• Horticulture
• Arborist ISA Certification (Exam Preparation)
• Arborist - Tree Identification
• Ecological Landscape Design Certificate
• Growing Food In The City Certificate
• Organic Master Gardener Certificate
• Plant Knowledge for Organic Gardeners Certificate
• Residential Landscape Technician Diploma

Horticulture Programs

Burnaby CCE offers a number of Horticulture programs, all with a cutting edge, organic focus. These programs will appeal to Professional Landscapers, who want to provide environmentally sound services to their clients. They will also appeal to home gardeners who would like to focus on plant and garden health.

Many of these programs offer a certificate or diploma to those who successfully complete the program.

In addition to the individual certificates offered for each program, a Diploma in Organic Land Care from Gaia College can be obtained by those who successfully complete:

• Organic Master Gardener Certificate
• Ecological Landscape Design Certificate
• Growing Food In The City Certificate
• Plant Knowledge For Organic Gardeners Certificate

Arborist ISA Certification (Exam Preparation)

Note:  Offered in Fall term only
Designed for park professionals, tree pruners, landscape architects and gardeners who are preparing to write the International Society of Arboriculture Certification exam. Topics include tree identification, plant physiology, pruning, tree identification, plant physiology, pruning, installation and establishment as well as other areas covered in the exam. Textbook: Arborists Certification Study Guide (available at Commercial Solution, 604-927-5815, approx. $150). Note: 3 years of industry experience is required to write the exam. The exam for certification is not included in the class.

Arborist - Tree Identification

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Note:  Offered in Winter term only
There are over 100 different species of trees that successfully grow in the greater Vancouver area.  Students will learn how to identify most of these trees.  We will discuss each tree with respect to form, texture, habit, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics, cultural requirements, pest issues and use in gardens and specialty landscapes.  Designed for arborists, park professionals, tree pruners, landscape architects and gardeners.  The first session is at Canada Way Education Centre; the other 3 will be field trips, off-site (transportation and entrance fees, if required, are not included in the tuition).  Dress for the weather.  Purchase of some class materials required.  The instructor is a Board Certified Master Arborist.

Ecological Landscape Design Certificate

Note:  Intake is every Fall only. 
Semester 1 -offered in the Fall term
Semester 2 -offered in the Winter term

Yes, a garden can be stunning and low maintenance, a haven for wildlife in urban environments, a self-sustaining ecosystem - all at the same time.

Landscape health starts with intelligent design. In this course you will explore the intricate relationships within ecosystems, and how you can work with them to create vibrantly beautiful and healthy gardens. Be prepared for an eye-opening experience that will challenge some commonly held beliefs, and will leave you empowered with a new understanding of how a garden works.

This course would be of interest to:             INFO OR REGISTER NOW!

• Those considering a career in landscape design
• Landscapers wishing to offer more professional design services
• Homeowners wishing to design their gardens in a professional manner.
• Landscape professionals earn generous pre-approved Continuing Education Credits to maintain industry certifications (ISA, CNLA, BCSLA, SOUL).
  
  

Co-sponsored with Gaia College, and endorsed by the Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL).  Check the website www.gaiacollege.ca for more information. . 

How long is the course?

Participants can complete this program on a part-time basis in two semesters (October – December and January – February)
It is a combination of classroom and field experiences. Classes are held Monday evenings and Saturday afternoons at Canada Way or off-site (transportation required) for  6 weeks (12 classes) each semester. Internet access and an email account are required.

This is a very intensive course of study. Students are expected to:

• Attend at least 95% of classes
• Satisfactorily complete all assignments
• Study and practice 6-8 hours a week
• Actively participate in class study groups

Prerequisites

The Organic Master Gardener course is a prerequisite, or can be taken concurrently to Semester I. Semester I is a prerequisite to Semester II

Course outline:  Ecological Landscape Design

Student Comments: 'You could double the cost and it would be worth every penny. It met and very much exceeded my expectations.' 'I've enjoyed every class + lesson + Lisa Atkins' instruction. Honestly, I'm sorry it's over. I can't say it enough. Thanks!'

