Course Structure: Permaculture 2 vss105

There are 10 lessons:

1. Permaculture Gardens: Different Garden Systems
   • Spiral gardens, no dig gardens, establishing plants (mulches, irrigation, tree guards) techniques for planting sloping and arid sites
2. Design: Planning techniques and skills
   • The design process, pre planning information, drawing a design, selecting plants,
3. Garden Zones
   • Windbreaks, hedges, screens, the five Permaculture zones
4. Design for Natural Pest, Disease and Weed Control
   • Biocontrol, natural pest controls
5. Companion Planting
   • Repellant plants, attractant plants, plants that affect the soil, beneficial plant combinations, poor combinations, nitrogen and legumes in Permaculture, cover crops, grain crops
6. Appropriate Technology in Permaculture Design
   • Using energy conserving technology, healty buildings
7. Water Gardens
   • Wet and boggy garden areas, drainage, wet tolerant plants, small and large water gardens
8. Fruit, Nuts and Berries
   • Suitable orchard plants for Permaculture, intercrop species, the Fukuoka system
9. Vegetables and Herbs
   • Easy care vegetable gardens, planting, garden care, herb spirals, disease resistance, types of vegetables
10. Mandalla Garden
    • Design and cost of a Mandalla garden, organic materials, mulches, keyhole garden beds.

Learning Goals:   Permaculture 2 VSS105

• Understand use and establishment of Permaculture gardens.
• Understand basic principles of permaculture design.
• Understand the role and function of zones in permaculture systems.
• Develop knowledge of natural pest, disease, and weed control methods.
• Understand the principles behind companion planting, and its function in permaculture gardens.
• Understand the features of, and applications for appropriate technology in permaculture design.
• Develop knowledge of the use of water gardens in permaculture design.
• Develop knowledge of a range of plants suitable for permaculture systems.
• Develop knowledge of a range of plants suitable for permaculture systems.
• Design a Mandala garden.

Practicals:   Permaculture 2, Vss105

• Observe and compare different types of natural gardens, and draw sketches
• Describe how you would build a no dig garden approximately 10 X 3 metres in size.
• Step by step work through a process of planning changes to a garden to make it into more of a permaculture system.
• Practice drawing trees, walls, shrubs, rocks and fences, as you would draw them on a landscape plan.
• Explain how knowledge of landscape drawing and planning relates to permaculture.
• Collectand list preplanning information relevant to developing home into a permaculture system
• Write a report explaining the five permaculture zones.
• Create a table listing 50 different pest, disease and weed problems in one column, and an appropriate natural control method for each one in an adjacent column.
• Make a list of companion plants.In one column, list the herb or companion plant.
• Beside it list all of those vegetables, flowers and fruits which are said to benefit by being planted near to it.
• Draw a plan for a fruit or vegetable garden which incorporates companion planting.
• Explain briefly each of the companion planting interrelationships you have included in your plan.
• Design a small and simple water garden for use in a permaculture system.
• Design a large water garden for use in a permaculture system.
• Compile a list of tree species which you think would be suitable for permaculture in your local area.
• The list should include species which can be used for fruit, nut, shelterbelt, timber, fuel, forage, etc.
• Design and build a herb spiral.
• Design a vegetable and herb garden based on permaculture principles which would produce enough food to feed you and your family for the entire year.
• List as many different central features as you can think of which could be used in a Mandalla garden.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.