There are over 400 species of Australian ferns – these ancient, non-flowering plants create a tranquil, cool and invigorating paradise in any garden. This Australian native fern growing course is ideal for gardeners, landscapers, nursery personnel or anyone who wants to become a fern expert.
Certificate of Australian Native Ferns is an online course that will show you how to grow ferns and how to identify and propagate these plants in baskets, terrariums, and landscapes.
In this professional development course, you will learn propagation techniques, how to plant, mulch, water, prune, feed and protect ferns from pests and disease.
You will learn about the classification of ferns, different varietals, horticultural values, and how to make the best use of native ferns for your garden or landscaping project.
On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding and awareness of how to grow ferns.
Course Structure
Unit - Australian Native Ferns
Unit 1 – Introduction to ferns
- Plant names (common and scientific names)
- Plant families
- Classification (family and genera)
- Using reference books
- Contacting organisations
- Magazine and journals
- Online resources
Unit 2 – Culture
- Fern culture
- Environment zones in Australia
- Understanding soils and root media
- Problems with soils
- Soil degradation
- Erosion and salinity
- The certificate of Australian native ferns
- Soil compaction
- Soil acidification
- Chemical residues
- Drainage
- Poor soil structure
- Compaction
- Surface crusting
- Low lying land
- Increased runoff from neighbouring areas
- Hydrophobic soils (i.e. Water repelling)
- Composting
- What to use in compost?
- What can go wrong?
- The use of organic principles to help overcome soil problems
- Reduce erosion and weeds
- Prevent soil from drying out
- Provide a source of nutrients
- Provide a buffer against temperature variations
- Plant nutrition
- Soil pH
- Earthworms
- Pests
- Organic sprays
- Home made sprays
- Diatomaceous earth spray
- Soapy water
- Quassia spray
- Garlic spray
- Pyrethrum
- Rhubarb spray
- Mustard dust
- Stinging nettle spray
- Chamomile spray
- White cedar (melia azaderach)
- Eucalyptus sprays
Unit 3 – Propagation
- Spore propagation
- Vegetative propagation
- Division
- Bulbils
- Tissue culture
- Layering
- Cuttings
- More of spore propagation
- Collecting spores
- Equipment and materials
- Sowing spores
- Australia native ferns
- Selection & development
- Selecting plants for the new world
- Characteristics required
- Propagation from spore of selected tasmanian ferns
- Materials & methods
- Suggested ferns for cultivation
Unit 4 – The most commonly grown varieties
- Commonly grown ferns and varieties
- Adiantum ( Maidenhair Fern)
- Dicksonia (tree ferns)
- Cyathea (tree fern)
- Platycerium (Staghorn/Elkhorn)
- Pteridium (bracken)
- Todea (tree fern)
Unit 5 – Other important groups
- Native ferns
- Treeferns
- Cyathea cyatheaceae
- Dicksonia dicksoniaceae
- Growing ferns (general hints)
- More hints
- Blechnum (water ferns)
- Asplenium (spleenwort)
- Nephrolepis (sword fern / fishbone)
- Pteris (brake / dish fern / table fern)
Unit 6 – Other Varieties – Lesser known varieties
- Apteropteris (Filmy Fern)
- Cheilanthes (Adiantaceae)
- Cyrtomium Holly Fern
- Davallia (Haresfoot or Rabbitsfoot Fern)
- Doodia (Rasp Fern)
- Gleichenia Coral Fern
- Schizaea Schizaeceae (Comb Fern)
- Sticherus (Fan Fern)
Unit 7 – Making the best use of native ferns
- Baskets
- Epiphytes
- Terrariums
- Tubs
- Water gardens
- Procedure for planting design
- Step 1. Preplanning phase
- Step 2. Develop a preliminary concept plan
- Step 3. Develop a final plan
- Climate considerations
- Copying nature
- Using plants
- Trees
- Larger ferns
- Small ferns
- Plant containers
- What’s in a pot?
- Aesthetics
- When you go away
- Preventing moss & algae in pots
- Potting up plants
- Potting mixes
Unit 8 – PBL Project
Hares foot ferns, Bracken, Fans.
In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce).
Special Assignment
A major project on one genera of ferns.
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:-
- Landscapers
- Gardeners
- Nurserypersons
- Horticulturalists
- Environmentalists
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