BAA Course: Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening 11 District Name: Cowichan Valley District Number: 79 Developed by: Verna Buhler Date Developed: December 2005 Schools Names: Principal s Name: Cowichan Secondary; Chemainus Secondary; Frances Kelsey Secondary; Lake Cowichan Secondary; Cowichan Valley Open Learning Cooperative; Cowichan Adult Learning Centre Pat Duncan; Grant Foster; Marilyn Sandford; Jeff Baker; Jo Keeping Board/Authority Approval Date: February 15, 2006 Board/Authority Signature Course Name: Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening 11 Grade Level of Course: 11 Number of Course Credits: 4 Number of Hours of Instruction: 120 Prerequisite(s): None Special Training, Facilities or Equipment Required: Instructor with training in Gardening or Horticultural Field Classroom for Theory Access to Natural Habitats Field Trips to Nurseries and Gardens Ideally, a shed or greenhouse area Course Synopsis: Gardening and landscaping practices have a significant impact on the
environment. The emphasis of this course is based on adopting and refining the principles of "sustainable gardening". The sustainable gardening concept is one that supports an approach to gardening with an emphasis on environmental protection. Students visit and observe natural habitats, and learn to skillfully recreate nature's beauty in domestic landscapes. This environmentally responsible gardening/landscaping course aims to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. Rationale: The purpose of the Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening 11 course is to introduce young people to plants, gardening, and landscaping. The course will prepare students for possible careers in horticulture, horticultural therapy, garden and landscape design, environmental studies, and forest industry programs. Unit/Topic Title Time Unit 1 Natural Habitats and Sustainable Gardening Unit 2 Plant Families and Plant Identification 20 hours Unit 3 Soil Composition and Plant Nutrients Unit 4 Unit 5 Unit 6 Unit 7 Unit 8 Unit 9 Unit 10 Water Quality, and Conservation Methods Plant Propagation and Pruning Techniques Food Crops: Orchards, Berries and Vegetables Landscape and Garden Plants Diagnosing Plant Problems and Diseases Integrated Weed and Pest Management Sustainable Landscape Design 20 hours Total Hours 120 hours Unit 1 Natural Habitats and Sustainable Gardening Students will be introduced to the course outline, classroom expectations and criteria referenced evaluation methods. Sustainable Gardening, the fundamental concept of the course will be introduced and its theories thoroughly researched by students. Students will observe their communities for examples of disturbed and undisturbed natural habitats. It is expected that the students will: Demonstration understanding of the principles of Sustainable Gardening ; Demonstrate understanding of sustainable gardening and landscaping practices; Identify plant communities and natural habitats in the community in which they live.
Unit 2 Plant Families and Identification of Plants 20 hours Study in this unit will include a review of basic botany, plant hormones and growth regulators, and environmental factors affecting plant growth. Students begin an ongoing study of the identification of plants, both native and cultivated, commonly grown in the Vancouver Island region. This will include learning scientific plant names by understanding the classification system of plants by family, genus, and species. Review basic botany, plant life cycles, plant parts, as it relates to healthy plant growth and development; Demonstrate working knowledge of classification system of plants; In a lab/ field setting, correctly identify 20-30 plants; Identify common characteristics of native plants and plant communities. Unit 3 Soil Composition and Plant Nutrients This unit provides students with an opportunity to closely examine soil samples to determine soil composition and to research methods for soil improvement. By making and using compost, students learn to appreciate the value of organic matter in soils. Through a study of living plants, students will learn to identify nutrient deficiencies in soils, and will learn how to provide nutrients for healthy plant growth. Explain the composition of soil and characteristics of soil types; Demonstrate knowledge of plant nutrients and fertilizer terminology; Explain the effects of adding organic matter to soil; Demonstrate how to make and use compost; Understand the relationship between composting and the environment; Understand how to protect water resources in the context of the garden and landscape. Unit 4 Water Quality, and Water Conservation Methods Students will address concerns regarding water as an essential resource, and will study environmentally sound gardening techniques that are key to protecting water quality. Focus will be on xeriscaping, and effective landscape design through knowledgeable plant selection and plant groupings. Explain factors that negatively impact on quality of water; Describe how to protect water resources in the context of gardening and landscaping; Create garden designs using drought tolerant plants.
Unit 5 Plant Propagation and Pruning Techniques Students will have an opportunity to practice several methods of plant propagation, and will learn about the difference between sexual and asexual propagation. A variety of pruning methods for specific purposes will be covered in this unit. Students will have opportunities for practical application of these important skills. Demonstrate two methods of plant propagation; Explain sexual and asexual propagation of plants; Identify pruning tools and understand how to safely and effectively use the tools; Demonstrate basic pruning skills for a variety of purposes; Understand the importance of knowledgeable and purposeful pruning practices; Unit 6 Food Crops: Orchards, Berries, and Vegetables Planning, planting, and caring for home orchards, berry and vegetable crops will be covered in this unit. This will include selecting suitable varieties for local regions, fertilizing, pruning, and identifying and managing insect and disease problems common to these plants in this region. Prepare a list of plant varieties most suitable for growing in local regions; Describe specific pruning methods of crop plants for maximizing yields; Identify disease and insects commonly found on food crops; Identify organic solutions for managing food crop plant diseases and insects; Unit 7 Landscape and Ornamental Garden Plants 20 hours This exciting unit covers selecting and planting herbaceous ornamental plants and woody landscape plants. Topics included in this unit are largely related to understanding the concept of Right Plant, Right Place. By understanding the characteristics of the planting area, and understanding the growing requirements of particular plants, sustainable landscapes are created that require minimal inputs of labor, water, fertilizer, and pest management. Research a variety of plants to identify plants requiring common growing conditions; Create a plan for the steps required for the installation of a new garden bed; Examine a garden design, and identify problems with the existing design offering recommendations for alternative plantings.
Unit 8 Diagnosing Plant Problems and Diseases Students will be introduced to a step by step method for diagnosing plant problems, following a study of the various types of damage that plants experience. They will learn to distinguish between living and non-living causes. A study of plant disease will include disease terminology, an analysis of disease producing organisms, plant disease control, and preventative gardening practices. It is expected that the student will: Demonstrate the ability to apply a systematic approach to the diagnosis of plant problems; Diagnose plant problem(s) in a lab/field setting; Make recommendations for solutions to plant problem case studies; Explain preventative gardening practices to minimize the occurrence of plant problems. Unit 9 Integrated Weed and Pest Management Pesticide and herbicide terminology is important to understanding and using pesticides. Students will research the difference between home garden and commercial pesticides, will learn about pesticide toxicity, and will examine the potential hazards of pesticide usage. Focus will be placed on an environmentally responsible approach known as Integrated Pest Management. Demonstrate understanding of pesticide usage and its impact on environment; Explain the concept of integrated pest management ; Design an integrated pest management approach to a specified plant problem; Unit 10 Sustainable Landscape Design Students will apply the principles of sustainable gardening practices by creating a landscape design. This culminating activity will involve an analysis of the setting and purpose of the project, selection and placement of suitable plants, and an assessment of landscape sustainability. Complete an culminating design project; Create a landscape drawing labeled with scientific plant names; Demonstrate an ability to apply the main concepts of right plant, right place ; Demonstrate an awareness of herbaceous and woody landscape plants and their growth habits; Demonstrate that the landscape plan is based on sustainable landscape principles.
Methods of Delivery: May include, but are not limited to: 1. Direct and indirect instruction 2. Paired, small group, and class discussions and tasks 3. Library and Internet research 4. Practical components in lab format with plants and plant samples brought into the classroom 5. Field trips 6. Guest Speakers 7. Videos Assessment Component: Unit Assignments 30 % Practical Applications 10 % Written Tests 20 % Culminating Design Project 40 % Learning Resources: Learning Resources will include, but are not limited to: Teacher generated resources Variety of plant and gardening books as available in school libraries Videos Library and Internet sources