identify and manage weeds with confidence

  • Prune woody shrubs and trees based on science rather than convention

    Welcome to Gaia College's new website!

    If you're a new student, please create an account: Create Account.

    If you're a returning student, please login (top right corner).

    Select your course below to enrol

    Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals - September 2024

    Course Details

    Outline

    Please download the course outline here: Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 – Ornamentals Course Outline.

    Time Expectations

    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: Online: E-transfer, Visa, MasterCard By Mail: Cheque drawn on Canadian Funds, Money order in Canadian Funds

    Prerequisites

    Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives (Online) is a pre-requisite for this course.

    Additionally, students must

      • be proficient in English (written)
      • be comfortable with current computer and internet technology, including spreadsheets and word processing programs
      • have an email account capable of receiving a large number of messages for the duration of the course
      • have access to high-speed internet
      • have access to a computer capable of running a current version of FireFox or Chrome. Tablets and phones are not supported at this time.

    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 contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments and quizzes.

    Texts

    Recommended (the definitive Plant Catalogue) – maybe also available in local libraries:

    • The Botanical Garden Volume I Trees and Shrubs. Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix. Firefly Books Canada, 2002 – ISBN 1-55297-591-6.
    • The Botanical Garden Volume II Perennials and Annuals. Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix. Firefly Books Canada, 2002 – ISBN 1-55297-592-4.

    Credits

    This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) with the following:

    Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
    Also applies to B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association and Landscape Ontario
    Pre-approved:
    24 credits

    National Association of Landcare Professionals (NALP) – American
    Pre-approved:
    24 credits

    International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
    Pre-approved:
    10 Credits

    International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
    Pre-approved:
    10 Credits (Practice)

    International Society of Arboriculture: Municipal Specialist
    Pre-approved:
    10 Credits

    International Society of Arboriculture: Tree Worker/Aerial Lift
    Pre-approved:
    2.5 Credits

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

    Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
    Pre-approved:
    24 credits

    Canadian Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL)
    Pre-approved: 6 Credits

    Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Canada
    Pre-approved: 3.02 Credits

    Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
    Pre-approved: 4 Credits

    Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC)
    Pre-approved: 42 Non-core LUs

    This course partially satisfies the requirements of:

    • Gaia College: Elective course for 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.

    Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software