Award in Horticulture and Landscaping Principles

Applications for 2024 cohort are being accepted.

For further information kindly contact us [email protected] 

Description 

This course will be structured to provide basic horticultural and design skills, including garden design principles and garden maintenance. Particular emphasis will be given to gardening with limited use of agrochemicals.

The course is intended for those who wish to start a career in gardening design and construction or just want good tips for planning their own garden.

This is a 40 hour guided learning course which may include also onsite visits. Students need to invest further hours to conduct private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

The student will be introduced to the basics of horticulture and landscaping in order to have the right knowledge to design and plan a garden. The student will become familiar with certain problems and design issues which might be faced when designing or doing up a garden.

Learning Outcome 1: Outline the basics of horticulture in the context of garden design

Unit Content

It is important to understand how a plant works and grows so as to be able to work with them. Therefore basic botanical knowledge will be given.

The use and significance of the following will be explained:

– Plant Classification and Naming
– The Anatomy of Plants
– Plant Growth and Propagation

Learning Outcome 2: Understand the composition of soil and the characteristics of different soil types

Unit Content

Soil is the medium for growing plants. The wrong soil type or bad soil management can have negative impact on the development of plants. Understanding soil composition and characteristics will help in achieving better plant growth. Organic means of increasing fertility will be dealt with.

– Soil as the Growing Medium
– Soil Types
– Preserving soil fertility
– Alternatives to growing in soils

Learning Outcome 3: Recognise methods of dealing with common plant pests and diseases

Unit Content

An introduction to common plant pests will be given. Such pests are part of the ecosystem and the natural food chain. By understanding the relationship between pests and predators, it is possible to create the right balance without compromising our health and that of the soil and plant ecology.

– Common Pests
– Common Diseases
– Control and Avoiding Problems

Learning Outcome 4: Create a garden based on the principles of garden design.

Unit Content

Understanding garden design principles is the key to a successful garden, successful not only in terms of function or aesthetics but in a holistic manner. A successful garden design will address various aspects which are often under estimated or ignored.

– Site Analysis and Brief
– Design Principles
– Historical Influences on Garden Design
– Plants in the Garden (plant density, thematic gardens)

Learning Outcome 5: Design the hardscape and soft areas of a particular garden

Unit Content

There is nothing more annoying than an uneven path or a badly built wall or even the use of incompatible plants. Knowing how to construct the hard elements of a garden as well as deal with the soil areas is important to achieve a pleasant functional garden

– Walls and Paving
– Gravel
– Decking
– Use of water features
– Include garden furniture (gazebos, pergolas, trellises, statues, benches)
– Trees and Palms
– Shrubs
– Plants and Ground Covers
– Ornamental Grasses
– Feature Plants
– Annuals and Perennials
– Climbers
– Lawn
– Fruit and Vegetable Patch

Learning Outcome 6: Identify microclimatic factors that influence the development and establishment of plants

Unit Content

A garden design will not be successful unless the context is well understood and catered for in the design. The course will identify which elements and conditions one has to understand and how to design the garden accordingly.

– Heat
– Windy Locations
– Dry Areas
– Saline Conditions
– Shady Corners
– Soil Erosion

Learning Outcome 7: Recommend irrigation and a good maintenance program for a particular garden.

Unit Content
In such a dry country, irrigation is an important consideration. The course will look at types of irrigation methods and systems which can be utilised successfully.

– Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation Systems
– Initial versus current costs
– Time Management in the Garden

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed.

Pre-requisites:
• Interest in Horticulture and Gardening

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement.

MCAST Certificate of Attendance

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons.

MCAST Certificate of Achievement

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria and also choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s.

• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded the MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above.

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s.  Assessment/s may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment, practical test and time constrained test.  However, the assessment/s is not compulsory and an applicant may choose not to sit for it.

There are no additional costs or special materials/equipment to bring