The New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA) is the primary organization that represents those persons working in the Green Industry. New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) is the only educational facility that offers both a Certificate Program and an Associates Degree in Landscape Design, through its Environmental Landscape Design Program, in the State of New Hampshire. The two entities should be working together as partners to provide an educated workforce and assist persons in the landscape industry to be certified in their field of expertise and develop ways to increase the Enrollment of the landscape design programs offered at NHTI. At this point the NHTI Environmental Landscape Design Program is on “life support” and needs the support of the New Hampshire Landscape Industry.

In a letter from the Department Head states that “The Academic Affairs of NHTI, as result of letters of support from Alumni, have stated that the Landscape and Environmental Design Associates Degree will continue with “Monitor “status. The Landscape Design Certificate will be moved from “on hold” to reactivated with “Monitor” status. At this point the NHTI is not seeking the closure of these programs but rather, in partnership with the department form a plan to explore ways to increase the enrollment of the Associates Degree and Certificate programs.”

The Environmental Landscape Design Program provides the student with the following aspects of good design:

• A landscape designer that has had some educational support should be able to develop creative designs and designs spaces that reflect the home owner’s vision as well as take advantage of the site’s natural features.
• In approaching a site a good landscape designer can analyze issues around drainage, types and quality of soils and micro-climates on the site that will sustain the design for years to come.
• Good design includes site functions that assure that site items as seating, spaces and pathways are blended together and function as a unit in a seamless way.
• A site design takes into consideration colors and textures that work together and form a pleasant space to be in. Within that same design the landscape designer develops focal points using water features, sculptures, and emphasizes views on and off site. The designer also has plant knowledge to choose plant material that offer year-round appeal for every season.
• In that seasons and climates are changing Landscape designs should use native plants that sustain change in climate, include forms of water harvesting to reduce the need for artificial irrigation and the use of permeable surfaces allow water to permeate back into the ground to assist in recharging the ground water systems.
• Finally a good design should add value to the property, allow for mental well-being and environmental impact that contributes to biodiversity and good health to the ecosystem of the local.

All these items above and more are taught in the Environmental Landscape Design Program at NHTI, without this program persons interested in the landscape industry and wanting to have an education in Landscape Design would have to go out of state for educational opportunities.

The Environmental Landscape Design Program at NHTI should be a partner with NHLA. Employers in the landscape industry should be encouraged to assist their employees to gain knowledge of good landscape design and take advantage of the classes in the Environmental Landscape Design offerings. A student can take just one of the classes offered, sign up for The Certificate Courses that cover the “core” classes or sign up for the Associates degree program that is more comprehensive.

Without the support of NHLA, landscape contractors, landscape designers and others, the Environmental Landscape Design Program at NHTI — that has taught students for 38 years — may no longer be available to persons wanting to further their education in the Landscape Industry.

So, let us find a way to work together to have a better educated work force in New Hampshire’s Landscape Industry and keep the Environmental Landscape Design offering at NHTI for another 38 years.

—by Bob Pollock, Adjunct Professor NHTI for 38 years