Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture and the Landscape Industry

Study Guide

Introduction toOrnamentalHorticulture and theLandscape IndustryBy

Matthew Brooks

About the Author

Matthew Brooks received his bachelor of landscape architecturedegree from the University of Illinois and his masters in landscapearchitecture from the University of Minnesota. He spent severalyears working in the Chicago area in landscape design, sales, andproject management of commercial, institutional, and residentialscale projects. He is a member of the faculty at Dakota CountyTechnical College, where he teaches courses in landscape design,computer-aided design (CAD), and woody plant identification. He is president of Brooks Design Group, Inc., a landscape design andconstruction services consulting company. His work has appearedin Better Homes and Gardens, Northern Gardener, and, most recently,at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. He is amember of the American Society of Landscape Architects and theMinnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, where he sits onthe Environmental Concerns Committee.

Copyright 2012 by Penn Foster, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright may bereproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Requests for permission to make copies of any part of the work should be mailed to Copyright Permissions, Penn Foster, 925 Oak Street, Scranton,Pennsylvania 18515.

Printed in the United States of America

06/07/2013

All terms mentioned in this text that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Use of a term in this text should not beregarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS 1

LESSON ASSIGNMENTS 5

LESSON 1: THE CRAFTS OF ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE 7

LESSON 2: THE PROFESSIONS OF ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE 21

LESSON 3: THE SHIFT TO SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES 41

RESEARCH PROJECT 55

SELF-CHECK ANSWERS 61

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INTRODUCTION

The landscape industry is just one of many specialty tradesthat make up the larger and more diverse field of ornamentalhorticulture. In addition to the landscape industry, whichencompasses the design, installation, and maintenance oflandscapes and gardens, the field of ornamental horticultureincludes the growers who supply the landscape and floraltrades, the researchers who breed new varieties of plants,and the wholesale and retail operators who connect productsof the trade to its customers. The ornamental horticultureindustry values plants for their role in creating a more beau-tiful world, unlike the agriculture industry, which sees plantsas a source of food, fiber, building materials, and biomass forthe production of alternative fuels.

The primary focus of the landscape technology program is on planning, installing, and maintaining gardens and land-scapes. However, a fundamental understanding of the othertrades that fall within the larger sphere of ornamental horti-culture is vital to your career exploration and long-termsuccess in the landscape business. The boundaries betweenthe specialties of ornamental horticulture are often blurred.To be familiar with each of these specialty areas will be anadvantage as you develop professional relationships in theindustry.

This course is divided into three lessons and 15 assignments.Each assignment generally corresponds to a chapter in one ofyour textbooks. At the end of each assignment, youll take aself-check, the answers of which are located at the back ofthis study guide. At the end of each of the three lessons, youmust complete a multiple-choice examination. Youre alsorequired to complete a final project.

OBJECTIVES

When you complete this course, youll be able to

Discuss historical aspects of ornamental horticultureand garden design and the influences that have shapedthe gardens of the United States

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Identify the individual crafts that make up the broaderfield of ornamental horticulture

Describe the opportunities for employment in the professions of ornamental horticulture

Identify the qualifications for employment in each area of ornamental horticulture

Discuss the psychological and physical abilities requiredfor a successful career in ornamental horticulture

Describe the relationships among the professions ofornamental horticulture

Explain reasons for the growing interest and demand in sustainable landscapes

Identify the key concepts and benefits of sustainablelandscapes

Discuss business opportunities in sustainable landscapes

COURSE MATERIALS

This course includes the following materials:

1. This study guide, which contains an introduction to yourcourse, plus

A lesson assignments page with a schedule of studyassignments

Introductions to lessons and assignments, whichemphasize the main points in the textbook

Self-checks and answers to help you assess yourunderstanding of the material

A research project that youll complete and submitat the end of the course

2. Your course textbooks, Ornamental Horticulture: Science,Operations, & Management and How to Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business, which contain theassigned reading materials

Instructions to Students2

YOUR TEXTBOOKS

Your textbooks, Ornamental Horticulture: Science, Operations,& Management and How to Start a Home-Based LandscapingBusiness, contain the study materials on which your self-checksand examinations are based. You should become familiar withyour textbooks prior to beginning your studies by skimmingthrough the contents pages of each book. The contents pageswill give you a preview of the chapters in each textbook, aswell as a list of topics specific to each chapter. Please notethat there are several chapters in your textbooks that wontbe included in the assigned readings for this study guide.However, youll need to keep these textbooks, since theunreferenced chapters will be included in the assignedreadings for later study guides.

Each chapter in your textbook Ornamental Horticulture:Science, Operations, & Management begins with a list ofobjectives and key terms. Be sure to read the objectivesbefore you begin your studies to prepare for what youll be learning. While reading, pay particular attention to thekey terms that are highlighted in bold type throughout the chapter.

At the back of the book, youll find Appendices A and B, whichcontain useful information that includes a list of professionaltrade organizations and selected readings for further studiesin ornamental horticulture. Theres also a glossary of all thekey terms listed in your book, which may be useful whenreviewing for exams.

At the end of How to Start a Home-Based LandscapingBusiness, youll find Appendix 1, which contains a completelisting of resources, including professional associations, trademagazines, periodicals, and suggestions for further reading.Appendix 2 lists additional Web-based resources useful forfurther study in your landscaping career.

Instructions to Students 3

Instructions to Students4

A STUDY PLAN

The following is the recommended procedure for successfullycompleting this course while receiving the maximum benefitfrom your studies.

1. Read the introduction to each assignment and note yourassigned readings in both the study guide and textbook.

2. Read the chapter objectives at the beginning of assignedtextbook readings; then read the materials for a generalunderstanding of subject matter.

3. Go back and reread assigned materials, highlighting orunderlining key concepts and passages to help youremember essential information.

4. When you feel you understand the material, take theself-check at the end of the lesson. Compare your answerswith those given at the end of this study guide. If yougave an incorrect answer to any of the self-check ques-tions, go back and review the assigned materials untilyou have a thorough understanding.

5. After completing all the self-check questions for that particular lesson, you may take the examination.

6. Repeat this procedure for each lesson in the study guide.

7. Following the last examination, youll complete the finalproject described at the end of this study guide.

Please feel free to e-mail your instructor for assistance at anypoint during your studies. Youre now ready to begin. Goodluck!

Remember to regularly check My Courses on your student homepage.Your instructor may post additional resources that you can access toenhance your learning experience.

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Lesson 1: The Crafts of Ornamental HorticultureFor: Read in the Read in

study guide: the textbook:

Assignment 1 Pages 89 Ingels, Foreword, pages xviixxiii andChapter 9, pages 199201

Assignment 2 Pages 1112 Ingels, Chapter 7, pages 142173





Examination 102809 Material in Lesson 1

Lesson 2: The Professions of Ornamental HorticultureFor: Read in the Read in






Assignment 11 Pages 3536 Dell, Introduction, pages viiix and Chapter 1,pages 117


Examination 102810 Material in Lesson 2

Lesson 3: The Shift to Sustainable LandscapesFor: Read in the Read in


Assignment 13 Pages 4248 No textbook reading

Assignment 14 Pages 5051 Dell, pages 153161

Assignment 15 Pages 5253 No textbook reading

Examination 102811 Material in Lesson 3Research Project 10281200

Lesson Assignments6

Note: To access and complete any of the examinations for this studyguide, click on the appropriate Take Exam icon on your My Coursespage. You should not have to enter the examination numbers. Thesenumbers are for reference only if you have reason to contact StudentServices.

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The Crafts of OrnamentalHorticulture

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of Lesson 1 is to present a brief history of ornamental horticulture and to introduce you to the manyspecialized crafts in todays larger field of ornamental horti-culture. Anybody seeking a career in this industry should beaware of the many areas of specialization within the broadfield of ornamental horticulture. For presentation purposes,your textbook treats the crafts of ornamental horticultureindividually; however, its not uncommon for a landscapeprofessional to incorporate some aspect of each craft into the business during the span of his or her career.

