The use of hand tools, power machinery, and traditional and contemporary methods in the on-going maintenance of landscape installations will be presented, along with proper equipment operation and safety.

This course provides an introduction to the identification of common landscape plants. Students will learn to identify plants by sight through recognition of subtle differences. Botanical names will be taught. Growing requirements, physical features, ornamental characteristics and potential landscape uses will be discussed.

Students will learn the basics of greenhouse design and use. Topics such as structures, ventilation, heating, supplemental lighting, relative humidity, irrigation, fertility management and CO2 enrichment will be included. Management and cultural principles of commercial production of various horticultural crops in greenhouses will be used to illustrate management strategies. Also offered through distance education format.

Students will study the principles of landscape design and learn how to integrate different design styles, different types of landscape materials, structures and plants to create an attractive residential living environment. Students will learn how to identify the design requirements of a site, choose appropriate plants or structures, arrange landscape components and draw a plan of the proposed layout. Introductory drafting techniques will be practised. Also offered through distance education format.

This course covers the principles and practices of propagation for horticultural plants. Sexual (seed) propagation to include seed maturation, dormancy and seed germination; vegetative (asexual) propagation, including division, layering, budding, grafting and tissue culture are also discussed. Also offered through distance education format.

A work/study course in ornamental horticulture that includes lectures, field trips and practical work and experience. Students registering for this course are required to work in the Grounds Department at Ridgetown College at the summer student hourly rate for 20 hours per week, for the summer period.

Students in this course will develop an understanding of a small fresh fruit and vegetable production operation.

This is an advanced course continuing the identification of landscape plants. Growing requirements, physical approximate size at maturity and ornamental characteristics will be discussed for each plant. Less common taxa and additional cultivars will be highlighted.

Construction methods and practices for a variety of landscape projects will be described, demonstrated or practised. Use of the level and project layout will be demonstrated. Also offered through distance education format.

Students will learn how to read landscape plans and blueprints, and interpret them for layout, costing, estimating, and installation. Landscape planning for parks, golf courses, commercial, institutional and industrial sites will be examined. Also offered through distance education format.

The course covers the setup and organization of a horticultural nursery and the methods of production for field and container-grown landscape nursery stock including cultural management and merchandising in wholesale and retail operations.

This course is a study of the identification, production and management of turfgrass as it relates to use, quality and environmental stewardship. Also offered through distance education format.

Identification of common weeds in horticulture, methods of weed control, herbicide mode of action and basis of selectivity are the primary areas included in this course

Production practices of selected greenhouse vegetable crops, pot crops and cut flower crops will be demonstrated.

This course is a study of the biology and control of insects and diseases of nursery, landscape, turfgrass and greenhouse crops. Approaches to integrated pest management are incorporated into control methods. Also offered through distance education format.

The basic requirements of a floral designer will be studied, including the principles and elements of design, colour theory, design styles and techniques, in-shop procedures and sales skills. There will be opportunity to practise arranging both fresh and permanent flowers. Proper care, handling and display of fresh-cut flowers as well as foliage and flowering plants are also included in this course.

Students will learn the necessary information required to write the Land Class examinations which are a legal requirement for anyone wishing to apply or sell pesticide products in Ontario. For interested students, licensing exams can be arranged with licensing authorities upon payment of relevant fees. Students will also be introduced to Federal and Provincial legislation governing worker health and safety in the workplace. The Occupational Health and Safety Act, in particular WHMIS, CPR and First Aid will be covered.

Landscape designs and visualizations will be prepared with computer technology, using residential landscape projects. Drafting, design, visualization or modelling software will be taught and used to create plans, views, pictures and/or models.