ARO College, South Australia’s premier provider of horticulture and landscape construction education, is proud to announce exciting new opportunities for employers and students in the landscape construction industry. The Diploma of Landscape Construction Management AHC52021 now attracts federal financial incentives and state government training subsidies, making it easier than ever for SA businesses to upskill their management teams and grow their businesses.

As Australia’s only provider of this sought-after qualification, South Australian based ARO College is uniquely positioned to support the growth and development of the SA Landscaping industry. The AHC52021 Diploma of Landscape Construction Management is recognised as priority occupation on the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List, opening doors to valuable financial support to improve the capability of your workforce.

ARO College offers updated and comprehensive Australian training resources, designed locally to equip participants with the specialised skills and knowledge needed to excel in managerial roles within the thriving landscape construction industry. The AHC52021 Diploma of Landscape Construction Management is comprised of 10 units of competency delivered over 14 months and prepares graduates for the responsibilities of overseeing landscaping projects from start to finish.

ARO College’s unique approach combines self-paced study with on-the-job mentoring, ensuring that participants can immediately apply their learning in real-world projects your business is working on. The flexible delivery model, featuring one-on-one on-site training and assessment sessions allows students to balance their studies with work commitments.

Employers looking to invest in their workforce and individuals seeking to advance their careers in landscape construction management are encouraged to take advantage of this new opportunity! The federal financial incentives make these qualifications more accessible than ever before, presenting a win-win situation for both businesses and employees.

Don’t miss out on this chance to elevate your landscape construction business or career. Contact ARO College today to learn more and take the first step towards building a stronger, more skilled workforce in South Australia’s landscape construction industry.

For more information, call ARO College at 1300 276 786  or visit our Landscape Construction Management course page.

 Invest in your future with ARO College – where growth and expertise flourish.

Horticulture training offers something incredibly alluring about stepping into a garden filled with fragrant blooms. The sweet scents have a way of uplifting the spirits and soothing the soul. Imagine creating such an inviting oasis for your clients. In that case, the expert horticulture training offered at ARO College can provide you with the skills to become the go-to professional for designing and maintaining captivating, perfumed gardens.

Essential Considerations for Horticulture Training

Before diving into the world of fragrant plants, consider a few key factors:

• Land Size: Whether you have a cosy courtyard or acres of land, there’s always room for a perfumed garden. The key is to adapt your design to suit the available space. ARO College offers the Diploma of Landscape Design qualification, which teaches participants many aspects of garden design. Of particular interest to students is the “Prepare a Landscape Design” (AHCDES505) unit.
• Garden Location: Urban gardens may face space constraints and pollution, while suburban and rural areas offer more room to spread out and cleaner air. Choose plants that thrive in the specific environment. Our unit “Identify and select plants” (AHCPCM308) will give you the knowledge on how to do this.
• Soil Fertility: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Test the soil’s pH level and nutrient content, and amend it with compost or organic matter as needed to improve fertility. Our unit “Implement soil improvements for garden and turf areas” (AHCSOL304) provides terrific information about this topic.
• Weather Patterns: Is the garden in a cool, temperate, or tropical climate? Select plants that are well-suited to the local weather conditions for optimal growth and fragrance. Our “Provide information on plants and their cultures” unit (AHCPCM306) can help you understand how to do this. Our trainers are all South Australian locals who understand the challenges of this dry state.
• Watering Methods: Will the garden rely on rainfall, irrigation, or manual watering? Consider the watering method when choosing plants, as some may have specific moisture requirements. We have several units focused on irrigation, an important skill in SA. Starting with “Install pressurised irrigation systems” (AHCIRG345), you can add expertise with another unit, “Operate pressurised irrigation systems” (AHCIRG346).

Seasonal Plant Selection

Now, let’s explore the stars of a perfumed garden—the fragrant plants! Horticulture training can help you identify and choose the best varieties. Here are some examples that will fill your client’s garden with delightful scents throughout the year:

• Spring-Flowering: Gardenia, Muraya paniculata, Buddleja, Jasmine, and Roses are just a few examples of spring bloomers that will perfume the air with their fragrances.
• Summer-Flowering: Roses, lavender, gardenias, and sweet peas are popular choices for summer blooms, ensuring a continuous flow of heavenly scents.
• Autumn-Flowering: As the weather cools, plants like the Belladonna lily, early gardenias, and roses will add a touch of fragrance to the garden.
• Winter-Flowering: Even in the colder months, plants like Osmanthus, Daphne, Luculia, and Jasmine can brighten up the garden with their scents.

Effective Practices in Horticulture Training

• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common garden pests like aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, and spider mites. At our Hahndorf college site, we have an excellent 3-day skillset that provides students with two units of competency: “Transport, handle, and store chemicals” (AHCCHM304) and “Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases” (AHCCHM307). You do not need to have any experience to do the Agricultural Chemical Spraying course with ARO College, and you can register and pay to attend online: https://aro.edu.au/course-category/agricultural-chemical-spraying-courses/.
• Disease Prevention: Ensure adequate air circulation around your plants by spacing them properly and pruning them as needed. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote fungal growth. “Control Plant Pests, Diseases, and Disorders” (AHCPMG302) is an excellent module that provides students with immensely helpful information about this topic!

Key Takeaways from Horticulture Training

Creating a fragrant garden is an art, but the rewards are truly spectacular. Horticulture training can help you create and maintain a sensory delight with the right plants, care, and maintenance.

If you want to learn more about planning and caring for perfumed gardens, consider enrolling in a horticulture training course at ARO College. Many professional gardeners who have trained with us are now highly sought-after for their expertise in creating beautiful, fragrant gardens. Our team is available to discuss the qualification that best suits your career goals. Call us on 08 8339-1066 or send your enquiry via our website, www.aro.edu.au.

Landscape designers understand that when you glance at a house, what captures your attention isn’t just the structure; it’s the garden too. A garden can truly make a house feel like a home, but it must complement the style of the house. You have heard about “curb appeal” – ARO College can teach you all about it.

The people who design gardens are usually qualified in Landscape Design. ARO College offers the subsidised qualification AHC50621 Diploma of Landscape Design AHC50621 – Diploma of Landscape Design – Aro College to people wishing to learn the skills required to design beautiful, sustainable, and functional green spaces.

Landscape designers typically perform the following tasks as part of their regular work.

• Conduct thorough site analysis, assessing the topography, soil conditions, climate, and existing vegetation to inform the design process.
• Collaborate with clients to understand their preferences, needs, and budget constraints, ensuring the design aligns with their vision.
• Develop conceptual designs, incorporating elements, such as hardscape features, plantings, water features, and outdoor furniture to create a cohesive and visually appealing plan.
• Design hardscape elements such as patios, walkways, walls, and structures, considering functionality, aesthetics, and materials.
• Integrate sustainable and eco-friendly practices into landscape designs, such as water-efficient irrigation systems, native plantings, and environmentally conscious material choices.
• Utilise computer-aided design (CAD) software or other design tools to create 3D models or visual representations of the landscape design for client presentations.
• Develop detailed construction documents, including plans, specifications, and material lists, to guide contractors during the implementation phase.

Landscape designers need to be able to be creative when working with houses of various styles and in differing locations, and gardens should reflect those styles. However, they often need the expertise of a horticulturalist to select the appropriate plants.

ARO College has multiple qualifications for budding horticulturalists to choose from. There is AHC20422 – Certificate II in Horticulture – Aro College aimed at school students wanting to learn some basics before entering the industry, AHC30722 – Certificate III in Horticulture – Aro College for trainees that are starting their career, AHC40422 – Certificate IV in Horticulture – Aro College for those with experience looking for supervisory roles, and AHC50422 – Diploma of Horticulture Management – Aro College for those in senior and managerial roles.

Local knowledge is fundamental, and ARO College is based in the Adelaide Hills with students across the state of South Australia. Our trainers have decades of local experience that they are particularly keen to share. Here are some tips for SA gardeners from the team at ARO College.

