Program Overview

Course Description

The Art of Gardening is an online, independent study course that allows students to work at their own pace. The course is designed to merge the student's gardening experience with the knowledge they have acquired throughout the program. It explores the most classic of garden compositions, including container plantings, lawn care, and the cultivation of fruits and vegetables.

Course Outline

The course covers the following topics:

• Container Gardening
• Lawn Care
• Fruit Gardens
• Vegetable Gardens

Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the course is as follows:

• Assignment 1: Designing a Patio Planter - 10%
• Quiz 1 - 15%
• Assignment 2: Lawn Care - 10%
• Quiz 2 - 15%
• Assignment 3: Fruit Gardens - 10%
• Quiz 3 - 15%
• Assignment 4: Vegetable Gardens - 10%
• Quiz 4 - 15%
• Total - 100%

Successful completion of the course requires a passing grade of 60% in each of the four sections.

Notes

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the course include:

• Internet (high speed preferred)
• Reliable computer/laptop device
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word for submitting assignments

Course Dates

All courses open on October 1st and close on July 31st. Students are to take one course at a time, unless otherwise approved by Extended Learning.

Refunds

Course refunds are eligible up to two weeks after registering for the course. The refund amount will be adjusted to include a non-refundable administrative fee of $50.00. After the two-week period, there are no course refunds.

Prerequisites

It is recommended that the Master Gardener Program Courses be taken in the following order:

1. The Science of Gardening
2. Maintaining the Garden
3. Plant ID and Use
4. The Art of Gardening

Recommended For

The course is recommended for:

• Anyone who has a passion or interest in gardening in their backyard or community
• Anyone interested in working towards becoming a Master Gardener within the Master Gardener Association of Alberta
• Anyone looking to expand on their gardening knowledge

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

The course applies towards the Master Gardener Training Program - Alberta, which is a required certificate.

Course Details

• Section Title: The Art of Gardening - Alberta
• Type: Online - Self-Paced
• Dates: October 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026
• Total Learning Hours: 65.0
• Instruction Delivery Method(s): Online Self-Paced
• Course Fee(s): Tuition (non-credit) - $488.00

Section Notes

Registration deadline is January 31st, 2026. Tuition is refunded if a course is cancelled by Extended Learning. Learners are also eligible for a refund if they formally withdraw within two weeks after registering for a course. The refund amount will be adjusted to include a non-refundable administrative fee of $50.00. After the two-week period, there are no course refunds.