Call us: +44 (0)1227 789 649 - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Ornamental Horticulture

Ornamental Horticulture 600 Hours Diploma

Course Code:

VHT002.OG

Level:

Start:

Anytime

Finish:

Anytime

Study From:

Anywhere

Tutor Support:

Unlimited Access

Learn About Ornamental Horticulture

Understand How to Manage Public or Private Gardens through the ADL online distance learning Ornamental Horticulture Diploma.

Learn all about ornamental plants. A 600-hour course that provides initial training for anyone working, or intending to work in ornamental horticulture. The course is designed to teach the basics of how to identify, grow, and maintain ornamental plants and gardens in any climate. Emphasis is placed on the plant varieties which are horticulturally most valuable. Topics covered include garden maintenance, turf care, arboriculture, landscaping, and nursery work.

The Diploma in Horticulture (Ornamental Horticulture) is a vocationally based course comprising core studies (general horticulture) and stream studies specific to ornamental horticulture.

You’ll learn to develop general and broad based skills in horticultural practices and plant identification.
Understand and build more specific knowledge in areas of ornamental horticulture including garden maintenance,
turf care, arboriculture, landscaping and nursery work.
network and connect with the industry as you progress in your studies study, building contacts and networking skills

The Diploma in Horticulture (Ornamental Horticulture) involves the following areas of work:

CORE STUDIES – includes at least 300 hours, divided into 15 lessons, approx. half of the course.

STREAM STUDIES – involves a further 300 hrs of study going into greater depth in the areas of garden maintenance, nursery practices and landscaping.

Core Studies:

Introduction to Plants Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids
Parts of the Plant How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, modification of stems and roots
Plant Culture – Planting How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants
Plant Culture – Pruning Purpose for pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune
Plant Culture – Irrigation and Machinery Different irrigation systems, components of an irrigation system, designing an irrigation system, selection, use and maintenance of machinery and tools
Soils & Media Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes
Soils & Nutrition Fertilisers – deficiencies and toxicities, N:P:K ratios, salting, fertiliser programming, compost
Propagation – Seeds & Cuttings How to propagate plants by seed and cuttings, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants
Propagation – Other Techniques Other methods to increase plant numbers – budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture
Identification and Use of Plants How are plants used in the landscape, how to choose and purchase plants, selecting plants suitable for the climate and site
Identification and Use of Plants Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites
Identification and Use of Plants Indoor and tropical plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns
Pests Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical safety precautions
Diseases Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non-pathogenic problems, interactions with the host and the environment
Weeds Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology

Stream Studies

This part of the course involves four main areas of study, as follows:

1. Landscaping

Lesson 1 Introduction to Landscaping
Lesson 2 Landscape Design Procedure
Lesson 3 Landscape Construction A
Lesson 4 Landscape Construction B

2. Plant knowledge

Lesson 5 Plants for Problem Areas
Lesson 6 Flowers, Indoor and Tropical Plants
Lesson 7 Herbs

3. Plant Care

Lesson 8 Different Growing Techniques
Lesson 9 Arboriculture
Lesson 10 Planning Garden Maintenance
Lesson 11 Turf Care

4. Nursery Practices

Lesson 12 Introduction to Nursery Management
Lesson 13 Nursery Stock Production and Quality Control
Lesson 14 Operating a Garden Centre
Lesson 15 Marketing and Management in Ornamental Horticulture

Scope of stream studies:

Landscape design (including pre-planning and drawing plans).
Principles and styles of landscape designs.
Analysis of garden designs.
Graphic skills, materials and techniques.
Estimating costs for landscape jobs.
Surfacing materials and their effects.
Quality and cost of different landscape materials.
Plant knowledge, both native and exotic, suitable for local conditions.
Plant selection for difficult sites and conditions (including treating degraded sites and interior plantscaping).
Tropical and indoor plants.
Environmental factors important for indoor plant culture.
Bulbs, perennials and annuals.
Planting design for flower beds (annuals and bulbs) suitable for your locality.
Herb culture and garden design.
Miscellaneous growing techniques including; bonsai, terrariums, pot culture, baskets and hydroponics.
Describe the importance of trees to humans.
Procedures for the proper and safe removal of a limb from a tree.
Tree problems and their treatment.
Compartmentalisation, and its effect on the spread of disease in trees.
Preparing a detailed maintenance program for a garden.
Seed selection, storage, preparation and spreading (sowing).
Preparation, planting and establishment of a lawn.
Establishing turf on a steep slope.
Turf maintenance techniques.
Analysis of nursery production systems.
Preparing a flow chart for the production of a particular plant, from propagation to marketing.
Preparing a maintenance program for green life in a garden centre.
Preparing guidelines for the disposal of surplus or below standard stock in a nursery.
Write an advertisement for a nursery or garden maintenance business.
Basic management procedures for a single person nursery or garden maintenance business.
Basic communication skills.
Health and safety requirements for a nursery or garden maintenance workplace.

Learning Goals

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

Practical (Set Tasks)

Examinations

Program Summary

More Information

Your tutor for this course is:

Susan Stephenson

BSc in Applied Plant Biology (Botany) Univ. London 1983.

City and guilds: Garden Centre Management, Management and Interior Decor (1984)

Management qualifications in training with retail store. Diploma in Hort level 2 (RHS General) Distinction.

Susan Stephenson is a passionate and experienced horticulturist and garden designer. She has authored three books, lectures at 2 Further and Higher Education Colleges, teaching people of all ages and backgrounds about the wonders of plants and garden design, and tutors many students by correspondence from all over the world.

