Training Services

We offer on-site training on a variety of topics.
Your staff will improve on their technical expertise and will be better equipped to answer questions from your customers.
Our presentations combine technical information and hands-on practice with real life situations.
Our methods are based on modern adult education techniques.
 

Diagnostic of plant problems

What is wrong with my tree?
If you hear this question from your customers, this workshop is for you.
This workshop will review common diseases found on plants in the region.
We will review the diagnostic skills and the methods to make the best possible assessment.

Examples of recent deliveries:

Diagnostic of plant problems
One-day workshops organized by the "Horticulture Basics" program of the BC Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA).  Held in 2010 in Kelowna and Kamloops, B.C.  Copy of advertisement

Plant diseases and Diagnostic of plant problems
A one-day workshop organized by the Vancouver Island chapter of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Held in 2010 in Nanaimo, B.C.

Plant diseases and Diagnostic of plant problems
One-day training workshops for the Master Gardener program, BC Interior region.
Held in 2011 in Kelowna, 2008 in Kamloops, 2007 in Penticton, B.C.

Compost and Compost tea

Proper management of organic matter can make plants healthier.  How is it done?
Topics covered include preparation and testing of compost with locally available ingredients
to ensure a finished product that is suppressive of plant diseases.
The second is hands-on for preparation of aerated compost tea.

Learning outcomes:
1) Recipes for preparation and use of compost in various horticulture situations.
2) Preparation of compost tea to improve soil biology.
3) Hands-on afternoon portion to practice concepts discussed during morning.

Examples of recent deliveries:

Preparation of compost and potting mixes
A one-day workshop, part of a series at Okanagan College designed for professionals in horticulture.
Held in 2012 in Kelowna, B.C.  Copy of advertisement

Preparation of high quality, disease suppressive compost
A series of one-day workshops organized by the Grand Forks and Boundary Regional Agricultural Society and the Boundary Organic Producers Association (BOPA).
Held in 2010 and 2011 in Grand Forks, BC.  Copy of advertisement

Preparation of compost and compost tea
A two-day training workshop for employees of Terra Erosion Control Ltd., a company specializing in reducing accelerated erosion on reclamation projects and road construction.
Held in 2009 Nelson, BC.  Link to company website

Soil biology to improve plant health
A one-day workshop organized by the North Okanagan Organics Associaton (NOOA).
Held in 2009 in Armstrong and Kelowna, B.C.
Copy of advertisement

Compost and Potting mixes
A one-day workshop organized by the Kootenay Local Agricultural Society (KLAS)
Held in 2009 in Castlegar and Creston, B.C.
Copy of advertisement

Looking Ahead: Stimulating natural suppression of plant diseases
Presentation at the annual training conference of the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (PNW-ISA).  Held in 2004 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Compost tea: Voodoo magic or science based?
Presentation at the North Okanagan Organics Association (NOOA).
Held in 2006 in Armstrong, B.C.  Copy of agenda and Copy of talk
 

Pruning of trees and shrubs

This one-day workshop will review important concepts such as good tree structure,
what to cut and where to cut, as well as pruning tools and their maintenance.
There will be a strong focus on the modern thinking for pruning –
minimizing cuts so the tree can heal rapidly.

Learning outcomes:
1) Understanding sound tree structure to determine the best pruning cut.
2) The importance of pruning to maintain plant health.
3) Hands-on afternoon portion to practice concepts discussed during morning.

Examples of recent deliveries:

Pruning of trees and fruit trees
A one-day workshop, part of a series at Okanagan College designed for professionals in horticulture.
Held in 2012 in Kelowna, B.C.  Copy of advertisement

Pruning of trees and fruit trees
A one-day workshop organized by the Kootenay Land Association Society (KLAS).
Held in 2011 in Castlegar, B.C.  Copy of advertisement

Structural pruning of young trees
One-day workshops organized by the "Horticulture Basics" program of the BC Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA).  Held during 2010 in Kelowna, Penticton, Osoyoos, Armstrong and Kamloops.  Copy of advertisement
 

Management of insects and weeds

These one-day workshops cover identification, typical damage and management methods,
including non-pesticide methods and least-toxic pesticides allowed in municipal pesticide bylaws.
For insects, the presentation covers common insect pests of the region.
For weeds, the focus is on prevention and a review of non-chemical methods used in Europe.

