| | The Devonian Botanic Garden (DBG) is once again offering the Master Gardener program in the fall of 2006. The Master Gardener program, initiated in 1994, has been the steppingstone for many former program students to successfully pursued a career in horticulture. Many former students can be found working in garden centres, greenhouses and the lanscaping industry, others have joined horticultural societies and furthered their personal interest in horticulture.
"The course is very challenging and involve a great deal of personal time to complete the homework assignments, practical training volunteer hours and the plant identification assignment," says Gordon Nielson, education coordinator, DBG. "Trainees entering the program should have a high level of interest in gardening and be prepared for an intensive training program consisting of lectures and homework assignments combined with practical experience. Attendees must have the time and commitment to complete the course."
Course classes will include sessions on approximately 16 to 20 of the following topics:
- annuals and biennials
- perennials
- plant genetics
- herb gardening
- plant identification
- plant propagation
- seeds and seed exchanges
- working with seeds
- garden pest control
- soils, fertilizers and plant nutrition
- indoor plants
- lighting systems
- wildflower gardening
- alpine gardening
- vegetable gardening
- woody ornamentals
- Japanese gardens
- botanical keys
- pruning
- budding and grafting
- landscape design
- hobby greenhouse gardening
- plant classification
- a history of gardens and gardeners
- container gardening
- botanical nomenclature
- lawn care and maintenance
- herbaria
- plant physiology
There is also a practicum component to the program. Practicuum and volunteer experience can include public displays, horticulture training, herbaria and horticulture information sessions.
Trainees require a 90 per cent attendance rate, an overall average of 60 per cent grade (which includes homework and exams). Trainees must also complete their plant identification assignment and 80 hours of practicum/volunteer experience by approximately September 2007 to receive their certificate.
The Master Gardener Program is offered by the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Garden and sponsored by the Friends of the Garden. Continuation of participation as a few hours of volunteer work each year at the DGB may be required to maintain an active certified status as a Master Gardener.
The Master Gardener program will run for 17 Wednesdays, from September 6, 2006 to January 10, 2007. Classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
Registration fee for the program is $475 (non-refundable) and must be paid prior to the first class. This fee includes all lectures, supplies used in the sessions and photocopy costs. It does not include textbooks.
An application form for the Master Gardener program must be filled out prior to acceptance. Applications are available by calling Devonian Education at (780) 987-2064. Interested Albertans are encouraged to apply early as there is limited space in the program. Application deadline for the fall session is September 4, 2006.
The DBG is five kilometres north of the town of Devon on highway 60 (just 20 minutes from Edmonton).
Contact: DGB Education (780) 987-2064 |
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