Growing Food in the City

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Note:  This course is offered in the Winter term only.
In 3 short generations most of us have lost the knowledge to grow our own food. Organic fruits and vegetables not only keep you healthy, they create sustainable local food systems. If you are concerned about where your food comes from, what's in it (or on it), or simply getting the best nutrition possible for your family - growing your own vegetables and fruit is the answer.

In this unique and timely course, learn essential organic gardening and permaculture techniques to

• Create and maintain healthy soil, which in turn can grow nutritious food
• Analyze and optimize the growing conditions in your garden
• Creatively collect, use and preserve water for optimal garden health
• Use holistic solutions for plant health problems ('pests' and 'diseases')
• Select, plant, maintain, and harvest a large variety of food plants for year-round enjoyment
• Store your harvest
• Save your own seeds

This practical, hands-on course is open to everyone, no prior education or gardening experience required. Computer access is essential for access to resource materials, class communications and educational updates. This is a paperless course.

Students are encouraged to grow their own garden during the year, putting their newly acquired knowledge and skills to practice. Of the 19 sessions, 8 will be classroom sessions, 2 field trips and 9 sessions will be held in the garden. The course will end with a celebration and potluck event, for all to share their experiences and recipes.

To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend 90% of all classes and satisfactorily complete all assignments. There are no exams in this course. There are no pre-requisites, but the Organic Master Gardener program would be beneficial either before, during or after this program.

Offered in partnership with Gaia College.

Course outline:  Growing Food certificate program

Student Comment: This course has taught me to look at the whole picture and realize that I'm not just raising food but caring for and managing an ecosystem. Don LaCroix, Organic Farmer

Organic Master Gardener Certificate

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Finally, a comprehensive organic gardening course for urban garden enthusiasts. Come and gather with like-minded, environmentally conscious students and:

• Learn to create fabulous food and ornamental gardens without pesticides and other harmful chemicals
• Become involved with SOUL (Society for Organic Urban Land Care) and share your knowledge with your community through workshops, talks and other creative ways
• Gain essential skills to start or enhance your own business in the rapidly growing organic land care industry
• Prepare to write the SOUL Organic Certification exam
• Earn generous Continuing Education Credits to maintain your industry certifications (ISA, CNLA, BCSLA and SOUL)

Curriculum:

Session 1: Introduction
Session 2: Botany/Adaptations within Ecosystems
Session 3: Soil Ecosystem
Session 4: Soil Testing
Session 5: Soil Fertility Management
Session 6: Teas and Brews
Session 7: Composting
Session 8: Permaculture Design
Session 9: Water-Wise Gardening
Session 10: Garden Bed Installation
Session 11: Pruning I
Session 12: Landscape Health 1 - Principles
Session 13: Pruning 2
Session 14: Lawns
Session 15: Garden Design & Construction
Session 16: Landscape Health 2 - Problem Solving

Plant Knowledge for Organic Gardeners Certificate

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Note:  This course is offered in the winter term only.
Organic gardeners do not use toxic chemicals to deal with landscape problems, but focus on the creation of plant and landscape health. Plant health starts with the right growing conditions. Most of the plants used in our ornamental gardens did not evolve in our climate - are we able to provide them with the soil, water and climate conditions they need to flourish? What about companion plants?

Over the course of several months you will learn to identify approximately 300 plants. For each plant you will then explore its ecosystem of origin and under which conditions it thrives best, or just marginally survives. You will learn how it adapts to our environment, and how you can provide it with optimal care. Finally you will learn about its non-ornamental uses, such as food, medicine, fibre, etc.

This course is open to all who wish to learn more about plants. No prior knowledge or experience is required. Computer access is essential for access to resource materials, class communications and educational updates. This is a paperless course. There will be additional expenses for entry fees to public gardens. Students are responsible for their own transportation on field trips - carpooling is encouraged. The first 2 sessions are in-class, the others are field trips for plant ID.

