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.
Introduction to 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.
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. 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.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Add to Cart/View Cart on the course page.
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
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 via email;
- 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 course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
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.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS 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 only 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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