Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Horticulture

New course topics have been added! Additional courses will be added yearly!

Longwood’s Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Horticulture is designed for serious gardeners wishing to expand their knowledge of horticulture. Students in this program can earn sequential, multiple Certificates of Merit in Ornamental Horticulture. Each certificate is earned consecutively and is based on meeting the requirements of that certificate. These requirements allow students to create their own focus and develop expertise in areas that are of interest to them. This is accomplished by offering required courses (to ensure a base level of knowledge) along with choices within several categories: plant sciences, plant identification, and horticultural techniques.

To earn the certificate students are required to pass an examination (earning a 70% or above) in each plant science and plant identification course. The horticulture techniques courses do not have an examination but attendance is mandatory for the entire course.

Certificate of Merit in Horticulture - Level I

• Plant Science (2 courses)
• Understanding Plants: Plant Names, the Organization of the Kingdom of Plants, and the Outward Structure of Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit – Required
• Choose 1 additional Plant Science course

• Plant Identification (choose 7 courses)
• 2 Woody Ornamental Plants courses
• 2 Herbaceous Ornamental Plants courses
• 3 Ornamental Plants courses or additional Woody or Herbaceous courses

• Horticultural Techniques (12 class hours)
• Choose the appropriate number of courses to meet the 12 hours of class instruction required in the Horticultural Techniques category. These are topic specific courses. Most courses are 3 hours each, so that typically students will be taking 4 courses to meet this requirement for the certificate.

Class Categories

PLANT SCIENCE COURSES:
Enrollment is not limited to students pursuing a Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture. The listing below is not reflective of actual course names…only concepts for each course. Courses will be added as they are developed.

• 2010 – Understanding Plants: Plant Names, the Organization of the Kingdom of Plants and the Outward Structure of Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit
• 2010 – Soils: Understanding Garden Soil, Fertilizers and Organic Matter
• Plant Anatomy and Influencing Environmental Factors
• Sexual Reproduction/Plant Breeding and Genetics
• History/Trends/Plant Ecosystems/Origin and Domestication of Plants
• The Science and Techniques of Plant Propagation
• Emerging Research – Understanding the Science

PLANT IDENTIFICATION COURSES:
Each course covers approximately 70 plants. A combined total of over 490 plants are taught in each level of the Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Horticulture. Enrollment is not limited to students pursuing a Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture. New courses are added each year.

Woody Ornamental Plants Courses
• Deciduous Flowering Shrubs
• Deciduous Flowering Shrubs II
• Small Flowering Trees
• Broad-leaved Evergreens
• Evergreens II
• Deciduous Trees
• Conifers

Herbaceous Ornamental Plants Courses
• Annuals (formerly Annuals I)
• Annuals & Tender Perennials (formerly Annuals II)
• Perennials
• Sun Perennials
• Shade Perennials
• Hardy Spring & Fall Bulbs
• Lawn Alternatives – NEW for 2011

Ornamental Plants Courses
• Groundcovers
• Ornamental Vines
• Edible Plants
• Native Spring Wildflowers – NEW for 2010

HORTICULTURAL TECHNIQUES COURSES:
A variety of courses are offered each year and enrollment is not limited to students pursuing a Certificate in Ornamental Horticulture. Students must take 12 hours of class instruction in Horticultural Techniques. Most courses are 3 hours. Each course has a level of “practical application” relative to the topic. Horticulture technique requirements are written in terms of hours of class instruction vs. number of courses. New courses are added each year.

Horticulture Technique Courses offered in 2010
• Performance Pruning
• Pest Identification
• Plant Disease Identification
• Roses For Beginners
• Beekeeping Basics
• Weed Identification
• Tips For Turf Diagnosis: Insect And Disease Management
• Installing and Maintaining a Native Plant Meadow
• Get the Dirt on Dirt
• Garden Chemicals: Use and Management
• Vermicomposting
• Dividing and Transplanting Herbaceous Perennials

For those students currently pursuing a Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants Series I or II, you must complete course requirements by December 2011. Call the Continuing Education office to check your status.

Shade Perennials

DATE: Tuesdays, August 10 – September 21, 6 sessions; 7:00 to 9:00 pm
FEE: $162 Garden pass member / $180 non-member
WHERE: Visitor Center Auditorium

with David Culp

Woodland and shade gardens create peaceful and dramatic areas in a landscape. Shade perennials allow the gardener to add creativity to the garden with form, texture, and color. This course will concentrate on identification, size and habit, ornamental characteristics, advantages, and potential problems of familiar favorites as well as many of the newest and best cultivars.

No class August 24.

Optional exam: September 28

Guided plant walks:
Tuesday, September 7, 9:00 am-Noon, September 21, 9:00 am-Noon
Saturdays September 11, 9:00 am-Noon, September 25, 9:00 am-Noon

Plant Science: Understanding Plants

DATE: Mondays, September 20 – October 25, 6 sessions; 1:00 to 3:00 pm OR 7:00 to 9:00 pm
FEE: $162 Garden pass member / $180 non-member
WHERE: Visitor Center Auditorium

with Jeff Jabco

Understanding the botanical system of plants names and how the plant kingdom is organized is important “groundwork” for anyone hoping to become a successful gardener. Students will become familiar with living organisms’ two-name system and the often confusing additional plant names used for cultivars and subspecies. The second part of the class will focus on the outward structure, or morphology, of plants during the growing season. We will look in detail at the methods and terminology of plant identification through a diverse study of leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.

Optional exam: November 1

No plant walks.

Deciduous Trees

DATE: Wednesdays, October 6 – November 10, 6 sessions; 7:00 to 9:00 pm
FEE: $162 Garden pass member / $180 non-member
WHERE: Visitor Center Auditorium

with Robert Dougan

Deciduous trees are typically the most long-lasting plants in a landscape and when mature can be the most valuable structures on the property. They provide a framework to your garden, and many species provide significant habitats for wildlife. Deciduous trees offer essential shade in the landscape and can even lower your energy bill if placed correctly.

This course will cover the identification and landscape uses of deciduous trees found in this region.

Optional exam: November 17

Guided plant walks:
Wednesdays, October 27 , 9:00 am–Noon November 10, 9:00 am–Noon;
Saturdays, October 23 9:00 am–Noon, November 13, 9:00 am–Noon

Certificate of Merit Recognition

The accomplishment and satisfaction of completing the courses necessary for the awarding of the Certificates of Merit in Ornamental Plants, Ornamental Horticulture, Floral Design, or Landscape Design will be celebrated yearly.

We will host the graduates at a celebration on Friday, August 27, 2010. Eligible candidates will receive detailed information and an invitation in advance. To check on your eligibility for certificate completion, call 610-388-5454.

More than 65 Continuing Education students received a Certificate of Merit in Ornamental Plants, Ornamental Horticulture or Floral Design at a special graduation ceremony held in the Ballroom.