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Mr John Mason
Dip.Hort.Sci., Sup'n Cert.
FIOH, FPLA, MAIH, MHMA, MACHPER, MASA.
(Principal - ACS Distance Education)
Mr Mason has over 35 years experience in the fields of Horticulture, Recreation, Education & Journalism. He has held positions ranging from Director of Parks & Recreation (City of Essendon) to magazine editor. John has lectured in University and Vocational education, and is a well respected member of many professional bodies. He is a fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Horticulture in the UK, and also a fellow of the Australian Institute of Horticulture.
He is the author of more than one hundred books, and over a thousand published magazine and newspaper articles. He is a keen photographer, with many of his photographs having been published in books and magazines.
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John L. MASON
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Dip. Hort. Sci. (VCAH Burnley,1971),
Supervision Certificate (RMIT, 1977)
B.A (Planning Studies) at F.I.T. 50% completed.
Cert. in Theology 90% completed.
Adv.Cert.App.Management-Publishing & Journalism
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Professional
Memberships:
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- Institute of Horticulture (IOH) UK Member since 1999, Fellow since 2003.
- Australian Institute of Horticulture (past State President, State secretary, and national vice president. State committee member 1978-80, 84-88).
- Parks & Leisure Australia (formerly Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation) (fellow since 1998, associate since 1984; member since 1974).
- International Approval and Registration Centre President.
- International Plant Propagators Society (executive board member '90-95).
- Queensland Nursery Industry Association.
- Australian Nursery Industry Association.
- Australian Council Health Physical Education and Recreation.
- International Herb Growers and Marketers Association.
- Australian Society of Authors.
- Australasian Plant Pathology Society.
- International Playgrounds Association (Aust. Rep. '77-80).
- Royal Horticultural Society (U.K.).
- Horticultural Media Association (Australia).
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Areas of Expertise:
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- Horticulture, Small Business, Education, Writing, Agriculture, Recreation and Management.
- Plant identification, landscape design, parks management, nursery management.
- Hydroponics, herbs, Australian plants.
- Children’s play and playground design, fitness.
- Photography, journalism, community participation.
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Career History:
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1971
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Graduated after 3 years of full time study from Burnley Horticultural College.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awardee.
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1972
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Self employed Landscaping, garden maintenance and wholesale nursery business.
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1972
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Technical Officer, Fisons Ltd.
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1972-75
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Youth Leader (part time) Baptist Church.
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1972-73
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Retail Nursery management and landscaping.
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1973-76
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Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, Shire of Melton.
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1974
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Established Melton Garden Club(President)
- Taught gardening classes at Melton Community Centre.
- Wrote gardening column for Melton local paper.
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1975
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Overseas study tour of children's playgrounds.
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1976-82
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Lecturing in short course for Council of Adult Education.
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1976-77
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Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Essendon.
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1977-80
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Consultant Landscape Designer/Playground Adviser
Playgrounds and Recreation Association of Vic.
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1977-81
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0ccasional Writer for "Your Garden", national garden magazine.
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1978
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Member of National committee for International Year of the Child.
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1977-81
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Sessional lecturer for:
- Designed and conducted elective subjects for F.I.T. in the Associate Diploma in Recreation Leadership.
- Jointly lectured 3rd year Landscape Design in Diploma at Burnley.
- Lectured on understanding children's play, and playground design to Post Graduate Diploma in Recreation at Philip Institute and to kindergarten trainee teachers (Lincoln Institute).
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1979
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Established Australian Horticultural Correspondence School.
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1979 to present
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Design and management of Advertising & Marketing for Australian Correspondence Schools.
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1980-81
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Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, City of Heidelberg.
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1980-95
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Regular writer for "Grass Roots" magazine.
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1982-83
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Self employed nurseryman and landscape contractor.
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1985 to present
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Developed and managed the AHCS on a full time basis.
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1988-92
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Organized of Garden Pavillion at Royal Melbourne Show (50-100 exhibitors). Won awards two out of the five years.
(ie. Best Commercial Display '88; Best Horticultural Display '92).
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1989 to present
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Editor/Photographer/Writer: Greenleaf Series Magazines and Garden Guide Series Magazines.
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1991-99
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Regular writer for the magazines: Queensland Homes and Victoria Homes.
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1992-93
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Program Organizer, International Plant Propagators Conference, Albury.
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1993
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Study tour/photographing gardens and garden shows in Europe.
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1994
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Wrote & produced five educational videos (using the video production unit of Griffith University, and private facilities in Melbourne).
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1994
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Wrote quality assurance documentation for Australian Correspondence Schools.
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1995
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Wrote accreditation documentation for Advanced Diplomas in Horticulture, Agriculture and Recreation-Fitness. Achieved accreditation and listing on the National Register for these courses.
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1996-97
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Established 9 internet sites for Australian Correspondence Schools, continued developing new courses including computer servicing & ecotourism. (Won awards in 1997: Pick of the Net from Sofcom, and Majons Select Award).
