Retail Garden Centre Certificate - Part-time

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Comments about Retail Garden Centre Certificate - Part-time - Kitchener - Ontario

  • Objectives
    This program will instruct the student in retail garden centre operation as well as on the fundamentals of plant usage, care and maintenance for homes and gardens. The broad knowledge acquired during the program will facilitate employment in every aspect of the retail garden centre industry. Graduates will be able to provide guidance to retail customers on the proper selection of plants and garden products. They will be able to solve many pest-related and site-related problems that a consumer might present and be capable of caring for and maintaining plants in the sales area, designing and maintaining displays of plants and garden products, and maintaining garden centre equipment.
  • Academic title
    Retail Garden Centre Certificate
  • Course description
    HORT1010      Botany
    Description: This course will introduce the students to the basic principles of botany, morphology and anatomy. Students will also learn the basis of plant nomenclature, systematic, and classification.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2

    HORT1020     Plant Science

    Description: This course will introduce the student to the basic principles of plant physiology with an emplasis on plant nutrition, growth and development. The control of plant growth and development through environmental, cultural and hormonal modification will be examined in the context of horticultural production and modern plant use in the landscape.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2

    HORT1030     Landscape Establishment

    Description: This course will teach the principles and theory behind site preparation for landscape plantings and hardscape construction. The student will learn to interpret landscape plans and blueprints and learn the basics of surveying. The root zone requirements for standard landscape plants will be studied. Topics such as mechanical properties and basic soil fertility will be covered to help the student understand the importance of his/her actions in establishing a site suitable for plant growth. The theory behind properly planting trees, shrubs, and perennials and establishing turf using sod or seed will also be thoroughly examined.
    Hours: 24
    Credits: 2

    HORT1040     Horticulture I

    Description: Students will assist in a series of demonstrations of the different planting techniques used in ornamental horticulture. The course will also demonstrate how to properly handle plant material and prepare a planting site. Areas covered will include: turf establishment using seed and sod, planting techniques for flowers, shrubs and trees, plant maintenance with pruning, edging, soil preparation and amending soil fertility, pH and structure. Dress appropriately for outside work.
    Hours: 16
    Credits: 1

    HORT1110     Landscape Design I

    Description: The students taking this course will learn fundamental design principles for both interior and exterior landscaping. Landscape construction materials will be studied as well to help the student use these items in landscape design. The students will be required to employ these principles and knowledge about plants acquired in Plant ID courses (Woody and Herbaceous) to help develop a relevant landscape design.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1030, HORT1150, HORT1160

    HORT1130     Plant Propagation

    Description: This course will introduce the student to the fundamental techniques that are used for the commercial propagation of horticultural plant material. This course will cover topics such as: seed collection, seed dormancy, seed stratification, seed storage and viability testing and germination, cuttings, division, layering, grafting and tissue culture. Students will also learn strategies and techniques for producing and maintaining healthy seedlings and plantlets for small and large scale productions.
    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1140     Soil and Root Zone Management

    Description: This course will teach the students the fundamental of soil chemistry, as it relates to plant nutrient management, and the mechanical properties of the soil. Students will learn to identify the soil type and structure, and the techniques required to modify and amend the soil according to plant needs. Basics of plant nutrition and fertilization techniques will also be taught. Students will learn the techniques of soil and plant testing to evaluate the soil quality and nutrient deficiencies. The usage of MSDS sheets and any ?Rules & Regulations? that relate to the utilization and storage of fertilizer will be discussed.
    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1150     Woody Plant Identification and Use

    Description: This course will teach the students practical ways to identify the trees and shrubs that are used for outdoor landscaping purposes in southern Ontario. Students will also gain an appreciation for the correct use of these individual plant species in the landscape.
    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3

    HORT1160     Herbaceous Plant Identification and Use

    Description: This course will teach the student practical ways to identify ornamental herbaceous plants such as grasses, annuals and perennials that are used in outdoor landscapes in Ontario. The course will explore further the nomenclature of ornamental plants. Students will also gain an appreciation for the correct use of these individual plant species in the landscape.
    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010

    HORT1190     Indoor Plant Identification and Care

    Description: This course will teach the students to identify indoor plants that are typically used in Canadian indoor landscapes. Students will also gain an appreciation for the correct use and care of these individual plant species. Topics such as plant handling, plant health trouble-shooting, irrigation techniques and nutrient management will be thoroughly examined.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1200     Pest Control Options for the Home Gardener

