There are thousands of different types of garden plants, and each has different growth requirements. There is also a system for identifying plants, and once you understand it, naming them will become second nature to you! This course is ideal for gardeners, landscapers, horticulturalists or those who work in garden centres or retail nurseries.
The Certificate of Horticulture (Advanced) is an online program that follows on from the Certificate of Horticulture and will teach you how to identify a wide range of plants systematically and scientifically to maximise their care and prolong their growth cycle.
In this professional development course, you will study groups of plants, herbs, vegetables, fruit, berries, nuts; and indigenous, ornamental, tropical, indoor and bedding plants.
On completion of this course, you will understand the naming conventions of plants, which will help you not only grow them but minimise their susceptibility to a range of plant ‘unfriendly’ problems!
Course Structure
Horticulture II
Unit 1 – The groups of plants
- Plant names
- Plant taxonomy
- Botanical keys
- How to use a botanical key
- An easy key to plant groups
- History of organised nomenclature
- International code of botanical nomenclature
- Ranks of taxa
- Principle of priority
- Plant and animal nomenclature
- Choice, construction and spelling of names
- Changes in names
- Colour charts
- Plant breeders rights
- Plant classification
- The lower plants
- Amenity horticulture
- Bulbs
- Classification according to the way plants dispose of excess leaves
- Classification of plants according to the type of leaf
Unit 2 – Use of plants
- Plants in the landscape
- Choosing your plants
- Planting techniques
- Plant selection
- Conservation planting
- Vandalism and planting
- Soil restrictions on plant selection
- Soil is the environment of the plant’s roots
Unit 3: Indigenous plants
- What conditions does a particular plant species
- Native Australian plants
- Native plants for
- British Isles (to include great Britain & Ireland)
- Europe
- North America (including Canada & USA)
- China, Japan, Korea
- Algeria, Morocco
- Near/middle east
- City of Essendon Street tree report 1977
- Quick reference plant directory
- List of Australian plants
Unit 4: Ornamental plants – non-Australian
- Rhododendrons and azaleas
- Roses and conifers
- Popular ornamental trees
- Guide to shrubs in the landscape
- Environmental influences on plant selection
- Shrubs which withstand wet soils
- Shrubs which withstand very wet soils
- Shrubs which grow in shaded areas
- Shrubs suited to coastal areas
- Suited to cold areas (resisting frost and cold winters)
- Shrubs suited to warm climates (does well in sub tropics to tropics)
- List of ornamental plants
Unit 5: Indoor and tropical plants
- Tropical indoor plants and ferns
- Indoor plants
- Potting
- Ferns
- Landscaping with ferns
- Recommended ferns
Unit 6: Bedding plants
- Bulbs
- Chrysanthemums
- Cut flowers
Unit 7: Vegetables
- What can be grown?
- How do you decide what to grow?
- Where to get helpful information
- Crop rotation
- Varieties and seed
- Soils / plant foods
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
Unit 8: Fruit, berries and nuts
- Fruits
- Berry fruits
- Nuts
Unit 9: Herbs
- Insect controls and companion plants
- Plants which improve the soil
- Quick guide to companion planting
- Herb teas
- Quick guide to controlling pests with herbs
- Herb cultivation
- Understanding fertile soil
- Plant protection
- Pruning herbs
- Harvesting herbs
- Poisonous plants
- Herbs for use in pot pourris
- Mixing herbs
- Quick reference herb chart
- The mints (genus: mentha)
- Propagating herbs
- Landscape design with herbs
Unit 10: Alternative growing techniques
- Containers
- What’s in a pot?
- Comparing materials
- Aesthetics
- When you go away
- Preventing moss and algae in pots
- Potting up plants
- Potting mixes
- Hydroponics
- Classification of hydroponic systems
- Variables of a system
- Why practice hydroponics
- Bonsai
- Greenhouses
- Shade houses
- Other growing techniques
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 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 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:-
- Horticulturists
- Garden Centres
- Retail Nurseries
