LH 101 Practical Skills
This course runs throughout the entire program and covers basic horticultural skills such as garden and lawn maintenance, planting and transplanting, greenhouse work, equipment operation, pruning, and hedge maintenance. This is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in other courses to the operation of the Gardens at HCP. In addition, students participate in field trips and assist with bi-annual plant sales.
LH 102 Botany
This course provides an introduction to the basic biology of plants with an emphasis on horticultural application. At the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge in the areas of plant classification, anatomy, physiological processes, reproduction, genetics, hormones, and ecology.
LH 103 Soils
This is an introduction to soil science for landscape horticulture. Students will study soil formation and the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils and soilless media as they relate to soil quality and plant growth. Students will sample soils, assess various properties of soils, and interpret soil test results.
LH 104 Plant Identification
This course runs throughout the entire program and covers a wide range of plant material including trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, perennials, and annuals. Students will learn correct nomenclature, plant descriptions, growing requirements, critical pests and diseases, landscape use and maintenance requirements. Plant descriptions include distinctive stem, leaf, and flower characteristics, growing characteristics, maintenance, and landscape function.
LH 105 Introduction to Permaculture
This course covers the foundations of permaculture design theory as it applies to the future HCP Food Forest. Students will participate in class lectures, field trips, and practical work on the Food Forest site.
LH 106 Pruning
This course covers the elements of pruning including pruning times, types of cuts, and the role that pruning plays in affecting the landscape. This course also provides an introduction to the theory of pruning as applied to many of the common trees and shrubs found in Greater Victoria landscapes.
LH 107 Safe Work Practices
Students learn safe work practices in the workplace, including safe lifting practices and the safe and proper maintenance of hand tools and power equipment. Specific topics include Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
LH 108 Plant Health
This is an introduction to the identification and control of insects, weeds, diseases, and disorders of landscape plants and some crop plants. Students will study the plant damage and life cycles of viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and weeds. There is an emphasis on the application of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concepts in horticulture. Students will also write the BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate exam.
LH 109 Landscape Design
This is an introductory course covering the principles and practices of landscape design, site analysis, site measurement, landscape layout, and plant choice. Students will learn basic design presentation skills and effective techniques to encourage design client satisfaction.
LH 110 Introduction to Food Growing
This course is a series of a classroom and practical sessions centered around local small-scale food growing, with emphasis on growing vegetables. Students will gain experience in designing and installing space-efficient food gardens, seeding, transplanting vegetables, soil preparation and amendment, and other practices.
LH 111 Turfgrass Management
This is an introductory course covering the identification and classification of turf grasses and the principles of installation and maintenance of residential turf. Students will learn about seeding, irrigation, fertilization, mowing, aeration, de-thatching, and edge trimming.
LH 112 Irrigation
This course is an introduction to the basic principles involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems. Students will perform basic maintenance of drainage and irrigation systems.
LH 113 Communication Skills
This course addresses a wide variety of topics including working for organizations, client relations, and interacting with colleagues and supervisors. This course emphasizes the value of clear communication within all levels of an organization to the benefit of each individual and the organization as a whole. Communication styles and supervisory skills will also be discussed.
LH 114 Business Practices
This course focuses on the skills and strategies for obtaining employment as well as the principles of starting a small horticultural business. The course addresses the basic legal requirements, marketing considerations, and other important knowledge for starting your own business.
LH 115 Special Topics in Horticulture
This course is a collection of topical field trips and guest speakers relating to niche aspects of the horticulture industry. Topics are selected based on current industry trends, student interest, seasonality, and local focuses.
LH 116 Introduction to Hardscaping
This course is an introduction to the installation and maintenance of hardscape in a landscape setting. This includes installation of basic walkways, patios, driveways, steps, and retaining walls using the correct tools, equipment, and materials.
LH 117 Grading and Drainage
This course is about pre-construction activities and site preparation, with a focus on grading and drainage systems. This includes planning and preparing a site according to plans, specifications and regulations. It also includes selection, design, installation and maintenance of grading and drainage systems.
In addition to the core curriculum, students participate in various garden projects at the Gardens at HCP or at off-site community locations, as well as two weeks of work experience with host employers in the local horticulture industry.
