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Short Course

Acacias

  Become an expert on Acacias Acacias occur naturally mainly in dry tropical or mild temperate regions.  Authorities vary on the exact number of species that exist, but more are native to Australia than anywhere else. Other species are as wide spread as Africa, America and South East Asia. Some occur naturally in snow prone areas, and can withstand very harsh winter conditions. Acacias are mostly shrubs and trees. Some are very low growing and can be used effectively as ground covers. Growing Acacias in areas outside of their natural conditions can be somewhat unpredictable and variable. Some have adapted well as garden plants, or as windbreak or screening plants. Others have become weeds when transplanted beyond their indigenous area. Some have other uses and a number are even farmed commercially to produce products as diverse as extracts for medicines, oil for the perfume industry, edible food products, and timber products for fencing, furniture and building construction. This course attempts to develop your ability to both identify and use different Acacias.

Advanced Australian Natives Plants (II)

  “This course looks even deeper than Australian Natives I into the various species native to Australia. Once you have studied them, it’s exciting to recognise them and to see them growing in their natural environments.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming Develop your ability to identify, select, cultivate and explain commercial applications for appropriate varieties of low growing Australian native flowering plants in a variety of situations. This course deals with both woody (hard wooded) and herbaceous (soft wooded), low growing Australian Native Plants, which bear showy flowers. The focus is on small shrubs and ground covers.

African Violets

  Develop a broad knowledge of African violet cultivars and cultivation. African violets grow naturally is eastern tropical Africa (Tanzania and Kenya). When African violets are grown outside of their "natural" environment, they need to be treated differently, but with adjustments made to compensate the changed conditions (eg. lower humidity, less natural light, colder temperatures), they are grown successfully in almost every part of the world.  Designed for the African Violet enthusiast, this course covers everything from potting and feeding, to pests and propagation. You learn how African Violets are classified, and cover the exciting range of varieties available. Heres your chance to achieve outstanding results with African Violets.

Australian Native Ferns

  Become an Australian Fern Expert. “Learn about the care and cultivation of theses ferns for the environment and your own interest. Some of our most loved ferns need to be protected.” - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming. There are eight lessons including a special project in this course.  This course is designed as a detailed look at identification and culture of Australian Native Ferns.  Emphasis is placed on the horticultural valuable species.

Australian Native Plants for Food (Bush Tucker / Indigenous Plants)

  Learn about identifying, growing and using Australian Indigenous Plants for FoodThere are many Australian plants that are edible, and even some that are in very high demand as foods throughout the world.  The Aborigines lived off the land before white civilization came to Australia. Plants contributed significantly to their diet.There are many different types of bush tucker foods: Nuts and seeds (eg. Acacia, Macadamia, bunya nuts) Drinks (eg. hot teas, infusions of nectar laden flowers, fruit juices) Flavourings (eg. lemon scented myrtle) Berries (eg. Astroloma, some Solanum species) Fruits (eg. quandong, Ficus macrophylla, Syzygium) Vegetables Wattle seeds ground to produce ‘flour’ Plant roots ground to produce a paste or flour.

Australian Native Trees

  Learn to identify and cultivate trees that are indigenous to Australia.   This course first teaches you about different types of Australian flora, plant identification, information sources, planting, feeding, soils, pests & diseases, watering, propagation and transplanting. The remaining lessons then deal with selected varieties of trees, windbreak planting, agroforestry, tree maintenance and tree selection “Knowing about trees is vital for any Horticultural career. Get to know them and you will understand what to plant where even better, and in a way that is harmonious to the natural landscape of Australia.” - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.

Azaleas & Rhododendrons

  Develop a broadened knowledge of Azaleas & Rhododendrons, their cultivars and cultivation.   Azaleas and Rhododendrons are actually in the same botanical category (i.e. genus Rhododendron).  Azalea is a common name used to describe many smaller growing shrubs from the genus Rhododendron.  Broadly speaking, azaleas have both smaller leaves, and generally a lesser height. Considered by many to be the very best plants a garden can offer, azaleas and rhododendrons are some of the most popular plants grown anywhere. The course shows how to grow them to perfection, and builds your knowledge of varieties available, to give you a long lasting display of colour in the garden. Soils, weed control, feeding, pest and disease control, watering, landscape design and lots more are included over eight lessons.