In your first assignment, youll acquire a historical perspectiveof human interaction with plants and the desire to manipulatethe natural world to better suit human needs and desires.Your second assignment will focus on the craft of using flowersto create floral designs and seasonal decorations. Assignment 3covers the use of plants inside the protected environment ofbuildings. Assignment 4 introduces designing outdoor environ-ments using plants and other landscape materials, whileAssignment 5 covers installing the plants used in gardensand designed landscapes. Finally, Assignment 6 introducesyou to the craft of maintaining landscape plantings. Thethree remaining chapters in this section of your book will becovered in future study guides.

OBJECTIVES

When you complete this lesson, youll be able to

Describe the differences in garden styles among culturesfrom around the world

Identify pivotal points in the advancement of ornamentalhorticulture in the United States

Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture and the Landscape Industry8

Describe the materials and design principles used in thecraft of floral design

Explain the challenges of using plants in interior environments

Discuss historical influences on the craft of landscapedesign as practiced today

Explain the process and objectives of contemporary landscape design

Identify the procedures and tools used in the craft ofinstalling of landscape plants

Describe the issues and procedures encountered in thecraft of maintaining landscape plants

ASSIGNMENT 1: A BRIEF HISTORY OF ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURERead the following material. Then read the Foreword, pages xviixxiii, and pages 199201 of Chapter 9 in your text-book, Ornamental Horticulture.

Why study history? Whats the point of reading about peopleand events that took place a long time ago when you alreadyhave so much to learn about your new career in the landscapeindustry? The simple answer to this question is that it helpsyou to understand how and why things got to where they aretoday. Prior to the in-depth study of any subject, a look at itshistory allows you to appreciate the present, while explainingthe factors that shaped it over time. This is especially true inthe United States, because the history of the country is soshort compared to that of the rest of the world. What weknow about gardens and landscapes, weve borrowed fromthe Italian villa gardens built during the Roman Empire, theZen gardens of the Far East, the Moorish gardens of Spain,

Lesson 1 9

and other influences that can be seen in the variety of gardenstyles throughout North America today. Just like other aspectsof the society, its gardens and landscapes are a melting potof ideas and styles from around the world that weve adaptedto our culture, our lifestyles, and the diverse geographic andclimatic regions of the country.

The readings for this assignment provide a glimpse into theevolution of peoples relationships with plants and the ways inwhich theyve manipulated the landscape throughout history.While this brief introduction barely scratches the surface ofthis fascinating history, many books have been written onthe subject, if youd like to continue to study on your own. Amore convenient and less time-consuming option is throughInternet resources such as Wikipedia.


Self-Check 1

At the end of each section of Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture and the LandscapeIndustry, youll be asked to pause and check your understanding of what youve just readby completing a Self-Check exercise. Answering these questions will help you reviewwhat youve studied so far. Please complete Self-Check 1 now.

Questions 110: Match the term on the left with the correct description on the right.Indicate your answer in the space provided.

______ 1. Egyptians

______ 2. Andre LeNotre

______ 3. Gardens of the Orient

______ 4. Fredrick Law Olmsted

______ 5. English Naturalism

______ 6. Moorish gardens

______ 7. Monticello

______ 8. Rachel Carson

______ 9. Lawnmower

______ 10. Ancient Rome

Check your answers with those on page 61.

a. Thomas Jeffersons country estate

b. Environmental advocate and author of the book SilentSpring, first published in 1962

c. Earliest civilization to cultivate plants for aesthetic purposes

d. Designed to feature plants and other elements of the natural world that provoked intellectual thought

e. Master of the French formal garden style

f. Prior to this invention, scythes or grazing animals wereused to control the height of turf

g. The father of landscape architecture in America

h. Rejected the formal garden style of France in favor of amore naturalistic landscape style

i. Built gracious villas at the center of large farms, incorpo-rating expansive gardens as an extension of the villa

j. Walled and paved garden style that incorporated waterfeatures for their psychologically cooling effect, influencesof which are still seen in the Southwestern United States

Lesson 1 11

ASSIGNMENT 2: FLORAL DESIGNRead the following material. Then read Chapter 7 in your text-book, Ornamental Horticulture.

Throughout history, flowers have had an essential place insociety and daily life. Men and women wore crowns adornedwith flowers in ancient Athens, the Romans sprinkled rosepetals in the streets during public games, and during the1635 Tulipmania in Holland, the Dutch were so obsessedwith the tulip that one single bulb was sold for its weight ingold. Still today, flowers bring joy into our lives and play anintegral role in comforting someone who has suffered a lossor celebrating milestones such as birthdays, weddings,Valentines Day, and Mothers Day.

Those skilled in the arrangement of flowers, foliage plants,and other decorations used to create beautiful floral displaysare practicing the craft of floral design. Floral design (in thetraditional sense of wedding flowers and prom corsages) isperhaps the most removed of the services a landscape businessmight offer their clients. However, many landscape compa-nies do provide services that incorporate the same designprinciples and materials used in the creation of floral displays.The main difference is that theyre used outside, rather thaninside the home. For this reason, an in-depth discussion onthe craft of floral design is included here.

The most common specialty service provided by landscapeprofessionals is designing and planting containerized seasonalfloral displays. While containerized plantings are ideal foradding a splash of color to the garden or landscape, they alsocan be very profitable for the landscape professional byextending the landscape season. In late spring, many compa-nies begin designing and planting decorative pots and windowboxes with annual flowers and other foliage plants to providesummer-long color for their clients. As summer wanes andthe weather cools, these same containers can be exchangedfor a colorful display of fall chrysanthemums or other hardyplants that can survive a light frost, providing color throughlate autumn.


With the onset of winter, an additional opportunity presentsitself in the creation of winter and holiday displays. Thesemight include swags of winter greens and bows hung over thefront door, decorative pots and window boxes filled with win-ter greens, colorful twigs and fruit, and lighting displays, allof which brighten up the winter landscape and contribute toholiday celebrations. Many high-end customers also employlandscape professionals to decorate the interiors of theirhomes with garland, wreaths, and even the Christmas tree.For a look at landscape businesses that provide some ofthese services, simply do an Internet search using termssuch as seasonal planting displays.

Self-Check 2

Answer chapter review questions A1, B5, and C1C6, starting on page 173 in your textbook.


ASSIGNMENT 3: THE INTERIORUSE OF PLANTSRead the following material. Then read Chapter 8 in your text-book, Ornamental Horticulture.

Using containerized plants in our homes, offices, and otherindoor environments isnt unique to modern society. Indoorplants have a long history, as evidenced by ancient Chineseartifacts and Egyptian tomb paintings. The palaces of Europeannobility were often embellished with exotic ornamental plantsbrought back by plant explorers. In sixteenth-century France,King Louis XIVs Palace at Versailles housed thousands oforange trees in a large glassed building called the Orangerie.

Lesson 1 13

The trees, which spent the warmer months of the year gracingthe terraces surrounding the palace, were moved into theOrangerie for protection from the winter cold. During EnglandsVictorian era, the glass-and-metal greenhouse evolved intothe conservatory, a status symbol in affluent households andthe precursor to our modern-day, plant-filled sunroom. Today,the African violets on the kitchen windowsill and the Bostonfern in the front hallway satisfy many apartment dwellersdesire to include plants in the home environment. Theyreconsidered an essential element in corporate offices, shoppingcenters, hospitals, and other public buildings. By incorporat-ing plants into the indoor environment, we can create moreattractive and calming surroundings, while at the same timereaping other benefits, such as the following.

Plants can increase employee productivity and morale.Realizing that interior plants are a natural and vital part of aproductive workplace environment, many Fortune 500 com-panies have landscaped their office interiors or incorporatedlarge, plant-filled atriums into their building designs to boostemployee morale and productivity.

Plants can improve indoor air quality. As homes andother buildings have been built to be increasingly energy efficient, completely sealing off the interiors to outside air,levels of indoor air pollution and mold have increased signifi-cantly. Many building materials containing chemicals such asformaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, which permeatethe air. Resulting illnesses range from fatigue and minorheadaches to cancer and the sick building syndrome. InNASA studies, certain species of indoor plants have beencredited with improving indoor air quality by filtering andabsorbing airborne toxins.

