Perennials

DESCRIPTION

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:

1. Introduction
2. Review of the system of plant identification
3. Physiology
4. Information sources
5. Culture
6. Planting
7. Staking
8. Mulching
9. Watering
10. Feeding
11. Pruning, etc.
12. Propagation and Hybridization
13. Review of Major Types of Perennials
14. Pests & Disease
15. Irrigation & Hydroponic Culture Techniques
16. Landscaping with Perennials
17. 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.