RHS Level 2 Certificate: Principles of Plant Growth and Development

Module Overview

• Plant Science I

  In module Plant Science I you will develop your knowledge of plant structure and functions, along with teaching you about plant naming.

  You’ll learn how to identify and describe plants, how to select the best plants for each garden project and how to ensure those plants survive and thrive.

  You’ll learn how to use technical language to describe and classify plants.

  You’ll look at how a plant is structured, understand plant tissues and grow your knowledge on plant and tissue functions and characteristics.

  This module also includes an exploration of plant growth processes and how the environment can impact on plant function. You’ll also look at the impact of climate change on plants and their functions.

• Plant Health

  The Plant Health module covers the factors that impact plant health such as environment, nutrition, pests, climate change and biosecurity.

  You’ll learn about abiotic factors and how these affect plant growth.

  We’ll look at pests, diseases and pathogens and strategies you can use to prevent or reduce problems.

  You’ll learn how plant nutrition can affect the plant and its characteristics and how to spot nutrient deficiency.

• Plant Nutrition

  Plant Nutrition looks at the impact of plant nutrition on sustainability and climate change.

  We’ll explore the effect of soil and soil structure on plant growth, including the impact of climate change on soil.

  You’ll learn about nutrients and elements for plant growth, along with soil based nutrition and soil pH impact.

  We’ll also cover bulk constituents such as sand, peat, wool and grit and the environmental impact of using these in horticulture.

• Plant Specification

  The Plant Specification module looks at how to choose the right plant for the right place, from selection to sourcing plants sustainably.

  You’ll learn how to assess a site and how to make plant selections based on your assessment.

  Then, we’ll look at plant characteristics and sustainability when selecting plants for your site.

  This module includes the principles for the process of bringing plants on your site – from specifying which plants to include, receiving plants on site, planting, and maintaining.

• Plant Science II

  In Plant Science II you’ll build on the knowledge you gained in Plant Science I and look at a wider range of plant material and plant adaptations.

  We’ll look at how plants adapt to suit different environments – with a deeper look at adaptations in leaf types, stems, roots and flowers.

  You’ll learn to identify adaptations and how these can be used by the plant or the horticulturalist.

• Planting Styles

  In the Planting Styles module, we’ll look at how horticulturalists combine their plant knowledge with the ways people interact with gardens and landscapes.

  We’ll cover formal and informal garden and planting styles and look at historic garden design characteristics.

  You’ll learn how to use the advantages of plants (for example, to create shade) and how to combine plants.

  This module will also include how horticulturalists can create edible landscapes and grow fruit and vegetables in ways that have a wider social impact.

• Horticulture & Society

  Horticulture & Society looks at the role that horticulture plays in enhancing people’s wellbeing and health.

  We’ll look at how green spaces can connect people, build communities and impact lives.

  You’ll learn about the role of horticulturalists and horticulture in society, from environmental impacts to the economy.

  We’ll also cover how community gardening and planting projects can change and benefit society.

• Biodiversity

  The Biodiversity module covers how horticulturalists can use their plant knowledge, planting styles and plant selections to enhance biodiversity.

  You’ll learn about the food chain, the relationships between primary and secondary consumers, and the impacts of climate change on plants.

  We’ll look at the importance of habitats within horticultural sites, the role of citizen science projects to monitor biodiversity and the concept and impacts of biodiversity action plans.