Horticulture
Students will learn about pesticides and their use and about federal, provincial and municipal laws governing personnel and environmental issues. Successful completion of the course depends upon students obtaining a 5-year pesticide applicator/dispenser certificate.
Botany for Horticulture
Students study the morphology, anatomy, physiology, and reproduction of cone-bearing and flowering plants. They will apply appropriate plant taxonomy and nomenclature to the major plant families used in commercial horticulture. Students will discuss evolution and plant ecology to challenge some current horticultural practices. They will work with fresh and preserved plant material to provide an understanding of current horticultural practices, and will demonstrate different aspects of plant physiology in the laboratory.
Soils and Growing Media
Students will study the components and properties of soils and growing media. They will discuss the characteristics of organic matter and biological activity within the soil profile. Students will study how plant growth is affected by soil and growing media properties such as pH, nutrient retention, salinity, and the movement and retention of water. They will examine plant nutrient deficiencies, fertilizer types, and liming recommendations. Students will practice basic soil sampling and testing methods and discuss environmental issues involving soil and growing media practices.
Prerequisites: Any Math 11 or HRTA 0096 or HORT 1094 or ABEM 0011 or MATQ 1099 or MATQ 1093 or Kwantlen’s Horticulture/Mathematics placement test.
Introduction to Sustainable Horticulture
Students will consider horticulture within a social context and social responsibility, exploring the inter-relatedness between environment, society, and economy. They will differentiate between conventional and sustainable practices in different horticultural disciplines: greenhouse production, nursery, turf, and landscape. Students will study the core issues of water use, soil management, energy consumption, air quality/pollution, and land use. They will employ critical thinking to analyze the underlying topics of urban land planning, crop diversity, genetic modification, and bioproducts/bioprocessing. Students will investigate sustainability within a frame work of the history of agriculture and horticulture, food and amenity systems within ecology, and the rise of organic cultivation.
Introductory Equipment Maintenance
Students will be introduced to basic machinery and mechanical systems used in horticulture. They will perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting procedures on horticulture equipment. Safe work practices will be covered.
Landscape and the Environment I
Students will examine social, ecological, and economic principles of sustainability within the context of residential landscapes. They will relate natural processes, human values, and technology in a systems approach to landscape planning, installation, and maintenance that mitigates environmental degradation. Students will examine practical adaptive landscape strategies including biodiversity, green roofs, and absorptive landscapes.
Introduction to Landscape Practices
Students will be introduced to the scope and breadth of the landscape industry. They will study basic landscape installation and maintenance including concrete structures, pathways, and plant material. Students will also practise basic landscaping equipment operations. They will be required to complete individual work practice sessions outside of formal class time.
Students will perform work on the School of Horticulture golf course and grounds to gain practical experience in turf maintenance. They will engage in tasks including reel, rotary, flail mowing, core cultivation, topdressing, seeding, sodding, sand trap maintenance, and other tasks as required to maintain a variety of turf operations. Students will be required to complete individual work practice sessions outside of formal class time.
Intro to Plant Identification
Students will practise skills that will enable them to identify a wide range of plants used in all segments of horticulture including examples of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, perennials, annuals, house plants, and cut flowers. They will study the important characteristics of leaves, flowers fruits, plant shapes, and branching patterns, and will learn about growing requirements and plant use and availability.
Production Practices - Fall
Students will study essential horticultural principles and will work in School of Horticulture and commercial greenhouse facilities to gain experience in basic horticultural labour and equipment operations. They will maintain and harvest fall season crops, such as poinsettias, chrysanthemums, cut flowers, potted plants, greenhouse vegetables, and forestry crops. Students will be required to complete individual work practice sessions outside of formal class time.
NOTE: Fieldtrips to commercial operations are an integral part of this course.
Forest Seedling Production
Students will study the culture of forestry seedling crops grown in BC nurseries, focusing on native conifer species. They will be introduced to the structure of the forest seedling industry, seed handling and sowing, stocktypes, production cycles, cultural requirements, and post-harvest handling. Students will examine the influence of both silviculture and agroforestry practices on forest seedling operations.
