Green Gardener Class of 2015
The Monterey Bay Green Gardener Program trains and certifies landscape industry workers in Monterey Bay-Friendly Landscaping design and maintenance practices. In order to become certified, gardeners attend the certification-level series which consists of ten weekday evening class sessions for a total of 20-30 hours of instruction and a Saturday class project. Gardeners must obtain a passing score on a final exam that covers all core subjects and must complete a comprehensive self-evaluation of their landscape practices. Continuing education is not required to maintain certification. However, certified gardeners are encouraged to attend continuing education classes.
For Information About Upcoming Classes
Call Watsonville Adult Education at (831) 786-2160 or go online at Watsonville Aptos Adult Education. Participants will have the opportunity to earn the Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certification.
Skill-Building Practice takes place in the Monterey Bay Friendly demonstration landscape at the Watsonville-Aptos Adult School.
Who are the Instructors and What Topics are Covered?
Green Gardener instructors are landscape contractors and experts in the field. The 10-week certification-level is offered in both English and Spanish. The advanced curriculum provides an additional four-ten-week series as funding allows.
Green Gardener Curriculum Core topics: | ||
| Certification-Level Curriculum Topics | ADVANCED Continuing Education Topics | |
| Soil Health | Sustainability/ Green Design | |
| Fertilizers and Water Quality | Efficient Irrigation Design and Technology | |
| Integrated Pest Management (IPM) | Advanced Irrigation Scheduling & Weather Based Controllers | |
| Irrigation I -Soils and Water | Integrated Pest Management for Weeds | |
| Irrigation II-Efficient Irrigation Scheduling | Integrated Pest Management for Vertebrates and Biological Control | |
| Irrigation III-Irrigation Troubleshooting | Advanced Natural Pruning | |
| Natural Pruning | Soil Food Web/ Compost Tea/Soil Fertility | |
| Mulches & Compost | Successful Plant Installation | |
| Plant Selection for Water Conservation | Abiotic Disorders | |
| Air Quality + Final Exam | Stormwater Management and Low-Impact Development | |
| Greywater Irrigation System Design and Maintenance Certification | ||
Interested in Implementing a Green Gardener Certification Program in Your Area? Please contact:
Sherry Lee Bryan
Program Manager
Ecology Action
Email: sherry@ecoact.org
Phone: 831-515-1314
Other Professional Development Programs for Landscape Industry Professionals
Bay Friendly Landscaping Certification Program
The Bay-Friendly Landscaping Coalition offers workshops for backyard gardeners and training and certification for landscaping professionals living in the San Francisco Bay Area. (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties).
UC Master Gardeners of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties
This program is an excellent local resource for continuing horticultural education. Check the schedule for trainings and apply online to attend.
CLCA Water Management Certification Program
CLCA Water Managers must pass a written test, complete a water audit training and manage at least one property for one year and continue to manage a property at or below the landscape water budget established by the CLCA Water Management Performance Program.