LH-01 - LH-199 - Transferrable Courses

An overview into the exciting world of Landscape Horticulture. In this semester long introduction we will cover the principles and practices of basic landscape horticulture to include: plant structure and physiology, soils, planting and transplanting, fertilization, weed control, propagation, plant growth regulators, organic gardening, job opportunities and garden maintenance. The labs for day classes include planting, garden renovation, classroom demonstrations and field trips to well-known public and private gardens in the area.

Identification and culture of trees in the landscape. The labs for the classes are field trips to prominent Bay Area landscapes such as U. C. Fremont, McFadden House, and Simms College.

Identification and Culture of over 100 Groundcovers and Vines for use in the landscape. Labs are field trips to prominent Bay Area landscapes such as Kaiser Rooftop Gardens, Lakeside Park and the Blake Estate.

Identification, Care and Culture of shrubs in the landscape. The labs for the classes are field trips to prominent Bay Area landscapes such as U. C. Berkeley, Dunsmuir House, and Mills College.

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Identification and culture of California native trees, shrubs, vines and groundcovers for use in the landscape. The labs for the day classes are field trips to prominent Bay Area landscapes such as Tilden Botanical Garden, U. C. Botanical Garden and several residential gardens.

Identification of insect, mite and vertebrate pests of landscape plants and methods of control.

Identification of the most common diseases of landscape plants including the environmental diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other organisms. Methods of control for each of these diseases is also covered.

Identification of weeds in the landscape and methods of control.

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Principles and practices of landscape construction including: Construction of fences, gates, decks, patios, walkways, retaining walls, construction tools and safety, concrete and masonry work; laws and regulations. The labs for the day classes include safety training, experience using power tools, building a selection of the above mentioned types of projects in the horticulture facility.

Introduction to the principles of landscape design (primarily residential scale). LH-018A focuses on design process and definitions, legal and ethical issues and site analysis. It is suggested the student enroll concurrently in LH-022A.

Essential plant nutrients, deficiency symptoms, sources of nutrients, composting and cycling of nutrients. Control, pests and diseases and propagation.

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Students learn basic principles of small engines operation, engine parts, scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting engine problems, performing repairs, and safety. Students learn to operate many tools powered by small gas engines, including lawn mowers, edgers, blowers, tillers, brush cutters, lawn aerators, dethatchers, chainsaws, deisel tractors, and others.

A survey of all phases of plant propagation, seeds, transplants, cuttings, layering, division and micro-propagation. Both theory and practical experience in producing plants from their beginnings to eventual marketing.

Learn to prune fruit trees, roses, trees and shrubs in this intensive two Saturday class. This is a required class for all certificates.

Strategies and techniques of basic permaculture design and application to design of livable human communities: Observation of natural patterns, gardening in urban settings, water/water recycling in the landscape, nd commonalities with practices of indigenous peoples.
28A: Permaculture ethics and basic principles, soil and soil fertility, flood and erosion control, and synergistic plant associations.
28B: Design and assessment of landscapes, reducing waste and developing super efficient systems, advanced mulching techniques, and student designs.

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Intermediate-level course in site planning and planting design for landscape design students: Expansion of technical skills, aesthetic abilities and design lab drawings through the analysis and solution of actual residential, public and commercial projects.

Site operations and procedures common to both landscape designers and builders: Site analysis techniques, layout and staking procedures, measuring techniques, operating a transit level, cost estimating, and other tasks required to adapt a design to a site.

Comprehensive study of the use of native plants for landscape design: Residential and commercial design applications as well as plant communities and local native plant requirements.

Principles and techniques of 2D and 3D computer-assisted landscape design: Layering, dimensioning, technical computations, free-hand techniques, symbol libraries, and preparation of completed designs.
34A: 2D drawing and editing tools; CAD organizational and calculation tools; personal symbol libraries; and section, elevation, and axonometric drawings.
34B: Constructing object and plant reference libraries and plant databases; layout plans and CAD perspective drawings using 2D and 3D tools.
34C: Constructing and editing 3D models and landforms and advanced rendering of landscape perspective and axonometric plans.