Introduction to Pest Management
Students will study the morphology, physiology, and habits of pests (including insects, mites, and vertebrates) to select a combination of cultural, chemical, physical, and biological control methods. They will work with diseases and disorders of plants, and will demonstrate concepts of the spread of disease. Students will handle weed specimens to identify and choose appropriate control measures. They will discuss the tenets of integrated pest management and relate them to commercial horticultural situations, and will learn the safe and effective use of 25 kg-backpack and/or canister sprayers.
Corequisites: HORT 1101
Landscape Drafting
Students will study basic drafting techniques and standards. They will also practise drafting skills through a series of manual and computer assisted drafting exercises. Students will practise the proper use of drafting tools, techniques, and a computer assisted design program.
Sustainable Turf Managment
Students will study and apply principles for the establishment and maintenance of sustainable turf. They will select and apply fertilizers, compost materials, and other amendments. Students will develop cultural programs for the low maintenance lawns, lawns in sustainable landscapes, and organic lawns. They will review and discuss current issues affecting the function, use, and maintenance of turf in modern society. Students will be introduced to the management of athletic fields and golf courses.
Arboriculture I
Students will study the relationships between plant function and plant form and structure. They will gain practical experience, as weather permits, in pruning a wide range of trees and shrubs using hand pruning tools, power hedge trimmers, and a chipper
Prerequisites: HORT 1155 or 1145 or HRTA 1125
Plant ID for Production
Students will practise the identification of plant species produced in commercial greenhouses and nurseries in varying stages of growth. They will also learn about the use of plants, their growing seasons, and their market value.
Prerequisites: HORT 1155 or 1145 or 1125 or HRTA 1125
Plant Identification 2
Students will enhance their plant identification skills learned in HORT 1155 through field identification of trees, ground covers, vines and other plants. They will discuss each plant with respect to shape, branching patterns, flower, leaf and fruit characteristics, growing requirements and use in the landscape.
Prerequisites: HORT 1155
Students will discuss the main topics of plant propagation with a view towards sustainable practices. They will perform all aspects of seed propagation including seed storage, seed quality, seed dormancy, and the maintenance of environmental factors affecting seed germination. Students will perform micropropagation in a tissue culture laboratory. They will also perform traditional vegetative propagation (cuttings, grafting, division, layering, and specialized stems and roots) and discuss the proper environment used for each technique. Students will discuss plant breeding and contrast propagation methods used for native plants and plant clones.
Prerequisites: HORT 1102 or (HRTA 1100 and 1101 and 1102) or (HRTA 1110 and 1111)
Production Practices - Spring
Students will perform in the School of Horticulture and commercial greenhouse facilities to gain experience in basic horticultural labour and equipment operations. They will maintain and harvest winter and spring season crops, such as Easter lilies, cut flowers, bedding plants, potted plants, greenhouse vegetables, and forestry crops. Students will be required to complete individual work practice sessions outside of formal class time. NOTE: Fieldtrips to commercial operations are an integral part of this course.
Horticultural Work Experience
Students will participate in an approved work experience in the horticulture industry. They will apply their landscape, turf or production horticultural skills in a commercial setting. Upon completion of the work experience students will prepare a written report and give an oral presentation on their experiences.
Grounds Machinery
Students will study, operate, and maintain the turfgrass equipment used in a modern golf course or parks facility. They will perform maintenance and repairs on the machinery used for turf cultivation, renovation, mowing, spraying, and other types of grounds maintenance. Students will discuss the selection and purchasing of machinery. They will propose and design a turf care facility within the context of sustainable practise.
Prerequisites: [HORT 1116 or (HORT 1107 and 1108)] and [ HORT 1230 or HRTA 1230 and 1231 and 1232)]
Landscape IPM
Students will undertake a detailed study of specific pest problems common to ornamental and native trees, shrubs, ground covers and turfgrasses, with an emphasis on diagnosis. They will explore pest life cycles, plant symptoms, pest prevention and pest control. Students will also gain an understanding of integrated pest and disease management using a variety of methods including Internet resources, pest management computer programs and diagnostic CD-ROMs.