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1999-2003
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Editor Your Backyard National Magazine (Australian print media publication – published by Express Publications).
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1998 to present
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Wrote several books, new courses and developed new web sites.
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Formal Study:
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1969-71
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Diploma in Horticultural Science, Burnley Horticultural College, Vic. (now VCAH, Burnley - Melbourne University)
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1970-72
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Certificate in Theology : Sydney Anglican Theological College, by Correspondence 90% completed.
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1971
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Rotary Youth Leadership Award (approx. 40hrs) Course completed.
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1971
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YMCA Detached Youth Workers Course (approx. 30 hrs) Course completed.
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1972
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Bachelor of Science R.M.I.T. - Sociology & Chemistry, incomplete.
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1975-76
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Supervision Certificate (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) (2 years part time distance education).
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1976-78
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Bachelor of Arts (Planning Studies) Footscray Institute of Technology course 50% completed.
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1979-80
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Bachelor of Science, Latrobe University, -Zoology, incomplete.
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1994
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PADI Open Water Divers Certificate, Aussie Dive, Gold Coast.
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1995
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Training Skills I, II & III.
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1995
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RPL granted for stream studies in Instructional skills in Advanced Certificate in Applied Management (approx. 250 hrs).
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1997
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Advanced Certificate in Applied Management - Publishing & Journalism (approx. 700 hrs).
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Short Courses:
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Various, including:
- Detatched Youth Work Course (6 months, YMCA, 1970)
- Rotary Youth Leader Award (1971)
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Major Conferences:
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Note: This is just a selection. There are many other seminars and meetings not listed which have been attended, organised, conducted by, or lectured at by John Mason.
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1974
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Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation National Conference, Adelaide, (5 days) - delegate.
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1975
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International Association for the Childrens Right to Play Triannual Conference, Milan Italy, (7 days) - delegate.
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1976
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Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation, National Conference, Melbourne, (5 days) - delegate.
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1979
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Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation, National Conference, Brisbane, (5 days) - organiser of childrens play and playground segment.
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1978-79
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Recreational Landscaping Course -Course Coordinator for Burnley Horticultural College (Designed, and managed 3 day course and was main lecturer for two consecutive years).
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1979
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Technological Advances in Parks Maintenance - designed, coordinated and lectured at 2 day course jointly with Elaine Murphy, Senior Lecturer (for Footscray Institute of Technology).
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1980
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Plant Materials 1980 -designed, coordinated and lectured at 2 day course jointly with Elaine Murphy, Senior Lecturer (for Footscray Institute of Technology in conjunction with Burnley Horticultural College).
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1982
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Play Safety Conference, Melbourne - Speaker
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1988
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Sydney, (3 days) - delegate.
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1989
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Hobart, (3 days) - delegate.
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1990
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Perth, (3 days) - delegate.
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1991
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Canberra, (3 days) - delegate.
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1992
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Ballina, (3 days) - delegate.
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1993
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Albury, (3 days) - conference program organiser (designed lecture program,coordinated all speakers).
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1993
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Attended International Garden Festival, Stuttgart, Germany and Hampton Court Flower Show, London, U.K.
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1994
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International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast (delivered one of the introductory session papers).
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1995
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International Plant Propagators National Conference, Adelaide 1995 Study Tour of Hawaii (August) - Botanic Gardens.
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1995
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Study Tour of New Zealand (November) - Ellerslie Garden Show & Open Gardens.
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1997
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Study Tour of Britain and Germany (June/July - 4 shows/exhibitions, over 40 gardens, numerous industry meetings.
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1999
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Study tour of USA & Canada West Coast.
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2002
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Tour of UK & Netherlands (4 weeks) visiting shows (Hampton Court & Floriade), gardens, meetings with colleagues, photography etc.).
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2004
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International Society for Horticultural Science – Horticultural Education Symposium Perth, W.A. Key Speaker.
Chairman, International Accreditation & Recognition Council.
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2003-2007
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Established affiliation (licensing) agreements with a number of institutions including Pershore College(UK), Writtle College (UK) Lifestyle Learning Direct (Australia), NEEF (India), Pacifica (USA).
