Our Principal

 Mr John Mason
Dip.Hort.Sci., Sup'n Cert.
FIOH, FPLA, MAIH, MHMA, MACHPER, MASA.
(Principal - Australian Correspondence Schools)

 

Dip. Hort. Sci. (VCAH Burnley,1971),
Supervision Certificate (RMIT, 1977)
B.A (Planning Studies) at F.I.T. 50% completed.
Cert. in Theology 90% completed.
Adv.Cert.App.Management-Publishing & Journalism

 John Mason.


Mr Mason has over 35 years experience in the fields of Horticulture, Recreation, Education & Journalism. He has held positions ranging from Director of Parks & Recreation (City of Essendon) to magazine editor. John has lectured in Technical & Further Education Colleges (TAFE), and is a well respected member of many professional bodies. He is the author of more than fourty books, and over a thousand published magazine and newspaper articles. He is a keen photographer, with many of his photographs having been published in books and magazines.

Professional
Memberships:

 
  • Institute of Horticulture (IOH) UK Member since 1999, Fellow since 2003
  • Australian Institute of Horticulture (past State President, State secretary, and national vice president. State committee member 1978-80, 84-88)
  • Parks & Leisure Australia (formerly Royal Australian Institute of Parks and Recreation) (fellow since 1998, associate since 1984; member since 1974)
  • International Accreditation and Recognition Council President 2000-2006
  • International Plant Propagators Society (executive board member '90-95)
  • Queensland Nursery Industry Association
  • Australian Nursery Industry Association
  • Australian Council Health Physical Education and Recreation
  • International Herb Growers and Marketers Association
  • Australian Society of Authors
  • Australasian Plant Pathology Society
  • International Playgrounds Association (Aust. Rep. '77-80)
  • Royal Horticultural Society (U.K.)
  • Horticultural Media Association (Australia)
 

Area of Expertise:

 
  • Horticulture, Small Business, Education, Writing, Agriculture, Recreation and Management.
  • Plant identification, landscape design, parks management, nursery management
  • Hydroponics, herbs, Australian plants
  • Children’s play and playground design, fitness
  • Photography, journalism, community participation.

 

        Career History:

        1971

        Graduated after 3yrs of full time study from Burnley Horticultural College

        Rotary Youth Leadership Awardee

        1972

        Self employed Landscaping, garden maintenance and wholesale nursery business.

        1972

        Technical Officer, Fisons Ltd.

        1972-75

        Youth Leader (part time) Baptist Church

        1972-73

        Retail Nursery management and landscaping.

        1973-76

        Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, Shire of Melton

        1974

        Established Melton Garden Club(President)

        • Taught gardening classes at Melton Community Centre.
        • Wrote gardening column for Melton local paper.

        1975

        Overseas study tour of children's playgrounds.

        1976-82

        Lecturing in short course for Council of Adult Education.

        1976-77

        Director of Parks and Recreation, City of Essendon.

        1977-80

        Consultant Landscape Designer/Playground Adviser
        Playgrounds and Recreation Association of Vic.

        1977-81

        0ccasional Writer for "Your Garden", national garden magazine.

        1978

        Member of National committee for International Year of the Child

        1977-81

        • Sessional lecturer for:
          • Footscray Institute of Technology
          • Burnley Horticultural College
          • I.E.C.D. (Lincoln Institute)
          • Philip Institute of Technology
          • Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation (Victoria)
        • Designed and conducted elective subjects for F.I.T. in the Associate Diploma in Recreation Leadership.
        • Jointly lectured 3rd year Landscape Design in Diploma at Burnley.
        • Lectured on understanding childrens play, and playground design to Post Graduate Diploma in Recreation at Philip Institute and to kindergarten trainee teachers (Lincoln Institute).

        1979

        Established Australian Horticultural Correspondence School.

        1979 to present

        Design and management of Advertising & marketing for Australian Correspondence Schools

        1980-81

        Superintendent of Parks and Gardens, City of Heidelberg

        1980-95

        Regular writer for "Grass Roots" magazine.

