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AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FERNS VHT116

Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification To obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested.

Learn more about Australian Native Ferns - study in the comfort of your own home

"Become a Fern Expert and carve out a career working with ferns"

Learn which ferns occur naturally in Australia, how to identify them, where to obtain accurate information on them, how to propagate them, growing and using ferns in baskets, terrariums, and landscapes.

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"Become a Fern Expert and carve out a career working with ferns"

Learn which ferns occur naturally in Australia along with:

  • how to identify ferns,
  • where to obtain relevant accurate information,
  • how to propagate ferns, and
  • growing and using ferns in baskets, terrariums, and landscapes.

Australia is home to a wide variety of ferns; and many Australian Ferns have become popular garden, or indoor plants in places beyond their natural habitat. Certain Australian tree ferns for instance, are extremely popular garden plants in other countries. Some others (eg. Australian Maiden hair Ferns) are widely grown as indoor plants.

Any type of plant culture deals can be somewhat unpredictable, and requires both knowledge and experience to be successful. The best way to treat any fern is always going to be different from place to place, time to time and according to what you are trying to get from the plant. Taking a course like this helps you not only gather factual information; but also develops a "feel" for the way you should adapt to different plant cultivars and different growing conditions.

Course Structure

There are eight lessons including a special project in this course.  This course is designed as a detailed look at identification and culture of Australian Native Ferns. 

Emphasis is placed on the horticulturally valuable species.  The content of each of the eight lessons is as outlined below:-

1.         Introduction  -Review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the ferns, main groups, information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.)

2.         Culture - Planting, mulching, watering, pest & disease, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt air, etc.

3.         Propagation  -Methods of propagating ferns. Propagation of selected varieties.

4.         The Most Commonly Grown Varieties - Maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, common ground ferns.

5.         Other Important Groups - Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris, etc.

6.         Other Varieties - Hares foot ferns, Bracken, Fans.

7.         Making the Best Use of Native Ferns - In containers, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce).

8.         Special Assignment - A major project on one genera of ferns.

 

Course Duration:  100 hours 

 
Start Date: You can start the course at any time to suit you.
 
 

Scope of Ferns Covered by this Course

Ferns have been around for millions of years -they are prehistoric plants.  

Australian ferns include a few which occur outside of Australia, some that are tropical, and others which are native to temperate regions.

Ferns do not have flowers or fruits; but they do have stems, roots and leaves. The stem (rhizome) is often below the ground and insignificant. From the stem grows numerous leaves (fronds) and wiry roots.

The main families of ferns considered in this course are:

  • SCHIZAEACEAE -Comb Ferns, a primitive family, rarely cultivated.
  • GLEICHENIACEAE -Coral Ferns & Fan Ferns
  • HYMENOPHYLLACEAE -Filmy Ferns
  • CYATHEACEAE -Treeferns (genus Cyathea)
  • DICKSONIACEAE -Treeferns (Genus Dicksonia)
  • DENNSTAEDTIACEAE -Bracken & other Ground ferns
  • PTERIDACEAE -Brakes
  • ADINANTACEAE -Maidenhairs
  • POLYPODIACEAE -Kangaroo ferns, Elks, Stags etc.
  • DAVALLIACEAE -Hares Foot Ferns
  • ASPLENIACEAE -Spleenworts
  • ASPIDIACEAE -Shield Ferns
  • BLECHNACEAE -Rasp ferns & Water Ferns

     

 

 

 

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Courses can be started anytime from anywhere in the world!

Meet some of our academics

John Mason (Horticulturist)Horticulturist, Nurseryman, Landscaper, Garden Writer, Parks Manager and Consultant. Over 45 years experience; working in Australia and the UK. He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world; author of more than 100 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.


Check out our eBooks

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