To receive a Certificate of Completion students must attend 90% of all classes, achieve an overall mark of 70% on quizzes and 3 written assignments. Plant Knowledge for Organic Gardeners is offered in partnership with Gaia College www.gaiacollege.ca

Residential Landscape Diploma – Winter term

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All the information required for employment as a residential landscaper, including business fundamentals, will be covered in this part-time diploma program. It is industry approved and developed in co-operation with the B.C. Landscape and Nursery Association and also prepares participants to write the Landscape Industry Certified Technician and the Provincial Trades Qualifications Exam.

This program will be of interest to:

• those considering a career in the landscape industry
• those considering starting their own business in the landscape industry
• those currently in the industry who wish to update their knowledge and provide more comprehensive and professional services to clients

Participants can complete this program on a part-time basis in 2 semesters [January-March and September-December]. It is a combination of classroom and field experiences. Classes are held one evening a week at Canada Way Ed. Ctr. and Saturday afternoons off-site (transportation required] for 9 weeks each semester. Home study and examinations will be included.

Student Comments: 

"I loved Catherine's teaching style - She is relaxed, friendly, gives great examples and lots of humour"

"Good eye opener to better gardening methods"

Para Space Landscape Company Vice President - Jeff Foley

"We are the largest landscape Company in BC and are great supporters of the Residential Landscape Technician Diploma program.  It is a great way to learn the foundation theory of horticulture, while being able to work full time."

Course Content: Residential Landscape Design (Winter term)

Residential Landscape Diploma – Fall term

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All the information required for employment as a residential landscaper, including business fundamentals, will be covered in this part-time diploma program. It is industry approved and developed in co-operation with the B.C. Landscape and Nursery Association and also prepares participants to write the Landscape Industry Certified Technician and the Provincial Trades Qualifications Exam.

This program will be of interest to:

• those considering a career in the landscape industry
• those considering starting their own business in the landscape industry
• those currently in the industry who wish to update their knowledge and provide more comprehensive and professional services to clients

Participants can complete this program on a part-time basis in two semesters [September-December and January-March]. It is a combination of classroom and field experiences. Classes are held one evening at Canada Way Ed. Ctr. and Saturday mornings off-site (transportation required] for 9 weeks each semester. Home study and examinations will be included.

Semester I

• Ornamental Plants In The Landscape
• Plant ID I - Annuals
• Botany
• Plant ID II - Perennials
• Soils I
• Plant ID III - Deciduous Trees & Shrubs I
• Soils II
• Plant ID IV - Deciduous Trees and Shrubs II
• Grading & Drainage
• Plant ID V - Vines and Ground Covers
• Turf I
• Turf II
• Integrated Pest Management I
• Integrated Pest Management II
• Irrigation Basics
• Irrigation Lab

Semester II

• Plant Installation
• Plant Installation Lab
• Design Fundamentals I
• Landscape Maintenance
• Design Fundamentals II
• Site Plan Lab
• Business Fundamentals I - Legals
• Plant ID VI - Evergreen Trees & Shrubs I
• Business II - Estimating I
• Plant ID VII - Evergreen Trees & Shrubs II
• Business III - Estimating II
• Business IV - Contracts
• Pruning I
• Pruning II Lab
• Plant ID VIII - Bulbs

Semester I of this program has pre-approved Continuing Education Credits for the following: Certified Arborist 29, Board Certified Management Arborist 29 (Science 20, Practice 8, Management 1).

Semester II of this program has pre-approved Continuing Education Credits for the following: Certified Arborist 20, Tree Worker 7.5, Board Certified Management Arborist 27.5 (Practice 20, Management 7.5).

In partnership with Douglas  College

Para Space Landscape Company Vice President - Jeff Foley

"We are the largest landscape Company in BC and are great supporters of the Residential Landscape Technician Diploma program.  It is a great way to learn the foundation theory of horticulture, while being able to work full time."