Prerequisites: ( HORT 1155 or 1145,) and [ HORT 1201 or (HORT 1101 and 1207) or (HORT 1217 and 1101) or (HRTA 1200 and 1201)].
Landscape Design 1
Students will practise the basic principles of landscape design for single-family residential properties, including plant composition, creative problem solving, functional and design uses of landscape materials, client and maintenance criteria. They w ill prepare working drawings such as concept and planting plans for actual clients. Students will investigate the history of landscape design.
Prerequisites: (HORT 1224 or 1220) and (HORT 1155 or 1145) and (HORT 1255 or 1225)
Turfgrass and Environmental Stress
Students will examine the effects of environmental stresses (including atmospheric, climatic, soil, and biotic stresses) on turfgrass growth, development, and function. They will discuss and apply management techniques, and will study the development of new techniques.
Prerequisites:HORT 1104 and HORT 1230 or (HRTA 1230 and 1231 and 1232)
Turfgrass Pest Management
Students will undertake a detailed study of the pests and weeds common to turfgrasses, and plants associated with turfgrass areas. They will examine and discuss pest life cycles, plant symptoms, pest prevention and control, and pesticide storage and use. Students will also learn about the importance of integrated weed, pest, and disease management using a variety of methods including Internet resources, diagnostic CD-ROMs, and interaction with pest management colleagues. Students will practice using pest control equipment on outdoor turfgrass.
Prerequisites: HORT 1230 and [(HORT 1201 or (HORT 1101 and 1207) or (HORT 1101 and 1217) or HRTA 1200 and 1201]
Irrigation, Drainage and Lighting
Students will study the soil-water-plant relationship as it applies to landscape irrigation and drainage. They will maintain, install, and design irrigation and drainage systems with a focus on residential or small-scale systems. They will also study the installation and maintenance of landscape lighting.
Prerequisites: Principles of Math 11 or Applications of Math 11or ABEM 0082 or 0011 or PSPM 1082 or MATP 1011 or HORT 1094 or MATH 1093 or a Horticulture Math placement exam with a C.
Sports Turf Management Practices
Students will study and apply management techniques for specialized turf areas such as football, rugby and soccer fields, baseball diamonds, bowling greens, grass tennis and croquet courts. They also examine the management of alternate sports surfaces including synthetic turf athletic fields, skinned baseball infields, clay and asphalt tennis courts, and hybrid turf/synthetic sports fields. Students will practice sports turf maintenance.
Prerequisites: HORT 1230 or HRTA 1230 and 1231 and 1232 )
Plant Identification 3
Students will identify annuals, biennials, perennials, bulbs, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and trees, including native materials. They will discuss each plant with respect to form, texture, habit, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics, cultural requirements, and use in gardens and specialty landscapes.
Prerequisites: HORT 1155 or 1145
Fall Floriculture
Students will describe and apply the general floriculture production principles and commercial practices of selected cut flower crops grown in the Canadian greenhouse industry. They will practice production techniques on flower crops grown in the Horticulture field laboratory greenhouses. Students will examine sustainable production practices and sustainable certification programs used in the floriculture industry.
Prerequisites: (HORT 1171 or 1271) and (HORT 1201 or HORT 1217 or HRTA 1201)
Greenhouse Vegetable Production
Students will study and practise the culture and management practices of greenhouse vegetable crops, including propagation methods, production of the crop, end of year clean-up, marketing, and economics of vegetable production. They will study temperature, nutrition, crop scheduling, integrated pest management and variety selection. Students will grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. Minor protected crops will also be examined. They will study food safety legislation and safe food handling practises.
Production Facilities and Equipment
Students will study the essential elements of greenhouse site selection and site layout. They will analyse the features and benefits of common types of greenhouse structures and covering materials. Students will investigate benching types and layouts, irrigation systems, and greenhouse components. Other specialized systems, such as heating systems, will also be covered. During labs, students will monitor and maintain greenhouse facilities and equipment. Visits to commercial greenhouse operations will introduce concepts of mechanization, relating this to classroom exercises on horticulture ergonomics and efficiency.
