Education Database Online

Learning Strategies The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations. Introduction to Landscaping Basic skills of a landscaper; skills needed to recognize common landscaping problems.

Plants and Their Health Parts of a plant; elements plants need to thrive; annual, biannual, and perennial plants. Soils and Fertilizers Classifications of soil and their properties; adjusting the soil’s pH; properly and safely applying fertilizer. Graded Project #1: Soil Sample Take a soil sample and have it analyzed. Using the results, make recommendations for applications of fertilizer and other amendments to the test area. Area should be at least 3000 sq. ft. in size. Recommendations for equipment to use. Pest Management Recognizing damage caused by insects and related pests; types of weeds; diagnosing problems

Hand Tools Types of hand tools and their uses; determining which tool is appropriate for the job. Power Tools Components of outdoor power equipment; maintaining small power tools. Graded Project #2: Identifying and Pricing Hand Tools and Power Tools Visit vendors and make a list of tools needed to plant and maintain the landscape of residential property. List will include prices and vendor/store.

Servicing Lawn Mowers and Riding Mowers Basic parts of a rotary lawn mower and their functions; routine maintenance procedures for rotary lawn mowers; sharpening and balancing lawn mower blades; preparing a lawn mower for seasonal storage; troubleshooting lawn mower problems. Servicing Garden Tractors Basic parts of a riding mower and garden tractor; maintenance procedures; preparing a riding mower or garden tractor for seasonal storage; troubleshooting problems.

Tree Identification Simple and compound leaves; identifying trees by their flowers, twigs, and buds or bark. Shrub Identification Alternate and opposite leaves; identifying shrubs by their flowers, twigs, and buds or bark. Graded Project #3: Creating a Design Using Shrubs Visit nurseries in your area to see what shrubs are available; plant two areas with shrubs; describe what you have planted; give the prices you paid for the shrubs. Textbooks: • The Tree Identification Book • The Shrub Identification Book

Ground Covers Properly preparing an area to be planted; methods of planting ground cover. Design for Residential and Commercial Properties Mixing and matching trees and shrubs in your design; using mulch and/or stone. Graded Project #4: Creating a Design Using Ground Covers Visit nurseries in your area to see what ground covers are available; plant two areas with ground covers; describe what you have planted; give the prices you paid for the plants.

Turfgrass Establishment Varieties of grass; preparing the soil for planting; mulching newly seeded lawns; recommended watering schedule. Turfgrass Maintenance Cutting the grass at the proper mowing height; properly edging sidewalks. Textbook: Turfgrass Science and Management

Specialty Landscapes Proper planting around a pool; designs most effective in enhancing a gazebo; planting designs for use near ponds; designing a rock garden. Your Landscaping Business Opportunities in the industry; managing your business. Graded Project #5: Maintenance Contract Proposal Develop a maintenance contract for a residential property that includes labor and material. Textbook: Step-by-Step Landscaping Work Experience Option

What landscape designers do; the scope of landscape design projects; professional organizations; principles of good landscape design; qualities that make a great landscape designer.

Using drawing tools; reading architect's and engineer's scales; measuring and interpreting dimensions to scale; lettering; using pen and ink; drawing plans.

How to show elevation, perspective and plant placement in plans; rendering symbols for plant materials and hardscape features; labeling plans; listing plants.

Site evaluation; reading and grading the terrain; project development; functional diagrams; preliminary drawings; final plans; the design cycle.

The outdoor wall, floor and ceiling; understanding balance; focal points of interest; simplicity; rhythm; line; unity; architecture, plants and hardscapes in the design.

Woody and herbaceous plants; selecting trees, shrubs and ground covers; creative ways to use flowers, annuals, perennials and biennials; bulbs.

Natural and fabricated enrichments; tangible and intangible enrichments; the economic, environmental, and aesthetic advantages of creating landscapes that conserve water.

Designing enclosures for protection, privacy, climate modification, and directing foot traffic; enclosure styles and materials; the four basic surfacing types; ramps and steps.

Using the computer in the design process; popular software for landscape designers; CAD systems; video imaging; figuring cost vs. price; preparing estimates, bids and specifications.

Components of the design contract; common contractual arrangements; dealing with competitive bids; estimating labor and material costs; types of specifications; performance bonds; forms and documents for specifications; project manuals.

Essential planting tools; soil conditioning methods; how to install trees, shrubs and ground covers; bedding plants and bulbs; turf grasses; blending grasses; single-species lawns; seeding, sodding and plugging; mulching; sprigging; cutting water loss.

Trickle and sprinkler irrigation systems; sprinkler heads; precipitation rates; matching water flow and pressure with pipe size; locating sprinklers; parts.

The growing medium; creating containers for plants; interior plant installation; fertilization; controlling humidity, water, air pollution, insects, diseases and vandalism; grouping compatible species.

Watering and fertilizing trees, shrubs, flowers and lawns; edging the lawn; pruning methods; mulching; controlling lawn weeds and pests; aerating and mowing techniques for lawns.

Reducing injury to plants in winter; features of a landscape maintenance cost analysis; unit pricing; preparing a complete cost estimate; total quality management; improving service.

Staffing challenges; career opportunities; potential hazards and dangers of landscape practices; industry and government efforts to promote safety.

Being the boss; acquiring the necessary supplies; starting a landscaping business; administrative matters; advertising services; maintaining a professional image; hiring a crew.

Advantages and disadvantages of the major types of lighting systems; effects of downlighting, uplighting, backlighting and shadowing.

Working efficiently and productively as a student and in your career.

Helpful tips for locating job opportunities and starting your new career.