Plants can offer significant financial benefits. In challenging financial times and in an era of higher rates ofvacancy, plants can distinguish a building as more aestheti-cally pleasing and of higher quality, which results in higherrental rates. Additionally, plants can help regulate indoorhumidity levels, reducing a building owners heating andcooling costs.


ASSIGNMENT 4: LANDSCAPEDESIGNRead the following material. Then read Chapter 9 in your text-book, Ornamental Horticulture.

Landscape design is an art, a science, and a process that datesback to the gardens of the ancient Egyptians, if not earlier.Throughout history, gardens were a source of food and medi-cine, a place for recreation and personal enrichment, and,on a grander scale, a display of status, power, and mansdominance over nature. While the gardens and designedlandscapes of modern society still serve many of the samepurposes, theyre more often a reflection of our desire for aplace in which to relax after a long days work or to createattractive outdoor space that presents an image of well-beingto the general public.

Since the postWorld War II housing boom in the UnitedStates, the tightly clipped trees and shrubs and the well-manicured lawn around the house was the standard bywhich people judged a landscape. More recently, however,gardens are likely to be an expression of our respect fornatures perfection. Were beginning to see the wisdom ofnatures ways as we more fully understand the environmentalconsequences of a heavy-handed approach to landscapingour homes and office buildings. As a result, landscapes areless consumptive and damaging to the environment.Additionally, a heightened interest in eating healthful,

Self-Check 3

Answer chapter review questions A1A9, B1B9, starting on page 196 in your textbook.


Lesson 1 15

pesticide-free food and the prospect of rising food costs hasled to a renewed interest in the productive capacities of ourgardens and landscapes.

As societal values and tastes change, so does our approach todesigning the landscape. However, its important to rememberthat every garden should be designed to meet the uniqueneeds and desires of its owner. The client and the landscapedesigner work together to set priorities and establish a designprogram prior to beginning any landscape plan, to ensure itmeets the lifestyle and budget of the client. Landscapedesigners must listen closely to clients, drawing up a list ofneeds, desires, and priorities that will guide them to a use-able, enjoyable, and affordable landscape design.

In addition to developing a landscape plan that meets themultiple needs of its user, the designer must be sensitive to theopportunities and constraints unique to each site. A thoroughunderstanding of the natural processes inherent in each sitewill inform the designer and guide him or her to create adesign that will both satisfy the customers needs and beappropriate to the site and its long-term sustainability. Youmust read each sites natural features, such as topography,hydrology, microclimates, and existing vegetation andacknowledge the human influences. Existing structures,local zoning codes and ordinances, and how you handle theview of the neighbors unsightly side yard are critical to asuccessful plan.

The creative aspects of landscape design follow many of thesame design principles central to other art forms, such asarchitecture, graphic arts, and sculpture. While some studentsof landscape design have an innate sense of these designprinciples, many become skilled at their application in thedesign process through study and practice. Either way, athorough understanding of the design principles used inlandscape design allows you to satisfy the needs of yourclient in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

While the use of living plants is an enjoyable aspect of gardendesign, it does present certain challenges in the use of designprinciples. Thats because significant changes take place overtime and through the seasonsplants and trees grow tallerand fuller, bulbs propagate, and foliage changes color and


drops to the ground. For this reason, you need not only athorough knowledge of a plants visual characteristics the dayits planted, but also how it will look in other seasons andafter five, 10, or 20 years of growth. You also need to under-stand its requirements for long-term health.

To communicate design ideas to others, youll use a combina-tion of verbal, written, and graphic communications. As inany other discipline, youll develop a vocabulary unique tothe profession and integral to communicating design ideas.This new vocabulary includes symbols used in the graphicrepresentation of design ideas and garden plans that enableclients and contractors to understand the designers intent.Whether drawn by hand with pencil on paper or generatedthrough a computer program, the landscape plan and othersupporting graphics are vital to the accurate communicationof design ideas and the successful execution of the plan.

Self-Check 4

Answer chapter review questions A1 and A3 on page 269 in your textbook.


ASSIGNMENT 5: INSTALLINGLANDSCAPE PLANTSRead the following material. Then read Chapter 10 in yourtextbook, Ornamental Horticulture. When you feel youve mas-tered the material in this assignment, complete Self-Check 5.

The best-laid landscape plan never will be realized withoutquality plant materials and state-of-the-art installation techniques. This critical link between a beautifully drawnlandscape plan and the long-term realization of that plan is

Lesson 1 17

where the landscape contractor comes into play. The landscape contractor is responsible for providing the neces-sary materials, labor, tools, and equipment required to bringthe landscape designers plan to life. While the bulk of the work performed by most landscape contractors involves theinstallation of plant materials, many also provide for theinstallation of hardscape elements, such as paver patios andretaining walls. Still others may specialize in niche areas, likeponds and waterfalls. This assignment will focus on the craftof plant installation, saving the discussion on hardscape elements for future lessons.

Quality plants are grown and cared for according to ANLA(American Nursery and Landscape Association) industry standards, allowing them to reach their full potential onceplanted in the landscape. Where plants are grown candirectly affect their long-term success. Locally grown plantmaterials are preferred over those that have been shipped longdistances, as these plants are better acclimated to localgrowing conditions and avoid the stress placed on them as a result of long-distance shipping. Purchasing plants fromlocal growers also makes sense in a time of ever-increasingshipping costs and the consolidation of the nursery industry,which can lead to fewer and less appropriate plant choices.

The long-term survival of any plant is jeopardized by mishan-dling or improper planting techniques. Thats why training in the most up-to-date planting techniques is critical to thesustainability of any landscape project. To properly installplants, the landscape contractor needs know the ways inwhich plants are harvested and sold, and the particularplanting techniques appropriate for each. Additionally, differ-ences in plant size and overall weight determine the type oftools and equipment required for proper handling and plant-ing. Familiarity with tools and equipment and their properuse enables the landscape contractor to safely and efficientlyinstall plants, while saving wear and tear on the body.

The proper installation of plants also depends upon prepar-ing the planting site. Soil amendments should be made tosustain the plantings once the landscape contractor has leftthe site. On new-construction sites, its not uncommon forsoil to be damaged by intensive regrading of the site,


compaction of soils by heavy equipment and vehicles, andcareless dumping of leftover building materials, many ofwhich can be toxic to plants. While often ignored, failure toremedy substandard planting conditions leads to poor plantperformance and the possibility of expensive plant replace-ments in the future.

Following the actual installation of plant materials, its commonpractice to include either a decorative or protective layer ofmulch over the planted areas. The type of mulch used maybe based on aesthetics and the design intent, local availabilityof materials, and cost. Either way, in addition to giving thenew plantings that finishing touch, mulch helps preservewater and suppress the growth of uninvited weeds. Newlyplanted trees may be protected from toppling in strong windsby staking or guying, while trunk wraps provide protectionfrom animal damage and possible frost cracking in colder climates.

In the end, the success of any landscape design rests squarelyon the shoulders of the landscape contractor. If the contractorcompletes work hastily or is motivated only by profits, newplantings will suffer or fail. Through diligence and pride inthe craft of installing landscape plants, the landscape con-tractor brings life to dreams and assures a more beautifuland healthy future for us all.

Note that Tables 9-2 through 9-6 in your textbook list a varietyof plantings, including trees, shrubs, vines, and selectedSouthwestern plants that suit the unique climate of that area.

Self-Check 5

Answer questions A3 and A6 in the Achievement Review at the end of Chapter 10.


Lesson 1 19

ASSIGNMENT 6: MAINTAININGLANDSCAPE PLANTSRead the following material. Then read Chapter 11 in yourtextbook, Ornamental Horticulture. When you feel youve mas-tered the material in this assignment, answer the questions inSelf-Check 6.

Imagine what would have happened if on your fifth birthdayyou were sent out into the world to fend for yourself. Orimagine what would happen to your new car if you neverwashed it, never rotated the tires, and never changed the oil.In time, you and your car would be in pretty bad shape.Gardens and landscape plantings also need nurturing andmaintenance if theyre to survive. Theres an art of maintain-ing landscape plants.

