Horticulture (HORT)

This course provides a survey of the proper construction methods for general landscape components such as paving, retaining walls, decks, and general garden structures. On-ground field work will be completed as appropriate.

This is a basic introduction to common, desirable, deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, and vines for the natural and cultivated landscape. The course emphasizes identification as well as learning the attributes, growth habits and cultural needs of the plants. Nomenclature and fundamental tree biology are discussed.

This course provides instruction in the identification and selection of annual and perennial herbaceous plants for various habitats. Students will develop an understanding of the plants' ornamental value in garden and landscape design, based on flowers, foliage, form and adaptability to the environment.

This course covers the relationships between soils and the environment with emphasis on common horticultural applications such as agricultural production, landscape functions, and greenhouse operations. It specifically focuses on soil texture and classification, the biological and chemical properties of soils, the impact of soils on the environment, and the principles and practices of modifying soils for horticultural applications.

This course will cover the current principles and cultural practices of tree, bush, and vine fruit crop production. The course provides basic knowledge and methods that can be applied on the commercial and residential level. Included, are topics on selection and soil preparation, planting, pruning and fertilization and general cultivation of a variety of fruiting plants. Site visits to fruit production sites will be included.

This course will cover the current principles and cultural practices of traditional and hydroponic vegetable production. The course provides basic knowledge and methods that can be applied on the commercial and residential level. Included are topics onsite selection and soil preparation, planting, pruning and fertilization and general cultivation of a variety of vegetable plants.

This course is provides the student with a basic understanding of turfgrass management and maintenance practices in order to prepare them for their careers within the industry. Class labs and hands-on experience will be stressed throughout the class in order to give students practical knowledge. Field trips and industry guest lecturers will be scheduled according to class interests as a useful tool for students to make valuable contacts.

An introductory level course focusing on growing cannabis and hemp. Students will learn about the common challenges of cannabis production and how to best identify and address these challenges. Lectures focus on horticultural management of cannabis crops cultivated in the field and grown in a controlled environment. Production techniques specific to cannabis will be covered including seeding, cloning cuttings, pruning, plant training, post-harvest handling, and Cannabinoid/Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) extraction. Lectures will also focus on various aspects of the cannabis business and industry.

This course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills to create a successful landscape design for public or private client. Hand drafting and illustrative techniques are emphasized. An overview of historical garden design styles is also covered.

This course is designed as a continuation the Landscape Design I class. Students learn from a series of structured landscape design projects of increasing complexity. The course emphasizes design development from conceptual design through schematic and preliminary design phases. The relationship between the design program and the physical parameters of the site will be stressed. Visual representation and graphic ability to convey a design intention are reinforced. In the second part of the semester students will be given an introduction to computer aided drafting specifically relating to landscape design. The class is labor intensive and requires a substantial time commitment in class and at home.

This course is an introduction to utilizing computer applications in the landscape design profession. Material will cover the development of two-dimensional base plans, three-dimensional models, and two-dimensional renderings. Also, examples of real-life projects will be highlighted to illustrate the transition from computer drawings to construction. The student will develop a working knowledge of AutoCad, ProLandscape, and Google Sketchup.

This course is designed to give students a better understanding of the maintenance and management of various landscapes and the practices associated with improving plant health including; fertilization, pruning, pest control, and propagation.

This course covers the topics of contracts, project estimation, and personnel management for small landscape businesses. The course will also review the legal requirements to start and execute landscape projects, maintain occupational licensure, and manage municipal planning review processes.

This course will help the student prepare for the Connecticut Supervisory Pesticide Applicators License exam. Because of the broad range of plants, insects, diseases and control methods this covers, the course will serve as a good general overview of modern landscape pest management practices.

This course is an overview of the field of modern arboriculture. While the course was initially designed to help the student prepare for the State Arborist Exam, it will provide the student, even those not planning on taking the state licensing exam, a good background in the science and practice of tree care. Topics include the biology, identification, selection, planting, management, preservation of trees and diagnosis of tree problems.

This course helps students prepare for a career in the management and operation of a commercial greenhouse business. The curriculum integrates an understanding of basic plant physiological mechanisms into the decision-making process of a greenhouse manager. The course will instruct students on the use of sustainable management techniques for crop production and sale.

This course is an in-depth study of the principles and practices involved in the propagation of herbaceous and woody plants. Students will learn the theoretical and practical skills necessary to reproduce plants by seeds, division, layering, cuttings, grafting and tissue culture/micropropagation.

This course covers the production of agricultural crops utilizing hydroponic, aquaponics, and other modern technological means. Focus areas of the class will include plant root physiology, macro/micronutrient supplementation, pH and alkalinity adjustments, the nitrogen cycle, current food safety practices and additional information required to grow/maintain successful agricultural crops. Hands on greenhouse assignments and field trips will be utilized, where applicable.

The Horticulture Cooperative Education Program is a working arrangement of prescribed duration with a guarantee that the student will rotate among several different aspects of a company's functional areas for one or two (+/-) weeks each, completing planned modules that cover the duties and responsibilities of that area. Each party to the learning contract must be clear about what the cooperative experience is. The employing company needs to understand what type of work experience they are providing, and the student needs to know what work situation he/she is seeking before beginning the cooperative program.