Course CodeBHT316Fee CodeS2Duration (approx)100 hoursQualificationStatement of Attainment Become an expert at the classification, identification and culture of Perennial Garden Plants. Perennials are versatile, beautiful and important to the landscaping industry, as well as the nurseries that grow and supply them. Perennials come in all forms, from herbaceous plants that die down in the winter and re-emerge in spring (year after year), to plants that retain their soft-stemmed leafy growth year round. Although beautiful, many perennials are also tough and very much adapted to a variety of climates - ranging from very dry to wet. Some have colourful foliage as well as beautiful flowers, others add architectural interest - but all add excitement and diversity to the landscape or garden as they burst into flower each year. Discover what perennials are, which perennial plants are most popular today, their cultural requirements (ie. feeding, watering, soil requirements, pruning, pest control), and learn how to use them to create beautiful landscapes. A course equally valuable to landscapers, nurserymen, cut flower growers and garden enthusiasts. Lesson Structure There are 8 lessons in this course: Introduction Review of the system of plant identification Physiology Information sources Culture Planting Staking Mulching Watering Feeding Pruning, etc. Propagation and Hybridization Review of Major Types of Perennials Pests & Disease Irrigation & Hydroponic Culture Techniques Landscaping with Perennials Further Uses. Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.Aims Describe the identification of Perennial Plants Determine sources of further information for identifying and growing different varieties of perennials. Discuss a variety of cultural techniques used to improve success in growing of different perennial plants Determine the propagation of different perennial plants. Discuss the horticulture of a range of commonly grown perennial genera. Discuss the management of pests and diseases occurring on a range of perennial plants. Manage irrigation and drainage to ensure optimum water levels are maintained for healthy growth in perennials. Determine appropriate use of perennials in a range of horticultural situations. Describe a variety of uses for perennials. What is the Scope of this Course? The range of perennial garden plants is huge. This course will expand your plant knowledge and provide a foundation for a lifelong journey of exploration withg these remarkable plants. There is a great deal of scope for you to explore the plants you have most interest in; under the guidence of your tutor. Some of the plants that may be encountered in this course are listed below; though thwere are of course many others you may also encounter, beyond these. Achillea Dianella Iberis Salvia Ajuga Dianthus Kniphofia Santolina Alchemilla Dierama Lavandula Saxifraga Alyssum saxatile Erigeron Liriope Sedum Anthemis Erysimum Parahebe Sempervivum Aubretia Euphorbia Pelargonium Sisyrinchium Bergenia Festuca Penstemon Stachys Campanula Gazania Phlomis Strelitzia Carex Geum Phlox subulata Tanacetum Cerastium Heuchera Phormium Tulbaghia Epimedium Helleborus Plectranthus Yucca Other Perennials and Suggested Uses Garden-gate Plants: Tall Bearded Iris Flower colour range, season spring/summer, height 60-90cm Day Lilies (Hemerocallis) Flower colour range, season early/mid summer, height 75cm Border Plants: Aster Dwarf flowers in summer, tall flowers in autumn Anthemis tinctoria Yellow/cream, 30cm Aquilegia 60cm, early summer, attractive foliage and flowers Heleniums Yellow/brown, late summer-autumn, 60-125cm Rudbeckias Yellow, 1.25m, late summer Accent Plants: Cynara carduncaulus 1m high, 2m wide, attractive foliage Miscanthus sinensis 2m, decorative foliage (many cultivars) Phormium To 1.5m, strap-like attractive foliage (many cultivars Romneya coulteri 2m, white/yellow flowers summer-autumn (sheltered position) Yucca Cream bells in summer-autumn, 2m, attractive rosette foliage Foliage Plants: Arum italicum Attractive foliage, 45cm ( a weed in some countries) Bergenia cordifolia Round leathery, 25cm very drought tolerant Eomecon chionanthum Fig like leaf, ht.30cm Dianella species Flax-like small plant, 70cm (blue flowers and berries) Diplarrhena morea Iris-like foliage, 75cm Heracleum mantegazzianum Large, coarsely divided, 3 high Iris Especially the variegated leaf variety, reed-like foliage, Lavatera olbia Vine-shaped leaves, 2m Melianthus species Grey-green fingered foliage, up to 2m high Orthrosanthus multiflorus Iris-like foliage, 75cm Paeonia species Deeply divided foliage, ht up to 2m Patersonia glauca Iris-like foliage, 45cm Perennials for under Trees: Cyclamen sp. Attractive foliage and flowers, bulbous Euphorbia robbiae Rosettes of dark rounded foliage Helleborus sp. Divided leaves, low habit, attractive flowers Pachysandra terminalis Low, evergreen, dense, 10cm high What Can this Course Do For You? Anyone can refer to a book or web site for information on a perennial plant - but seeing it isa not the same as understanding it, remembering it, and being able to apply it in 'real life'. If you want to be a real life expert with perennial plants - this is the course for you. Whether you plant to work with perennials (as a nurseryman, landscaper or plant breeder), or are simply an enthusiastic amateur; this course can take your knowledge to the next level and provide a solid foundation for lifelong learning and understanding of perennial plants.