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Published Work:
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Books
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- Fun and Fitness Trails, Victorian Dept. of Sport and Recreation, 1978
- Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm, Night Owl, 1983 (revised 1994)
- The Environment of Play, Leisure Press, New York, 1982
- Herb Review, self published, 1987
- Landscaping with Herbs, self published, 1988
- The Native Plant Expert, self published, 1989
- Let's Grow Gardens, self published, 1990
- Growing Ferns, Kangaroo Press, 1990
- Commercial Hydroponics, Kangaroo Press, 1990
- Growing Vegetables, Kangaroo Press, 1991
- Growing Herbs, Kangaroo Press, 1993
- Nursery Management, Kangaroo Press, April 1994
- Tropical Gardening, Bay Books, October 1994
- Yates Guide to Pests & Diseases, Angus & Robertson, February 1995
- Growing Pelargoniums & Geraniums Hyland House 1996
- Farm Management Kangaroo Press 1996
- Growing Australian Natives Kangaroo Press 1997
- Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm (Revised ed) Kangaroo Press 1997
- Sustainable Farming Simon & Schuster (Kangaroo Press) Spring 1997
- Growing Tropical Plants Simon & Schuster (Kangaroo Press) 1997
- Starting a Landscape or Garden Business Kangaroo Press 1998
- Aqua Aerobics Kangaroo Press 1999
- Growing Conifers Kangaroo Press 1999
- Profitable Farming Kangaroo Press 1999
- A Beginners Guide to Orchids Hyland House
- Aerobic Fitness Kangaroo Press
- Trees & Shrubs for Small Places Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster 2000
- Propagating from Cuttings Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster 2002
- Sustainable Agriculture 2nd ed (Landlinks/CSIRO) 2003
- Nursery Management 2nd ed (Landlinks Press) 2004
- Growing & Using Vegetables & Herbs (Simon & Schuster) 2005
- Commercial Hydroponics 2nd ed (Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster) 2005
- Growing Australian Natives 2nd ed (Kangaroo/Simon& Schuster) 2005
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Magazines
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1977-79
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Your Garden (contributor)
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1980 to present
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Grass Roots (contributor)
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1987 to present
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Garden Guide Monthly Magazine (contributor)
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2000 to present
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Garden Guide Monthly Magazine (Editor)
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1992 to present
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Queensland Homes (contributor)
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1992 to present
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Victoria Homes (contributor)
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1993 to present
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South Australia Homes (contributor)
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1999 to 2003
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Your Backyard National Gardening Magazine (principal author & editor)
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2005- 2007
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Garden Guru’s Newspaper – Victorian edition feature writer
Queensland Outdoor Living Magazine – principal feature writer
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Occasional contributor to more than twenty other publications.
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Garden Guide Specials (author/photographer/editor of the following titles):
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- Gardening with Herbs
- More Gardening with Herbs
- Cottage Garden Landscapes
- Backyard Landscaping Ideas
- 101 Backyard Landscaping Ideas
- Landscaping Your Backyard
- Your Guide to Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs
- Your Guide to Natural Gardening
- Better Backyard Ideas
- Landscaping with Australian Plants
- Landscaping Ideas for Shaded Areas
- Better Garden Ideas
- Controlling Garden Pests & Diseases
- Backyard Ideas and Garden Care 90-91
- Backyard Ideas and Garden Care 91-92
- Landscaping with Ferns, Palms and Orchids
- 101 Natural Gardening Ideas
- Maintenance Free Backyards
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Greenleaf Specials (author/photographer/editor of the following titles):
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- Herbs from Your Garden
- The Better Backyard Guide
- What to Plant Where
- Colourful and Fragrant Gardens
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Other Special Magazines (author/editor of the following titles):
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- Creative Landscaping Ideas
- Beautiful Landscaping Ideas
- Landscaping Your Garden
- Country & Cottage Landscapes
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1999-2002
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Editor and principal writer of monthly Gardening-Lifestyle magazine (YOUR BACKYARD) for Express Publications in Sydney, Australia
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2000-01
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Editor and principal writer of Garden Guide monthly magazine
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2010 to present
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Publisher/owner of ACS Distance Education - Book Publisher
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| 2012 to present |
Garden Editor, Home Grown Magazine. |
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Videos
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Wrote, presented and produced the following videos since 1994:
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- Plant Identification
- Herb Identification
- Designing a Garden
- Plant Propagation
- Australian Native Plants
- Garden Style
- Identifying Tropical Plants
- Identifying Trees & Shrubs
- Identifying Bulbs & Perennials
- Careers in the 21st Century
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COURSES organised or conducted by J. Mason:
Melbourne (averaging 4 classes a week for more than a decade from 1973)
- Main author of over 600 correspondence courses (curriculum documentation, study guides and course notes), Australian Correspondence Schools) including hobby, certificate, advanced certificate & diploma.
- Principal author of curriculum documentation for five VETEC (Qld) and/or nationally accredited courses.
- Designed and conducted hobby courses for Council of Adult Education, Victoria from 1974-81.
These courses included:
- Designed and conducted hobby classes for various community centres including Melton, Box Hill, Knox, Hawthorn, and Essendon (1974-81).
- Designed and conducted one week workshops (twice annually), and shorter seminars (3 hour to 1 day, at least twice annually) for the Australian Horticultural Correspondence School and various professional Associations between 1986 and 1995.
- Sunday school teacher 1970-75, 1978-79.
- Organized and conducted Youth Worker Training Programs for church 1971-73.
- Various play leader training programs for Department of Youth Sport & Recreation (Vic), and other authorities, 1976-82 (organiser/lecturer).
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