        1982-83

        Self employed nurseryman and landscape contractor.

        1985 to present

        Developed and managed the AHCS on a full time basis.

        1988-92

        Organized of Garden Pavillion at Royal Melbourne Show (50-100 exhibitors). Won awards two out of the five years.
        (ie. Best Commercial Display '88; Best Horticultural Display '92)

        1989 to present

        Editor/Photographer/Writer: Greenleaf Series Magazines and Garden Guide Series Magazines

        1991-99

        Regular writer for the magazines: Queensland Homes and Victoria Homes.

        1992-93

        Program Organizer, International Plant Propagators Conference, Albury

        1993

        Study tour/photographing gardens and garden shows in Europe

        1994

        Wrote & produced five educational videos (using the video production unit of Griffith University, and private facilities in Melbourne).

        1994

        Wrote Quality Assurance documentation for Australian Correspondence Schools.

        1995

        Wrote accreditation documentation for Advanced Diplomas in Horticulture, Agriculture and Recreation-Fitness. Achieved accreditation and listing on the National Register for these courses.

        1996-97

        Established 9 internet sites for Australian Correspondence Schools, continued developing new courses including computer servicing & ecotourism. (Won awards in mid 97: Pick of the Net from Sofcom, and Majons Select Award)

        1999-2003

        Editor Your Backyard National Magazine (Australian print media publication –published by Express Publications)

        1998 to present

        Wrote several books, new courses and developed new web sites

        Formal Study:

        1969-71

        Diploma in Horticultural Science, Burnley Horticultural College, Vic. (now VCAH, Burnley - Melbourne University) Course completed.

        1970-72

        Certificate in Theology : Sydney Anglican Theological College, by Correspondence 90% completed.

        1971

        Rotary Youth Leadership Award (approx. 40hrs) Course completed.

        1971

        YMCA Detached Youth Workers Course (approx. 30 hrs) Course completed.

        1972

        Bachelor of Science R.M.I.T. -Sociology & Chemistry, incomplete.

        1975-76

        Supervision Certificate (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) (2 years part time distance education).
        Subjects passed include:

        • Supervision 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B
        • Parks Administration A, B.
        • Communications and report Writing

        1976-78

        Bachelor of Arts (Planning Studies) Footscray Institute of Technology course 50% completed.
        Subjects passed include:

        • Urban Studies 1A, 1B
        • Planning Studies 1A, 1B
        • Sociology 1A, 1B
        • Overview of Recreation
        • Recreation Leadership Methods

        1979-80

        Bachelor of Science, Latrobe University, -Zoology, incomplete.

        1994

        PADI Open Water Divers Certificate, Aussie Dive, Gold Coast.

        1995

        Training Skills I, II & III

        1995

        RPL granted for stream studies in Instructional skills in Advanced Certificate in Applied Management (approx. 250 hrs)

        1997

        Advanced Certificate in Applied Management -Publishing & Journalism (approx. 700 hrs)

        Short Courses:

        Various, including:

        • Detatched Youth Work Course (6 months, YMCA, 1970)
        • Rotary Youth Leader Award (1971)

        Major Conferences:

        (Note: These are only a selection. There are many other seminars and minor meetings not listed which have been attended, organized, conducted by or lectured at by John Mason).

        1974

        Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation National Conference, Adelaide, (5 days) -delegate

        1975

        International Association for the Childrens Right to Play Triannual Conference, Milan Italy, (7 days) -delegate

        1976

        Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation, National Conference, Melbourne, (5 days) -delegate

        1979

        Royal Australian Institute of Parks & Recreation, National Conference, Brisbane, (5 days) -organizer of childrens play and playground segment

        1978-79

        Recreational Landscaping Course -Course Coordinator for Burnley Horticultural College (Designed, and managed 3 day course and was main lecturer for two consecutive years)

        1979

        Technological Advances in Parks Maintenance -designed, coordinated and lectured at 2 day course jointly with Elaine Murphy, Senior Lecturer (for Footscray Institute of Technology)

