In this course students will become familiar with methods and sustainable maintenance practices for lawns, gardens and landscape installations in all seasons. Students will develop skills in plan reading and interpretation to prepare maintenance plans and take-off estimates for clients. An awareness of the various industry organizations and certifications available for landscape professionals will be developed.

This course provides an introduction to the identification of common exterior and interior landscape plants and plant families. 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 and vertical farming production systems. Topics such as food safety, traceability, biosecurity, production planning, crop scheduling, and cultivation techniques will be studied for both vegetable and ornamental crops in container and hydroponic production systems. Students will gain an understanding of climate management and the metrics used to monitor growing conditions.

This course will examine materials and combinations of materials commonly used in landscape structures. Construction methods and common practices for a variety of landscape projects will be described and demonstrated. Use of the survey level and rod for taking elevations and for projects layout will be demonstrated. Information given will be suitable for taking pertinent Certified Horticultural Technician examinations.

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 practiced.

This course will explore building heating, ventilation and cooling systems, along with water and plumbing systems for irrigation, and water supplies. While recognizing that specific systems for building climate and water control can vary and change from one type of agricultural or industrial facility to the next, as well as over time, there are basic requirements for climate and water system automation and control that all facilities will require. On completion of the course, students will be able to troubleshoot and diagnose electrical, ventilation, plumbing and control system issues and understand the requirements for building climate control maintenance and make minor repairs.

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.

This course examines soil and water physical, chemical and biological properties, soil processes, and their impact on agriculture, horticulture and the environment. The course will examine best management practices to conserve soil and water resources and enhance the quality of the ecosystems of which they are a part. Soil and water conservation techniques including plant selection, xeriscaping, the use of ground covers, and dry shade gardening will be covered. The student will also be introduced to various aspects of the hydrologic cycle in the context of designing landscapes and production systems to reduce water use.

This course examines common equipment used for horticultural practices. The student will develop the skills and knowledge to be able to maintain, adjust and make minor repairs to equipment used in horticulture. A focus on shop practices and use of shop tools will be covered. This course will emphasize safety in all aspects of operation and use of equipment.

This course continues the identification of exterior and interior landscape plants. Growing requirements, physical features, approximate size at maturity and aesthetic and functional roles will be discussed for each plant. Additional plant families, less common taxa and plant groups like ferns, orchids and bromeliads will be highlighted.

This course provides training and practice in applied landscape construction techniques and safe work habits. Structures such as walls, paved areas, fences, lighting, water features and planting areas will be laid out and installed. Construction practices including base preparation, installation, backfilling and completion/finishing will be explored under supervision of trained landscape design-build experts. Skills will be evaluated at the Certified Horticultural Technician (CHT) level.

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.

Identification of common insects, plant pathogens and weeds in horticulture. Students will be able to classify pests by their biology, morphology, reproduction and the type of damage that they can cause. Special consideration will be given to the identification of pollinators, biocontrol (beneficial) insects, and invasive plant species of economic and/or ecological importance.

This course describes the component parts of a typical production greenhouse and will focus on the set-up and organization of the greenhouse. This includes greenhouse design and how design affects the greenhouse environment with respect to ventilation, temperature control, light and heat loss. Designing greenhouse facilities for labour efficiency, space utilization, energy and water use efficiency will also be examined.

This course involves a 7 day field study tour to locations in Europe to visit and view formally and naturally landscaped historical gardens. Students will become familiar with the historical background of specific gardens, styles of landscape design and their combinations, and gain an appreciation of the effort and skill required to maintain historical gardens. An additional fee will be assessed per-student to cover the cost of transportation and accommodation.

Production practices of selected greenhouse ornamental crops, pot crops and cut flower crops will be demonstrated. Recommended minimum grades, standards and post harvest practices will be reviewed. Production planning and scheduling, and methods to manage growth and maintain product quality will be practiced.

Student-initiated learning opportunities can be developed as a credit course in consultation with a supervising faculty member. Details of the activities included in the program will be outlined in a learning contract initiated by the student and agreed to by the faculty supervisor prior to the commencement of the work experience.

A self-directed student project focusing on a topic of academic and/or practical interest to the student. The student will identify and propose a detailed course outline to be reviewed and approved by the faculty supervisor prior to the commencement of the project. The project could include a research assignment, a literature review, a hands-on assignment with specific learning objectives and milestones for achieving these objectives.

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.

Students will learn the necessary information required to write 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 be introduced to federal and provincial legislation governing worker health and safety in the workplace. In particular WHMIS, risk analysis, poisoning, First Aid, labeling, as well as storage and disposal are covered.

Students will develop the capacity to develop a typical landscape construction structure and project installation through the preparation of working document and specification information. Codes, bylaws, and regulations governing the landscape construction segment of the horticulture industry will be discussed. Real-life scenarios - client wish lists, suitable sites, project requests - will be used to develop the skills and capabilities to outline typical landscape construction projects, including walls, decks, patios, fences and screens, water features, lighting, irrigation, and drainage.

This course provides practical experience in the production and management of major and minor greenhouse vegetable and small fruit crops in hydroponic systems. The course will focus on crop and fertility management; the diagnosis of abiotic and nutrient disorders. Proper post-harvest handling, packaging, storage, grades and standards will also be examined.

This course will introduce students to integrated pest management (IPM) in the greenhouse, including cultural, biological, and chemical controls. Key components of effective pest and disease control programs include: crop monitoring, cultural control, resistant cultivars, biological control and chemical control.

This course will examine greenhouse production practices and how they integrate at the facility level with food safety, traceability, and biosecurity programs, and environmental regulations, with a particular focus on water and wastewater treatment in recirculation systems and sanitation procedures. Studies will also focus on greenhouse management strategies to optimize energy use, plant health, and quality, based on Next Generation Growing concepts. Concepts and strategies learned are applicable to both edible and ornamental crops.

This course will provide students with the opportunities to learn both the principles and the skills necessary to manage and care for trees in the landscape. Case studies will be used to help students develop the skills necessary to assess tree problems.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts for the production of Cannabis and hemp in Canada, from propagation to profit. Industry standard production techniques for indoor and outdoor cultivation systems and laws governing Cannabis and hemp in Canada will be reviewed. Students will learn the anatomy, morphology and taxonomy of Cannabis indica, and Cannabis sativa.