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Lectures, reading assignments, and hands-on laboratory projects involving the principles of landscape design, especially as applied to residential properties. Graphic and drafting techniques are included.

Basics of design, installation and maintenance of sprinkler and drip irrigation systems for nurseries, greenhouses and landscapes. Topics include establishing hydrozones, backflow prevention, calculating pressure and flow requirements, system design and installation, equipment and fittings, automatic control systems and water conservation technologies.

Principles and practices of reproducing plants as commercially practiced in the horticulture industry. Topics include propagation by seed, and vegetative methods including cuttings, layering, division, grafting and micro-propagation. Field trips to local greenhouses and nursery operations.

Introduces students to soils and growing media in environmental horticulture. Preparation and management of field and container soils. Soil composition and texture, soil chemistry, organic matter, colloids, soil structure, soil water and pH, plant nutrients and fertilizers, amendments, composting, beneficial soil organisms and diseases. Sustainable soil management practices.

Introduces students to the fundamentals required to run a horticultural enterprise. Addresses issues facing horticultural entrepreneurs as well as management challenges faced in larger horticultural businesses. Emphasis is on landscape-related businesses. Guest speakers from landscape design and construction, landscape maintenance, arboriculture, consulting, restoration management, nursery operations and others.

Overview of commercial greenhouse operations including materials and construction, heating and cooling systems, containers and greenhouse equipment. Management of growing medium, irrigation, fertilization, temperature, growth regulators, CO2, and light. Alternative cropping systems, post-production storage and handling discussed. Crops surveyed include foliage, cut flowers, potted flowering plants and bedding plants.

Field and shop practice in the safe and proper operation of necessary horticultural equipment. Preventative service and maintenance will be stressed during all lab and lecture sessions.

Care and management of trees common to residential, public, and commercial landscaping. Emphasizes correct planting, irrigating, fertilizing, pest control, and pruning. Use of saws, ropes, and other safety equipment in the tree industry is covered. Prepares student for the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Exam.

This advanced course prepares the student to install and maintain new and established gardens. Course work will include, but is not limited to irrigation and sprinkler systems, drainage and erosion control, xeriscaping, maintenance estimates, proposals and agreements. Instruction in troubleshooting and supervising others will be included.

The principles and practices of garden planting and maintenance will be covered in practical laboratory experiences in the Horticulture Center and on the college campus. Care and maintenance of established gardens; irrigation, fertilizing, pruning, identifying and controlling weeds and plant pests and diseases.