ObjectivesThis program will instruct the student in all aspects of the landscape construction industry. Graduates from this program will have the basic skills necessary to build garden structures such as fences, patios, retaining walls, decks and ponds. The graduate will be able to interpret landscape plans, prepare the grade of a site, and plant all materials associated with the establishment of lawn, flower beds, shrubs and trees. The graduate will also be able to design and install irrigation systems.
Academic titleLandscape Construction 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
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
Description: The students of this course will learn the wood construction fundamentals for building basic fences, decks and small garden structures. Topics such as: materials selection, wood handling techniques, structure design, surveying, blueprint reading and project construction will be covered in the course. At the end of the term, the students will use the knowledge from the course to build a wood based garden structure.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
HORT1080 Stone Work
Description: The students of this course will learn the fundamentals of using natural and manufactured stone to build driveways, patios and simple garden walls. Topics such as: materials selection, stone handling techniques, structure design, surveying, blueprint reading and project construction will be covered in the course. At the end of the term, the students will use the knowledge from the course to build a stone/interlocking brick type of project.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
HORT1090 Landscape Construction-Field Placement I
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
HORT1100 Landscape Construction-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: HORT1090
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
HORT1120 Landscape Design II
Description: This is a continuation of ?Landscape Design I?. In addition to learning design principles the students will be instructed in modern commercial drawing technologies and taught how to investigate rules, regulations and bylaws surrounding landscape design. The students will be required to apply these principles and knowledge to develop a landscape design project.
Hours: 36
Credits: 3
Pre-Requisites: HORT1110
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
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
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must pass 2 Course(s)
Elective Courses:
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
HORT1180 Ornamental Pond Construction and Maintenance
Hours: 30
Credits: 2
Pre-Requisites: HORT1040
Electives: Program Option
Description: Student must pass 1 Course(s)
Elective Courses:
CONS1010 Introduction to Cost Estimating
Description: Recommended: Basic Construction Methods and Technology prior to registering for this course.
To be successful in this course, students should have a general knowledge of architectural drawings, word processing and spreadsheet software. The course is intended to explain the process of Construction Estimating from the contract documents to the methods of measuring material quantities used in General Contracting Offices. This will enable the student to understand the position of estimator within the business of construction management both in the Contractor and Sub-Contractor's world. The course will concentrate on 'Taking-Off' methods of materials using simple residential and commercial exercises.
Hours: 39
Credits: 3
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