ObjectivesGraduates of this program will have a general understanding of plant usage, care and maintenance for the home and garden. The core of the program will provide a basic background in gardening knowledge through the Botany and Plant Science courses. A wide selection of elective choices will allow the student to direct studies to areas of special interest. This program will provide graduates with the knowledge to successfully manage personal home gardening projects and to offer functional guidance in community gardening projects.
Academic titleHobby Gardener 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
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
HORT1190 Indoor Plant Identification and Care
Description: This course will teach the students to identify indoor plants that are typically used in Canadian indoor landscapes. Students will also gain an appreciation for the correct use and care of these individual plant species. Topics such as plant handling, plant health trouble-shooting, irrigation techniques and nutrient management will be thoroughly examined.
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
HORT1200 Pest Control Options for the Home Gardener
Description: This course will teach the students practical ways to identify common pest and diseases that affect home and gardens plants. With every passing year, the chemical pest control options for the homeowner decrease making it more important to know how to properly diagnose a problem and to understand the biology of the pests. Problem solving and the use of "alternative" pest control measures will be thoroughly examined.
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must pass 6 Course(s)
Elective Courses:
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
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
HORT1070 Fences, Decks and Other Garden Structures
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
HORT1080 Stone Work
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
HORT1120 Landscape Design II
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1110
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
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
HORT1180 Ornamental Pond Construction and Maintenance
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
HORT1210 Professional Container Gardening Design and Care
Hours: 12
Credits: 1
Pre-Requisites: HORT1160
HORT1250 Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Indoor Landscapes
Hours: 24
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020
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