Susan studied botany at Royal Holloway College (Univ of London) and worked in the trading industry before returning to her first love plants and garden design. She is therefore, well placed to combine business knowledge with horticulture and design skills. Her experience is wide and varied and she has designed gardens for families and individuals. Susan is a mentor for garden designers who are just starting out, offering her support and advice and she also writes, delivers and assesses courses for colleges, introducing and encouraging people into horticulture and garden design.

In 2010, Susan authored a complete module for a Foundation degree (FDSC) in Arboriculture.

Susan holds the RHS General with Distinction. She continues to actively learn about horticulture and plants and (as her students will tell you) remains passionate and interested in design and horticulture.

Assessment

Assessment is based on a combination of completing all assignments and sitting for a final short one and a half hour exam, in your own location.

If you don’t cope well with exams then you may elect to undertake a project instead. This is a popular option.

In addition, most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson placed before the assignment. This is an opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge and skills and practical experience. This ADL feature is an added bonus not found at most online schools. Set Tasks are not required for assessment.

Some courses also have optional Self-Tests which are available on our online learning platform. These are not available by correspondence or by USB, and do not form part of your overall grade.

How our courses work

Choose Your Learning Method
You choose how you would like to receive your course material, i.e., Online, USB or Correspondence. The choice is yours. You may also work on online or offline.
Tutor Allocation
Every student is assigned their own dedicated tutor who is an expert in their subject area. They provide as much or as little individual contact as you require. You can contact your tutor whenever you need – your hours are not limited.
Feedback and Assignments
Tutor Feedback is an essential component in helping you understand the subject matter. Tutor feedback is given in the form of notes written on the assignment. We encourage you to contact your Tutor where help with clarification and understanding of course material may be required.

Your assignments are located at the end of each lesson. You submit them for marking whenever you are ready. There is no time limit.
Set Tasks and Self-Tests
Most modules have a Set Task at the end of each lesson before for the assignment. This is where you get the opportunity to undertake practical work to help you acquire knowledge, skills and practical experience. Many modules also have short Self-Tests.
Exams
Once all assignments have been completed you may then elect to sit for a one and half hour exam in your own location. If you prefer not to take the exam you do have the option to undertake a project instead.
Once the exam or project part of the course is completed, your Certificate is then processed. Please allow approximately 4 weeks for this.
Design Your Own Qualification
ADL offers students the flexibility to self-design their own qualification – bundling together a combination of 100-hour modules into a qualification higher than a certificate.

FAQ

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. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

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.

Career Options

What's Included

What your tuition fees include

All Course Material via Online, USB or Correspondence
Assignments Marked
Professional Tutor Feedback
Set Tasks - Practical Exercises to help you develop skills
Self-Tests – multiple choice questions at the end of lessons in most modules
Unlimited Personal Tutor Support – via our student classroom
Committed and Friendly Admin Support – vital to your success
All ADL Exam or Project fees (exception RHS exams)
Qualification Certificate
Official Transcript with assignment grades
Student Manual

Plus FREE

There are no hidden extras

Career Opportunities

FAQ - RHS Theory Qualifications

GENERAL

If you require further details about any of the RHS industry recognised qualifications please, call one of our friendly RHS Course Advisors on +44 (0)1227 789 649 or email: [email protected]

Q: When can I Enrol/Start My RHS Course With ADL?
A: Anytime, Anywhere. There are no enrolment deadlines.

Q: I live Overseas. Can I Study From Overseas?
A: You can study any of the RHS theory qualifications overseas. All courses are offered in English. You will need to email RHS Qualifications direct to arrange sitting for your examination overseas.

Q: Is There a Time Limit for Completing an RHS Qualification?
A: At present there are no time limits. However, RHS is contemplating in the future, the introduction of course time-lines.

Q: Are There Any Entry Requirements (Pre-Requisites)?
A: The RHS Theory courses do not require prerequisites, previous experience or any knowledge of horticulture. You just need passion for all things horticulture.

Q: What Course Should I Start With First? I Am New To RHS Qualifications.
A: We highly recommend that you start with Level 2 – Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance.

Q: What Does ADL Course Material Include?
A: Includes Power Point Presentations, Videos and written course lessons.

RHS EXAMS

Q: When Do Exams Take Place?
A: Exams are held on fixed dates in February and June of each year. You should register as a candidate at least 3 months before these dates, so please do not leave exam registration to the last minute

Q: Where Do I Take My Exams?
A: UK: You take the exams at the RHS Wisley Centre, located between Cobham and Ripley in Surrey or at other authorised RHS centres around the UK.
Overseas: please email RHS qualifications direct for centre information.

Q: Exam Pass Marks?
A: Module – pass 50%. Commendation 70%.

Qualification: 50% pass for all modules.
Commendation awarded for all modules.
Each question carries a value of 10 marks.

Q: I’m Not Happy With My Exam Results?
A: You have the opportunity to re-sit your exam at the next opportunity.

There are no restrictions on the number of re-sits you can take. The highest mark you achieve will remain.,

DESIGN YOUR OWN COURSE

Click Here

Please note that ADL Administration Team is undergoing staff training between Thursday 21st September 2023 and Monday 25th September so all enrolments will be processed Tuesday 26th September 2023, urgent enquiries please call 01227 789649 and leave a message.

Call us: +44 (0)1227 789 649 - Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Ornamental Horticulture