    Description: This course will teach the students practical ways to identify common pest and diseases that affect home and gardens plants. With every passing year, the chemical pest control options for the homeowner decrease making it more important to know how to properly diagnose a problem and to understand the biology of the pests. Problem solving and the use of "alternative" pest control measures will be thoroughly examined.
    Hours: 24
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1210     Professional Container Gardening Design and Care

    Description: In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of container planting design, container construction and explore the plant options currently available to make exciting containers. Students will design and construct a container in the class that they can take home with them. Fundamentals of container maintenance will be studied to help maintain the season-long health of the container planting.
    Hours: 12
    Credits: 1
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1160

    HORT1220     Effective Sales Display
    Description: This course will examine marketing theory and techniques as they can be applied to the sale of ornamental plants. As part of the course, the students will use the techniques to design an effective seasonal sales display for a retail garden centre.
    Hours: 12
    Credits: 1
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1160

    HORT1230     Retail Garden Centre-Field Placement I

    Description: Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the theoretical and workshop portions of the curriculum. The placement will occur in a business that will allow the student to explore more closely specific areas of specialization within the topic areas covered by the certificate.
    Hours: 80
    Credits: 3

    HORT1240     Retail Garden Centre-Field Placement II

    Description: Students will have the opportunity to further apply the skills learned in the theoretical and workshop portions of the curriculum. The placement will occur in a business that will allow the student to explore more closely specific areas of specialization within the topic areas covered by the certificate.
    Hours: 80
    Credits: 3
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1230

    OMDP1040     Customer Service Excellence

    Description: To have an edge in today's marketplace you must excel in customer service. Providing a quality product or service is merely the entrance fee to play in the game. Learn the benefits of delivering quality customer service, the use of awards and assessment in a service culture, and the formulation of a quality service plan.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2

    OMDP1050     Dealing With Difficult People

    Description: Understanding people and being able to work with them, no matter what type of people they are, is one of the major keys to management and life success. Through this course you should be able to identify and cope with some of the most difficult behaviours you would encounter. Other topics include: personality styles, establishing rapport, body language, matching and mirroring techniques, and the skills necessary to feel totally connected with anyone you choose.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2

          Electives: Program Option     
    Description: Student must pass 4 Course(s)

    Elective Courses:

    HORT1050     Small Equipment Repair and Maintenance

    Hours: 28
    Credits: 2

    HORT1120     Landscape Design II

    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1110

    HORT1170     Turf Establishment and Maintenance
    Description: The fundamental techniques for establishing turf including soil preparation, seeding, sprigging, sodding, etc. will be covered in the course. Students will also learn strategies and techniques for maintaining healthy turf in landscapes such as public and home gardens, golf courses and parks. Turf maintenance topics to be covered will include: mowing, irrigation, cultivation, nutrition, repair and renovation, and management of stresses (thatch, weeds, insects, disease).
    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3

    HORT1180     Ornamental Pond Construction and Maintenance

    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1040

    HORT1250     Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Indoor Landscapes

    Hours: 24
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1260     Pest and Disease Control Strategies for Outdoor Landscapes

    Description: This course will teach the students practical ways to identify common pests and diseases that affect outdoor landscape plants. Pest and disease control concepts including pest diagnosis and biology, problem-solving, and integrated pest management (IPM) will be thoroughly examined. The impact that pest and disease control products have on the environment will also be examined. At the end of this course the student will have the necessary knowledge to write the disease and insect portion of the MOE's "Landscape" exterminator's license exam.
    Hours: 24
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1270     Weed Identification and Control

    Description: This course will teach the students practical ways of identifying common weeds found in horticulture. Weed control concepts including diagnosis and biology of weeds, problems solving and the impact weed control products have on the environment with consideration to the safe use and storage of herbicides will be thoroughly examined. At the end of this course the student will have the necessary knowledge to write the weed control portion of the MOE's "Landscape" and "Agriculture" exterminator's license exams.
    Hours: 24
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1010, HORT1020

    HORT1280     Nursery Production

    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1130, HORT1140, HORT1150, HORT1160

    HORT1290     Greenhouse Crop Production I

    Hours: 36
    Credits: 3
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1130, HORT1140, HORT1150, HORT1160

    HORT1300     Interior Landscape Design

    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2
    Pre-Requisites: HORT1190, IDEC1070

    OMDP1100     Marketing Strategies

    Description: In today's competitive marketplace, how do you make your service or product stand out from the others? Developing a marketing plan, being aware of lifestyle trends and understanding pricing techniques are just a few of the answers that will be explored. This course is intended for anyone interested in marketing and will have a special emphasis for those involved in small to medium-sized businesses.
    Hours: 30
    Credits: 2

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