TERMS TECHNIQUES & TRADITIONS: Growing My Expertise

MKEducation
Written By mary konieczny
woman reaching towards very tall sunflower in the garden. a woman with a long brown ponytailwearing pink hat and blue t-shirt with purple shorts is facing away from the camera with both arms extended above her head as she points up into the sky

SUMMARY/TLDR:

In my other “TERMS, TECHNIQUES & TRADITIONS” post, I quickly laid out how I’ll be Designing My Dreams of becoming a Certified Floral Designer! I want to become a qualified and trusted pollinator-friendly landscaper! Here is a breakdown of my plan to wrangle the education and experience needed to reach my goals!

I am currently studying to become a Certified Master Gardener (EMG). This September, I will begin the Foundations of Gardening online classes.

At the end of the 10 classes, I will take an exam and receive a certificate of completion, then volunteer 40 hours.

I will then be considered a Master Gardener. After 2,000 hours of work and a few successful landscape projects, I can take an exam to become a certified Landscape Designer with the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association!

END GOAL: Become a Michigan Certified Landscape Designer  

A Brief Overview of Steps & Costs

Short Term Goal: Become a Master Gardener

  1. Foundations of Gardening Program: $350 Paid

    • 10 Online Classes

    • Exam

    • Foundations of Gardening Certificate

  2. Begin the “Michigan State University Extension Master Gardener” volunteer program

    1. Complete Application (Background checks, 5 references) & Interview

    2. Acceptance, onboarding & in-person learning modules

    3. 40 hours of volunteer service (in Michigan)

  3. Become a Certified Master Gardener (EMG)

  4. Annual Recertification Requirements

    1. 20 volunteer hours

    2. 10 education hours

    3. Payment of a recertification fee

Long Term Goal: Become a Landscape Designer 

  1. Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Membership: $50 Paid (Annual)

  2. Become an “Associate Green Industry Professional”

    • Complete 21 Module Online Training program

  3. Become a Certified Green Industry Professional & Michigan Certified Landscape Designer 

    1. Complete 2,000 hours of professional landscape design

    2. Submit 3 Work Samples: Score 70% or higher. 1/3 of the design work samples must include hardscape elements. Sample evaluation elements include:

      • Drafting Quality (15%)

      • Design Intent Statement (10%)

      • Design Fundamentals (30%)

      • Site Awareness (15%)

      • Material Selection (30%)

    3. Complete CGIP Exam

      1. CGIP Core Manual + 1 Specialty Manual:$127.20

      2. CGIP EXAM: $25

  4. Annual Recertification Requirements

    1. 6 education hours

    2. Payment of a recertification fee: $35

mary konieczny
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TERMS, TECHNIQUES & TRADITIONS: Designing My Dreams