Some of Adelaide’s common house styles and the plants that would work best with them:

• Suburban Brick House: For this classic style, think about plants that bring warmth and coziness. Flowering plants like hydrangeas, roses, and perennials. Flowering shrubs such as tall gardenias and loropetalums can provide structure and balance.
• House with a Lovely View: If a house has a beautiful view, you don’t want plants that block it. Choose low-growing shrubs like lavender or ornamental grasses that won’t obstruct the scenery. You want to frame the view, not hide it.
• Country House on Acreage: A country house calls for plants that embrace the rustic vibe. Consider trees that survive the local conditions, native grasses, wildflowers and, nearer the house, herbs like lavender or rosemary.
• State-of-the-Art Modern House: Choose plants with clean lines and a minimalist feel for a sleek and contemporary home. Think about architectural plants like bamboo, ornamental grasses, or succulents. Keep it simple and elegant to complement the modern aesthetic.

Just as the right plants can enhance a house’s style, the wrong ones can throw off the whole look. Here are a few examples:

• Tropical Plants in the Garden of an Adelaide Hills House: While palm trees and exotic flowers might bring a taste of the tropics, they clash with the Australian native trees common in the area.
• Tall Growing Plants around a House with a Lovely View: Tall trees or bushes might seem like a good idea for privacy, but they can block a wonderful view.
• Cactus and Spiky Plants around a Country House: While cacti are cool, they don’t belong in a country setting. Their sharp edges disrupt the laid-back vibe of a country house.
• Roses and Flowering Shrubs in a Modern House Garden: While roses and other traditional shrubs can be beautiful, they can also feel out of step with the clean lines and minimalism of a modern home.

Matching a garden to a house style isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about creating an overall look that feels ‘right’. Landscape designers, constructors and horticulturalists are the professionals who work together to create beautiful gardens and parks all across South Australia.

If you want to learn more about designing landscapes or planning and planting gardens and become a professional landscape designer, enrol in a course at ARO College. Our website, www.aro.edu.au, has valuable information and our helpful team are just a phone call away 1300 276 786.

Horticulturalist insights reveal why the Adelaide Hills is a stunning location to visit in the autumn. People visit this picturesque corner of South Australia every year to witness nature’s breathtaking transformation as deciduous trees and plants paint the landscape with their lovely colours.

A highlight of the area is the spectacular Mount Lofty Botanic Garden where visitors can wander along the many, sometimes hilly, paths that sprawl across 97 hectares, immersing themselves in the spectacular colour, rich aromas, and amazing diversity of the garden. In autumn, the garden, a favourite spot for horticulturalists, opens at 8:30 am (often with a coffee cart onsite) and closes at 5 pm. Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is closed on days when the fire danger rating is extreme or catastrophic.

Have you ever wondered why deciduous trees change colour during autumn? The reason, as any horticulturalist will tell you, is that as the days grow shorter and the temperatures start to dip, the trees prepare for winter by slowing down their food-making process. The green chlorophyll in the leaves begins to break down, revealing the other pigments that were always there, just hidden behind the green mask. This leads to the spectacular display of colours we see during autumn.

Some of the stars of the Adelaide Hills autumn show are:

Deciduous Trees:

• Japanese Maple: Loved by so many people. With delicate leaves resembling intricate lacework, Japanese Maples can display fiery reds, oranges, and yellows in autumn. They’re like watching a sunset captured in foliage.
• Gingko Biloba: The Gingko tree turns into a golden masterpiece during autumn, with its fan-shaped leaves transitioning from green to a brilliant shade of yellow.
• Liquidambar (Sweet Gum): What we affectionately call the “liquid amber.” Its star-shaped leaves burst into a fiery palette of red, orange, and purple during autumn, creating a captivating display. However, be mindful of its grand size, as it may not be suitable for smaller gardens.
• Chinese Pistache: As autumn arrives, the Chinese Pistache dazzles with its vivid display of scarlet, crimson, and orange foliage. It’s like a burst of fireworks against the autumn sky.

