Practical Landscape Horticulture consists of a series of four books aligned with the latest Canadian occupational standards for landscape horticulture professionals. The Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS), updated in 2019, reflects current practices in Canada and harmonizes the trade across all landscape apprenticeship programs.

The RSOS categorizes landscape horticulturists into four main task groups: performing common occupational skills, applying horticultural principles, executing landscape construction, and conducting landscape maintenance. Each book in the Practical Landscape Horticulture series addresses one of these task groups comprehensively.

Practical Landscape Horticulture Use

The Practical Landscape Horticulture series serves as a comprehensive resource guide tailored for practicing landscape horticulturists in the field and for instructional purposes. It is equally valuable for educators and students pursuing careers in landscape horticulture. Designed to accommodate various landscape-oriented training programs, the series encompasses every task and subtask outlined in the latest landscape standards (RSOS), particularly pertinent to apprenticeship programs.

Each book within the series offers in-depth coverage of major task groups and can function independently as a valuable resource. However, given the multifaceted nature of landscape horticulture, tasks often necessitate a foundational understanding of related principles and techniques to be executed correctly and safely.

For instance, constructing a landscape proficiently requires not only practical skills but also a grasp of fundamental horticultural principles, proper tool utilization, and safety protocols. Thus, the books are most effectively utilized as a complete set, as they frequently reference tasks and concepts discussed in other volumes of the series.

About the Practical Landscape Horticulture four volume series

Book A: Performs Common Occupational Skills covers the skills, abilities, and knowledge that Landscape Horticulturists use to perform specific tasks in the workplace and ensure the operation of the business. These skills include technical proficiencies, such as using personal protective equipment, tools, equipment, vehicles and attachments, as well as soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Occupational skills are essential for landscape horticulturists, businesses, and industry success. Topics include performing safety-related functions; using tools, equipment, and vehicles; organizing work; participating in marketing and sales; and, using communication and mentoring techniques.

Book B: Applies Horticultural Principles explores plant identification and requirements to manage health, growing conditions, pests, diseases and invasive species. Horticultural principles, including soil and water stewardship, pruning, and biodiversity enhancement, are applied to sustain and promote plant life and the growing environment. Environmental best practices are identified and applied for developing, conserving, preserving, protecting and reclaiming natural habitats and ecosystems to sustain a healthy environment. Topics include horticultural and environmental practices.

Book C: Performs Landscape Construction describes the installation of softscape features such as growing media, exterior and interior plants including seed or sod. This learning resource focuses on ensuring all landscape features comply with plans, specifications, regulations, and codes to ensure the integrity of the installation. Topics include pre-construction activities and installation of hardscape, softscape, and green infrastructure systems.

Book D: Performs Landscape Maintenance provides coverage of hardscape, softscape, and green infrastructure maintenance activities and tasks. Topics include maintaining hardscapes and features for safety and preservation; maintaining interior and exterior plant material (softscapes), to sustain plant health, integrity of the landscape design, and to provide a functioning and aesthetically pleasing environment; maintaining green infrastructure systems to prolong integrity.

Related learning resources

There is a $85 discount when purchasing the complete series. Each volume is also sold separately.

Other volumes in this series available for individual sales

Book A: Performs Common Occupational Skills

Book B: Applies Horticultural Principles

Book C: Performs Landscape Construction

Book D: Performs Landscape Maintenance