About us at Parkside Horticulture and 

               A+Garden Centre


The  Horticulture Program and the A+ Garden Centre is a community supported and student operated career technology program. (CTE) The three year program offers students involvement in practical business applications,greenhouse organization/ crop production and adjoining studies and projects related to the environment sciences and sustainability.  .Students grow and sell a variety of bedding plants and nursery stock. During the year we grow over 100,000 plants including vegetables,herb and poinsettias.  Students research and apply the latest methods in greenhouse production and plant cultural requirements.

Units of Study and Application:

1. Garden Center Sales and Marketing
     Topics- Selling Benefits, Marketing Mix, Branding, Value Proposition, Promotion, Advertising
     Example- Students do SWOT (strength,weakness,opportunity,threat) analysis of greenhouse
     and garden centre operation.

2. Plant Selection and Culture
     Topics- Plant Identification, Nutrition, Cultural Practices, Substrate Testing, Monitoring
     Example- Students reconcile inventory mix and make recommendations.

3. Greenhouse Management and Maintenance
     Topics- Sanitation, Presentation, Asset Protection, Temperature and Moisture Control
     Example- Students make flow chart of product delivery schedule and plan supply needs.

4. Certification in Public Horticulture
     Topics- Plant Propagation, Trees/Shrubs/ Container Gardening, Nutrient Management, Irrigation Systems,   
      Conservation Landscaping. Landscape Design, Integrated Pest Management
     Example- Students prepare for CPH exam for certification.