The art of maintaining landscape plants is the last, but perhapsmost crucial, step in the process of creating gardens and land-scapes that fulfill the designers intent and meet the needs ofits owner well into the future. Like the parents role in raisinga child or the mechanic s job in keeping your car runningsmoothly, the landscape maintenance professionals knowledgeand care is vital to the long-term success of any garden ordesigned landscape. While many homeowners are capable ofmaintaining their own yards and benefit from the enjoymentand satisfaction it brings, others dont have the time, knowl-edge, or inclination to carry out this kind of work. Thatswhere the landscape maintenance professional comes in.

The art of maintaining landscapes involves proper watering,pruning, fertilization, and pest control, in addition to re-edging and mulching planting beds. Other maintenanceactivities may include changing out seasonal plantings andprotecting plants from winter injury. To carry out thesetasks, the maintenance professional must be knowledgeableabout the plants growth requirements, potential diseases,and pests and must keep an eye out for possible problems.A basic understanding of design fundamentals is also benefi-cial if the maintenance person is involved in planting seasonalflower displays and pruning and shaping trees and shrubs.


A key factor in maintaining the overall landscape is lawncare. The mowing, fertilization, and control of diseases andpests maintain a healthy and attractive turf. Your textbooktreats the establishment and maintenance of lawns and turfas a separate craft of ornamental horticulture, which will becovered in a future lesson, along with special pruning tech-niques and plant propagation techniques. However, manylandscape professionals in the maintenance end of the business provide both plant and turf services.

When youve completed Self-Check 6, review all the readingfor Lesson 1. When youre sure youve mastered all the mate-rial, take your Lesson 1 examination.

Self-Check 6

Answer Achievement Review questions A1-A4 and B2 on pages 320321 in your textbook.


The Professions ofOrnamental HorticultureIn this lesson, youll learn about the professions and careeropportunities within the field of ornamental horticulture. Aswith many other industries, youll find that there are oppor-tunities for people with varying interests, levels of education,and professional experience. Assignment 7 explains the division of labor within all the professions of ornamental horticulture. Assignment 8 addresses the professions of floriculture and the different types of nurseries and thecareer opportunities unique to each. Assignment 9 coverscareer opportunities within the landscape industry, includinglandscape designer, landscape contractor, landscape gardener,maintenance supervisor, and landscape nurseryman.Assignment 10 presents nontraditional careers available to those with an interest in ornamental horticulture.

OBJECTIVES


Discuss the categories of employment in ornamental horticulture

Describe the floriculture profession

Explain the types of nurseries within the nursery industry

Describe the professions within the landscape industry

Identify the personal traits required to be successful as a landscape business owner

Describe the specialized and nontraditional careers available in ornamental horticulture

Identify the educational requirements necessary for specific careers in ornamental horticulture

Explain the interaction and collaboration among the professions of ornamental horticulture

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ASSIGNMENT 7: THE DIVISION OF LABOR IN THE PROFESSIONS OF ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURERead the following material. Then read pages 408410 inChapter 15 in your textbook, Ornamental Horticulture. Whenyou feel youve mastered the material in this assignment,answer the questions in Self-Check 7.

One of the wonderful things about the field of ornamentalhorticulture is that there are career opportunities available toall individuals, regardless of age, educational experiences, orphysical abilities. While many people with an interest inplants may take botany classes in high school and continueon to pursue a college degree in horticulture, others come tothe profession much later in life, after a successful career inanother field or perhaps after raising a family. Some individuals,tired of stressful careers with no tangible results, seek a careerin ornamental horticulture as a way to satisfy their need tomake a positive difference in the world or to express theircreativity. Still others seek a career in ornamental horticul-ture because they dont like working with people and preferplants, which cant complain or talk back. Unfortunately, asin any other profession, ornamental horticulture profession-als must interact with other human beingsclients, vendors,co-workers, employees, or supervisors.

Educational requirements for a career in ornamental horti-culture vary based on the specific field and position withinthe particular organization. Positions within the industryusually require some level of education and/or work experi-ence and fall into one of the following general categories:

Unskilled laborer

Skilled laborer

Middle management

Owners/operators

Educators/researchers and specialists

Lesson 2 23

Much of the work associated with the fields of ornamentalhorticulture is physically demanding. This is partly becauseits generally seasonal, especially in northern climates, so itrequires long hours during certain times of year. The floralindustry experiences busy periods during holidays such asValentines Day and Mothers Day, while most landscape contractors and garden center operators are especially busyduring the springtime rush to get landscapes and gardenslooking their best. In addition to the long hours, the physicaldemands inherent in much of the work, such as lifting, dig-ging, and shoveling, often under the hot summer sun, cantake their toll on the body. For those who cant or dont careto provide physical labor, there are career opportunities insales and supervisory positions, landscape design, research,and education.

Self-Check 7

1. List the five general labor categories within the industries of ornamental horticulture.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

2. Which of the five labor categories usually requires the greatest amount of formal education or university training?

__________________________________________________________

3. Which of the five labor categories is best suited to someone with an interest in both businessmanagement and ornamental horticulture, but not necessarily business ownership?

__________________________________________________________

4. Workers in which category often gain their technical skills through vocational training in highschools or college?

__________________________________________________________

(Continued)


ASSIGNMENT 8: THE FLORICULTURE INDUSTRYRead the following material. Then read pages 410417 inChapter 15 in your textbook, Ornamental Horticulture. Whenyou feel youve mastered the material in this assignment,answer the questions in Self-Check 8.

In Assignment 2, you learned about the craft of floriculture.In this assignment, youll learn more about the floricultureindustry, the career opportunities available within the industry,and the educational training required for each. For example,a landscape floriculture specialist creates and maintains thelarge gardens adjoining housing complexes and public orcommercial facilities. Its a rewarding career that bringstogether the skills of landscape technology and floriculture.

Simply stated, the floriculture industry is involved with theproduction, distribution, and utilization of floral productsand related goods and services. The following professionsmake up the floriculture industry.

Self-Check 7

5. Workers in which category are usually the lowest paid, often working part-time or seasonal hours?

__________________________________________________________

6. Which labor category doesnt necessarily require a college degree (although its highly recommended) and is a good fit for someone with a strong entrepreneurial spirit?

__________________________________________________________


Lesson 2 25

Growers. As you might guess, growers raise the crops thatprovide the living plant materials essential to the floricultureindustry.

Wholesale suppliers. Growers, flower shops, and landscapersturn to wholesale suppliers for the hard goods they need toproduce and distribute quality crops, to produce and sell floralarrangements, and to complete design and maintenanceprojects.

Flower shops and garden centers. Whether independentlyowned and operated or part of large retail operations, retailoutlets such as flower shops and garden centers sell floralproducts directly to the consumer.

Floral design and sales. Design is the creative segment ofthe industry that assembles raw products into artistic floraldisplays and other products, while sales involves direct inter-action with customers, who often need guidance in choosingan appropriate arrangement for their needs.

Landscape floriculture specialist. Landscape floricultureis a specialty within the landscape industry responsible forthe large exterior floral displays common to many commer-cial, corporate, and hospitality properties.

Teacher/researcher. Teachers educate others in the craft offloriculture, while researchers provide the science necessaryto improve crops and methods of production.

As you can see, the scope of the floriculture industry is far-reaching and offers multiple career opportunities to individuals with varying interests, skills, and educationalbackgrounds.


Self-Check 8

Using the corresponding letters, match the description on the left with the correct occupa-tion on the right. Indicate your answer in the space provided.

______ 1. Centralized source for items

required by growers

______ 2. Designs flower arrangements

______ 3. Propagates floral crops for sale to the trade

______ 4. Develops new plant varieties through

university research

______ 5. Provides materials and fresh-cut flowers to

retail florists

______ 6. Provides the formal training of future practitioners

______ 7. Combination of floriculture and landscaping skills

______ 8. Often part of a big-box retailer such as Home Depot

______ 9. In-depth knowledge of greenhouse operations is essential

______ 10. Designs and installs extensive exterior flower displays


G Grower

W Wholesale supplier

F Flower shop/garden center owner

D Floral designer

L Landscape floriculture specialist

T Teacher/researcher

Lesson 2 27

ASSIGNMENT 9: THE NURSERYINDUSTRYRead the following material. Then read Chapter 16 in yourtextbook, Ornamental Horticulture. When you feel youvemastered the material in this assignment, answer the questionsin Self-Check 9.

