ObjectivesThis program will instruct students in the fundamentals of residential, commercial and institutional grounds maintenance. Graduates from this program will be qualified to work in all areas of lawn and garden maintenance, garden pond maintenance, and shrub and tree care. Graduates will be able to identify and implement solutions to environmental and cultural problems. Students in this program will receive the necessary training to qualify for pesticide applicators licenses.
Academic titleGrounds Maintenance Certificate
Course descriptionHORT1010 Botany
Description: This course will introduce the students to the basic principles of botany, morphology and anatomy. Students will also learn the basis of plant nomenclature, systematic, and classification.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
HORT1020 Plant Science
Description: This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of plant physiology with an emplasis on plant nutrition, growth and development. The control of plant growth and development through environmental, cultural and hormonal modification will be examined in the context of horticultural production and modern plant use in the landscape.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
HORT1030 Landscape Establishment
Description: This course will teach the principles and theory behind site preparation for landscape plantings and hardscape construction. The student will learn to interpret landscape plans and blueprints and learn the basics of surveying. The root zone requirements for standard landscape plants will be studied. Topics such as mechanical properties and basic soil fertility will be covered to help the student understand the importance of his/her actions in establishing a site suitable for plant growth. The theory behind properly planting trees, shrubs, and perennials and establishing turf using sod or seed will also be thoroughly examined.
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
HORT1040 Horticulture I
Description: Students will assist in a series of demonstrations of the different planting techniques used in ornamental horticulture. The course will also demonstrate how to properly handle plant material and prepare a planting site. Areas covered will include: turf establishment using seed and sod, planting techniques for flowers, shrubs and trees, plant maintenance with pruning, edging, soil preparation and amending soil fertility, pH and structure. Dress appropriately for outside work.
Hours: 16
Credits: 1
HORT1050 Small Equipment Repair and Maintenance
Description: In this course, students will be given the opportunity to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of the maintenance and care of small engine powered equipment and hand tools commonly used in grounds maintenance applications. Proper procedures for lubrication of equipment, tool sharpening skills and simple repairs will be covered in the course. Safe handling and operational guidelines of the equipment will be covered throughout the course.
Hours: 28
Credits: 2
HORT1110 Landscape Design I
Description: The students taking this course will learn fundamental design principles for both interior and exterior landscaping. Landscape construction materials will be studied as well to help the student use these items in landscape design. The students will be required to employ these principles and knowledge about plants acquired in Plant ID courses (Woody and Herbaceous) to help develop a relevant landscape design.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1030, HORT1150, HORT1160
HORT1130 Plant Propagation
Description: This course will introduce the student to the fundamental techniques that are used for the commercial propagation of horticultural plant material. This course will cover topics such as: seed collection, seed dormancy, seed stratification, seed storage and viability testing and germination, cuttings, division, layering, grafting and tissue culture. Students will also learn strategies and techniques for producing and maintaining healthy seedlings and plantlets for small and large scale productions.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
HORT1140 Soil and Root Zone Management
Description: This course will teach the students the fundamental of soil chemistry, as it relates to plant nutrient management, and the mechanical properties of the soil. Students will learn to identify the soil type and structure, and the techniques required to modify and amend the soil according to plant needs. Basics of plant nutrition and fertilization techniques will also be taught. Students will learn the techniques of soil and plant testing to evaluate the soil quality and nutrient deficiencies. The usage of MSDS sheets and any ?Rules & Regulations? that relate to the utilization and storage of fertilizer will be discussed.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
HORT1150 Woody Plant Identification and Use
Description: This course will teach the students practical ways to identify the trees and shrubs that are used for outdoor landscaping purposes in southern Ontario. Students will also gain an appreciation for the correct use of these individual plant species in the landscape.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
HORT1160 Herbaceous Plant Identification and Use
Description: This course will teach the student practical ways to identify ornamental herbaceous plants such as grasses, annuals and perennials that are used in outdoor landscapes in Ontario. The course will explore further the nomenclature of ornamental plants. Students will also gain an appreciation for the correct use of these individual plant species in the landscape.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010
HORT1170 Turf Establishment and Maintenance
Description: The fundamental techniques for establishing turf including soil preparation, seeding, sprigging, sodding, etc. will be covered in the course. Students will also learn strategies and techniques for maintaining healthy turf in landscapes such as public and home gardens, golf courses and parks. Turf maintenance topics to be covered will include: mowing, irrigation, cultivation, nutrition, repair and renovation, and management of stresses (thatch, weeds, insects, disease).