Beginners Guide to Australian Natives Plants (I)

  Learn to identify and grow Australian Native Plants “Learn about the amazing plants native to this great red land. Together our horticulture tutors have decades of experience with Australian Natives, so this is your first port of call if you’re interested in knowing more. There are so many important uses for them in our gardens.” - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming. Identify and Grow Australian Plants anywhere in the World.Australia has one of the oldest and most diverse varieties of plants of an country. Australian natives come from tropical areas to cold temperate snow covered mountains, and from inland deserts to fertile wet rainforests. Develop your ability to identify, select, cultivate and plan a management program, for appropriate varieties of Australian native plants, in a wide variety of situations.  This course is relevant to any part of Australia, and equally to most other parts of the world.

Bonsai

  Develop your ability to select, train and maintain appropriate varieties of plants in different situations, as Bonsai. Join the many who have learnt the ancient oriental art of bonsai through this practical and comprehensive course. Eight lessons cover the selection of plants suited to bonsai, understanding the history and classic shapes which form the basis of the art, techniques of planting, training, pruning, watering & feeding and ways of using bonsai both indoors and outdoors. You will create several bonsai of your own during the course and receive constructive criticism from your tutor as they help you develop your own personal bonsai style and techniques.

Cacti & Succulents

  Growing cacti and succulents can be rewarding, but the correct conditions must be created to produce the most satisfying growth. Succulents are frequently easy to grow, but it can be harder to grow superb specimens. The main requirements of cacti and succulents is strong light, adequate drainage, and to be sufficiently dry during any dormant period. Its been said that people either love cacti or hate them. For lovers of cacti and succulents, this comprehensive 8 lesson course is a must. The course studies major cacti & succulent groups and the differences in how to treat plants from each; in terms of soils, feeding, watering, pruning, pest control, planting procedures and more. It will stimulate your interest, and set you on the path to becoming an expert with these unique plants

Carnivorous Plants

  Carnivorous plants are unique. They don’t appeal to everyone; but they often capture the imagination of people who are not necessarily interested in other types of plants. Anyone who chooses to undertake this course is obviously interested in carnivorous plants; probably either as an amateur collector, a commercial grower or a naturalist. Carnivorous plants are plants that derive some or all of their nutrients by capturing and digesting small animals, such as insects. Other terms used for carnivorous plants are a “carnivory” or a “carnivore”. The mechanisms used to capture and digest animals are generally subtle; but not always. Characteristics that are unique to carnivorous plants include: Attraction Mechanisms  eg. Lures, odours, directional guides Trapping Mechanisms  eg. Sticky secretions that hold animals like fly paper, trap door like openings to digestive chambers. Digestive Mechanisms  eg. Secreted enzymes and absorption of digested material.

Conifers

  Conifers are widely used as ornamental plants and timber trees. Some conifers even provide us with medicines, edible nuts ands other useful products. Learn to grow and use conifers, and take a step toward becoming a conifer expert with this unique course. "Unlike many other plants; most conifers are grown for their year round, stunning and varied foliage affects rather than their seasonal flower displays. Grow conifers in places that you want to look stunning all year round, and not just part of the year"  John Mason, author of Growing Conifers, published by Kangaroo Press.

Culinary Herbs

  Learn how to identify and successfully grow dozens of common and uncommon edible herbs. Develop your skills and experience the delights of cooking adventurous new recipes with herbs. Learn drying and other methods of preserving the flavour (eg. herb oils, salts, vinegars). Eight lessons as follows cover common and less common herbs used for cooking. It will begin your passion for trying new things and you wont look back once you discover how many flavoured there are!

Deciduous Trees

  “There is such a range of uses for these beautiful additions to a garden, and this detailed course provides specialist knowledge. The course will provide specialised information on these trees; which arms you with a great resource, either for your own garden, or others’ gardens.” - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming Deciduous Trees are widely planted, particularly in temperate and colder areas of the world. They are very important for both amenity horticulture and forestry. This course is a great foundation study for new or experienced horticulturists, landscapers, arborists, nursery workers, gardeners, parks managers; or anyone else concerned with the selection, propagation, care, maintenance or harvesting of deciduous trees.

