Guest guest Posted November 11, 2006 Report Share Posted November 11, 2006 I have lately learned that our local tech school is offering a course in horticulture (primarily based less on getting to know the plants and more on how to work for a garden center or landscaping service). So for now I amuse myself learning all I can on my own and designing my friend's gardens for them Does your state have a Certified Nurseryman program? In Michigan we have MCN, Michigan Certified Nurseryman/woman.... There is also a Master Gardner program. We get a lot of our seasonal employees through those programs and put a lot of employees through the programs. MSU has a good horticultural program and they offer lots of classes and workshops, which we also put interested employees through. Lots of our customers come to us specifically because we have employees who are extremely knowledgeable about plants, watering, fertilizer, placement, hardiness, every facet of gardening. And they may just find a plant they have never heard of that is different from the 'meat and potatoes' garden plants (which are very useful and we use them a lot.) and will add a nice focal point or conversation piece or will feed the birds or butterflies. The people who are serious come to us rather than going to the 'Big Box' places. They know they will get a knowledgeable answer. We get so frustrated with people with just book knowledge sometimes. The people who go through the Landscape Architecture programs (which is really only necessary for large site planning, not the average homeowner garden) often pay no heed to if the plant is well suited to a site (exposure, water requirements, zone, etc.) Or when and how much to mulch. How to edge without that yucky plastic edging (no offense to those who use it). Sprinkler systems are not adequate for plants usually, just lawns. Trickle irrigation. How to monitor soil moisture. What deer & rabbits will eat and what they won't, if you have a property with deer and rabbits. Many of our customers who are tulip aficionados were most distressed to discover that their nice country plot with deer and rabbits abound are henceforth going to have to be daffodil fans. I wish I knew more about herbology. AmyF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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