Learning outcomes:
1) Ability to design a management program that combines a variety of control methods.
2) A review of new, low-impact pesticides now entering the market.
3) Hands-on afternoon portion to practice concepts discussed during morning.

Examples of recent deliveries:

Insect pest problems
A one-day workshop by the City of Kelowna designed for pesticide applicators.
Held in 2011 in Kelowna, B.C.  Copy of advertisement

Weed management without Round-up
One-day workshops organized by the "Horticulture Basics" program of the BC Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA).  Held during 2010 in Kelowna, Burnaby, Revelstoke and Richmond.  Copy of advertisement

Municipal pesticide bylaws in Canada – The impact on pest management practices
A half-day workshop organized by our company as part of the "International IPM Symposium".
Held in 2009 in Seattle, Oregon.  Program of symposia and link to presentations (go to page 99)
 

Nutrient deficiencies

Why are the leaves yellow?  What fertilizer would help get a healthier plant?
This intensive one-day workshop will examine symptoms and nutrient deficiencies that are common on plants growing in this region, and methods to correct those problems.
All nutrients will be covered—from nitrogen to iron to zinc.

Learning outcomes:
1) Common visual symptoms when plants are lacking specific nutrients.
2) Recipes to correct nutrient deficiencies.
3) Reading laboratory reports of plant samples.

Examples of recent deliveries:

Typical symptoms of nutrient deficiencies in conifer plants
A presentation at the "Nutrient Workshop for Seed Orchards" organized by the B.C. Ministry of Forests.
Held in 2011 in Vernon, B.C.

Nutrient deficiencies and Fertilization of landscape plants
Two one-day workshops organized by the Vancouver Island Chapter of ISA (International Society of Arboriculture).
Held in 2011 in Victoria and Nanaimo, B.C.

Nutrient deficiencies and Fertilization of landscape plants
A one-day workshop organized by the BC Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA).
Held in 2011 in Vernon, B.C.  Copy of advertisement
 

Planting trees and shrubs

Things that are done at the time of planting will have a big impact for years afterwards.
This one-day workshop reviews the practices that make a difference -
the planting hole, the soil to add, the mulch to apply, and methods to conserve water after planting.
Of special interest, there is an examination of root systems on plants received from the nursery.

Learning outcomes:
1) Preparation of the planting hole to match modern industry standards.
2) Examination of the root system at the time of planting and correction of problems.
3) Hands-on afternoon portion to practice concepts discussed during the morning.

Examples of recent deliveries:

"Up By Roots" with James Urban
A one-day training workshop organized by our company, part of the regional training program of the ISA-PNW (International Society of Arboriculture, Pacific NorthWest chapter).
Held in 2011 in Kelowna, B.C.  Copy of advertisement and summary of workshop

Site assessment for landscape IPM

IPM for the landscape professional
Two one-day training workshops organized by the B.C. Landscape Nursery Association (BCLNA).
Held in 2003 in Vernon, B.C.  Copy of advertisement

Greenhouse production

Best management practices have evolved over the past 10 years.
Successful greenhouse production requires a thorough understanding of growing media,
watering methods, manipulation of light and temperature, and biocontrol for insects and diseases.

Learning outcomes:
1) Preparation and testing of potting mixes with locally available ingredients.
2) Matching plant growth stages with different soil moisture levels and watering methods.
3) Hands-on afternoon portion to practice concepts discussed during the morning.

Examples of recent deliveries:

Calibration of sprayers

Spray equipment must be maintained and calibrated to ensure cost effective use of pesticides.
This hands-on training workshop is designed for spray applicators.
It includes calculations for speed and delivery rate per hectare, to match product labels.

Learning outcomes:
1) Procedures for cleaning equipment after a spray application.
2) Understanding of important sprayer parts and their function during application.
3) Sprayer set-up for speed and nozzle arrangements for different field plantings.

Examples of recent deliveries: