Green industry and conservation professionals can get hands-on learning through seven professional development courses offered by the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden from September through December 2008.
The School is one of the premier sources in the United States for the continuing development of horticulture and plant science knowledge and skills for professionals. Professional programs offer intensive studies in a particular area of interest for the advanced student. Leading experts are invited to teach and lecture using the Garden’s living collection and natural resources. Instruction is often a combination of lecture and hands-on exercises with plenty of time for networking with industry colleagues.
Many programs are approved for continuing education units (CEUs) from professional organizations, including the American Horticultural Therapy Association, Association of Professional Landscape Designers, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, Illinois Nurseryman’s Association, International Society of Arboriculture and Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.
In addition, the School offers several career training/professional development certificate programs: Ornamental Plant Materials, Professional Gardener Level 1 and 2, Garden Design and Healthcare Garden Design. For more information, call (847) 835-8292, or visit the Web site at www.chicagobotanic.org/certificate.
Professional programs offered in fall 2008 include:
Incorporating Bulbs in the Landscape – Monday, September 15, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Have you often wondered what it is about a garden design that makes you take a second look? Quite often it is the inclusion of bulbs that enhance many designs. Learn about bloom sequence, plant selection, and cultural requirements of more than 50 bulbs, corms and tubers, and how to use them to take your garden designs to the next level. Class held at the College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL. Cost is $49. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $39.
Matematicas para Jardineros (Math for Gardeners in Spanish) – Two Mondays, Sept. 26 & Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Este curso esta elaborado para aquellos jardineros responsables por el mantenimiento o directores de las operaciones de jardineria. Metodos de uso en la industria, asi cómo también, el calculo de la concentracion de fertilizantes, determinacion del numero de plantas por cama, enmiendas del suelo necesarias, entre otros topicos de importancia seran cubiertos en esta clase. Los estudiantes necesitaran calculadora, regal, graduador y papel milimetrado. El cupo de esta clase es limitado. Class held at the College of Lake County, Grayslake, IL. Cost is $37. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $29.
Learning the Landscape with AutoCAD – Five Tuesdays, October 28 through November 25, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This course will cover the basic tools, techniques, and use of the AutoCAD program within landscape architectural and landscape design offices. Exercises, lectures, and demonstrations will focus on applications specific to a landscape design including base plans, layout plans, revisions, planting plans, and construction detailing. Students will gain confidence in using, learning, and applying the software. They will complete portfolio materials identifying their skill with the software. Cost is $287. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $229.
Taking Your Safety Program from Good to Great – Thursday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Having a solid safety program is important not only for worker well-being and productivity but for client relations, too. Taking care of your workers helps send a message to clients and prospects that you will make their needs a priority as well. Learn how to create a culture of safety in your landscape operations. Causes and consequences of unsafe behaviors, and how to inspire safe behaviors from the top of your organization down will be covered. Cost is $27. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $21.
Introduction to One-Point Perspective – Friday, November 7, 9 a.m. to noon
Stephen Marzahl provides an introduction to perspective drawing. Stephen has a no pressure, relaxed teaching style and takes pride in breaking down complex subjects into bite-sized pieces. Cost is $62. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $49.
Cuidado y Reparacion Básica de Motores Pequeños (Care and Basic Repair of Small Engines) – Saturday, November 22, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Conosca las principales reglos de sequridad al trabajar con motores pequeños de 2 y 4 tiempos, así cómo las herramientas necesarias para efectuar la afinación, mantenimiento general y reporación básica. Aprenda a resolver las fallas más comunes y a diferencia los motores de 2 y 4 tiempos.
Pruning for Professionals – Wednesday, December 3, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This course is designed as a comprehensive review of basic pruning practices for landscape professionals. The afternoon session consists of demonstrations “in the field” that illustrate the techniques discussed during the morning session. There will also be a review of pruning tools and taking care of equipment. Please dress for the weather, as the afternoon will be spent outdoors. Lunch is on your won. Cost is $87. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $69.
Podando para Professionales (Pruning for Professionals in Spanish) – Thursday, December 4, 9 a.m. to noon
Este repaso de prácticas de podar para jardineros professionales incluirá técnicas, tiempo y cómo escoger las mejores herramientas. Debido a que parte de las clase estará afuera se requiere que traigan Tijeras y serrucho para practicar. Una discussión de cómo tartar con sus clientes y que información debe compartir con ellos antes de empezar un trabajo también será incluido. Cost is $49. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $39.
Awaken the Artist Within – Saturday, December 6. 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Stephen Marzahl invites you to join him as he talks about the artist within each of us. As a designer, Stephen is aware of the need to be able to be in touch with and call on creativity to summon the artist within. This talk will include pragmatic tips on tapping into, nourishing, and protecting the creative you. Cost is $37. Chicago Botanic Garden members pay $29.
Parking is free for program registrants. For information on professional development opportunities, request a catalog by calling (847) 835-8261, or visit the Chicago Botanic Garden Web site at www.chicagobotanic.org/school.