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
HORT1210 Professional Container Gardening Design and Care
Description: In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of container planting design, container construction and explore the plant options currently available to make exciting containers. Students will design and construct a container in the class that they can take home with them. Fundamentals of container maintenance will be studied to help maintain the season-long health of the container planting.
Hours: 12
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: HORT1160
HORT1260 Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Outdoor Landscapes
Description: This course will teach the students practical ways to identify common pests and diseases that affect outdoor landscape plants. Pest and disease control concepts including pest diagnosis and biology, problem-solving, and integrated pest management (IPM) will be thoroughly examined. The impact that pest and disease control products have on the environment will also be examined. At the end of this course the student will have the necessary knowledge to write the disease and insect portion of the MOE's "Landscape" exterminator's license exam.
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
HORT1270 Weed Identification and Control
Description: This course will teach the students practical ways of identifying common weeds found in horticulture. Weed control concepts including diagnosis and biology of weeds, problems solving and the impact weed control products have on the environment with consideration to the safe use and storage of herbicides will be thoroughly examined. At the end of this course the student will have the necessary knowledge to write the weed control portion of the MOE's "Landscape" and "Agriculture" exterminator's license exams.
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
HORT1400 Grounds Maintenance-Field Placement I
Description: Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the theoretical and workshop portions of the curriculum. The placement will occur in a business that will allow the student to explore more closely specific areas of specialization within the topic areas covered by the certificate.
Hours: 80
Credits: 3
HORT1410 Grounds Maintenance-Field Placement II
Description: Students will have the opportunity to further apply the skills learned in the theoretical and workshop portions of the curriculum. The placement will occur in a business that will allow the student to explore more closely specific areas of specialization within the topic areas covered by the certificate
Hours: 80
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1400
OMDP1040 Customer Service Excellence
Description: To have an edge in today's marketplace you must excel in customer service. Providing a quality product or service is merely the entrance fee to play in the game. Learn the benefits of delivering quality customer service, the use of awards and assessment in a service culture, and the formulation of a quality service plan.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must pass 2 Course(s)
Elective Courses:
HORT1060 Irrigation Systems
Description: This course will initiate the student to the basics of designing and installing a professional irrigation system. The student will learn about hydraulics, water pressure, sprinkler selection, head layout techniques, available irrigation products, etc? The course will also include discussion on common maintenance and design problems.
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
HORT1120 Landscape Design II
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1110
HORT1180 Ornamental Pond Construction and Maintenance
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
HORT1250 Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Indoor Landscapes
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must pass 2 Course(s)
Elective Courses:
HORT1310 Cost Estimation for Plant Care Businesses
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040, HORT1300
OMDP1050 Dealing With Difficult People
Description: Understanding people and being able to work with them, no matter what type of people they are, is one of the major keys to management and life success. Through this course you should be able to identify and cope with some of the most difficult behaviours you would encounter. Other topics include: personality styles, establishing rapport, body language, matching and mirroring techniques, and the skills necessary to feel totally connected with anyone you choose.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
OMDP1080 How To Start A Small Business
Description: This course will guide the businessperson through the process of setting up a business. Content areas include feasibility study, forms of ownership, financing, operations, marketing plans and personal skills. In short, this course will help transform your business idea into a functional business.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
OMDP1100 Marketing Strategies
Description: In today's competitive marketplace, how do you make your service or product stand out from the others? Developing a marketing plan, being aware of lifestyle trends and understanding pricing techniques are just a few of the answers that will be explored. This course is intended for anyone interested in marketing and will have a special emphasis for those involved in small to medium-sized businesses.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2