Green industry professionals, such as landscapers, have many options when choosing plants for the landscape. Choosing native plants can help make landscapes more water-efficient and easier to maintain, in addition to offering landscapes aesthetic appeal. To help professionals understand more about native plant options and applications, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension presents "Native Plant Landscapes," noon-1 p.m., Nov. 14, at the Washoe County Cooperative Extension Office, 4955 Energy Way in Reno, as part of the Green Industry Continuing Education Series.
"The commercial industry can use native plant choices in the landscape to reduce upkeep and conserve water," said Cooperative Extension Commercial Horticulture Program Coordinator Jenn Fisher, who helped coordinate the class. "Attendees will learn about aesthetics, maintenance and other uses and benefits of native plants."
The class will be taught by Seth Johnson with the Nevada Division of Transportation and offers one QWEL (Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper) Continuing Education Unit (CEU). Topics include:
- a brief background on native plants,
- the aesthetic attributes of native plants,
- maintaining native plants landscapes,
- native plans versus other ornamental plants,
- the ecological services of native plants,
- establishing native plants in the landscape,
- understanding the designers intent when using native plants in landscape designs, and
- fire-wise landscaping principles.
The Green Industry Continuing Education Series provides current, research-based information to green-industry professionals.
For more information on classes or certification, contact Fisher at fisherj@unce.unr.edu or 775-336-0249. Persons in need of special accommodations or assistance should call at least three days prior to the class they intend to attend.