Whether youre a landscape contractor in need of 300 treesfor a new corporate campus or a gardener looking to plant adozen geraniums in your customers window boxes, the nurseryindustry is the provider of these materials. The nurseryindustry in the United States includes the sale of both floraland nursery crops. Its a $15 billion industry and ranks inthe top five percent of agricultural commodities sold in overhalf of the 50 states. California, where climatic conditionsare favorable to year-round production, produces almost aquarter of the nations live nursery and floral products. Inaddition to the annual sales of live plants, another $30 billionin horticulture-related supplies and materials are soldannually in the United States. The combined sales in thisindustry makes a contribution to the nations gross domesticproduct (GDP) greater than the total GDP of 112 of the 187countries listed by the World Bank.

In this assignment, youll learn about the different types ofnurseries, the link between the nursery and landscape indus-tries, and the challenges facing the nursery industry today.

The following are the types of nurseries that make up thenursery industry.

Propagation nursery. Propagation nurseries raise plantsfrom seeds, cuttings, or other methods, then ship them toothers nurseries as young plants for further growth andfinal sale.

Wholesale nursery. On the wholesale level, these nurseriesgrow the bulk of herbaceous and woody plant materials usedin the landscape trade; they sell their products only to thosein the nursery and landscape trade.


Wholesale nursery supplier. The wholesale supplier purchases bulk quantities of plant materials from wholesalenurseries, as well as landscape supplies, which are then soldto the landscape trade at prices lower than those at retailnurseries.

Retail nursery. Retail nurseries purchase plant materials andlandscape supplies from wholesale nurseries and suppliersfor resale to the general public.

Privately owned garden center. Independently owned andoperated businesses offer a wide variety of high-quality plants,floral design services, garden supplies, and outdoor furniture;knowledgeable customer service is offered in attractivelydesigned settings, which keeps them competitive with lowpriced, big-box outlets.

Chain store garden center. Most often a separate departmentwithin a larger home improvement or general merchandisechain store (such as Walmart or The Home Depot), these gar-den centers sell plants and garden supplies on a seasonalbasis; they typically offer a limited variety of plants, whichare often poorly cared for, and employees who have littleknowledge of horticulture.

Landscape nursery. Landscape nurseries grow plantsthemselves and/or purchase them from wholesale nurseriesfor resale to landscape contractors and the general public;they also provide floral and landscape design and plantinstallation services.

While the nursery industry in the United States is quite largeand diverse, it may be affected by economic downturns, sinceits closely linked to the fortunes of industries such as housingand construction. Another challenge, most notably at thewholesale end of the industry, is the dependence on hard-working, yet low-skilled, low-paid laborhard to find withoutlooking beyond the countrys borders. While these workersprovide an invaluable service to the industry, there are oftenlanguage barriers and legal obstacles that can be challengingfor both employer and employee. Those seeking a career inthe nursery industry would benefit greatly by learningSpanish as a second language.

Lesson 2 29

ASSIGNMENT 10: THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY Read the following material. Then read Chapter 17 in yourtextbook, Ornamental Horticulture. When you feel youvemastered the material in this assignment, answer the questionsin Self-Check 10.

As youve learned, the landscape industry is comprised ofindividuals responsible for the design, implementation, andmaintenance of the exterior spaces around homes, businesses,and cities. While the landscape includes all of the exteriorspaces outside of these buildings, they can range in size froma small courtyard at the entry of a townhome to the park-likelandscape surrounding a 200-acre corporate campus. Whileyou may decide to specialize in one aspect of the industry,its not uncommon to establish a rewarding career thatencompasses all facets of the trade.

In this assignment, youll learn about more career opportunitiesin the landscape industry, as well as the required training, levelof education, and physical abilities considered necessary fora successful career. Listed below are the career opportunitiesavailable within the landscape industry.

Landscape architect. Attractively designed city and stateparks, playgrounds, private residential gardensor entiresubdivisions, college campuses, shopping centers, golf courses,and parkwaysare the result of the work done by landscapearchitects. Landscape architects design these areas so theyre

Self-Check 9

Answer Achievement Review questions A1 and A3 on pages 426 and 427 in your textbook.



not only beautiful, but also functional and harmonious withthe natural and/or man-made environment around them.Landscape architects often collaborate with building architects,surveyors, and engineers in determining the best arrangementof roads, buildings, and drainage infrastructure in an effortto minimize disruption to the natural features of the site.Many landscape architects also work closely with ecologists,hydrologists, foresters, and other environmental professionalsto preserve natural resources such as wetlands and streamcorridors, and to restore other ecologically diminished areas,such as abandoned mines or industrial sites.

After the development of a master site plan, landscape archi-tects prepare additional drawings that show more specificdesign details and material selections for parts of the overallplan. A planting plan that specifies the location, size, andspecies of trees and shrubs, or a grading and drainage planthat illustrates how the site will be regraded to preventflooding and erosion, are examples of the detail drawings thatare used by a landscape contractor to implement the plan.Many landscape architects also stay involved during theimplementation phase of a project, observing the work ofcontractors and meeting with owners to discuss any problemsor changes in the project.

Because much of the work of landscape architects is concernedwith protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the generalpublic, most states require landscape architects to be regis-tered to practice their trade. Requirements for registrationinclude a degree in landscape architecture from an accrediteduniversity program, a certain amount of professional experi-ence under the direction of a licensed landscape architect,and passing the Landscape Architect Registration Exam (LARE).While these requirements preclude landscape designers fromworking on larger-scale projects, there are many equallyenjoyable opportunities that are better suited to their qualifi-cations, as youll see below.

Landscape designer. Landscape designers are often involvedin smaller-scale projects that emphasize the use of plantmaterials over the complexities of interdisciplinary projects,which involve master planning and site engineering. Themajority of these projects tend to be single-family residential

Lesson 2 31

properties. However, many landscape designers also workwith homeowners associations in multifamily developmentsand with commercial and institutional property owners.While the emphasis of this work is on the planting design,its not uncommon for the landscape designer to also designthe layout of hardscape features such as decks, driveways,and sidewalks, as well as specialty items like gazebos, retain-ing walls, and water features.

Training for a career in landscape design usually begins withsome level of formal education at a community or technicalcollege or university. Programs in ornamental horticulturewithin the school of agriculture or horticulture offer coursesin landscape design and award certificates and degrees ingarden or landscape design. Other routes of training arethrough correspondence courses such as the one youreenrolled in now, informal apprenticeships with practicinglandscape designers, or simply through reading and gainingexperience on ones own. The focus of college programs isusually on the practical and technical aspects of landscapedesign, with emphasis placed on the use of plants in thelandscape, as opposed to a theory-driven curriculum.

If not self-employed, the landscape designer most often findsemployment with a larger landscape company that provides arange of services, including landscape installation and main-tenance. In that case, the landscape designer may also beinvolved in the sale and marketing of design services, estimatingproject costs, and working closely with the landscape crewsduring the implementation phase of a project. This diversityin job tasks assures that theres never a dull moment in theday of the designer and allows him or her the enjoyment ofworking both inside and outside the office. However, it alsorequires a disciplined approach to time management. Manyretail nurseries and garden centers hire landscape designersto draw garden plans or simply to be on hand to assist cus-tomers in making plant selections from the sales lot.

Unlike landscape architects, landscape designers arentrequired to take national exams or apply for a license,although some states do require a license for landscape contractors. For designers seeking professional credentialingthat distinguishes them from the amateur, several state


and national organizations, including the Association ofProfessional Landscape Designers (APLD), offer certification.Contact information for the APLD and other professionalorganizations can be found in Appendix A of your textbook,Ornamental Horticulture. You can also find more generalcareer information at the United States Department of Laborwebsite at http://www.bls.gov/.

