Landscape Installation and Maintenance (NC II) Curriculum Guide – K to 12 Agri-Fishery Arts

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TECHNICAL-VOCATIONAL-LIVELIHOOD TRACK

Technology-Livelihood Education and Technical-Vocational Track specializations may be taken between Grades 9 to 12.
Schools may offer specializations from the four strands as long as the minimum number of hours for each specialization is met.

AGRI-FISHERY ARTS – LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE (NC II)

Landscape Installation and Maintenance (NC II) (320 hours)

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of an individual in the field of landscaping in accordance with industry standards. It covers core competencies such as: perform site inventory and analysis, planning, site clearing and grubbing activities, perform rough grading operations, perform site preparation activities, install plants at designated locations as designed, install plant support, Trim and prune landscape plants, perform weeding and cultivation, apply fertilizer(nutrition), water plants, control and prevent plant pest and diseases, provide plant support, perform lawn-grass maintenance, perform re-planting activities and collect, dispose and utilize organic wastes.

LEARNING COMPETENCIES

LO 1. Explain and demonstrate the basic concept and principles in landscape installation and management
1.1.Landscape concept
1.2. Importance of landscaping
1.3. Landscape plan

LO 2. Understand the importance and principle of design and landscaping
2.1. Principle of design
2.2. Selecting plant for landscape plan
2.3. Landscape plan

PERSONAL ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES (PECS)

LO 1. Recognizes Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies and Skills (PECs) needed in Landscape Installation and Maintenance
1.1. Assess one’s PECSs: Characteristics, attributes, lifestyle, skills, traits
1.2. Assess practitioner’s characteristics, attributes, lifestyle, skill, traits
1.3. Compare one PECSS with that of a practitioner/entrepreneur
1.4. Align one’s PECSS with that of a practitioner/entrepreneur

ENVIRONMENT AND MARKET (EM)

LO 1. Recognize and understand the market in Landscape Installation and Maintenance
1.1. Identify the players/competitors within the province

LO 2. Recognize the potential customer/market in Landscape Installation and Maintenance
2.1. Identify the profile of potential customers
2.2. Identify the customer’s needs and wants through consumer analysis
2.3. Conduct consumer/market analysis

LO 3. Create new business ideas in landscaped Installation and Maintenance business by using various techniques
3.1. Explore ways of generating business idea from one’s own characteristics/attributes
3.2. Generate business ideas using product innovation from irritants, trends and emerging needs
3.3. Generate business ideas using Serendipity Walk

QUARTER 1

LESSON: LANDSCAPE INSTALLATION

LO 1. Prepare a site inventory, analysis, and an inventory of the lot to be landscaped

LO. 1. Prepare a concept plan for a particular site using the data or information gathered during site analysis

LO.2. Draft and prepare a planting plan appropriate for the area

QUARTER 2

LO 1. Clear site
1.1. Remove unwanted vegetation and debris according to instructions 1.2. Protect trees designed to be retained according to standards.
1.3. Clear site using prescribed tools and equipment
1.4. Perform task using appropriate safety protective devices

LO 2. Dispose waste
2.1. Gather and dispose of waste materials in accordance with environmental standards
2.2. Perform task using appropriate safety protective devices

LO 3. Perform post-cleaning and grubbing activity
3.1. Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to established standard practices
3.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
3.3. Report work output to concerned persons/authority according to industry practices

LO 1. Rough grade site
1.1. Perform rough site grading to achieve desired elevations or slopes by cutting or filling in accordance with the designed grading plans, specifications or instructions.
1.2. Grade the site roughly using prescribed tools and equipment in accordance with standards of rough grading practice
1.3. Perform the task using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 2. Provide surface drainage and shape or form the land
2.1. Grade the site to drain surface water and to shape the land in accordance with the designed grading plans and instructions
2.2. Perform the tasks using prescribed tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 3. Perform post-rough grading operations
3.1. Protect the newly graded site against human, animal and mechanical disturbance, and other potential hazards like inclement weather
3.2. Clean, maintain and store all the Site grading tools and equipment according to established standard practices
3.3. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
3.4. Report work output to concerned persons/authority according to industry practices

QUARTER 3

LO 1. Cultivate land
1.1. Cultivate/till/dig land in accordance with the designed plans, specifications or instructions.
1.2. Cultivate land using prescribed tools and equipment
1.3. Perform the tasks using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 2. Remove construction debris and other materials
2.1. Gather and remove all construction debris and other materials from site in accordance with the designed plans, specifications or instructions
2.2. Dispose of gathered construction debris at designated area
2.3. Perform the tasks using prescribed tools, equipment and safety protective devices

