PLHRT 4920 - Creating the Urban Eden: Woody Plant Selection, Design, and Landscape Establishment

(crosslisted) LA 4920
(CU-CEL, CU-SBY)

Spring. 4 credits. Letter grades only (no audit).

Prerequisite: passing grade in PLHRT 3910 or PLHRT 4910/LA 4910.

N. Bassuk, Z. Rood.

This is the second half of course focusing on the winter identification, uses, and establishment of woody plants in urban and garden settings. Issues of site assessment and soil remediation are emphasized in addition to soil volume calculations, drainage and surface detailing, and planting techniques. Students critically assess potential planting sites and select appropriate trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers for a given site. Design for specific sites followed by written specifications and graphic details are produced to implement these proposals. Students implement, in a hands-on manner, site remediation and planting techniques they have learned by creating new landscapes that serve to integrate theory, principles, and practices. Together, PLHRT 4910 and PLHRT 4920 constitute an integrated course.

Outcome 1: Students will gain first-hand understanding of the heterogeneity of urban sites and other growing conditions, and how these various conditions might influence plant selection growth, development and survival.

Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate the ability to imagine and create landscapes at small-to-medium scales.

Outcome 3: Students will develop observation techniques, practice nomenclature and recognize plant characteristics necessary for the identification of evergreen and deciduous plants in winter.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to analyze various site conditions and determine how to use this information in planting design and detailing.

Outcome 5: Students will be able to select site-appropriate plant materials and demonstrate technically how to develop construction documents for contractor bidding and installation, integrating writing, visual representation and design presentation skills.

Outcome 6: Students will develop a working knowledge of soil modification techniques and know when it is appropriate to use them.

Outcome 7: Students will learn new and innovative pruning, maintenance and transplanting techniques and have an opportunity for hands-on practice.

Outcome 8: Students will learn about turf establishment and management, emphasizing sustainable management techniques.

Outcome 9: Students will learn how to develop a landscape management plan.