Landscaper training

March 5 - 17, 2024
Ojai, CA

The Landscape is Changing

Join the OVLC in building habitat in the Ojai Valley. The movement towards native landscaping is already widespread and growing every year, opening new opportunities for professional landscapers.

We are pleased to partner with the Theodore Payne Foundation to bring The California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate Program (CNPLC) to Ojai, from March 5 - 17, 2024. The program offers job training for landscape professionals developed and taught by highly respected native plant experts. Designed with the professional—and the aspiring professional— in mind, this two-week course is offered as a hybrid-remote/in-person format on nights and weekends, as well as recordings that can be accessed anytime. At the end of the course, you’ll get a certificate of completion and learn how to promote your business.

We’re committed to helping landscapers compete and win new clients in the changing Southern California landscaping business. Register today and get the tools you need to succeed.

Program Cost: $300

Curriculum

The California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate (CNPLC) is a hybrid online learning and hands-on vocational training program designed for working and aspiring landscape professionals. Developed by experts in the field of native plant horticulture, it will give you the tools you need to successfully manage native plants and California-friendly landscapes. The cost for the course is $300.

At the end of the course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion and learn how to use your new knowledge and skills to promote your business.

  • Learn about habitats, native and California-friendly plants, lawn removal and alternatives for replacing lawns, and discover how to grow natives in almost any garden condition.

  • Study and learn about the most common California-native plants for the central coast that are available in the landscape industry.

  • Learn to identify soil texture and its relationship to infiltration, soil-based problems encountered when gardening with native plants, and how to discuss proper soil management with your clients.

  • Although native plants are adapted to our climate, new plants must be established to survive summer. This means they must be watered more regularly. Learn how to successfully irrigate native gardens based on the age, plant material, and soil type.

  • Explore strategies to transform lawn areas into beautiful, water-efficient landscapes and how to keep them thriving with long-term irrigation techniques, and more. Then, learn more about money-saving rebates available to your clients.

  • Learn to manage weeds, identify the key conditions and pests commonly seen in native gardens, and how to use integrated pest management techniques.

  • Find out why proper pruning is essential to native plant maintenance along with techniques to achieve the desired effect. Plus, learn the basics of proper tool hygiene.

  • Learn to identify native plants, soil types, irrigation, and more. You’ll also learn how to identify and troubleshoot problems, create cost analysis, and promote your business.

  • This in-person workshop helps you establish native plants by season, run irrigation assessments, determine irrigation scheduling, and review equipment.

  • This in-person workshop covers California native plant maintenance.

Course Schedule (2024)

  • 8 hours of online instruction

  • 12 hours of in-person instruction

Tuesday, March 5

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Online via Zoom

Thursday, March 7

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Online via Zoom

Saturday, March 9

8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, In Person: Ventura, CA

Tuesday, March 12 

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Online via Zoom

 Thursday, March 14

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Online via Zoom

 Saturday, March 16 

8:00 AM – 2:30 PM, In Person:

Morning – Residential House, Ojai, CA

Afternoon - Ranch, Ventura, CA

COURSE MATERIALS

  • Digital handbook

  • Access to the TPF Professional Education Portal website with downloadable course materials and curriculum outlines

  • Printed native plant flashcards

Developed by Industry Leaders

This course was developed by native plant experts at the Theodore Payne Foundation, in conjunction with the California Native Plant Society.

About the instructor

Alejandro Lemus was born and raised in Los Angeles. He has experience working in habitat restoration, horticulture and education. As the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden’s Horticultural Educator, Alejandro develops and implements horticulture programming for professional landscapers and residential gardeners. Having spent many years working in propagation and retail nurseries, Alejandro is passionate about growing native plants for conservation and informing the public of the benefits and beauty of habitat gardening.

Questions?

If you need assistance with the registration process for the program, please contact OVLC at rewild@ovlc.org.