Eucalypts

  Learn about Eucalyptus : their identification, culture (propagation, soils, landscape uses, pests, feeding), and uses. Throughout the course you build both a knowledge of the group as a whole, and of the range of species you can identify. Eucalypts are today widely grown throughout the world, despite the fact that they are predominantly an Australian native plant (Note: There are only a small number of species which occur naturally outside of Australia). In many countries Eucalypts are used extensively as a forest tree, for land rehabilitation or even as an ornamental plant. There are more than five hundred different species of Eucalypts, varying from relatively low shrubby plants to massive tall trees. “They are not just ‘Gum trees’ as they are known in Australia. They are an important part of the natural landscape and grow all over the world. Learn all about this Aussie Icon from the experts.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.

Ferns

  “You can learn so much about ferns from this course. They are such an incredible plant; able to live in such varied conditions, from tropical rainforests to freezing mountain tops. Ferns are so popular, and there is such a range of them, this course provides invaluable knowledge when it comes to planning or adding to your own garden, or other peoples’ gardens.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming. A detailed look at the identification and culture of ferns. You learn to propagate (spores, division, tissue culture), different groupings (e.g. epiphytes, ground ferns, tree ferns) and both common & uncommon species. Growing techniques (baskets, indoor/outdoor containers, terrariums) and cultural methods (soils, watering, pest & disease control) are also examined.

Fuchsias

  Open your eyes to the world of fuschias. Fuchsias are a colourful group of plants with many varieties to collect and enjoy. The way you treat a fuchsia plant should be different from place to place, time to time, and according to what you are trying to get from the plant. Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Geraniums & Pelargoniums

  Geraniums and Pelargoniums are great collector’s plants with many varieties available. They are a good source of vivid colour, even in winter if a warm situation is provided. This course opens up a wealth of possibilities for growing and using these plants.

Growing Annuals

  Become an expert with Herbaceous Annual Flowering Plants. Learn to identify and cultivate annual flowers, for bedding displays, potted colour or cut flowers. Annuals are a valuable horticultural crop grown commercially as cut flowers, as seedlings or as advanced pots of colour.  With careful choice,  versatile annuals can deliver year round colour in the home garden. They work to fill gaps between perennials, they can be used to disguise the messy foliage of bulbs as they seasonally die-off,  and they can help to keep gardens or parks in the peak of perfection. This eight lesson course reveals the secrets of how to identify annual species,  what to grow and when to grow each variety. It covers soil improvement,  pest control, irrigation, propagation, greenhouse growing, hydroponics and much more. It is equally as useful to the home gardener and to the professional gardener as to those intending to grow annuals commercially.

Growing Camellias

  Camellias are a hardy group of plants that are grown from cool temperate climates through to tropical regions. While many Camellia species are highly adaptable, the best results are generally achieved by choosing cultivars to suit the climate and conditions you are growing them in. Tea leaves are derived from the plant Camellia sinensis, a species that does well in tropical and sub tropical conditions. Other species, (eg. Camellia reticulata) does not adapt so well to warm climates, and is generally far better in a cool temperate climate. Camellia oleifera is another species grown as a commercial crop oil from this species is used commercially in china. The three most common ornamental species are: Camellia japonica mainly bred varieties from the original, smaller flowered species. Camellia sasanqua species from Japan, smaller flowers than C. japonica. Camellia reticulata species from China.

Growing Carnations

  Get serious about growing Carnations as cut flowers, bedding or container plants. A serious course equally valuable to the home enthusiast or the commercial cut flower grower. You learn about growing quality carnations (planting, watering, pest & disease control, fertilizing), different ways of growing them (e.g. as row crops in soil, in hydroponics, in a greenhouse); and harvesting, post-harvest treatments, and quality control.

Growing Grevilleas

  Develop your ability to select and cultivate appropriate varieties of Grevilleas in different situations. Grevilleas are a wide group of plants, all but seven species coming from Australia. They are widespread across Australia, occurring in both cool temperate, and hot tropical climates. There are around 250 species. About half of these are native to the south west corner of Australia. Known commonly as “Spider Flowers”; the Grevillea flower is more like a brush than a traditional flower. It has obscure petals, but is none the less very colourful. Flower colour varies greatly; and most hold their flowers for a long period. Grevilleas include both small to very large plants (from prostrate ground covers, through small and medium shrubs up to large trees). Their hardiness is variable according to species. The foliage is also variable ranging from small, entire leaves to lobed or pinnate leaves. All are arranged alternately on the stems and some have hairy undersurfaces.  Most have a medium to fast growth rate. “There are so many of these wonderful colourful plants in our gardens today. Not only are they striking to look at, they also attract birdlife. It really is worth getting to know them a little bit better.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.

