GARDEN industry professionals have been invited to attend a free TAFE-accredited training course over two nights on water wise and environmentally sustainable gardening.

Casey Council’s manager of engineering and environmental services David Richardson said the course would provide practical information on garden design, landscape construction and ongoing garden maintenance.

“It is designed to provide up-to-date and relevant information on how to design and install water wise and environmentally-sustainable gardens.”

He said the program was for people working in the landscape and nursery industries who would in turn provide the information to home gardeners.

“Topics such as water conservation, non-invasive plant selection, minimising chemical usage, reducing stormwater pollution, greater use of indigenous plants and natural soil improvement, will be covered which is timely because of the drought,” he said.

Casey Council will host the program over two nights on Tuesdays 12 and 19 June from 6.30pm to 9.30pm at the Old Shire Offices, Corner Sladen Street and South Gippsland Highway, Cranbourne.

Participants are required to attend both nights in order to receive certification.