Tristyn Shier

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

Student Learning Plan

For my directed fields study (DFS) I have chosen to work with the Brandon, Manitoba Alternative Landscaping Ltd. team. This company was founded by Chris Griffin, the current president/owner of the business. It has been in operation for 13 years and is growing in market size and field of service. The team at Alternative Landscaping Ltd. consists of eight leading figures with labor crews under their supervision. Between them, they manage a range of services provided by the company: yard care, retail, custom designs, landscaping, and winter snow clearing. Within the past year this growing company has opened a nursery and garden center to supply their business and customers with plants and bulk landscape products. This is an example of how the company is expanding into different areas, presenting in turn a great space for expansion of personal knowledge, which is why I feel it is the perfect fit for me. As a Landscape designer for Alternative Landscaping Ltd. I will be required to complete an array of tasks to achieve the final goal of a master plan a given site. I will first have to consult with the client to gain an understanding of what they envision for their property and from there develop a concept drawing based on the information provided. I will assist in the process of site inventory and analysis to gain an understanding of the existing features on site and how weather, exposure, slope, and other site factors could affect the project. I will then have to computerize the details into scaled plans that can be implemented by the landscape construction team. The range of opportunities for designs ranging from small scale residential property to larger scale commercial designs. These locations can require full design plans, or specific perennial/shrub beds, irrigation plans, or ponds and water features. With the divers possibilities there is no limit to the knowledge that I can take away from my experience with them. As new as I am to this field it is a great importance to me to have a position where I can grow my knowledge base and develop a comfort with my abilities. A large company with competent and confident staff to mentor me will help to reduce the strain being a student as well as a full time employee. I will have time to learn and grow into the position while the company will not be relying on me as their sole designer. The company is also looking for two

Tristyn Shier

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

other new designers to join the team at the same time I do. This presents the rare chance to compare notes with others in a similar position to me, but from different areas and background than current Alternative Landscaping employees. In turn, the company will benefit from having new perspective and possibly a more up to date understanding of the current trends. Olds College has been great at keeping us up on what is new in the industry, and I can share that knowledge with my new team. The company promotes itself as providing new and innovative designs and I can provide them with just that. In turn, Chris and his team will help to shape me into a better designer. Through the process of my DFS I will be under the mentorship of Chris Griffin. Chris was the company designer until continued growth made it necessary for him to relinquish the job to an Olds College graduate, and take over the role of managing the company. He has kept the business successful over 13 years and is still going strong. Not only does he know the design side of landscaping, but also the business involved in operating a company. I know that he will help me wherever I need, and work alongside me not only to ensure I reach my goals, but to continue to grow my skills into all the areas Alternative Landscaping has to offer. To complete my DFS and gain additional skills needed to establish my career as a landscape designer I will achieve the following competencies through the final year of the degree: Conduct preliminary client consultation and site evaluation; Create a full design proposal document; Develop a complete landscape design master plan using Dynascape; Operate large-scale landscape equipment; Ensure the completion of all requirements of my Directed Field Study course in order to complete my Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Landscape Management. In completing this list of learning goals I will more confidently be able to say that I am ready to do this for a living, and demonstrate to myself and employer that I am competent in all the areas required to continue on forward in this industry. In summation I feel this position will offer me everything I need, and more, in completing my DFS. The kind, but competitive nature of the organization will push me to complete competencies to the best of my abilities, and push me even further with the mentorship and broadening opportunities for growth. Also, the promise of a place that offers unique and innovative landscapes suits my personal goals. This is a chance to use artistic and creative skill, blended with the latest technical training to make me the best designer I can be.

Tristyn Shier

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

Competencies
1) Conduct preliminary client consultation and site evaluation. a) Consult with customer to establish desired landscape results/appearance. i) Complete design questionnaire with customer in a timely and professional manner. ii) Communicate clearly and efficiently with client to understand the vision they are trying to achieve in their landscape. b) Estimate a quote for completion of client project. i) Establish pricing depending on customers desired vision for the project. ii) Factor in all possible work required to complete project into a proposed cost of labor and time. c) Record site information required in the design process. i) Take site measurements required for layout of design concept plans and master plans. ii) Identify existing grade of the landscape sight using laser level and elevation calculations. iii) Catalog pictures of existing plants, structures, and current lay out of clients yard for use in landscape concept plans. Validations: - Site notes and project journal. - Completed customer questionnaire. - Written letter from mentor and signature on hand in material. Mentor: Chris Griffin President Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Chris@alternativelandscapingltd.com (204) 727-7289 2) Create a full design proposal document. a) Generate plant list with specifications on care and maintenance.