Landscape contractor. Landscape contractors are the vitallink between a landscape architect or designers plan and thebuilt landscape. Equipped with the proper tools, equipment,and skilled labor, landscape contractors install plants andother materials according to the plans and specifications setforth by the landscape designer. The installation of softscapeelements, such as plants, mulch, and bed edging, typicallymakes up the bulk of work performed by a landscape con-tractor just getting started in the business. As the landscapecontractor gains more experience and skill along with thefinancial means to purchase more specialized equipment, heor she may begin to bid on larger and more complex projectsthat include the construction of hardscape elements such asretaining walls, patios, and irrigation systems.

A day in the life of a landscape contractor can be not onlyphysically demanding, but also a test of ones communication,organizational, and time-management skills. Landscape con-tractors often work long hours under the hot summer sun inexchange for the time lost in the cold and snow of winter.As the first days of spring arrive and the phone begins toring off the hook with customers wanting their yards lookingbeautiful for that graduation party in May, the ability to quicklyshift into high gear is essential. Bidding on new projects,supervising crews, and satisfying the needs of customers canbe a tremendous challenge. This is where organizational,time-management, and communication skills are crucial.While it may seem a bit overwhelming, the enjoyment ofworking outdoors and the satisfaction gained by creatingsomething of lasting beauty make the landscape contractorswork rewarding. For more information on the landscape con-struction trade, visit http://www.landcarenetwork.org/.

Lesson 2 33

Landscape gardener or maintenance supervisor. Thework of a landscape gardener or maintenance supervisorinvolves a variety of tasks necessary to the upkeep andhealth of the gardens and landscapes in his or her care.Typical of these tasks is mowing and fertilization of turf;trimming and pruning small trees and shrubs; removingweeds, leaves, and litter; and planting annual flower displays.Many companies also provide the same services for indoorgardens and plantings in commercial and public facilities suchas shopping malls, hotels, and botanical gardens. While thelandscape gardener typically works alone or with other trainedindividuals, the landscape maintenance supervisor maytravel from job to job overseeing the work of multiple crews.

The physical aspects of the job are less demanding than that ofa landscape contractor, but can still require long hoursunder less-than-optimal weather conditions. While landscapecontractors are constantly moving from one new job to thenext, each with a fresh set of demands and diverse circum-stances, the landscape maintenance supervisor and gardenerwill return to the same familiar site performing the sametasks week after week. Some gardeners are employed directlyby country clubs and golf courses, large private estates,amusement parks and hotels, and college campuses, wherethey work the entire year. This regularity is more comfortablefor those who prefer a predictable schedule and recurringtasks.

While an entry-level position on a landscape-maintenancecrew doesnt require any formal education or training, thosewho seek a supervisory position are better positioned if theyhave a degree in grounds maintenance obtained from a tech-nical college or university program. Many individuals wishingto start their own landscape maintenance businesses learn thetrade by working for someone else or through correspondencecourses such as this. There are no licensing requirements forlandscape maintenance contractors, unless youre involvedwith the application of pesticides, in which case most statesrequire a pesticide applicators license. For more career infor-mation, visit the United States Department of Labor.


Landscape nurseryman. The landscape nurseryman is acombination of both landscape contractor and retail nursery,providing plant materials and installation services to mostlyresidential customers.

Self-Check 10

Using the corresponding letters, match the description on the left with the correct occupa-tion on the right. Indicate your answer in the space provided.

______ 1. Responsible for the care of a landscape

after its installed

______ 2. Creates master plans on large-scale

developments

______ 3. Responsible for weekly lawn mowing

______ 4. May be certified by the APLD

______ 5. Weeds, plants beds, and trims shrubs

______ 6. Responsible for installing the landscape plan

______ 7. Licensed in most states by LARE

______ 8. Most often prepares plans for residential clients

______ 9. Highest capital expenditures on tools, trucks, and equipment

______ 10. Employed by property owners to care for their grounds


A Landscape architect

D Landscape designer

C Landscape contractor

G Gardener/maintenance supervisor

Lesson 2 35

ASSIGNMENT 11: SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO BE A LANDSCAPER? Read the following material. Then read the introduction onpages vii to ix and Chapter 1 in your textbook, How To Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business. When you feel youvemastered the material in this assignment, answer the questionsin Self-Check 11.

In this assignment, the reading is from your second textbook,How to Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business, whereyoull gain additional insight into the career choices availableto you in the landscape industry. The author of this book,Owen E. Dell, has been running his own landscape businessin California since the 1970s and offers insight thats asinformative as it is inspiring. His experiences in both thegood and the bad that come with running a landscape busi-ness and his observations of how the industry has changedover the years will be valuable to anybody looking to get intothe landscaping business.

Pay particular attention to the discussion Do You Have WhatIt Takes? beginning on page 10, which addresses the questionof whether or not youre likely to be satisfied and successfulin the landscape industry. If this section gives you knots inyour stomach and has you second-guessing your career choice,thats all right. Learning the art, science, and technology of anew career can be a tremendous challenge. Trying to under-stand all there is to running a profitable business is anothertest of your determination. But if you have the character andresolve to make it, you will.

Before starting their own businesses, many people gain experience working for someone else, learning the pitfallswithout risking their own investment. Others are comfortableworking as an employee or perhaps partner in a business,never taking on the full risk and responsibilities that comewith being an independent business owner. Wherever youwind up, the goal remains the same: you need to be happy,yet sufficiently challenged to reach your full potential inwhatever business you choose.


The remainder of this book will be referenced later in the pro-gram. For those who arent interested in running a business,this textbook also addresses how to establish yourself as anindispensable employee.

Self-Check 11

1. In addition to learning the skills and technologies associated with the landscape trade, whatother skill is essential if you want to run your own landscape company?

__________________________________________________________

2. List the five areas of emphasis from which you can choose when seeking an AS degree in horticulture.

__________________________________________________________

3. A/an _______ is a professional trained in the care of trees.

4. The _______ contractor installs and maintains systems for the delivery of water to landscapeplantings.

5. _______ is a term used to describe landscape contractors who construct gardens from theirown designs.

6. Which business is more physically demanding and requires more capital investment in toolsand equipment, garden maintenance or landscape construction?

__________________________________________________________

7. What is the name given to a specialized field of pest-control management that relies less ontoxic chemicals and more on beneficial insects and proper cultural practices?

__________________________________________________________

8. What is the name of the Small Business Administration (SBA) program that offers small business owners one-on-one counseling with retired businesspeople?

__________________________________________________________


Lesson 2 37

ASSIGNMENT 12: SPECIALIZEDAND NONTRADITIONAL CAREERSRead the following material. Then read Chapter 18 in yourtextbook, Ornamental Horticulture. When you feel youvemastered the material in this assignment, answer the questionsin Self-Check 12.

So far, youve learned about traditional careers in ornamentalhorticulture, particularly in the landscape industry. In thisassignment, youll explore nontraditional careers available tothose who have a sincere interest in ornamental horticultureand the appropriate education, training, and skills. The routeto a nontraditional career may reflect a personal desire toapply knowledge in a more innovative way, a yearning to helpothers, or simply a need to supplement another source ofincome. The following is a brief description of nontraditionalcareers discussed in your textbook.

Part-time work. Part-time employment can be a great wayto supplement your household income while satisfying yourdesire to work with plants. Whether youre self-employed andworking from your backyard garden growing flowers and vegetables for sale at the local farmers market or workingweekends assisting customers at the local garden center,youll be gaining experience, as well as making extra money.

Cooperative extension specialist. Limited to persons witha university education and industry experience, this careerpath allows you to share your passion and knowledge inornamental horticulture with both industry and the generalpublic through phone and e-mail inquiries, site visits, tours,and seminars. The extension specialist is also often involvedin university research and community outreach through pro-grams such as the Master Gardeners program. Find moreinformation about the Master Gardeners program at theAmerican Horticultural society website, http://www.ahs.org/.

Horticulture therapists. For those with a desire to sharetheir passion in horticulture while helping others, horticulturaltherapy can be an enjoyable and rewarding career. Both full


and part-time opportunities at nursing homes, schools for thephysically or mentally challenged, and prisons with rehabilita-tion programs are just a few of the outlets for this type of work.

