HORTICULTURE (HRT)
Introduction to Horticulture | This course introduces students to basic plant taxonomy, terminology, anatomy, physiology and the functions/responses of plants. Professions working with the culture and use of plants and applications of plant science will be included. | |
Introduction to Soils | This course introduces students to the science and function of native and artificial soils as they relate to plants and the environment. Topics on formation, physical characteristics, nutrient content and availability, water movement, taxonomy and bi... | |
Tree and Shrub Identification | This course covers the identification of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs by their common and botanic names. Emphasis is placed on trees and shrubs commonly used in the landscape and their key characteristics. Approximately 240 trees will be... | |
Entomology | This course introduces students to the importance of insects to humans. Topics include insect biology, principles of pest management, natural and applied insect control, and insect pests of vegetables, fruit, and ornamental plants. Laboratory include... | |
Perennials, Annuals and Weeds | This course covers the identification, care, and maintenance of herbaceous plants including perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcovers and weeds. Approximately 600+ plants will be covered in this course. Students will review materia... | |
Plant Pathology | An introductory course in plant pathology covering the biology and management of agents causing disease and growing disorders. Students study these agents and the problems that they cause, along with possible management tools. | |
Landscape Graphics | This course introduces students to the methods used to visually communicate existing and desired information to create a landscape design. The course also covers the process of gathering information about site constraints and client needs to develop... | |
Sustainable Landscape Management | This course is focused on foundational landscape maintenance practices with the additional dimension of sustainability. Content includes planting, soil care/preparation, pruning, general turf care, and pest identification and control. It explores how... | |
Small Engine Repair and Maintenance | This course explores the proper use, maintenance, and basic repair of power equipment used in horticulture. Emphasis will be on two- and four-cycle engines used to operate such equipment. | |
Basic Floral Design | Introduces the principles of floral design including the care and use of floral materials and accessories. Identification, handling, and storage of cut flowers will be covered. In addition to construction of basic arrangements, the floral industry... | |
Advanced Floral Design | Focuses on arrangements for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and holidays. Customer relations will also be emphasized. | |
Plant Propagation | This course focuses on the techniques and procedures involved in propagating plants. Sexual and asexual methods are practiced along with environmental conditions needed to promote growth and development. Seed propagating and grafting will be included... | |
Greenhouse Crop Production and Management | This course covers the production of greenhouse crops, the cultural practices required for growth and the management of greenhouse production facilities. Seeding, watering, fertilization, containers, growing medias, temperature control, and insect an... | |
Green Business & Entrepreneurs | This course addresses the fundamental business skills needed to run or manage a horticulture-related business or small farm enterprise. Issues including establishing wholesale accounts for purchasing, hiring and managing seasonal employees, creating... | |
Nursery Production | This course addresses the principles and practices of nursery production and management, and how these have changed over recent years to reflect environmental sustainability in the green industry. Course will include production techniques for traditi... | |
Organic Growing and Sustainable Practices | This course explores the requirements for USDA organic certification, the growth in "organic" strategies for a variety of horticultural production areas, the expansion of small organic growing operations catering to local markets, and how sustainabil... | |
Landscape Design | This course introduces students to design concepts and practical approaches for residential landscape design. Students take a variety of design projects from concept through final presentation. | |
Computer Landscape Design | This course introduces students to the use of AutoCAD for site planning, and to landscape design module aids for the creation of landscape design plans. Emphasis is placed on practical application of software and hardware to develop working drawings... | |
Landscape Construction | This course explores the practical, hands-on installation of landscape features. Project organization, job set up, and construction methods will be covered. Students will be assigned projects that will include design specifications and cost estimates... | |
Urban Forestry Management | This course covers the care and maintenance of trees in urban/suburban settings. Tree identification, care and pruning are covered, as well as special topics of concern to urban foresters like pollution and compaction tolerances, tree preservation or... | |
Horticulture Practicum | This course is a special project arranged by the HRT faculty member and student, and addresses a specific area of interest to the student. Lecture/lab ratio is variable depending upon extent of project and time commited. | |
Seminars in Horticulture | This is a capstone course for horticulture majors. It addresses current environmental trends in the green industry by exploring the qualifications and credentials needed for various career specialties. Guest speakers include a range of representative... | |
Sustainable Landscapes | This class will explore greenroof systems, living walls, gray water catchment systems, rain gardens, bioswales, water quality treatment with plants, phytoremediation (plants) and mycoremediation (fungi) techniques for treating contaminated soils, and... | |
Natural Areas Management | This course provides an overview of natural areas restoration and management issues for the Midwest region. Major plant communities for this region such as wetland, prairie, savanna and woodland will be addressed in terms of their ecology, key identi... | |
Selected Topics - Horticulture | This course is designed to meet the needs of students for specialized instruction in horticulture topics. A maximum of six (6) credit hours of HRT 299 may be used as elective credit toward an A.A.S. degree or certificate in Horticulture; a topic may... | |
Yoga I | (Previously PED 160) This activity course introduces students to the art and science of yoga. Emphasis is placed on basic yoga postures (asanas) and accompanying breathing techniques commonly found in Hatha Yoga and other styles. Students will experi... |