Tristyn Shier

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

i) Identify plants that will do well in the local environment. ii) List the care and maintenance required for common landscape plants. iii) Provide an outline of potential pest and disease risks presents with plants used in the landscape and neighboring landscapes. b) Develop a cost estimate. i) Calculate the cost of labor based on an approximate of the work to be completed on site. ii) Identify all areas of work that will need to be completed for each facet of the landscape design installation process. iii) Develop an excel file for calculations in budget estimations. Validations: - Copy of final document. - Copy of budget estimation document. - Written letter from mentor and signature on hand in material. Mentor: Chris Griffin President Alternative Landscaping Ltd. 34th Street and Patricia Ave. Brandon, Manitoba (204) 727-7289 3) Develop a complete landscape design master plan using Dynascape. a) Compile an analysis of the site to enter into the program for an accurate representation of the site. i) Collect a site inventory of existing structures and plant life with exact locations for entry into the program. ii) Re-produce an accurate scale drawing of the site using Dynascape. iii) Mark existing plant life that the costumer wishes to keep. b) Express my design ideas using the tools provided in the design software. i) Use labels to specify vegetation for a plant list or hardscape locations and texture. ii) Manage layers to keep a tidy working plan to reduce complications. iii) Create components to represent various plant life and hardscape features.

Tristyn Shier

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

iv) Construct legible and accurate dimensions to be scaled-up and used by the construction crew during execution of the design. c) Construct a layout of each construction step for easy printing and legibility. i) Create a title block and separate pages within the file for each construction step. ii) Develop a lighting plan, plant list, elevations, and dimension section. iii) Assemble the plans in proper order to send into printing. Validations: - Copy of completed master plan file. - Copy of preliminary site assessment notes and concept drawings. - Written letter from mentor and signature on final document. Mentor: Chris Griffin President Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Chris@alternativelandscapingltd.com (204) 727-7289 4) Design a functional water feature. a) Plan the design using specific location and client requirements. i) Collect site information from client relevant to location of project. ii) Prepare a site inventory and analysis for existing structures and vegetation. iii) Complete client questionnaire to establish what is desired from the water feature. b) Create a design layout. i) Draw a concept plan using the information given from the questionnaire and site analysis. ii) Render a design master plan using Dynascape. iii) Calculate flow rates and water holding requirements. c) Anticipate to changes or obstacles that arise during project construction. i) Prepare a list of possible obstacles that may arise during the project and how to overcome them. ii) Adapt to unforeseen issues in construction and alter plans to compensate. iii) Compile a report of any complications and the amendments taken to solve for them to prevent future complications.

Tristyn Shier Validations:

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

- Copy or customer questionnaire and design document. - Photos of completed and functional project. - Written letter from mentor with signature on photos and questionnaire. Mentor: Chris Griffin President Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Chris@alternativelandscapingltd.com (204) 727-7289 5) Operate landscape equipment to compete selected tasks. a) Use skid-steer or similar equipment to complete tasks on site, for snow removal, or as part of landscape construction i) Perform equipment walk-around safety checks prior to operation ii) Wear require PPE for equipment and talks iii) Demonstrate safe handling of small equipment operation while on the job site. iv) Operate a skid-steer without supervision to complete projects. b) Obtain small scale equipment operators license. i) Write the exam and achieve a passing grade. ii) Use equipment to obtain a passing grade. Validations: - Photo or video documentation of operation. - Journal of critical learning incidents - Photo copy of license. - Written letter from mentor and signature photo copy. Mentor: Chris Griffin President Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Chris@alternativelandscapingltd.com (204) 727-7289

Tristyn Shier

BHO 3999

March 31, 2014

6) Ensure the completion of all requirements of my Directed Field Study course in order to complete my Bachelor of Applied Science, majoring in Landscape Management. a) Complete the eight month DFS (seven months in the workplace, plus one month to complete, edit, revise, and submit documentation). b) Use my SLP to ensure competencies are achieved i) Contrast learning plan to work performed and competencies gained. ii) Evaluate learning plan for accuracy throughout work period iii) Revise learning plan according to changing requirement/ opportunities. iv) Get OC approval to changes to learning plan GACS, or where there is a requirement to change more than two learning outcomes within a given outcome c) Document my learning and skill development i) Document the learning process, assessment and achievement of outcomes. ii) Collect primary and secondary sources of validation to provide evidence of learning. iii) Analyze the strengths and weakness in the achievement of my learning goals and outcomes iv) Provide a conclusion that demonstrates my understanding of the self-directed learning process. Validations: - Journal of my leaning process and skill development - Completed DFS E-profile (Website) - Written letter from mentor and signature on hand in material. Mentor: Chris Griffin President Alternative Landscaping Ltd. Chris@alternativelandscapingltd.com (204) 727-7289