Horticulture

3 credit course. Offered Spring, Summer, and Fall. Introduction to horticulture with an emphasis on plant domestication, morphology, classification, world food crops, commodities, gardens, propagation, and agrochemicals.

3 credit course. Offered Summer and Fall. Plants have played a dynamic role in shaping our life. In reality, human existence on Earth is made possible by the breath of plants through photosynthesis. Likewise, our botanical connections and interactions are many: we need plants for food, beverages, medicines, materials, healthy lifestyles, and aesthetics. Plants have also played an important role in where our ancestors settled and where we live today. Some of the important topics discussed in this class will include the role of tea in transforming world cultures, the importance of sugar in the Civil War and the establishment of the Caribbean nations, the effect of the Irish potato famine on Europe and the US, and the use of plants in solving crimes.

3 credit course. Offered Spring and Fall. Fundamentals of Home Landscaping offers broad coverage of the environmental, human, technological, and aesthetic issues associated with residential landscape design. Beginning with the way we perceive, manage, and design the landscape, the course examines the arrangement of land, water, plant forms, and structures for their best use and greater enjoyment. Relying on actual procedures and underlying principles utilized by experienced residential landscape designers, the course will introduce students to basic design principles, concepts, specific procedures for preparing site plans and associated documents. The course will also explore designing with and general care of plants, assorted hardscape types, and how to properly assess a site. From choosing trees, shrubs, groundcovers that are correct for the site to properly installing patios, decks, and walkways, students will be presented with the varied ways plants and hardscape are installed and maintained. The course will conclude with students completing a design for a residential site.