Arborists and lawn care specialists. Both of these specialtyareas offer rewarding career opportunities, as the interest inmaintaining a healthy urban forest and attractive lawns iswell established in modern society. Arborists are skilled inidentifying and treating diseased or structurally damagedtrees and must possess the physical and mental agility toclimb tall trees. Closer to the ground, lawn care specialistsmay work for a large, national lawn care company, own afranchise with one of these companies, or own and operatetheir own businesses that provide fertilization and weed anddisease control services.

Communications. To those proficient in both horticulturalknowledge and the use of the spoken or written word, as wellas the passion to spread the word, a career in horticulture-related communications is another possible path to follow.Outlets for this unique set of talents include local newspapers,national gardening or landscape magazines, trade journals,and book publishers. Speaking opportunities are available atgarden club meetings and industry seminars and workshops.

Garden coach. Garden coach is a recently introduced titlefor a consultant who works with homeowners who choose todo the actual work themselves. Your horticulture and garden-ing expertise could help inexperienced gardeners make theright choices in plants, design, and maintenance of theirlandscapes and gardens. With the renewed interest in eatinghealthful and affordable home-grown fruits and vegetables,garden coaches with expertise in soil preparation, growing,harvesting, and storing fruits and vegetables are increasinglyin demand.

Lesson 2 39

Self-Check 12

Using the corresponding letters, match the description on the left with the correct occupationor occupations on the right. Indicate your answer in the space provided.

______ 1. Helping others rehabilitate through

horticultural projects

______ 2. Applies herbicides and pesticides to

turf areas

______ 3. Combines interest in horticulture with

superior writing skills

______ 4. Services include tree removal, cabling

and fertilization

______ 5. Seasonal in nature; most work limited to the growing season

______ 6. Requires compassion, patience, and a call to human service

______ 7. University educated and employed by state college of agriculture

______ 8. Combines horticultural knowledge with public speaking skills

______ 9. Disseminates latest research to business and the general public

______ 10. Potentially dangerous work, requires great physical agility


A Arborist

C Communications specialist

E Cooperative extension specialist

H Horticultural therapist

L Lawn care specialist


NOTES

The Shift to SustainableLandscapes In this lesson, youll learn about the growing interest in landscapes designed to be more environmentally friendly andthe practices used in achieving such a goal. Much like theenvironmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s, this shiftin mindset is a reaction to increased concern over the envi-ronmental degradation occurring all over the planet. Its alsoan acknowledgement of Earths limited resources, which nolonger can be squandered without considering the well-beingof future generations. Youll be introduced to the concept ofthe four Rsreduce, reuse, recycle, rebuyand the principlesof sustainable landscapes. Youll also reference your textbookHow to Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business for adiscussion on the business opportunities in sustainablelandscape practices. Finally, youll visit an Internet resourcethat provides additional information on this topic.

OBJECTIVES


Define the term sustainable

Discuss the concept of the four Rs

Explain the differences between conventional and sustainable landscapes

List the principles and benefits of sustainable landscapes

Identify business opportunities in sustainable landscaping

Discuss the goals of the EPAs GreenScapes website

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ASSIGNMENT 13: THE TEN PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLELANDSCAPES Read the following material (there are no assigned textbookreadings for this assignment). When you feel youve masteredthe material in this assignment, answer the questions inSelf-Check 13.

Long before the term green was attached to anything andeverything that was good for the environment, the term greenindustry was coined by the landscape industry. It describesall the trades in ornamental horticulture, including the nurs-eries that grow plant materials, the landscape designers, andthe landscape contractors who install and maintain thedesigned landscapes. However, the green industry isnt sogreen after all. Deeply ingrained perceptions of what a well-maintained and socially acceptable landscape should look likeare based on historical precedentoften in direct conflict with amore sustainable and ecological approach to landscape design.The result is that conventional landscape practices place apriority on beauty and control over nature, resulting in someof the most consumptive and wasteful practices possible.

Sustainable Development and the Four Rs

Sustainable Development

Before getting into the 10 principles, we should define exactlywhat we mean when using the term sustainable. Some basicdictionary definitions listed for the word sustain are main-tain, support, or keep going. More recently, the word hasbeen used to refer to the relationship between human beingsand Earths capacity to support our way of life.

Lesson 3 43

For our purposes, sustainable landscapes are those that, forthe most part, take care of themselves. They thrive with mini-mal input of precious resources, including water, fossil fuels,fossil fuelbased fertilizers and pesticides, and human labor.In addition to being self-sustaining through smart designchoices, they can support individuals and communities in living more sustainable lives.

The Four Rs

The concept of the four Rsreduce, reuse, recycle, rebuyshould be at the heart of every decision when sustainablelandscapes are designed. Reducing the use of new materials,reusing materials, and considering recycling or the potentialfor repurchasing of discarded materials should be part of asustainable approach to design. Such changes will result inlandscape designs that not only meet our desire for attractive,less consumptive, and healthier landscapes, but also mimicthe natural processes inherent to a properly functioningecosystem.

The 10 Principles of Sustainable Landscapes

The 10 principles of sustainable landscapes are a brief intro-duction to the simple changes we can make in the way wedesign and use the landscapes that surround us.

The often-quoted 1987 Brundtland Commission of the UnitedNations definition of sustainability (and sustainable development)is as follows:

Sustainable development is development that meets theneeds of the present without compromising the ability offuture generations to meet their own needs.


Principle 1: Reduce the Amount of Conventional Lawn

Conventional turf-grass lawns are a present-day carryoverfrom the time of the English manor, when large, expansivelawns were a sign of prestige and wealth. Turf grasses werewell adapted to the cool, rain-drenched landscape of Englandand, before the advent of the power lawn mower, they weremaintained by herds of sheep that grazed (and fertilized) thelawns. This pastoral image was brought to North Americawith the Europeans, but didnt always fare well in the drierand much warmer climates found in many parts of NorthAmerica. Lawns from Maine to California are still the pre-dominant feature of our landscape, replacing native plantcommunities that were well acclimated to local weather conditions.

To maintain these lush carpets of well-cropped turf grasses,we now apply to them extraordinary amounts of fossil-basedfertilizers and pesticides, in addition to wasteful quantities ofprecious water resources. The single most effective way toreduce the negative impact of lawns on our environment is toreplace at least some of the turf grass in favor of ecologicallyappropriate plantings. Another alternative is no-mow turf-grasslawns that are allowed to grow higher and that are betteradapted to heat and drought, drastically reducing the needfor fertilizer and water.

Principle 2: Use Native Plants

When you plant species native to a particular geographicregion, they fare much better than exotic species importedfrom abroad, because theyre naturally adapted to the climateand soil conditions of that region. When exotic species, ill-suited to local growing conditions, are introduced into alandscape, they generally require fertilizers and pesticides(harmful to beneficial life forms), as well as supplementalwatering, which puts an unnecessary strain on local watersupplies. Plants and animals that evolve together becomedependent upon one another for their very survival. As exoticsreplace natives, insects adapted to native sources of food andnectar decline, with adverse effects on the birds that prey

Lesson 3 45

upon them for food. In many places, exotic plant species haveescaped from gardens and infiltrated local ecosystems,crowding out natives entirely.

Principle 3: Reduce the Amount of Impervious Surfaces

As the covered area of a landscape increases, whether byasphalt, concrete, or another impervious surface, so doesthe amount of stormwater runoff. This excess runoff affectswater quality, as accumulated surface pollutants are sweptdirectly into creeks, rivers, and lakes, while storm surgesintensify damage caused by erosion. Also, stormwater runoffthat has been warmed by pavement has adverse effects ontemperature-sensitive fish species, such as brook trout.Decreased infiltration through the soil results in decreasedsubsurface flow and streams that run dry more quickly,adding further stress to already sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

Principle 4: Capture and Use Stormwater on Site

Stormwater runoff that, in excess, can be detrimental to theenvironment can also be harvested on site and turned into aprecious resource. For example, rain barrels can be used totrap small amounts of runoff for watering garden plants, whilecisterns can catch larger amounts of water for more expansivelandscapes. Rain gardens, also known as bio-infiltration basins,are planted depressions that allow runoff to be absorbed bythe ground. Along with bioswales, which are designed to trapsilt and pollutants from runoff water, rain gardens can con-fine or slow stormwater runoff, allowing it time to percolateback into the soil and recharge the groundwater supply.Water-harvesting elements like these are often used aroundlarge parking lots or areas with extensive paving or otherhard surfaces.


