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Introduction to Australian Native Ferns

Introduction to Australian Native Ferns is professional development course that explores how to grow, identify and propagate these plants in baskets, terrariums, and landscapes. On completion, you will have a comprehensive understanding and awareness of how to grow ferns.
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Start Anytime
Yes
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Delivery Method
100% Online
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Study Hours
50 hours
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Course Access
12 Months

There are over 400 species of Australian ferns – these ancient, non-flowering plants create a tranquil, cool and invigorating paradise in any garden. Whether you’re a gardener, landscaper, nursery personnel or anyone who wants to become a fern expert, this course is ideal for you.

Introduction to Australian Native Ferns is professional development course that explores how to grow, identify and propagate these plants in baskets, terrariums, and landscapes.

In this professional development course, you will learn propagation techniques, how to plant, mulch, water, prune, feed and protect ferns from pests and disease.

You will learn about the classification of ferns, different varietals, horticultural values, and how to make the best use of native ferns for your garden or landscaping project.

On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding and awareness of how to grow ferns.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us. 

Course Structure
Introduction to Australian Native Ferns

Unit 1 – Introduction to Ferns

  • Plant names (common and scientific names)
  • Plant families
  • Classification (family and genera)
  • Using reference books
  • Contacting organisations
  • Magazine and journals
  • Online resources

Unit 2 – Culture

  • Fern culture
  • Environment zones in Australia
  • Understanding soils and root media
  • Problems with soils
  • Soil degradation
  • Erosion and salinity
  • The certificate of Australian native ferns
  • Soil compaction
  • Soil acidification
  • Chemical residues
  • Drainage
  • Poor soil structure
  • Compaction
  • Surface crusting
  • Low lying land
  • Increased runoff from neighbouring areas
  • Hydrophobic soils (i.e. Water repelling)
  • Composting
  • What to use in compost?
  • What can go wrong?
  • The use of organic principles to help overcome soil problems
  • Reduce erosion and weeds
  • Prevent soil from drying out
  • Provide a source of nutrients
  • Provide a buffer against temperature variations
  • Plant nutrition
  • Soil pH
  • Earthworms
  • Pests
  • Organic sprays
  • Home made sprays
  • Diatomaceous earth spray
  • Soapy water
  • Quassia spray
  • Garlic spray
  • Pyrethrum
  • Rhubarb spray
  • Mustard dust
  • Stinging nettle spray
  • Chamomile spray
  • White cedar (melia azaderach)
  • Eucalyptus sprays

Unit 3 – Propagation

  • Spore propagation
  • Vegetative propagation
  • Division
  • Bulbils
  • Tissue culture
  • Layering
  • Cuttings
  • More of spore propagation
  • Collecting spores
  • Equipment and materials
  • Sowing spores
  • Australia native ferns
  • Selection & development
  • Selecting plants for the new world
  • Characteristics required
  • Propagation from spore of selected tasmanian ferns
  • Materials & methods
  • Suggested ferns for cultivation

Unit 4 – The Most Commonly Grown Varieties

  • Commonly grown ferns and varieties
  • Adiantum ( Maidenhair Fern)
  • Dicksonia (tree ferns)
  • Cyathea (tree fern)
  • Platycerium (Staghorn/Elkhorn)
  • Pteridium (bracken)
  • Todea (tree fern)

Unit 5 – Other Important Groups

  • Native ferns
  • Treeferns
  • Cyathea cyatheaceae
  • Dicksonia dicksoniaceae
  • Growing ferns (general hints)
  • More hints
  • Blechnum (water ferns)
  • Asplenium (spleenwort)
  • Nephrolepis (sword fern / fishbone)
  • Pteris (brake / dish fern / table fern)

Unit 6 – Other Varieties – Lesser Known Varieties

  • Apteropteris (Filmy Fern)
  • Cheilanthes (Adiantaceae)
  • Cyrtomium Holly Fern
  • Davallia (Haresfoot or Rabbitsfoot Fern)
  • Doodia (Rasp Fern)
  • Gleichenia Coral Fern
  • Schizaea Schizaeceae (Comb Fern)
  • Sticherus (Fan Fern)

Unit 7 – Making the Best Use of Native Ferns

  • Baskets
  • Epiphytes
  • Terrariums
  • Tubs
  • Water gardens
  • Procedure for planting design
  • Step 1. Preplanning phase
  • Step 2. Develop a preliminary concept plan
  • Step 3. Develop a final plan
  • Climate considerations
  • Copying nature
  • Using plants
  • Trees
  • Larger ferns
  • Small ferns
  • Plant containers
  • What’s in a pot?
  • Aesthetics
  • When you go away
  • Preventing moss & algae in pots
  • Potting up plants
  • Potting mixes

Unit 8 – PBL Project

Hares foot ferns, Bracken, Fans.

In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce).

Special Assignment

A major project on one genera of ferns.

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Estimated Duration
50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

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Career Outcomes

Professional Development for:

  • Landscapers
  • Gardeners
  • Nurserypersons
  • Horticulturalists
  • Environmentalists
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  • 12 Months' Access
Introduction to Australian Native Ferns
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What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about your career development. That’s why flexible study schedules, competitive pricing and exceptional customer and student support are at the heart of what we do. Our comprehensive courses, developed in consultation with industry employers, provide the skills and knowledge necessary for success in your current role or to pursue new opportunities.

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Graduation

A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.

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Why choose Australian Online Courses?
  • Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
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  • Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
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  • All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
  • Unlimited tutor support via email;
  • We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
  • Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.

There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18 with a competent level of English. For those under 18, please complete the Parent/Guardian Consent Form before enrolling.

To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.

You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!

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This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.

No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.

Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.

Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.

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