Once you are enrolled in this course, you will receive access to the first Module, which contains the first set of units for the course. When you have successfully completed those units, you'll be given access to the next Module.
Open Colleges may make changes to the course from time to time to reflect changes introduced to the relevant Training Package or other regulatory requirements. Please download the course guide for current information about the course and its status.
Introduction to Horticulture
In this first study period, you will be introduced to important knowledge and skills of a Horticulturalist, including how to recognise plants (including common weeds) and how to collect and press dry plants to create your own personal herbarium. You will be introduced to Work Health and Safety, practice your communication skills and build up your knowledge of horticulture products and services.
| AHCPCM201 |
Recognise plants |
- Prepare for plant recognition
- Recognise specified plants
- Update the reference collection
| AHCPCM202 |
Collect, prepare and preserve plant specimens |
- Collect plant specimens
- Preserve plant specimens
- Record and catalogue specimen
| AHCWHS201 |
Participate in work health and safety processes |
- Follow workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control
- Observe safe practices during work operations
- Participate in arrangements for maintaining the health and safety of all people in the workplace
| AHCWRK208 |
Provide information on products and services |
- Identify information requirements
- Provide information
Plan Installation
You will learn how to install and look after plant displays (using trees and shrubs) for permanent displays in park gardens or temporary displays, such as a garden show. You start with learning about soils and growing media (e.g. potting mixes) and how to improve them. You will practice doing simple tests such as light, moisture and pH. You'll also practice planting trees and shrubs.
| AHCSOL202 |
Assist with soil or growing media sampling and testing |
- Collect soil or media samples for testing
- Perform basic tests on soil or media sample
| AHCPGD201 |
Plant trees and shrubs |
- Prepare for planting operations
- Prepare trees and shrubs for planting
- Inspect plants and report problems
- Install trees, shrubs and/or other plants
- Complete work
| AHCNSY303 |
Install and maintain plant displays |
- Assess requirements for plantscaping
- Install containerised and direct planted specimens
- Maintain plants
Plant Health
You will learn more about how to maintain your plants displays, especially how to treat weeds, plant pests, diseases and disorders and how to prune shrubs and small trees. You will learn to recognise weeds, common pests and symptoms of common diseases and disorders. You will practice calculating and applying domestic chemicals using handheld equipment. You will also learn how to recognise when a shrub or small tree needs basic pruning and learn to use some basic pruning tools, such as handsaws, hedge shears and limb loppers.
- Prepare to treat weeds
- Conduct week treatment
- Carry out post treatment operation
| AHCPMG202 |
Treat plant pests, diseases and disorders |
- Prepare to treat plant pests, diseases and disorders
- Apply treatments to plant pests, diseases and disorders
- Carry out post treatment operation
| AHCPGD203 |
Prune shrubs and small trees |
- Identify pruning requirements
- Undertake pruning of shrubs and small trees
Working in the Industry
You will learn how to work in an environmentally sustainable way, including how to measure and reduce the resources you are using, and how the horticulture industry complies with environmental legislation. You will also have opportunities to explore career paths within horticulture, understand employment obligations and learn why bio-security is so important to Australian horticulture.
| AHCWRK209 |
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices |
- Identify current resource use
- Comply with environmental regulations
- Seek opportunities to improve resource efficiency
| AHCWRK204 |
Work effectively in the industry |
- Obtain information about the industry
- Observe employment requirements
- Accept responsibility for quality of own work
- Plan and conduct own work
- Promote workplace cooperation
- Contribute to a productive work environment
- Undertake an activity to workplace requirements
Nursery Stream
(Elective stream)
This is a very hands-on study period where you will learn some of the key tasks that are done in a commercial or non-commercial nursery. You will propagate plants that interest you and treat them if they become stressed or suffer from a disease or disorder. You will also practice potting up plants and how to maintain plants in a nursery.
| AHCNSY203 |
Undertake propagation activities |
- Prepare for plant propagation
- Propagate plants
- Complete propagation activities
- Prepare for potting up operations
- Prepare growing media
- Pot up propagated plants
- Complete potting up operation
| AHCNSY301 |
Maintain nursery plants |
- Prepare to work
- Monitor and maintain the nursery environment
- Determine daily water requirements
- Promote plant growth by intervention
- Complete work
Parks & Gardens Stream
(Elective stream)
This is a very practical study period where you will learn how to use basic machinery and equipment used in parks and gardens, such as mowers, whipper snippers, hedge clippers and herbicide sprayers. Safety is a core focus and you will learn how to do pre-operational safety checks and how to clean and maintain basic machinery. You will also practice how to maintain and repair properties and structures typically found in parks (e.g. simple irrigation systems and timber structures, play equipment and paving) that don’t require the specialist skills of another trade. Finally, you will learn some of the common tasks required to establish turf by seed and sod, including how to decide what turf to use, how to calculate quantities, apply fertilisers and use basic machinery, such as a hand roller.
| AHCMOM203 |
Operate basic machinery and equipment |
- Prepare basic machinery and equipment for use
- Operate basic machinery and equipment
- Check, clean and store basic machinery and equipment
| AHCINF203 |
Maintain properties and structures |
- Identify and confirm maintenance requirements
- Select and prepare tools, equipment and materials
- Carry out routine maintenance
- Complete maintenance activities
| AHCTRF204 |
Support turf establishment |
- Prepare to establish a planted area
- Prepare the planting area
- Plant turf
- Provide post-planting care
- Complete establishment of the planted area
Landscaping Stream
(Elective stream)
This is a very practical study period. You will learn about basic machinery and equipment used in landscaping, this may include cement mixers, whacker-packers, saws, and levellers. Safety is a core focus and you will learn how to do pre-operational safety checks and how to clean and maintain basic machinery. You will also learn how to lay modular paving in landscape projects.
| AHCMOM203 |
Operate basic machinery and equipment |
- Prepare basic machinery and equipment for use
- Operate basic machinery and equipment
- Check, clean and store basic machinery and equipment
- Plan and prepare for paving work
- Set out and prepare paving area
- Undertake ground preparation
- Lay bedding material
- Lay pavers to a given pattern
- Clean site and store tools and equipment
| AHCLSC201 |
Assist with landscape construction work |
- Prepare materials, tools and equipment for landscaping work
- Undertake landscape work as directed
- Handle materials and equipment
- Clean up on completion of landscaping work
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