Ecological Landscape Design StreamFor those who want to learn how to design, install and maintain landscapes to promote and preserve the health of the environment. Incorporate organic land care into all of your designs and gardens. "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, Diploma in Organic Land Care |
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Core CoursesIt is highly recommended that students complete the core courses in the following order as it makes the successful completion of each course easier: 1. Organic Horticulture SpecialistOur foundational course provides the knowledge needed to see the living world in a new and holistic way. It details the connections between soil health, plant health, human health and the health of our planet. (Curriculum aligns with our Organic Master Gardener course which appeals mainly to home growers). 2. Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - NativesAn overview of plant and ecosystem relationships with an emphasis on choosing and caring for native plants found in the student’s unique bioregion. Subjects include plant identification, creating native ecosystems and supporting wildlife habitat. 3. Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp ProAn introduction to the language and tools of landscape design with computer software. Students learn to use SketchUp Pro and Layout to communicate their designs to clients, co-workers and contractors. This course is a prerequisite (or co-requisite) to Ecological Landscape Design. 4. Ecological Landscape DesignIntroducing the principles of landscape design with the Earth in mind, this course explores the elements involved in softscaping and hardscaping green spaces. Includes an overview of organic horticulture principles and practices, as well as historical garden design perspectives. Prerequisite (or co-requisite): Landscape Design Basics. |
Elective Courses
Successful completion of one of these elective courses is required for the diploma, but many of our students have taken more than one for further learning, personal interest and professional development. See the links for more information about each course:
Business Skills for Land Care Professionals
While aimed at small business owners in the land care and farming sectors, this course is equally applicable to all other types of small business. Innovative and practical solutions are presented to meet challenges as students develop their own marketing and business plans.
Learn more about Business Skills for Land Care Professionals.
Growing Food
This course offers key lessons in ecological plant care for those seeking to grow healthy food for personal or market use. It includes the principles of organic growing, applied permaculture, harvesting and food preservation.
Learn more about Growing Food.
Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals
An exploration of how plants grow within an ecosystem with an emphasis on the proper selection and care of ornamentals. Topics include plant nomenclature, factors in successful plant groupings, weed identification and plant maintenance including specialty pruning.
Learn more about Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals.
Living Green Infrastructure
This course provides professionals, practitioners and anyone interested in urban design with the knowledge to create greener and more livable cities. Unlike grey infrastructure strategies such as concrete sewer systems and wastewater treatment plants, Living Green Infrastructure works with nature to promote healthy urban forests and waterways.
Learn more about Living Green Infrastructure.
Rainwater Harvesting and Management
Students learn the theory and practice of how to design, build and manage rainwater harvesting systems. Suitable for professionals and trades practitioners, or for those seeking to enhance their own buildings to capture quality garden-use water in a time of increasing droughts.
Learn more about Rainwater Harvesting and Management.
Course Schedule
| Core Courses | January | May | September |
| Organic Horticulture Specialist | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ecological Plant Knowledge 1 - Natives | N/A | ✓ | ✓ |
| Landscape Design Basics with SketchUp Pro | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ecological Landscape Design | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Elective Courses | |||
| Business Skills for Land Care Professionals | ✓ | N/A | ✓ |
| Ecological Plant Knowledge 2 - Ornamentals | N/A | ✓ | ✓ |
| Growing Food | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Living Green Infrastructure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rainwater Harvesting and Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