Growing Iris

  There are many hundreds of hybrids available and new varieties being developed all the time. Their flowering period is generally not very long, but whilst they bloom they are spectacular. Though most irises are temperate climate plants, there is great diversity within the group, and some will grow in warmer climates.

Herb Culture

  This is designed to develop a solid grounding in herb growing and the herb industry. Half of the course deals with general herb culture, including identification, soils, mulching, feeding, watering, propagation, pest & disease control, harvest, storage, processing, companion planting, nursery management and herb farming. The remainder of the course involves detailed studies of major groups of herbs such as: mints, thymes, lavenders, scented geraniums, garlic, roses, artemisias and parsley.

Herbs for Beginners

  This course aims to familiarise you with the use and culture of what are traditionally the most common herb plants. It should provide you with a sound framework upon which you will be able to develop your knowledge of herbs.This is a course for the amateur who likes to use herbs at home. If you are serious about growing or using herbs commercially, you are better to do our Herb Culture Course (Ht371). There are all sorts of different definitions of 'herbs'. The American Herb Society defined herbs in the 1930’s as: "Any plant that may be used for pleasure, fragrance, or physic". Strictly speaking, 'herb' is simply a shortening of the word 'herbaceous', which in horticulture (or botany) means the type of plant which does not have a 'woody stem'. Herbaceous plants have softer tissue in the stem and tend to die back to ground level each year after flowering, to re-grow a complete new 'top' the next season. Many of the plants we refer to as herbs are like this, but not all. The word 'herb' in the context of this course, and in the context it is commonly used today, refers to those plants which are useful because of their aromatic, medicinal, cosmetic, flavouring or repellent qualities. Herbs are plants which are used for 'food, medicine, scent, flavour etc.'

Interior (Indoor) Plants

  Develop your skills to make informed decisions on the selection, care and use of indoor plants. To be successful with indoor plants, you need to be able firstly, to identify correctly, the plants you are dealing with; and then secondly, understand the conditions required for the specific plant variety concerned. “Indoor plantscaping and care is a great profession to get into, and this course will help you to build the required knowledge to be able to maintain these plants – both commercially and in the home.”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.

Lavender

  Commercially lavender is grown in France, England, Spain, Italy, USA, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Japan. Each region growing species that are best suited to local conditions – many trials have been conducted world-wide to isolate the best species for specific local conditions. There are a number of practical tasks students will carry out in this course.  If students have problems accessing facilities or resources for practical tasks, alternative tasks can be set.

Medicinal Herbs

  Learn the basics of how to identify and correctly administer herbs for medicinal purposes. Many plants or plant combination's are poisonous. For this reason, it is essential that before using an herb, you are able to POSITIVELY identify it. This course provides an excellent foundation for developing a sound knowledge of medicinal herbs. Medicinal herbs are the oldest known remedy for healing problems that can possibly be fixed with a simple remedy.

Orchid Culture

  Develop your knowledge of orchids, their culture and uses. Get the broad picture of what orchids are all about and learn how to improve your results and grow flowers which will be the envy of all who see them. This course has been developed by John Mason (author of Growing Orcjhids, published by Hyland House), widely regarded as a leader in Horticultural Learning in Australia.

Palms & Cycads

  Throughout this course you will learn to distinguish between the characteristics of different types of palms and cycads. Learn the general cultural practices required to grow palms and cycads including propagation and appropriate pest and disease treatments. Discover how to choose palms and cycads to suit different climatic situation; how to use them in the landscape and their various commercial applications. “These amazing plants present so many opportunities. Benefit from our course writers’ and tutors’ decades of horticultural experience when you take this course - it’s worth getting to know these plants a lot better!”- Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming

Perennials

  Perennials come in all forms, from herbaceous plants that die down in the winter and re-emerge in spring (year after year), to plants that retain their soft-stemmed leafy growth year round. Although beautiful, many perennials are also tough and very much adapted to a variety of climates - ranging from very dry to wet. Some have colourful foliage as well as beautiful flowers, others add architectural interest - but all add excitement and diversity to the landscape or garden as they burst into flower each year. Discover what perennials are, which perennial plants are most popular today, their cultural requirements (ie. feeding, watering, soil requirements, pruning, pest control), and learn how to use them to create beautiful  landscapes. A course equally valuable to landscapers, nurserymen, cut flower growers and garden enthusiasts.

