E-Learning Structure
The duration of this online course is 100 hours. This consists of 8 in-depth lessons:
- Introduction
Review of the system of plant identification, general characteristics of the ferns (especially the fronds), main groups of ferns (filmy, tree, terrestrial, epiphytic and water ferns), information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs, etc.), pronunciation of plant names. - Culture
How best to grow ferns and what conditions do they need. Planting, mulching, watering, pest & disease and their control, feeding, pruning, protection from wind, salt air, etc., compost making. - Propagation
Methods of propagating ferns – spores, division, tissue culture. Propagation of selected varieties. - The Most Commonly Grown Varieties.
Maidenhairs, tree ferns, stags, elks, common ground ferns. How to grow and propagate these ferns. - Other Important Groups.
Asplenium, Blechnum, Nephrolepis, Pteris and other groups. Group characteristics, cultural details, propagation methods. - Other Varieties
Hares foot fern, Bracken, Fans, Corals and Combs. - Making the best use of these Plants.
In containers, hanging baskets, terrariums, in the ground, as indoor plants, growing and showing, growing for profit (to sell the plants or what they produce). - Special Assignment – Detailed culture and identification of one genera.
Course Aims
- Distinguish between different types of ferns in cultivation.
- Determine critical cultural practices required to successfully grow ferns in different situations.
- Determine the cultural requirements of specific fern varieties.
- Apply various specialised techniques to the culture of ferns.
- Prepare a planting plan for an area using ferns.
How Does A Warnborough Online Course Work?
You can start the course whenever is convenient for you. You will be studying from home and have access to support from our qualified tutors. Practical exercises and research tasks will be set at the end of each lesson – including an assignment. You will submit this assignment to your course tutor, who will mark your work and give you constructive feedback and suggestions.
If you have any questions please contact us.