Deciduous Shrubs:

• Smoke Bush (Purple): Deep purple foliage provides drama with this large shrub. Misty pink clouds of tiny flowers emerge in late spring to early summer and gracefully waft like puffs of smoke above the dramatically rounded leaves. Spectacular crimson foliage follows in autumn.
• Virginia Creeper: With its five-pointed leaves turning from green to shades of crimson and purple, the Virginia Creeper drapes itself over fences and walls, creating a stunning backdrop for autumn scenes.
• Fothergilla: This charming shrub puts on a show-stopping display of vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds during autumn. Its compact size makes it a perfect choice for smaller gardens.
• Witch Hazel: Donning shades of yellow, orange, and red, the Witch Hazel blooms with delicate spidery flowers while its leaves transform into a kaleidoscope of autumn hues.

Imagine you’re the mastermind behind these breathtaking autumn displays! Horticulturalists not only appreciate the beauty of nature but also help others transform their gardens into a slice of autumnal paradise. When advising clients, horticulturalists consider factors such as soil type, climate, and available space to select the perfect trees and plants for the garden. They guide others on plant placement and care, ensuring they get the most out of their autumn spectacle.

So, suppose you’re passionate about working outdoors, designing and constructing gardens, and revelling in the splendour of colourful autumn plants and trees. Why not embark on a journey of horticultural knowledge and skill? At ARO College, you can gain the expertise needed to become a skilled horticulturalist, advising clients and creating stunning autumn displays that will leave them and their visitors in awe.

ARO College, a leading horticulturalist institution, is headquartered in the historic town of Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, and our office attracts visitors for its display of flowers and edible plants year-round. Our training staff are knowledgeable about all types of environments and keen to share their knowledge.

If you would like to hear more about the training opportunities in horticulture available across South Australia, call us on 1300 276 786 or check out these pages on our website, www.aro.edu.au.

AHC30722 – Certificate III in Horticulture – Aro College

AHC40422 – Certificate IV in Horticulture – Aro College

AHC50422 – Diploma of Horticulture Management – Aro College

Garden design and construction in cool climates like the Adelaide Hills can be a fulfilling endeavour. If you’ve ever dreamt of designing or building a sprawling garden in the Adelaide Hills, or an area in a similar cool weather climate, you could be in for an exciting project. Designing and constructing a large garden, especially one that may span a number of hectares, requires careful planning, a keen eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for the potential of nature’s beauty. ARO College can teach you all the essential steps that you’ll need to understand to bring such a garden vision to life; from initial brainstorming sessions to the final implementation phase.

1. Decide What Can Be Done

The first step in creating a large garden is to engage in open dialogue with your client. Understanding their needs, desires, and preferences is paramount. Take the time to listen attentively to their ideas, and take notes, while also sharing your expertise and insights. Together, you’ll lay the vision and groundwork for a garden that has both practicality and aesthetic appeal.

2. Agree on a Plan

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to draft a comprehensive plan for implementing garden design and construction. Consider whether the project can be completed in one fell swoop or if a staged approach would be more suitable. Factors such as budget constraints, time limitations, and seasonal considerations should all weigh into this decision. Also, by breaking the project into manageable stages, you can ensure a smoother execution while accommodating any unforeseen challenges that may arise along the way.

3. Create a Design

With the plan in place, it’s time to unleash your creativity and craft a captivating garden design. It can be worthwhile to embrace technology by utilising drones equipped with cameras to map out the garden area from a bird’s-eye view. This aerial perspective allows for better visualisation of the space and facilitates more informed decision-making in garden design and construction.

Incorporate into your design key elements such as winding paths, tranquil water features, sturdy walls, and elegant steps to enhance the garden’s functionality and charm. When selecting plants and trees, aim for a diverse mix that offers year-round interest. For stunning autumn foliage, consider adding Japanese Maples, Claret Ashes, Golden Ashes, Irish Strawberry Trees, Maples, Ginkgos, Chinese Tallow Trees and even Tupelos to the landscape.

4. Agree the Design with the Client and Implement the Plan

Once the design is finalised, present it to the client for approval. Be open to feedback and willing to make necessary adjustments to ensure your plan meets the goals in the garden design and construction process. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and avoid veering too far from the original vision, as excessive modifications can compromise the project’s success.