Prerequisites: HORT 1116 or (HORT 1107 and 1109)
Greenhouse and Nursery Pests
Students will study major greenhouse and nursery pests, including insects, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. They will learn pest identification in the laboratory and on site by working with live and preserved specimens, as well as by interacting with pest management professionals. Students will practice monitoring and control methods in the greenhouse and field. They will develop and evaluate integrated pest management programs using a variety of resources including Internet and diagnostic CD-ROM programs.
Prerequisites: HORT 1217 or 1201 or (HORT 1101 and 1207) or HRTA 1200 and 1201). Valid BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate, Agriculture Producer.
Landscape Estimating and Contract Administration
Students will learn to prepare, administer and manage contracts and estimates for landscape projects. They will study and practice techniques for writing landscape contracts, and discuss multiple approaches to preparing landscape estimates. Students will summarize insurance, bonds, liens, and explore the relationships between financial, cost and cash flow accounting systems as they relate to the operation and management of a landscape company.
Landscape Design II
Students will explore the design challenges associated with residential sites and small scale public spaces. They will practise design skills such as cut and fill calculations, site and client analysis, and plant composition. Students will prepare working drawings such as grading plans, elevations and construction details.
Prerequisites: HORT 2320
Landscape Construction
Students will explore both the theory and practice of landscape construction. They will have an opportunity to practice the construction and installation of landscape features such as patios, decks, retaining walls, ponds, fences, and arbors.
Golf Course Management
Students will study the operation and management of the golf course in the context of golf as a recreational activity, a competitive activity, and a business. Students will assess the impacts of the rules of golf, the play of the game, environmental stewardship, the organization of the turf care operations, and the organization of the golf business on golf maintenance operations. They will also analyze best management practices.
Prerequisites: HORT 2330
Golf Course Irrigation Systems, Designs, and Operations
Students will design, analyze, and maintain golf course and athletic field irrigation systems. They will analyze sprinkler head selection and performance, pumping systems, valves types, controllers, software, and pipe characteristics. Students will discuss issues of water use and water quality. Through laboratory exercises students will perform irrigation audits, calculate water delivery, and schedule irrigation.
Prerequisites: [HORT 1230 or (HRTA 1230 and 1231 and 1232)] and HORT 2331 or 2334
Arboriculture II
Students will analyze and practice tree risk assessment and plant diagnosis methods. They will analyze and practice tree preservation techniques, discuss preventative tree maintenance/repair, and methods of controling plant growth.
Prerequisites: HORT 1240
Nursery Production
Students will review and analyze all aspects of container and field nursery production (trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous perennials) in British Columbia. They will practise activities such as potting, weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and irrigation maintenance in the field lab nursery. Students will discuss current production trends and environmental guidelines.
Prerequisites: [HORT 1104 or (HRTA 1104 and 1105) ] and HORT 1261
Greenhouse Environment and its Control
Students will study the control of environmental factors within a greenhouse including temperature,humidity, air circulation, lighting, and carbon dioxide. They will monitor and adjust greenhouse climate using instruments and computer control systems. They will explore energy management strategies for greenhouses.
Production Management
Students will explore the decisions facing a production manager in a commercial greenhouse or nursery business, including crop selection,scheduling, space, time management, and costing. Students will develop a crop production plan as a major term project.
Spring Floriculture
Students will study general floriculture principles and the commercial production practices of selected flower crops and bedding plants grown in the Canadian greenhouse industry. They will practice production techniques on the flower crops grown in the Field Lab greenhouses
Prerequisites: HORT 2378 and (HORT 1171 or 1271)
Organic Greenhouse Crop Production
Students will differentiate between 'organic' and other greenhouse production systems against a background of plant breeding and genetic modification (GM) of organisms. They will identify appropriate organic accreditation standards. Students will investigate crop rotations, understand principles of producing good quality growing media, and explain principles of crop nutrition and disorders for greenhouse vegetables or flowers. Students will develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan within organic constraints for a specific greenhouse crop, investigate the marketing of organic produce and identify FOODSAFE and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) production techniques.
