{"c_title":"[M0000.018400] Plant Materials","c_info":"3 credits | Lecture\/Seminar | Master | Dept. of Landscape Architecture","c_summary":"This course will study the characteristics and environmental requirements of landscape plant materials including annals, bulbs, shrubs, and trees; and investigate ways of utilizing landscape materials for diverse purposes such as outdoor space design, landscape enhancement, microclimate control, and air pollution abatement. To achieve the goals of planting design, it is essential to select landscape plant materials that are suitable to environmental conditions such as local climate, soil, and solar radiation and to apply necessary management techniques such as pruning, fertilization, irrigation, pest control, and protection in winter.<br \/>\r\n<br \/>\r\nDuring class sessions, plant samples, slides and Powerpoint files will be extensively used to cultivate basic knowledge necessary for the identification and planting design of each species, such as specimen identification tips, biological and ecological characteristics, management requirements, and examples of planting design. Field trips are a very important part of this course. Characteristics of landscape plant materials can be learned at botanical gardens, arboretums, nursery farms, and flower shops. Field trips to large residential or industrial complexes, parks and streets, and natural plant communities in our national parks and ecological reserves will provide students with knowledge on the use and management of landscape plant materials."}