Overview and Award Outcomes
Overview
The professional gardener certificate is designed to prepare students to professionally design, install and maintain ornamental and vegetable gardens, container plantings and seasonal displays in residential, commercial and institutional settings. Some of the skills taught include plant production, site preparation, plant selection, pest and weed identification, creating garden maintenance plans, pruning techniques, tool selection and use, and basic business practices.
Award Outcomes
Propagate woody and herbaceous plants sexually and asexually.
Identify plants and recommended uses.
Operate landscape equipment safely and efficiently.
Design flowerbeds.
Diagnose insect and disease problems of landscape plans.
Identify Minnesota natural plant communities.
Communicate effectively with staff and clients.
Use hand tools safely and efficiently.
Career Opportunities
Landscape/Horticulture professionals design, install and care for residential, commercial and public landscapes. They find work with companies that provide landscape design, construction and maintenance services, as well as garden centers, nurseries, golf courses and municipal parks, community gardens and public works departments.