With the design approved, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring the garden to life. Whether you’re planting trees, laying down pathways, or installing water features, attention to detail is key. Remember that every action you take contributes to the overall beauty and functionality of the garden, so approach each task with care and precision.

Training and Certification Opportunities in Garden Design and Construction

Embarking on a project of this scale does require a solid foundation of knowledge and skills in garden design and construction. If you’re eager to learn the ropes of garden design and construction, consider enrolling in the various Landscape Design Landscape Design – Aro College and Construction AHC52021 – Diploma of Landscape Construction Management – Aro College qualifications offered by ARO College. As a highly regarded South Australian training organisation, ARO College provides industry and national Government-recognized qualifications that will equip you with the expertise needed to create amazing outdoor spaces.

Vocational Training in SA is set for a significant boost, with the South Australian Government having released a new skills policy – the first in over a decade – which will drive reform and investment in training over the next 10 years.

Quality Training for South Australians

The vision of this policy direction is to develop highly adaptable skilled people who contribute to a thriving South Australia and are supported by a connected skills system. Reform, strong partnerships, and shared responsibilities will be fundamental to achieving this vision. All VET stakeholders play a role in improving completion rates and learner outcomes to address skills shortages and ensure value from public investment.

ARO College leads vocational training in SA, aligned with the state’s new skills policy to foster a dynamic workforce for the next decade. As a preferred provider of the Department of Education for VET qualifications, our offerings span Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Sports Turf Management, Production Horticulture, Landscape Design, Conservation and Ecosystem Management, encompassing the full spectrum of ‘green’ vocational education. ARO College leads vocational training in Horticulture SA, aligned with the state’s new skills policy to foster a dynamic workforce for the next decade.

Skilled. Thriving. Connected. outlines significant reforms for South Australia’s skills system to ensure the State has the skilled workforce it needs now and into the future, and aims to direct more investment to the sectors and industries that are a priority for the state including early childhood education, renewable energy, defence, and building and construction. Moreover, this will enhance vocational training in horticulture SA, ensuring a skilled future for the state.

ARO College was delighted that the SA Department of Education have highlighted “Quality Training” as a Focus Area of their newly announced Skilled. Thriving. Connected. initiative to prepare South Australia with the skills and trades needed for the future.

Two of the key reforms set out in the new policy resonate strongly with ARO College’s education principles:

1. A stronger focus on learner well-being and completions – rather than focusing solely on commencements.
2. Having a greater emphasis on ensuring the quality and integrity of training providers and employers.

ARO College is uniquely positioned to deliver the vocational education outcomes South Australians need. Our trainers are experienced, and our sessions allow for mentoring and a personalised learner journey.

Our worksite-based approach to training allows students to undertake practical assessments using real-life tools, locations, and scenarios. While the public provider offers some qualifications, only ARO College can offer a complete career progression for people engaged in landscape construction and horticulture industries! We don’t have “classes” and “intakes” – you can start anytime.

The different qualification levels we offer:

Starting with a Certificate II for school students wanting to have a “taste” of a green outdoor career (AHC21621 or AHC20422) we can work closely with high school VET/SACE Coordinators.

Trainees of all ages and genders can undertake Certificate III qualifications as part of a Training Contract with Skills SA so they learn while they earn (AHC31921 or AHC30722).

Experienced workers can undertake a Certificate IV to upskill them for Supervisory roles (AHC42021 or AHC40422).

Additionally, we offer Diploma in Horticulture Management, Landscape Design, and Landscape Construction Management for individuals who are ready to step into Managerial roles.

We also offer the Agricultural Chemical Skills Set (AHCSS00074) This skillset is comprised of 2 units that teach participants the skills and knowledge required to transport, handle, store prepare and apply chemicals.

This course, held at our Hahndorf location over 3 fun and informative days, is open to the public and bookings and payments can be made via our website. Plus, we provide great coffee and snacks!

So if you want to be Skilled, Thriving and Connected through vocational training in SA, call our team today at 1300 276 786 for a chat about what the right course might be for you!