LO 3. Add amended soil / soil mix to cultivated land
3.1. Add/incorporate amended soil/soil mix to cultivated land in accordance with ANSI as well as standard general nursery specifications or instructions
3.2. Perform the tasks using prescribed tools and equipment and appropriate safety protective devices

LO 4. Find grade and compact cultivated land
4.1. Cultivated land grade and compact in accordance with the design specifications as well as standard general grading and compaction specifications or instructions
4.2. Perform pre-planting watering as instructed
4.3. Perform the tasks using prescribed
4.4. tools, equipment and appropriate safety protective devices

LO 5. Perform post-land preparation activities
5.1. Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to established standard practices
5.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
5.3. Report the work output to concerned persons/authority according to industry practices

LO 1. Inspect plants
1.1. Deliver only those specified species, variety, quality, size, etc. based on the planting plan and plant list
1.2. Inspect delivered plants based on the plant list or planting plan
1.3. Remove rejected plants immediately after inspection

LO. 2 Lay out or stake out plants
2.1. Mark on the ground the exact location of the plants based on the planting plan, specifications and/or instructions
2.2. Distribute and mark on the ground the appropriate plants as indicated in the planting plan or according to instructions

LO 3. Excavate hole /pit
3.1. Excavate/dig hole/pit at designated mark according to specifications or instructions
3.2. Perform tasks using prescribed tools, equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 4. Install plants
4.1. Remove plants from container according to prescribed instructions and techniques
4.2. Take extra effort not to injure the plants while installing them in the designated location
4.3. Perform pre-planting watering of excavated holes (thoroughly saturated) according to accepted standard techniques and procedures
4.4. Install the plants according to landscape specifications and standards, detailed drawings and instructions
4.5. Setting the plants so that the soil level of plant in container shall be the same as the finished grade of the hole
4.6. Handle plants with cared to avoid breakage of root ball, trunk/stem, branches and scraping of bark
4.7. Set and hold plant’s plumb in position until sufficient soil has been firmly placed around and under the root ball
4.8. Lightly tamp the soil around the base of the plant to eliminate air pockets and to hold the plant firmly to the soil

LO 5. Apply fertilizers
5.1. Select fertilizers based on manufacturer’s guaranteed analysis, labels or as specified
5.2. Apply fertilizers and/or rooting hormones to newly installed plants in accordance with the standard landscaping specifications or instructions
5.3. Apply fertilizers to large trees and palms when the planting hole/pit is half-filled with amended soil based on instructions
5.4. Perform tasks using prescribed tools, equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 6. Water plants
6.1. Make watering basin /bern around
each plant according to instructions or specifications
6.2. Perform watering after planting to thoroughly wet the root ball and surrounding ground in accordance with standard watering techniques
6.3. Perform tasks using prescribed tools, equipment and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 7. Apply / install mulch
7.1. Select and prepare materials for mulching according to standard landscape specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
7.2. Prepare area / ground where mulch will be applied according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
7.3. Apply mulch according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
7.4. Perform tasks using prescribed materials and tools and equipment
7.5. Perform tasks using appropriate safety protective safety protective devices
7.6. Restore and clean area as per standard operating procedures

LO 8. Perform post landscape installation activities
8.1. Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment according to established standard practices
8.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
8.3. Report work output to concerned person(s)/authority according to industry practices

QUARTER 4

LO 1. Install stake or staking
1.1. Select and prepare materials for staking in accordance with the standard landscape specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
1.2. Install stakes according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
1.3. Apply paint to all wooden and other visible parts according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
1.4. Perform tasks in installing stakes using appropriate safety protective devices and prescribed materials, tools and equipment
1.5. Clean and restore area as per industry standard operating procedures

LO 2. Install plant guy or guying
2.1. Select and prepare materials for guying in accordance with the standard landscape specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
2.2. Install plant guys according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
2.3. Install warning signs in areas where guys are placed according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
2.4. Perform tasks in installing plant guys using appropriate safety protective devices and prescribed materials, tools and equipment
2.5. Clean and restore the area as per industry standard operating procedures

LO 3. Install plant prop/bracing or propping bracing
3.1. Select and prepare the Materials for plant props / braces according to standard landscape specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
3.2. Install plant props / braces according to specifications, instructions or detailed drawings
3.3. Apply paints to all wooden and other visible parts in accordance with the specifications, instructions or detailed drawing
3.4. Perform tasks in installing plant props or braces using appropriate safety protective devices and prescribed materials, tools and equipment
3.5. Clean and restore the area as per industry standard operating procedures

Course Description:

This course is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of an individual in the field of Landscaping in accordance with industry standards. It covers core competencies such as: perform site inventory and analysis, planning, site clearing and grubbing activities, perform rough grading operations, perform site preparation activities, install plants at designated locations as designed, install plant support, Trim and prune landscape plants, perform weeding and cultivation, apply fertilizer(nutrition), water plants, control and prevent plant pest and diseases, provide plant support, perform lawn-grass maintenance, perform re-planting activities and collect, dispose and utilize organic wastes.