Principle 5: Use Vegetation to Modify the Microclimate

While trees are often planted for their burst of spring color,sweetly scented flowers, or brilliant display of fall foliage, fewpeoplelandscape professionals includedacknowledge theenvironmental benefits of planting trees. Studies have shownthat correctly positioned trees can cut the energy consumptionof a conventional residence by as much as 25 percent. Thecombined effects of cast shade and evapotranspiration (lossof water from the soil through evaporation and as vaporthrough plants leaves) can lower ambient air temperaturesby almost 10 degrees F. Studies have also shown that well-placed coniferous trees can reduce home heating bills by 10to 40 percent. In addition, shade trees help keep cities coolerby shielding the asphalt and concrete that cover the ground.Without trees, the pavement absorbs the suns heat andradiates it back into the already warmed atmosphere, result-ing in the heat island effect.

Other uses for vegetation in modifying local micro-climatesinclude green roofs, which are planted with vegetation toabsorb rainwater, provide insulation, create a habitat forwildlife, and lower air temperatures; and green walls, whichare partially or completely covered in vegetation and servegenerally the same purposes. Used in building structuresthroughout history, green roofs and walls have recently seena resurgence in popularity due to their numerous environ-mental benefits. Greens may also improve water quality byhelping to manage storm water and to lower heating andcooling costs by providing shade and evapotranspiration.

Principle 6: Protect and Restore Soils

A healthy landscapeone that can persist through periodsof drought and remain productiveis dependent upon ahealthy living soil. Without this thin layer of living matter,our very survival is compromised. Yet theres little respectfor this precious resource, referred to as simply dirt.Modern-day practices of development, in which soils arestripped and compacted, then later poisoned with herbicidesand pesticides, leaves most landscaped areas unfit for

Lesson 3 47

long-term sustainability. The soil becomes nothing morethan a medium to which we add water and chemicals in aclumsy attempt to support life.

In a sustainable and productive landscape, the soil is protectedfrom the ravages of development and maintained throughproper stewardship, which includes avoiding unnecessarydisruption and compaction in the first place. It also includesrecycling of biomass, protection from erosion, and restraint inthe application of chemicals. This type of stewardship requiresa different mindsetone that recognizes and appreciates theintricate process of decay and renewal that has built and main-tained soils since long before mammals roamed the Earth.

Principle 7: Reduce Waste through Composting

The answer to many of Principle 6s problems is solved inPrinciple 7. Rather than send yard wastes to the local landfilland wash food scraps down the kitchen disposal, we cancompost this material in our own backyards. When composted,waste is transformed into black gold. Soils amended withcompost are better equipped to retain moisture and producehealthier, more productive plants, as opposed to degradedsoils that are dependent upon a steady diet of irrigated waterand chemical-based fertilizers for continued productivity.

Principle 8: Plant Trees, Shrubs, and Gardens That Produce Food

Landscapes can be more than just a way to pretty up abuilding or house. In addition to creating pleasant and comfortable surroundings, landscapes can be designed toproduce food. In todays world, where the average tomato hastraveled 1,500 miles to get to the dinner table and food poisoning scares are common, it only makes sense to growand harvest food in your own backyard. Homegrown fruitsand vegetables are fresher and higher in nutrient contentthan those that are grown on factory farms and free ofharmful chemicals used in commercial production. In a timeof economic uncertainty and skyrocketing health-care costs,healthy, homegrown produce makes very good sense.


Principle 9: Consider the Full EnvironmentalImpact of Building Materials

In addition to creating ideas, landscape designers are respon-sible for specifying materials to be used on the job. Just asplant choices have long-term impacts on the amount of water,pesticides, energy, and labor will be needed to maintain thelandscape, hardscape elements have environmental impactsof their own. The term embodied energy refers to the amountof energy expended in the mining, processing, and shippingof materials to their final destination. The environmentalimpact of using an exotic stone shipped from halfway aroundthe world is significant compared to buying a locally quarriedstone to construct a patio. Its important to consider the over-all impact when selecting building materials for any project.Its also important to think about what will happen to thematerials after theyve served a useful life. Will they be buriedin a landfill, or can they be recycled into another project?

Principle 10: Educate Your Customers

The last and perhaps the most important principle in creat-ing productive and sustainable landscapes is gaining thebuy-in of your clients and the general public. This isntalways easy, since long-held perceptions about what makes abeautiful and socially acceptable landscape are in many waysin direct conflict with the ecological and sustainableapproach to design. However, as an educated landscape pro-fessional, you need to communicate with your clients, helpingthem understand the complex relationships in a healthyecosystem and the consequences of attempting to outsmartMother Nature. While great strides have been made over thelast few years in promoting everything green, its imperativethat landscape professionals take the lead in promoting theways in which we can all be better stewards of the environ-ment, while creating landscapes more beautiful than anythingweve achieved in the past.

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Self-Check 13

1. Define the term sustainable as it pertains to man-made landscapes.

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2. Define the term embodied energy.

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3. List the four Rs that should be at the heart of every decision when designing sustainablelandscapes.

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4. Which one of the 10 principles is essential to the buy-in of your clients when proposing a sustainable approach to landscaping?

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5. Name and explain the principles that recommend purchasing plant, landscape materials, and other products from local sources.

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6. Name the principle that promotes edible landscapes.

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7. Name the principle that suggests we limit the use of exotic plants in the landscape.

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ASSIGNMENT 14: BUSINESSOPPORTUNITIES IN SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPINGRead the following material. Then read pages 153161 in yourtextbook, How to Start a Home-Based Landscaping Business.When you feel youve mastered the material in this assign-ment, answer the questions in Self-Check 14.

An increased awareness and concern over the harmful sideeffects of modern societys activities is generating new businessopportunities, including in the landscape industry. From thedebate over climate change to the cleaning up of our nationswaterways, the landscape industry can benefit by providingproducts and services that help ease these and other problems.To profit from these opportunities, the landscape professionalneeds to stay current on the new (and not so new), moreenvironmentally friendly practices. Old-school landscape pro-fessionals used to the business-as-usual approach, unwillingto keep up to date on the latest methods and technologies,may find themselves left on the sidelines as others profit froma more sustainable approach to their craft.

Even if youre not yet ready to offer strictly green goodsand services, the growing number of people choosing to livea greener lifestyle are demanding products and services thatare more environmentally friendly and give preference tobusinesses that operate in a more sustainable manner. Manylarge corporations have already discovered that taking thesustainable approach to doing business is not only good forthe environment, its also good for their public relations andtheir bottom line. For example, the Walmart corporationimplemented corporate guidelines limiting the amount of timedelivery trucks could sit with engines idling and took advantageof natural daylight by installing skylights in all new stores.The company has not only lowered its energy consumption,but also helped reduce air pollution, saved significantamounts of money, and greatly enhanced its public image.

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In your textbook, How to Start a Home-Based LandscapingBusiness, youll read about the many ways in which you canincorporate more sustainable elements into your landscapeprojects, how you can provide business services in a moresustainable manner, and how you can meet the demand forgreen landscapes. Some of these concepts may be difficultto grasp at this point in your studies. However, as you progressthrough the rest of this program, the concepts will becomeclearer and more intriguing.

Self-Check 14

1. List three types of watershed-friendly landscaping.

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2. Even if some potential clients dont really care about protecting the environment, what otherbenefits could you sell them by taking a more sustainable approach to their landscape projects?

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3. Rainwater that falls on a site can be stored in a/an _______ for later use during the dry season.

4. List two negative impacts on the environment caused by maintaining a traditional lawn.

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5. _______ is the Australian system of holistic design that stacks functions and yields maximumbenefit with minimum impact.

6. A gravel path, as opposed to a concrete walk, is an example of _______ paving.

7. _______ wa

Documents

Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture and the Landscape Industry