        1980

        Plant Materials 1980 -designed, coordinated and lectured at 2 day course jointly with Elaine Murphy, Senior Lecturer (for Footscray Institute of Technology in conjunction with Burnley Horticultural College)

        1982

        Play Safety Conference, Melbourne -Speaker

        1988

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Sydney, (3 days) -delegate

        1989

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Hobart, (3 days) -delegate

        1990

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Perth, (3 days) -delegate

        1991

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Canberra, (3 days) -delegate

        1992

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Ballina, (3 days) -delegate

        1993

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Albury, (3 days) -conference program organizer (designed lecture program,coordinated all speakers)

        1993

        Attended International Garden Festival, Stuttgart, Germany and Hampton Court Flower Show, London, U.K.

        1994

        International Plant Propagators Society, National Conference, Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast (delivered one of the introductory session papers).

        1995

        International Plant Propagators National Conference, Adelaide 1995 Study Tour of Hawaii (August) -Botanic Gardens

        1995

        Study Tour of New Zealand (November) -Ellerslie Garden Show & Open Gardens

        1997

        Study Tour of Britain and Germany(June/July -4 shows/exhibitions, over 40 gardens, numerous industry meetings.

        1999

        Study tour of USA & Canada West Coast

        2002

        Tour of UK & Netherlands (4 weeks) visiting shows (Hampton Court & Floriade), gardens, meetings with colleagues, photography etc.)

        2004

        International Society for Horticultural Science –Horticultural Education Symposium Perth, W.A. Key Speaker

        Chairman, International Accreditation & Recognition Council

        2003-2007

        Established affiliation (licensing) agreements with a number of institutions including Pershore College(UK), Writtle College (UK) Lifestyle Learning Direct (Australia), NEEF (India), Pacifica (USA)

        Published Work:

        Books

        • Fun and Fitness Trails, Victorian Dept. of Sport and Recreation, 1978
        • Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm, Night Owl, 1983 (revised 1994)
        • The Environment of Play, Leisure Press, New York, 1982
        • Herb Review, self published, 1987
        • Landscaping with Herbs, self published, 1988
        • The Native Plant Expert, self published, 1989
        • Let's Grow Gardens, self published, 1990
        • Growing Ferns, Kangaroo Press, 1990
        • Commercial Hydroponics, Kangaroo Press, 1990
        • Growing Vegetables, Kangaroo Press, 1991
        • Growing Herbs, Kangaroo Press, 1993
        • Nursery Management, Kangaroo Press, April 1994
        • Tropical Gardening, Bay Books, October 1994
        • Yates Guide to Pests & Diseases, Angus & Robertson, February 1995
        • Growing Pelargoniums & Geraniums Hyland House 1996
        • Farm Management Kangaroo Press 1996
        • Growing Australian Natives Kangaroo Press 1997
        • Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm (Revised ed) Kangaroo Press 1997
        • Sustainable Farming Simon & Schuster (Kangaroo Press) Spring 1997
        • Growing Tropical Plants Simon & Schuster (Kangaroo Press) 1997
        • Starting a Landscape or Garden Business Kangaroo Press 1998
        • Aqua Aerobics Kangaroo Press 1999
        • Growing Conifers Kangaroo Press 1999
        • Profitable Farming Kangaroo Press 1999
        • A Beginners Guide to Orchids Hyland House
        • Aerobic Fitness Kangaroo Press
        • Trees & Shrubs for Small Places Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster 2000
        • Propagating from Cuttings Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster 2002
        • Sustainable Agriculture 2nd ed (Landlinks/CSIRO) 2003
        • Nursery Management 2nd ed (Landlinks Press) 2004
        • Growing & Using Vegetables & Herbs (Simon & Schuster) 2005
        • Commercial Hydroponics 2nd ed (Kangaroo/Simon & Schuster) 2005
        • Growing Australian Natives 2nd ed (Kangaroo/Simon& Schuster) 2005

        Magazines

        1977-79

        Your Garden (contributor)

