11th & 12th Grade -The Landscape and Turfgrass Management course will introduce students to the vast world of plants and their growing presence in today's occupational fields. They will study the many uses and advantages that plants can bring to a modern landscape environment and the occupation opportunities associated with them.
Students will learn reproduction and culture techniques, nursery and greenhouse production and wholesale and retail merchandising. Learning the names and becoming knowledgeable of the characteristics of so many plants will help the student to become creative, functional and proficient with the vast array of landscape material on the market. In addition, they will learn standard maintenance and care requirements for many common trees, shrubs, turfgrasses, annuals, perennials, and many other ornamental plants.
Students will be introduced to functional applications of patios, retaining walls, decorative fencing and water garden features. Students will blend this knowledge with their plant skills and create beautiful landscapes, functional living areas and modern recreational play areas. Once their plan is created, students will learn proper care and maintenance techniques to assure that projects establish and remain fuctional for years. Students will be introduced to pesticide safety and application, soil science and excavation, site analysis and planning, proper gardening practices and sound horticutlural techniques.
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Plant Identification and Usage
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Turfgrass Management
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Plant and Soil Science
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Greenhouse Production
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Nursery Production and Sales
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Retaining walls/Patio pavers
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Landscape Design and Maintenance
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Decorative Fencing and Living Areas
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Water Gardening and Eco-systems
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Small engine Maintenance and Repair
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Landscape Tools - Usage and Maintenance
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Completers of the Horticulture Course are prepared for entry-level employment with landscape operations, tree services, green house and nursery operations, garden centers and retail floral operations. Advanced training and Post-secondary education is available in these areas. Professional degrees may be obtained.
A Horticulture student must have:
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An excellent understanding of scientific principles including genetics and botany
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A desire to learn mechanical skills
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A desire to work out of doors
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Average or above reading, writing, math and science skills
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The stamina to stoop and lift heavy objects in the creation and maintenance of landscape or green house settings
Click on the link below to see a comprehensive list of Duties and Tasks and how they relate to the NOCTI (National Occupational Competency Testing Institute) and the National Skills Standard.
Each student is expected to complete these upon graduation.
Duty/Task List
Click on the link below to see a chart of the curriculum taught in the Horticulture lab each year.
Instructional Sequence Chart
Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist Certification (P.L.N.A.)
PA Skills Certificate |
Mr. Miles Morton
Mr. Miles Morton has worked in the Horticultural field for 38 years. After graduation from Wattsburg Area High School, he worked seven years at Johnston's Evergreen Nursery. While there, he attended Pennsylvania State University and received his Certification in Ornamental Nursery Industry, his State Pesticide License and State Nursery License. Mr. Morton continued his studies at Penn State Behrend, in Business Administration, and worked seven years at Erie Cut Flower and Supply as a Tropical Plant Wholesaler. He then owned and operated a landscape design and maintenance business from 1985 to 2000. He ran a small greenhouse, maintained a small nursery, created professional outdoor Christmas displays and drew professional landscape designs. In 2000, Mr. Morton became involved in retail and managed the Garden Center and Season Departments at Lowe's of Erie for eight years. He worked his way to Assistant Store Manager and was there until 2010.
Mr. Morton is currently attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania studying Vocational Education.
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