Certificate in Australian Natives

Core studies cover Australian Natives I and II, native trees and plant taxonomy, giving a thorough grounding in identifying and growing Australian native plants. Electives let you specialise further, in areas such as acacias, eucalypts, grevilleas, native ferns, palms and cycads, or tropical plants. Suitable for those wanting genuine depth in Australian native plant knowledge, whether for gardening or professional horticulture.

Expand your knowledge of trees and plants with a Certificate in Australian Natives The world is changing - more and more different varieties of non-indigenous plants and trees are being grown in homes, gardens and public areas. Horticulturalists will benefit from knowing more about these different types of plants, how to propagate and manage them and where they are most appropriate. Learn how to identify different types of Australian native trees, ferns and flowers. Improve your knowledge on the different commercial applications for these. The elective element of the Certificate allows you to tailor the course specifically to your own areas of interest. Select from Tropical Plants, Palms and Cyads, or Interior Plants. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of Bush Tucker Plants - edible Austrlian plants. Course Duration: 600 hours of self paced study. Start at any time; study when and where you want. COURSE STRUCTURE Study 5 core modules made up of Australian Native Ferns, Australian Native Trees, Australian Natives I and II and Bushtucker Plants. Then choose 1 elective module from Tropical Plants, Palms and Cyads or Interior Plants. CORE MODULES There are 5 core modules, as follows. Please click on the links to access the page for each. Australian Native Ferns Australian Native Trees Australian Natives I Australian Natives II Bush Tucker Plants ELECTIVE MODULES Choose 1 elective module from the following:- Tropical Plants Palms and Cyads Interior Plants MODULE LESSON CONTENT More in-depth information concerning each module is available via the course page links. AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FERNS There are 8 lessons in this module: 1. Introduction Includes review of the system of plant identification, and general characteristics and main groups of ferns. 2. Culture Includes planting, mulching, watering, pest & disease, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt air. 3. Propagation Includes methods of propagating ferns. 4. The Most Commonly Grown Varieties Includes maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, common ground ferns. 5. Other Important Groups Includes Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris, etc. 6. Other Varieties Includes Hares foot ferns, Bracken, Fans. 7. Making the Best Use of Native Ferns Includes where to plant and how to sell produce. 8. Special Assignment A major project on one genera of ferns. AUSTRALIAN NATIVE TREES There are 8 lessons in this module: 1. Introduction Includes review of the system of plant identification, genus, species, changing names, and hybrids. 2. Culture Includes planting procedures, time of planting and pruning. 3. Propagation Includes different types of propagation, grafting, and transplanting. 4. Most Commonly Grown Varieties Includes review of relevant genera. 5.More About Important Groups Includes Eucalyptus, Grevillea, and diagnosing tree problems. 6. Other Varieties Includes rainforest trees, Acmena, Agathis, Podocarpus, Adansonia, Barklya, and Nuytsia. 7. Making The Best Use Of Native Plants Includes problems with trees, biological controls, and Australian indigenous palms. 8. Special Assignment Students select and conduct an in-depth study of one plant genus or group. AUSTRALIAN NATIVES I There are 9 lessons in this module: 1. Introduction Includes scope and nature of Australian indigenous plants, and origins of Australian fauna. 2. Cultural Techniques Includes environmental factors, nutrition, pests, and disease. 3. Eucalypts Includes general culture of the genus Eucalypts, and review of selected species. 4. Native Trees Includes Casurina, Allocasuarina, Gymnostoma, and Ceuthostoma. 5. Acacias Includes overview of Acacias - scope and nature, drawing a garden design. 6. Melaleucas, Callistemons and Leptospermums Includes review of the Myrtaceae family. 7. Grevilleas Includes scope and nature of the genus, different types, and related Proteaceae Natives. 8. Ground Cover and Small Shrubs Includes Fabaceae (Papillionaceae) Pea Family Australian Plants. 9. Commercial Applications Includes fragrant Australian Native plants, and growing plants in containers. AUSTRALIAN NATIVES II There are 8 lessons in this module: 1. Introduction Includes scope and nature of wildflowers, general characteristics of the group. 2. Growing Conditions Includes planting, staking, mulching, pests and disease. 3. The Heaths and Similar Plants Includes Myrtaceae family and other small natives, Telopea, and Leptospermum. 4. The Daisy Family Includes Helichrysum, Bracteantha, Helipterum, and Olearia. 5. The Legumes Includes Fabaceae, Caesalpinaceae, and Acacia. 6. Other Common Groups Includes Boronia, Clematis, and Viola. 7. The Monocots Includes grasses, native irises, and Xanthorrhea. 8. Commercial Applications Bush Tucker Plants There are 8 lessons in this module: 1. Introduction Includes scope, understanding plant toxins, identifying plants. 2. Growing Includes understanding and improving soils, collecting, storing and germating seeds. 3. Gathering Includes ethics, bush foods as a commercial venture, rainforest gardens. 4. Nuts and Seeds Includes Macadamia, Araucaria, and Hicksbeachia Pinnatifolia. 5. Vegetables Includes Tetragonia Tetragonioides (native spinach), and Longleaf Mat Rush (Lomandra Longifolia). 6. Fruits Includes Astoloma, Billardiera, and Ficus. 7. Flavourings, Teas, Essences Includes Basckhousia, Leptospermum, and Alpinia Caerulea. 8. Using Bush Tucker Plants Evolve your ability to identify, select, and develop processing procudures for a range of selected bush food plants. HOW THE COURSE WORKS You can start the course at any time. It is studied by distance learning, so you can study in the comfort of your own home. But this doesn't mean you are all alone in your studies. Our highly qualified and friendly tutors are there to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions at all, they are always happy to help. HOW THE CERTIFICATE IS ASSESSED The Certificate In Australian Natives requires around 600 hours of study. This is made up of six 100 hour modules. To pass the course – Pass all assignments on the six 100 hour modules. There will be an assignment at the end of each lesson to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback. Pass six examinations – one on each module. These are usually taken at the end of the module and can be arranged at a time and location to suit you. This qualification is accredited by IARC (International Accreditation and Recognition Council). THE ADVANTAGES OF STUDYING WITH ACS You can start the course at any time and study at your own pace. Fit your studies around your own busy lifestyle - we provide full tutor support for all the time you are studying. Study where you want to - online studies offer the flexibility for you to determine where and when you study. WHAT NEXT? Enrol Go to “It’s Easy to Enrol” box at the top of the page and enrol now. Get Advice Email us at info@acsedu.co.uk or use our FREE COUNSELLING SERVICE to contact a tutor.