Upon successful completion of the certificate the student will be able to:
- Distinguish among the different careers available in the retail and whole sale plant nursery industry. Assess the growing environment for nursery plants with respect to the physiological needs of a horticultural crop. Select the proper equipment needed to grow a crop of plants in the nursery. Organize the needed equipment to grow a crop of plants in a nursery. Properly use the equipment needed to grow a crop of plants in the nursery. Select the proper techniques for propagation plants both vegetatively and by seed. Select the proper plant for various interior landscape environments.
- Distinguish 150 landscape trees grown in the San Francisco Bay Area. Select proper cultural practices to maintain the health of trees in the landscape. Select tree species suitable for different landscape situations
- Distinguish 150 landscape shrubs, groundcovers and vines grown in the San Francisco Bay Area. Select proper cultural practices to maintain the health of shrubs, groundcovers and vines in the landscape. Select shrubs, groundcovers and vines species suitable for different landscape situations.
- Execute a two-dimensional landscape design with graphical techniques used in the profession. Analyze site conditions necessary for a landscape design. Inventory a site as needed for a landscape design. Prepare a client program needed for a landscape design. Create a landscape design utlizing design principles. Apply a historical perspective to the landscape design process. Understand the legal aspects of landscape design
- Conduct landscape maintenance activities in a safe manner. Test and evaluate soil fertility, select and apply fertilizers. Test soil texture, select and apply soil amendments in the landscape. Properly plant trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials, bulbs and seasonal color (annuals, bulbs) in the landscape. Recognize common turf grass species and select proper maintenance techniques for each type of turf grass. Operate common landscape equipment including lawnmowers, putting green mowers, lawn aerators, lawn dethatchers, lawn edgers, lawn dethatchers, line trimmers, and power blowers. Use and care for common hand tools. Identify and control common turf grass weeds, pests and diseases. Prune and care for ornamental landscape shrubs, trees and fruit trees
- Cultivate and maintain roses. Cultivate and maintain camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. Select plants for seasonal color displays in the garden.
- Identify common weeds in the landscape and select proper control measures. Identify common invertebrate pests in the landscape and select proper control measures. Identify common plant diseases (biotic and abiotic) in the landscape and select proper control measures. Identify common vertebrate pests in the landscape and select proper control measures. Understand and interpret pesticide labels.Learn to use and select proper equipment for pesticide applications. Learn to use and select proper safety equipment when applying pesticides. Learn about local resources to aid in identification and control of landscape pests. Pass state examinations for pest control applicator's certificate or license.
