Growing Iris

Course CodeVHT111
Fee CodeS2
Duration (approx)100 hours
QualificationTo obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of $36. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested.

ONLINE COURSE IRIS

Gain an in-depth appreciation of the iris, how to grow them to achieve optimum results and the identification of different varieties of irises. Significant sections are included on landscaping with irises, hybridisation and propagation, harvest, post-harvest treatments, achieving and assessing quality, and exhibiting the flowers.

This is a valuable course for anyone with a serious interest in irises either as a commercial grower or an enthusiastic home collector.

Lesson Structure

There are 8 lessons in this course:

  1. Introduction
    • Review of the system of plant identification
    • Classification of iris into bulbous, rhizomatous and tuberous
    • Scientific classification (into sections, sub sections, series and species)
    • Biology of iris
    • Information sources
    • Review of Iris xiphium
  2. Culture
    • Plant selection
    • Planting
    • Staking
    • Mulching
    • Watering
    • Feeding
    • Pruning, etc.
  3. Propagation and Hybridisation
    • Seed
    • Division
    • Separation
    • Tissue Culture
    • Review of selected species/hybrids.
  4. Review of Major Types of Irises
    • Bearded
    • Loisiana
    • Siberian
    • Dutch
    • English Spanish
  5. Pest and Diseases
    • Review of species from contrasting environments
    • Review of various health problems
  6. Water Irises
    • Review of species
    • Irrigation
    • Irises in Hydroponics
  7. Landscaping with Irises
    • Garden Design
    • Cottage Gardens
    • Using Colour
    • Review of more Iris species
    • Flower bed design
  8. Harvest, Post Harvest, Exhibiting and Quality

Aims

  • Explain the taxonomy of Iris
  • Explain the normal cultural requirements for different types or Iris.
  • Breed and propagate Iris.
  • Describe the identification and culture of a range of commonly cultivated Iris.
  • Manage pest and disease problems on Iris
  • Manage water requirements for Iris
  • Discuss cultivation of Iris hydroponically
  • Explain the use of Irises in landscaping
  • Describe the production of Iris as a cut flower crop, in particular the harvest and post harvest.

Who This Course Benefits

  • Nurserymen
  • Landscapers
  • Florists
  • Cut Flower farmers
  • Gardeners
  • Horticulture Professionals
  • Amateur plant enthusiasts


Meet some Of our academics

Marie Beerman

Marie has over 7 years in horticulture and education in both Australia and Germany. Marie has been a co author of several ebooks in recent years, including "Roses" and "Climbing Plants". Marie's qualifications include B. Sc., M.Hort. Dip. Bus. Cert. Ldscp.

John Mason

Parks Manager, Nurseryman, Landscape Designer, Garden Writer and Consultant. Over 40 years experience; working in Victoria, Queensland and the UK. He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world; author of more than 70 books and editor for 4 different gardening magazines. John has been recognised by his peers being made a fellow of the Institute of Horticulture in the UK, as well as by the Australian Institute of Horticulture.

Diana Cole

B.A. (Hons), Dip. Horticulture, BTEC Dip. Garden Design, Diploma Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector), P.D.C. In addition to the qualifications listed above, Diana holds City & Guild construction qualifications and an NPTC pesticide spraying licence (PA1/PA6). Diana runs her own landscape gardening business (Arbella Gardens). Active in many organisations including the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

Yvonne Sharpe

RHS Cert.Hort, Dip.Hort, M.Hort, Cert.Ed., Dip.Mgt. Over 30 years experience in business, education, management and horticulture. Former department head at a UK government vocational college. Yvonne has traveled widely within and beyond Europe, and has worked in many areas of horticulture from garden centres to horticultural therapy. She has served on industry committees and been actively involved with amateur garden clubs for decades.


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