The 2012 Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course

With more than 65 speakers, the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in arboriculture, business, beginning or intermediate horticulture, landscape architecture and design, landscape management or plants and production, there are classes that will interest you.

Educational Offerings According to Education Program Coordinator, Dawn Alleman, attendees like the Mid-Atlantic Short Course because the educational offerings are so broad. "Many people take advantage of the ability to attend a class or two outside of their field or specialty," she remarks. This event is unique because it is one of the only events in the industry with such well-rounded topics.

Alleman works hard to ensure that many of the classes offered earn attendees CEUs which count towards professional certifications. "We strive to fulfill as many continuing education requirements as possible, so our attendees can make the most of their professional training dollars," she says. Among the many organizations that accept MAHSC credits are the American Society of Landscape Architects, the International Society of Arboriculture, the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and the VA Society of Landscape Designers.

"Our attendees vary in experience level," says Alleman, "some have been working in the industry for years, but have never received formal training, while others are new hires taking basic horticulture classes to get acclimated to the industry, while others come for the advanced programs we offer." An example of such advanced courses is best practices for rainwater management.

The 2012 line up will include a capstone presentation from Amy Stewart, bestselling author of Wicked Plants & a new book Wicked Bugs. There will also be a class titled "Photography for Your Marketing" taught by Rich Pomerantz, who specializes in photographing all things farm and garden related.