Learn to identify woody ornamentals while gaining an understanding of their cultural requirements and associated insect and disease problems.
Conifer Identification class in Susquehanna County
Success in the landscape begins with a comprehensive knowledge of plant material available in the trade and matching site conditions with appropriate woody plants. The certificate program in woody plant identification will train Master Gardeners in the identification of woody ornamental plants. Participants will learn each plant's site and cultural requirements, as well as its associated insect and disease problems. Classes cover both native and non-native species.
This advanced training in plant identification will prepare Master Gardeners to become more proficient in answering gardening questions. Master Gardeners are also encouraged to share the knowledge they have gained to educate community residents by presenting individual classes or workshops.
Eligibility
Enrollment will be offered each fall. To enroll in an advanced certificate program, you must be an active, certified Penn State Extension Master Gardener in good standing and affiliated with one of the county Master Gardener programs.
Class Requirements
To receive a Woody Plant Identification Advanced Certificate, Master Gardener volunteers must participate in the Information Session, a Welcome Walk event, and complete the six required modules. Graduates will be honored annually.
The statewide Master Gardener program works with Extension Educators to offer Welcome Walks each fall for new participants. After completing the Welcome Walk, the 6 modules can be taken in any order. Module credits do not expire, including credits earned in the previous course format. A Master Gardener could enroll in 1 module per year and finish their certificate in 6 years, or complete all modules in one year.
General Requirements
- To enroll in this program, a Master Gardener must be in good standing and affiliated with one of the county Penn State Extension Master Gardener programs.
- Advanced Certificate Program courses qualify as Master Gardener continuing education hours.
- No additional volunteer service hours are required to earn the Woody Plant Identification Advanced Certificate.
- Welcome Walk enrollment will provide students with five full-color manuals to utilize throughout the course.
Module Descriptions
Modules 1 to 6 are self-paced online courses. Each course integrates videos, reading, and knowledge assessments to engage learners. Each module will take approximately 3 hours to complete.
Module 1: Broadleaf Evergreens
Broadleaf evergreen shrubs add year-round structure, color, texture, and form to the landscape. Colorful flowers and fruits enhance the appeal of these garden stalwarts used as specimens and also in foundation, screening, and mixed border plantings.
Module 2: Coniferous Trees
Module 3: Coniferous Shrubs and Groundcovers
Conifers provide the structural framework for many gardens, serving a variety of roles as specimens, focal points, screens, hedges and backdrops. They offer bold contrasts of foliage color and texture as well as distinctive growth habits.
Module 4: Deciduous Shrubs
Shrubs unify the landscape, connecting taller shade and flowering trees to ground-level plantings. Deciduous shrubs provide food and nesting sites for birds, attractive flowers and fruits, and a variety of foliage textures and colors from spring to autumn.
Module 5: Flowering Trees
Flowering trees provide multiple seasons of interest to the landscape with flowers, fruits, foliage color, form, and bark. Available selections in a range of sizes make these trees suitable for large rural landscapes as well as small urban spaces.
Module 6: Shade Trees
Shade trees are a long-lived investment. They provide a calm and peaceful environment while increasing the property value of your home. Shade trees attract birds and other wildlife, lower energy costs, improve water quality by reducing runoff and erosion.