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Principles and techniques of growing orchids. Study of growth habits and culture, diseases, pests, potting techniques, medium selection, fertilizer requirements and propagation. Identification and culture of the most popular orchids in the nursery trade and floral design industry. A brief history of orchid cultivation as well as a description of the remaining orchid growing areas in the wild.

Plant production from seed to sale. Crop production including: propagation techniques, soil mixes, fertilizers, light and water, Sales and marketing strategies.

Plant systems and human communities of East Bay: Integrated study (hydrology/topography/botany/ecology/resource management) of local landscape.

CA water systems and influence on regional agricultural, industrial, and urban development; resource management; sustainable water harvesting.

Naming, describing and classifying of plants. Recognizes and properly explains the variation of plants and systematically organizes this information. Cataloging, identifying and classifying species used in horticulture, exotic and native.

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Practical field experience in naming, describing and classifying plants: Plant classification system used as a tool in collecting, cataloging, identifying and classifying species used in horticulture, native and naturalized; vegetation patterns and component species.

Exploration of the field of Horticultural Therapy, learning about programs and settings that fit the needs of specific populations.

Clinical experience working with special populations in horticultural therapy settings: Planning, implementing, and evaluating horticultural therapy sessions; use of modified tools, enabling gardens and healing gardens.

Design of horticultural therapy programs for a wide range of settings and populations: Focus is on adaptive services provided to special populations, accessible gardening and grant writing.

Introduction to therapeutic landscape design: Enabling and healing gardening in a wide range of medical and senior-care facilities (hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and senior centers); garden placement and adaptive tools for the physically disabled.

Occupational work experience in horticultural therapy under supervision in community settings: Therapeutic work with clients in various settings, determination of specific needs of the special client population and planning appropriate horticultural activities, use of adaptive tools, and professional behavior and ethics in the field.

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LH-200 - LH-299 - Non-Transferable Courses

Day-to-day aspects of maintenance gardening such as: Organizational skills, advertising, tool selection, generating business, estimating strategies, setting rates, client relations, efficiency strategies, and good maintenance habits.

This class will consist of 18 laboratory experiments based on the principles and techniques of soil management. The students will analyze soil, soil reports, and perform field tests. Plant and soil relationships will be explored through experiments. Experiments will range from simple texture tests to complex water/soil tests.

An in-depth study of greenhouse management and operations including construction of greenhouse structures for specific crops such as mums, cyclamen, poinsettias and azaleas, greenhouse growing media, irrigation systems, heating and cooling, and fertilization programs.

Principles and practical applications of commercial plant and flower production in the greenhouse industry. Emphasis on crop scheduling, greenhouse soils, watering, fertilizers, pest control and identification, post harvest handling and marketing, as well as the greenhouse environment and how it pertains to the growing of plants for profit.

An in-depth study of growing roses from bare-root roses through blooming roses. Includes trip to a local rose nursery.

Business aspects of maintenance gardening: Bookkeeping, tax records, licenses, and legal matters such as contract law in preparation for the landscape contractors examination; also covers small claims court procedures.

Use flowers, foliage & herbs to create specialized craft projects structured to meet the needs and capabilities of special populations. Special attention will be given to crafts projects for seniors and for children.

Forum emphasizing professional practices in landscape design, including review of student designs for client presentation and guest speakers in the trade:
Level A: (NI) Basics of contracts and professional licensing options; development of a portfolio to market services.
Level B: (NJ) Strategies for estimating landscape design fees and installation costs and managing project budgets.
Level C: (NK) Presenting designs to clients and planning boards; developing resource lists of nurseries, suppliers, and subcontractors; continuing education opportunities in the landscape design field.

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LH-500 - LH-599 - Non-Credit Courses

Fills a community need for education in developing, and implementing, constructing and maintaining Urban Community Gardens. This course is intended to provide vocational and occupational training for community members.

