February 5-March 21, 2013
Location: Evergreen Brick Works, Classroom 2W, 550 Bayview Avenue
Through examining the connection between soil health, plant health, human health and environmental health, this course will address sustainable land management practices to maintain plants in the urban landscape.
This intense, challenging and inspiring course lays the foundation for making decisions on growing plants for ornamental or food purposes based on SOUL* (Society for Organic Urban Land Care) organic standards, recognized by COG. You will gain essential skills to start or enhance your own practice or business in the rapidly growing organic land care industry.
The Organic Master Gardener Certificate is designed for urban growers, community gardeners, landscapers, municipal parks personnel, environmental advocates, naturalists and conservationists. Please note, you will need weekly access to a computer and the internet for some course materials.
Topics include: botany & adaptations within ecosystems, soil ecosystem, soil testing, mulches and compost teas/brews, garden bed installation, soil fertility management, waterwise gardening, pruning, turf, landscape health, Permaculture design, organic standards.
• Learn to create healthy food and ornamental gardens without pesticides and harmful chemicals
• The course prepares you to write the SOUL Organic Certification exam for land care professionals (you have up to 1 year to write the exam after taking the course)
• This course qualifies for Continuing Education Credits for industry certifications (ISA, CNLA, BCSLA, SOUL)
• Free Information Session on Organic Best Practices January 2013
Instructor: Astrid Muschalla, PHEc Professional Organic Horticulturist
With over 20 years working on private and public lands, Astrid teaches the Organic Horticulture Specialist and Plant Knowledge – Natives courses in the Sustainable Landscape Design Program at Humber College. She’s passionate about exploring the interconnectedness of all things growing and how we can support nature’s intelligence and create healthy environments. Her gardens have been featured on Doors Open, various community garden tours, CTV’s Garden of the Month. Astrid’s worked as a design judge for Communities in Bloom. She is on the board of the Society of Organic Urban Land Care, is a member of Landscape Ontario and a Master Gardener.Space is limited, so don’t delay. Registration deadline is January 25th, 2013. Register here: http://www.cog.ca/news_events/OMG/Cost: $695 +HST and includes text, online resources, one year e-subscription to The Canadian Organic Grower magazine (magazine.cog.ca) and organic library, with more than 1500 books and resources.