        1980 to present

        Grass Roots (contributor)

        1987 to present

        Garden Guide Monthly Magazine (contributor),

        2000 to present

        Garden Guide Monthly Magazine (Editor)

        1992 to present

        Queensland Homes (contributor)

        1992 to present

        Victoria Homes (contributor)

        1993 to present

        South Australia Homes (contributor)

        1999 to 2003

        Your Backyard National Gardening Magazine (principal author & editor)

        2005- 2007

        Garden Guru’s Newspaper –Victorian edition feature writer

        Queensland Outdoor Living Magazine –principal feature writer

        Occasional contributor to more than twenty other publications.

        Garden Guide Specials (author/photographer/editor of the following titles):

        • Gardening with Herbs
        • More Gardening with Herbs
        • Cottage Garden Landscapes
        • Backyard Landscaping Ideas
        • 101 Backyard Landscaping Ideas
        • Landscaping Your Backyard
        • Your Guide to Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs
        • Your Guide to Natural Gardening
        • Better Backyard Ideas
        • Landscaping with Australian Plants
        • Landscaping Ideas for Shaded Areas
        • Better Garden Ideas
        • Controlling Garden Pests & Diseases
        • Backyard Ideas and Garden Care 90-91
        • Backyard Ideas and Garden Care 91-92
        • Landscaping with Ferns, Palms and Orchids
        • 101 Natural Gardening Ideas
        • Maintenance Free Backyards

        Greenleaf Specials (author/photographer/editor of the following titles):

        • Herbs from Your Garden
        • The Better Backyard Guide
        • What to Plant Where
        • Colourful and Fragrant Gardens

        Other Special Magazines (author/editor of the following titles):

        • Creative Landscaping Ideas
        • Beautiful Landscaping Ideas
        • Landscaping Your Garden
        • Country & Cottage Landscapes

        1999-2002

        Editor and principal writer of monthly Gardening-Lifestyle magazine (YOUR BACKYARD) for Express Publications in Sydney, Australia

        2000-01

        Editor and principal writer of Garden Guide monthly magazine

        2001 to present

        Editor/owner of Gardening ezine ACSgarden.com

        Videos

        Wrote, presented and produced the following videos since 1994:

        • Plant Identification
        • Herb Identification
        • Designing a Garden
        • Plant Propagation
        • Australian Native Plants
        • Garden Style
        • Identifying Tropical Plants
        • Identifying Trees & Shrubs
        • Identifying Bulbs & Perennials
        • Careers in the 21st Century



          COURSES organized or conducted by J. Mason:
          Melbourne (averaging 4 classes a week for more than a decade from 1973)

          • Main author of over 300 correspondence courses (curriculum documentation, study guides and course notes), Australian Correspondence Schools) including hobby, certificate, advanced certificate & diploma.
          • Principal author of curriculum documentation for five VETEC (Qld) and/or nationally accredited courses:
            • Advanced Certificate in Applied Management (C12CN001)
            • Certificate in Horticulture (C12CN002)
            • Advanced Diploma in Recreation-Fitness (C12CN003
            • Advanced Diploma in Horticulture (C12CN004)
            • Advanced Diploma in Agriculture (C12CN005)
          • Designed and conducted hobby courses for Council of Adult Education, Victoria from 1974-81.
            These courses included:
            • Self Sufficiency
            • Hydroponics
            • Landscaping Bush Gardens and more.
          • Designed and conducted hobby classes for various community centres including Melton, Box Hill, Knox, Hawthorn, and Essendon (1974-81)
          • Designed and conducted one week workshops (twice annually), and shorter seminars (3 hour to 1 day, at least twice annually) for the Australian Horticultural Correspondence School and various professional Associations between 1986 and 1995.
          • Sunday school teacher 1970-75, 1978-79
          • Organized and conducted Youth Worker Training Programs for church 1971-73
          • Various play leader training programs for Department of Youth Sport & Recreation (Vic), and other authorities, 1976-82 (organizer/lecturer).