This is an introductory course in ornamental horticulture. The main topics covered in class include: introduction to the ornamental horticulture field and related employment opportunities, introduction to plant taxonomy, plant anatomy and physiology, environmental requirements for plant growth and development, basic plant propagation techniques, integrated pest management, and the fundamentals of soil, water and fertilizers. Students learn how the ornamental horticulture industry applies and utilizes this knowledge at a practical level, and how new knowledge is acquired through experimental research employing the scientific method.

This course presents botanical nomenclature, scientific and common plant names, how plants are used in the landscape, forms of plants, and soil and nutritional requirements. Plants emphasized will come from the current plant list for the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) Certification Test. Plant material grown in the local regions will also be included.

This course presents botanical nomenclature, scientific and common plant names, uses of ornamental plants in the landscape, general forms and growth habits of plants, and plant environmental requirements. Plants emphasized will come from the current plant list for the California Association of Nurseries and Garden Centers (CANGC) Certification Test. Plant material grown in the local regions will also be included.

This course covers the fundamental principles of residential landscape design. Design theory, client needs, location design solutions, plant combination theory and an appreciation for quality designs are emphasized. Computer landscape drafting software is utilized to produce designs.

Plant propagation and production practices with emphasis on nursery operations including sexual and asexual reproduction, planting, transplanting, fertilizing, plant pest and disease control; structures and site layout; preparation and use of propagating and planting mediums; use and maintenance of common tools and equipment; regulations pertaining to plant production. Laboratory required.

This course is a lecture lab combination and covers skills and activities related to landscape maintenance and management such as pruning, planting, fertilizing, irrigation system maintenance and repair, lawn mowing, pest and disease control, safety on the worksite, and landscape management equipment operation and safety.

This introductory course in floral design covers the various phases of floral design. This course includes fundamentals of theory, skills and techniques practiced in the floral industry. Through floral design, students will develop an awareness of art principles and the ways in which people throughout the ages and in different cultures have used floral arrangements to enhance their lives through artistic expression. This course also considers care and handling of plant materials and proper use of tools when designing floral arrangements.

This course provides a historical overview of the nursery industry. It covers the basic operation activities and practices of commercial nurseries. Students receive practical experience in various aspects of the nursery industry including: propagating, fertilizing, training, pruning, transplanting, potting, irrigating, marketing, selling, and controlling pests and diseases. Emphasis is on ornamental trees, shrubs, and flowering annuals and perennials. This course is a lecture/lab combination.

This course is designed to teach students the basic drafting techniques and standards for creating residential landscape plans using computer drafting software. Students learn landscape symbols, lettering styles and methods of drafting landscape plans using section and detail drawings.

This course covers the fundamentals of residential landscape construction including: soil preparation, hardscape installation and maintenance, construction materials, hand and power tools, construction equipment, turf and plant installation, plan reading, bidding and estimating, and basic irrigation system construction.

This course in turfgrass management emphasizes the management practices used to grow turf in the San Joaquin Valley. Content includes identification of common turfgrass varieties, an overview of common techniques and equipment utilized to propagate, mow, fertilize, aerate, and irrigate turfgrass, the management of common pests and diseases, and the maintenance and operation of turf equipment.

This course focuses on advanced styling of floral designs to wear and carry, as practiced specifically in wedding work, including complete coverage of wedding bouquets, corsages, church decorations, balloons and bouquet decor and the basic principles of theory and design relevant to wedding styles.

This course covers the identification of system components, design concepts, installation and assembly of various landscape irrigation systems. It is a requirement for the Landscape Management Certification Program.

This course will prepare students to utilize the principles of xeriscaping when evaluating, planning, designing, installing and maintaining landscapes. The primary focus of the course is to prepare students to utilize horticultural theory and practices to conserve water in the management of landscapes.

This course covers the diagnosis, analysis and management of plant diseases. The focus is on the principles and methods of controlling plant diseases including biological, cultural, physical, mechanical and chemical. Pesticide safety, formulations, and methods of application are presented. It helps students prepare for the pest control adviser’s examination.

This course covers the elements of identification and management of pest and beneficial organisms of economic importance to the landscape and nursery management industries. Principles of controlling pests including biological, cultural, physical, mechanical, and chemical are discussed. Pesticide safety, formulations, methods of application, and laws and regulations are presented. This class helps students prepare for the Pest Control Adviser’s examination, and the Qualified Applicator License exam.