HLSM - Horticulture, Land Systems, and Management

This course is an introduction to the Horticulture, Land Systems and Management programs (HLSM). This course should be taken during the first quarter of enrollment.

This course forms the basis for all the other horticulture courses. It includes the study of structures and functions in plants; requirements for growth and production, including soil and fertilizers, temperature, light, growth stimulants and retardants, and water use and application; propagation; and growing problems as they relate to the production of vegetables, bedding plants, bulbs, nursery stock, potted plants, and cut flowers. Hands-on laboratory experience is provided.

This course introduces students to the methods and applications of raising fish together with plants in closed recirculating systems. Topics include aquaponics principles and system designs, nitrogen cycling and water quality, and fish and plant biology and health. Emphasis is on flood and drain culture of tilapia, vegetables, and herbs.

This course is an introduction to the art and mechanics of arranging fresh flowers for the home and events using modern techniques.

This course includes the study of perennials in the landscape. Emphasis is placed on culture, flower/leaf, texture, color, proper location, soil, and blooming periods.

This course includes the laboratory and discussion of the culture and care of turf areas, including residential, public, and intense use areas. Emphasis is on propagation, establishment, identification, watering, fertilizing, insects, diseases, and the safe use of power tools for grasses used in Nebraska turf.

This course covers the characteristics, identification, care, and use of small fruits and tree fruits, including establishing planting, controlling pests, pollination, pruning, and fruit set.

This course includes the study of characteristics, growth rate, care, and use of deciduous trees for landscaping purposes in the Midwest. The students follow right plant, right place guidelines and are aware of insects and diseases that could be a problem for certain trees. Students learn proper use of equipment used for pruning and spraying when necessary.

This course covers both herbaceous and evergreen groundcovers and where they grow. Students also study the broadleaf and needled evergreens with emphasis on the right plant, right place guidelines. Students learn about correct pruning methods and tools and the right time of year to do pruning and propagation.

This course covers the use of shrubs in the landscape that are hardy in Nebraska. Emphasis is placed on characteristics that help in identification, including leaf, flower, stems, time of bloom, size of blub, and proper environment for growth. Included in this class are awareness of diseases and insects that might be a problem and knowing pruning techniques and proper time to spray, along with equipment to use.

Students learn about herbs through cultivating a restaurant-focused culinary garden. Emphasis is placed on seasonal, organic, and biodynamic management practices centered on consumer demand.

This course provides advanced practice leading to excellence in designing for specialty events.

This course provides advanced practice leading to excellence in designing for weddings, home decor, edible arrangements, funerals, and parties.

This course is a historical survey of landscape design and development from ancient times to the 20th century. It emphasizes landscape forms in light of cultural, political, and environmental influences. Emphasis is placed on identifying and recognizing themes and elements of importance and the role they play in design and the interaction of humans and the environment.

This course introduces students to the areas involved in planning, designing, and drawing landscapes, including the proper use of drafting equipment and technology. This course covers existing site analysis, correct identification of site opportunities and issues, correct placement of proper plant materials, and different types of design theory and methods. The students are required to submit completed designs.

This course explores current computer applications as they relate to the landscape and design industries. Students explore both two- and three-dimensional imaging and how to use these platforms to communicate to clients and contractors.

This class introduces students to the basic principles and importance of natural systems, focusing on ecology and biodiversity. Students are also introduced to the role of sustainability in landscape design and its effect on natural systems. This class encourages critical thinking about design and its impact on the site and surrounding area. Current and potential sustainable design theories are examined along with a brief history of sustainable design.

This course provides advanced practice leading to excellence in designing for weddings.

The identification, use, and culture of plants using the latest ideas, techniques, and equipment are covered for homes and commercial interiorscapes.

This course builds upon the theory and practice learned in Introduction to Design. Students learn the key elements of designing on a larger scale, which may include landscape design for public, commercial, or industrial sites.

This course builds upon the theory and practice learned in Introduction to Design. The material covered includes instruction on reading and putting together construction documents and details of both hardscape and elements in the landscape. Students also investigate the importance of post-occupancy evaluations.

This course builds upon the theory and practice learned in Introduction to Design. The material covered includes instruction on how to construct landscape elements and maintain them once built. Material covered varies based on new trends and technology.

This course is the study of the history of restorative gardens and the benefits provided to people. The course emphasizes therapeutic benefits to people working with plants and gardens.

This course introduces students to the basic principles and importance of regional planning.

This course introduces students to the basic principles and importance of topography, soil, and storm water.

This course covers the principles and practices of propagation of plants by means of seed. Emphasis is placed on the classification of seed based on its morphology as well as the physiological development of seed. The techniques of commercial seed production in agronomy and horticulture based upon genetically derived cultivars and hybrids introduce students to modern plant breeding and genetic engineering. The course also includes hands-on experience with seed harvesting, handling, and germinating various plant species used in the seed production industry.

This course covers the principles and practices of propagation of plants by vegetative plan structures. Emphasis is placed on the importance of clones/cultivars that can only be maintained by vegetative means. Students study the physiological process involved in wound-induced and healing response occurring in root, shoot, and callus formation. The commercial methods of vegetative propagation, including cuttings, grafting, budding layering, specialized structures and micro-propagation are covered. Students have hands-on introduction to these propagation techniques as well as learn the wide range of plants that are propagated in each area. Growing environments and structures are studied for the complete production of propagated plant products.

This course is an introduction to plant diseases of economic importance to horticultural crops. Identifying characteristics of diseases, life cycles, and IMP control methods are examined.

This course examines detection, identification, and control of insects that damage ornamental plants. Identifying insect characteristics, life cycles, and IMP control methods are examined.

This course is an overview of the current study of urban agriculture, providing perspective on the program and development of the growing field. The course highlights types of urban agriculture from around the world and our country and explores the role plants play in urban sustainability and future urban environments.

Students learn about food systems through cultivating a restaurant-focused vegetable garden. Emphasis is placed on seasonal, organic, and biodynamic management practices centered on consumer demand.

This course covers the principles and practices of small animal husbandry: honey bee hives, laying chickens and other poultry, rabbits, and squab. The course covers purchasing, housing, behavior, hygiene, nutrition, and harvest/fabrication.

This course provides an opportunity for students to acquire knowledge and skills in producing greenhouse crops under glass, in plastic structures, and outdoors.

The operation of a nursery or garden center requires a good knowledge of woody plant production, landscape contract bidding, merchandising, marketing, and garden center operations. These topics are discussed in this course along with field production of perennials, bulbs, and groundcovers.

This course studies the components necessary to form a horticulture business, including naming, mission statement, goals, organization, cost management, insurance, bookkeeping taxes, and profit along with management of materials and inventory.

This course permits instruction in special content areas not included in other horticulture courses, depending upon interest and relevancy to the curriculum. Topics may include EPA certification, water gardening, and rain gardens.

Students work in a horticulture-related field under the direction of a qualified supervisor. Based on state guidelines, students must complete 40 hours of work for each credit hour.

Students work with the horticulture faculty in designing, implementing, and evaluating a special horticulture project. Students meet with the faculty on a regular basis for consultation and evaluation.