Horticulture

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    Do you have an eye for design, a head for problem-solving, and a heart for the outdoors? From the suburbs to the city, sport complexes to corporate campuses, creative people who care about the environment are needed to design and care for our green spaces. This program prepares students for future careers in the design, installation, and maintenance of landscapes and their supporting structures.

    What will my classes be like?

    Start with the basics of horticulture--the art, science, and business of plant cultivation--through hands-on experiences at TCD’s 13-acre campus, greenhouse, and nursery. Explore available careers then choose a curriculum emphasis: Landscape Design; Installation & Maintenance;  Small Engine Repair/Maintenance; or Nursery/Greenhouse Management, where you’ll learn the role of wholesale and retail production in this multi-billion dollar industry. Put your knowledge and creativity to work creating designs with the latest DynaScape CAD software and 3D computer-generated models. Exercise your leadership skills supervising the installation and maintenance of new projects or overseeing the management of existing landscapes. Understand how nutrients, pest management, irrigation, and sustainable practices impact the cost-effectiveness of a design.

     

    Instructor:
    TBD
     


     

     
     Golf Course
     

     

     
     

    CURRICULUM TOPICS

    The topics below are among the essential skills for this program. This is not a comprehensive list of all available skills and goals, but given to show the scope of the curriculum. Changes may occur year to year based on industry input, change in focus, or other factors. Please contact the program instructor or coordinator for additional information.
     
     

    Core Curriculum

    §         Introduction to Horticulture and Design

    §         Safety in the Workplace

    §         Plant Classification, Identification, and Anatomy

    §         Energy Conversion within Plants

    §         Requirements for Plant/Turf Growth

    §         Growing Media & Plant Nutrients

    §         Plant Propagation

     

    Supervised Horticultural Experience 
     

    Employment Skills

    §         Career assessment

    §         Résumé & Portfolio Development

    §         Application, interview, job search

    §         NCRC preparation & testing

     

    After completion of Core Curriculum, student chooses an emphasis:

     

    Landscape Design Emphasis

    • Working with the Landscape Client
    • Analyzing the Landscape Site
    • Putting the Landscape Plan to Paper
    • Components of Residential Landscape
    • Designing the Residential Landscape
    • Principles of Art
    • Plant selection
    • Finalizing the Landscape Plan (DynaSCAPE software)
    • Pricing the Landscape Plan

     

    Installation/Maintenance Emphasis

    • Preparing the Site for Planting
    • Irrigation Systems
    • Hardscapes: Fences, Wall, Patios, Decks, Walks
    • Lighting and Water Features
    • Installing Plant Materials
    • Maintaining/Pruning Landscape Plants
    • Managing Landscape Pests

     

    Nursery/Greenhouse Management Emphasis

    • Nursery Management
    • Producing Bedding Plants & Perennials
    • Managing a Landscape Business
    • Greenhouse Management
    • Fruit and Vegetable Crop Production

     

          Small Engine Emphasis

    • Understanding 2 and 4 cycle engines
    • Safety and proper use
    • Troubleshooting
    • Repair & maintenance