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LH-800 - LH-899 - Non-Credit, Fee-Based Courses

First in our Aesthetic pruning series. An introduction to aesthetic pruning of ornamental trees to achieve a desired result including problem solving and enhancement of natural attributes. There will also be a brief discussion of the business of pruning.

This course focuses on the current design styles and trends and techniques being practiced in Europe. Students will create designs using floral material they provide.

This class will cover: The identification of different tree forms such as slant, formal upright, windswept, clump, and other techniques will be taught as to the pruning of these various forms. Special emphasis will be given to unique characteristics of selected trees. Students will learn pruning methods to enhance these characteristics.

Theory and practice of placing rocks in the landscape: Includes tools and equipment used to place rocks.

Learn to avoid the butchered look from improper pruning. Learn how to water, fertilize and plant properly.

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A one-day intensive class on the materials and methods of drip irrigation.

This course is a lecture course, which covers in depth the techniques needed to prune the focal point tree. Topics such as tree form, location, detail pruning and special care of the focal point tree will be discussed. This course is intended for students of all levels of pruning expertise.

This is a lecture course, which will cover the basics of pruning plants found in a Japanese garden. Topics such as pruning specific types of plants, creating moods and feeling through pruning, and problem solving will be discussed. This course is intended for students of all levels of pruning expertise.

This is a lecture course that covers the pruning techniques needed to massively reduce trees and shrubs. Topics such as proper season, form reconstruction, and plan of approach will be discussed. This course is intended for students of all levels of pruning expertise.

A brief overview of ornamental grasses for use in landscaping. Explore how ornamental grasses can be used effectively as both a lawn substitute as well as on their own. Identification and cultural conditions will be stressed. Identification and culture of ornamental grasses for use in the landscape.

This course includes identification of western designs, theory, and trends. Practical application designing a western line, triangle, crescent, vertical, Hogarth curve, horizontal, pointed oval, and "L" arrangements.

Care and culture of Cattleya, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedium orchids including information on proper light, fertilization, temperature requirements and repotting.

Garden maintenance topics including basic lawn care, tools, composting, some popular plants, container gardens and some basic design ideas.

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History and discussion of bonsai as an art and science, including an introduction to the five basic bonsai styles, branch placement of trees, scale or proportion, use of wire for training, pruning methods. transplanting, seasonal care and a discussion of a wide range of plant materials. Students will make a bonsai using knowledge gained.

More advanced styles, wiring, pruning and branch placement techniques in bonsai.

Garden projects that can be done with children: Gardening at home and at school, year-round gardening projects, available books and funding sources for gardening projects, and in-class projects to take home for use with children.

Workshop on how to use the Bay Area’s architecture to create more than just “Japanese-style” gardens, but nature-inspired garden spaces: Emphasize on everything from paths to plantings, stonework to stream and pond construction.

Selection, planting, pruning and care of roses. Exploration of the rose varieties from the Old Garden Roses through Modern Roses. Design of rose gardens.

Culture and history of wisteria: Identification and discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of the different species of wisteria, and explanation of the growth and training methods to provide optimal flowering.

Introduction to seasonal fruits, vegetables, and cultural varieties available from one’s own garden, supermarket, specialty store, or local farmer’s market: “Certified organic” standards, shopping at nearby markets, and demonstration of 3-4 recipes using fresh seasonal ingredients to create simple dishes.

This class presents an overview of the basic decorative elements for wedding celebrations. Labs include decorating an arch, candelabra, pew, buffet table, guest table and cake table.

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EXPLANATION OF COURSE NUMBERS:

• Course Numbers 001 - 199: degree applicable, transferable to CSU/UC (always check with college).
• Course Numbers 200 - 249: degree applicable, non-transferable.
• Course Numbers 250 - 299: non-degree, non-transferable.
• Course Numbers 500 - 699: no credit courses.
• Course Numbers 800 - 999: fee-based, no credit classes.

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