Verdant Visions Horticultural Planning

Professional Garden Design for the Do-It-Yourselfer

Phone: 410-517-1697susan@verdantvisions.com

What do all those credentials mean, and how do they benefit you, the client?

These credentials prove that I have sufficient experience and education in the field of horticulture. My credentials also require that I continually educate myself in new developments in the industry and stay on top of new information concerning horticulture. This in turn enables me to provide service and advice that is sound and up-to-date for my clients. Here is a list of my credentials, along with explanations:

Certified Professional Horticulturist (CPH):

This is a certification issued by the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA). The purpose of this certification according to MNLA is "To raise and improve the professional standards of the nursery, landscape, and garden center industries by giving special recognition to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competence in the principles and practices relevant to these industries."
The requirements I met for obtaining this certification are a four-year degree in horticulture, one year of full-time experience, and passing a written exam. Certified individuals must attend seminars to fulfill continuing education requirements to stay certified.

CPH Specialist in Herbaceous Perennials:

Within the CPH certification are also specialization categories. I have obtained my specialization in Herbaceous Perennials since passing the written exam.

ISA Certified Arborist:

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) issues this certification. The requirements I met for obtaining this certification are a four-year degree in horticulture with one year of full-time experience that includes tree work, and passing a written exam. Every three years, an ISA certified arborist must complete at least 30 continuing education units in order to qualify for renewal of certification.

Pest Control Consultant License, Category XII:

This license is issued by the Maryland Department of Agriculture. This license allows me to legally dispense advice concerning pesticide usage for insect and disease problems, and herbicide usage for weed control problems. By law, I must obtain re-certification credits each year in order to keep my license year to year.