Proteas

  Became a Protea Expert True Proteas come from Africa. Many produce spectacular flowers, with great commercial value as garden shrubs or a cut flower crop. The term “Protea” is sometimes loosely used to refer to any plants in the Protea (or Protreaceae) family; though the scientific name “Protea” is strictly confined to one genus. Even nurserymen and cut flower growers the world over, may sometimes use the term Protea to refer to related plants in the Proteaceae family, such as Telopeas, Leucadendron and Leucospermum (though strictly speaking they are not Proteas). Learn where and how to grow one of the most stunning groups of plants in the world. With the right cultural techniques (e.g. proper drainage, soil treatments, irrigation methods, feeding, pruning, weed control), you can achieve top quality, large blooms in what might otherwise be considered poor horticultural conditions.

Roses

  For the rose enthusiast - this unique and comprehensive course is equally relevant to professional and amateur growers. Roses, often referred to as 'The Queen of the Garden', are one of the most popular and prized ornamental plants. They are included in the greatest gardens in the world  and many claim roses to be the most beautiful flower in existence. The  value of their blooms however extends beyond the ornamental garden; roses are grown for many reasons including: the cut flower trade, for perfume extraction, to harvest the hips and for rose oil. This course covers all these aspects and much more. Learn the history of the rose, the confusing rose classification system, how to identify the different species, their general cultural needs (soils, pests and disease management and pruning), how to use roses in garden design and how to produce a commercial rose crop. This course is definitely a must for the rose lover.

Scented Plants

  “Specialising in fragrant plants is a good option for garden design. You can get the best of both worlds with this course - fragrant ideas and horticultural knowledge!” - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming.Learn to identify, grow (propagation and culture), and use different types of scented plants. You will find out how to harvest and dry scented plants, and through practical assignments actually make a whole range of exciting herb crafts (e.g. pot pourri, soaps, candles). Learn also how to landscape a scented garden and expand your knowledge of dozens of types of scented plants. Potential Employment Opportunities: Starting your own business with scented plants Designing gardens with scented plants Working for a company that specialises in scented plant products

Tropical Plants

  Become an expert in the identification and culture of tropicals; as garden plants (if the climate fits), as greenhouse (stove) plants or as indoor plants. "This course will cover everything you need to know to successfully grow these beautiful and unusual plants, and you don’t necessarily have to live in a warm climate to have tropical plants; there are plenty of ways of adapting the environmental conditions to suit them.” - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming


Certificate

Certificate In Herbs

  "Love the magic of herbs? Then this is the course to start you in your herb career – it will enable you to consider opening a herb farm, or working in this exciting and field. A great course that will challenge you to expand your knowledge and become a true expert.” - Adriana Fraser Cert.Hort., Cert.Child Care, Adv.Cert.App.Mgt., Cert 1V Assessment and Training, Adv.Dip.Hort. This course has been operating for years and is designed for people who are involved, or wanting to become involved in the business of herbs. It covers less horticulture and focused more strongly on herbs than the Certificate  in Horticulture -Herbs. This course is more appropriate for the small business operator who not only grows herbs but also harvests and value adds (eg. perhaps producing herb products).

Certificate In Horticulture (Herbs)

  Herbs are natures therapy. They can make our foods more delicious, our skin more beautiful, our bodies healthier, and our minds happier. In this excellent course, you will learn how to grow herbs, harvest and use herbs for commercial purposed, crafts, cooking, therapies and personal enjoyment. And even more, your ability to successful work with herbs will be based on solid training in horticulture.

Certificate in Plantsmanship

  Become an expert plantsman. This course lays a foundation, sharpening your knowledge and skills for identifying plants; and then progresses to build the scope of plants you are able to identify. At the end of this course you will be able to look at plants with greater focus, naturally seeing the characteristics that differentiate a plant from others, and placing it into a group (family or genus) which exhibits those characteristics. In doing so, you will find it easier to identify plants, and work out their classification, even if you do not know precisely what they are.

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