QUARTER 1

LESSON : MAINTENANCE OPERATION

LO 1. Identify trimming and pruning requirement
1.1. Distinguish Landscape plants and their parts that are in need of trimming and pruning according to landscape maintenance standards (LMS)
1.2. Determine Purpose and method of pruning according to LMS
1.3. Locate the Utility services using site plans and in consultation with concerned persons or authority
1.4. Determine access to the site in consultation with concerned persons or authority
1.5. Identify occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards, and report risks to concerned persons or authority

LO 2. Prepare for trimming and pruning operations
2.1. Prepare Tools, supplies and equipment in accordance with the work requirements
2.2. Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools and equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications and industry work practices
2.3. Select, use, and maintain prescribed safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 3. Perform trimming and pruning
3.1. Install Safety warning devices around the site during and between work periods
3.2. Trim and prune landscape plants in accordance with work program and LMS
3.3. Perform trimming and pruning of landscape plants using prescribed tools and equipment
3.4. Apply sterilizing agent/compound on pruning wounds in accordance with LMS
3.5. Conduct tasks using appropriate PPE

LO 4. Perform post trimming and pruning activity
4.1. Collect and dispose of trimming and pruning wastes from the site in accordance with environmental standards and LMS
4.2. Use the recommended manual handling techniques when lifting or moving heavy loads
4.3. Clean, maintain and store the tools and equipment according to LMS
4.4. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
4.5. Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority

LO 1. Identify requirements for weeding and cultivation activity
1.1. Identify weed species and “volunteer” plants (“’invaders”) that are out-of-place and considered undesirable in the landscape based on specific landscape maintenance guidelines or as per instructions.
1.2. Identify landscape areas needing weeding and cultivation based on instructions or in accordance with LMS

LO 2. Prepare for weeding and cultivation operations
2.1. Prepare and secure the list of weeds and “volunteer plants” and the map of specific landscape areas 2.2. Determine the method and purpose of weeding based on the type of weed species and out-of-place “volunteer” species
2.3. Prepare and avail of the tools, supplies and equipment needed for use according to the types of weeds and “volunteer” species that need removal
2.4. Prepare appropriate safety protective devices for use

LO 3. Conduct weeding and removal of volunteer species
3.1. Remove and dispose of weeds and out-of-place “volunteer” plant species in the landscape in accordance with landscape maintenance standards or as per instructions.
3.2. Remove weeds and out-of-place “volunteer” plant species using prescribed tools and equipment
3.3. Perform tasks are done using appropriate safety/protective devices

LO 4. Identify compacted soil
4.1. Identify compacted soil or soil that is having problem with aeration, water infiltration and conditions for root development as per established practice
4.2. Recognize the Effects of compacted soil on root development and anchorage are recognized
4.3. Determine the Method and purpose of soil cultivation based on the conditions of the soil

LO 5. Cultivated compacted soil
5.1. Cultivate compacted soil simultaneous with weeding operations in accordance with landscape maintenance standards or as per instructions
5.2. Perform soil cultivation using appropriate tools and equipment Perform Task using prescribed safety/protective devices

LO 6. Perform post-weeding and soil cultivation activities
6.1. Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment as per instruction or in accordance with LMS
6.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
6.3.Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices

LO 1. Identify fertilizer application requirement
1.1. Collect soil and plant samples (leaves) for analysis in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs)
1.2. Identify landscape plants in need of nutrition based on the results of soil and plant analyses

LO 2. Prepare for fertilizer application activity
2.1. Select different types of fertilizers based on nutritional guidelines and standards
2.2. Determine the method of fertilizer application according to LMS
2.3. Select and prepare fertilizer application tools and equipment according to application method selected
2.4. Prepare soil and plants for application of fertilizer in accordance with the instructions or available standards
2.5. Select the prescribed safety and personal protective equipment (PPE)

LO 3. Perform fertilizer application activity
3.1. Determine the frequency and dosage of fertilizer application based on landscape plant requirements or nutritional guidelines/standards
3.2. Apply fertilizer in accordance with recommended application method
3.3. Apply fertilizer in accordance with OHS requirements and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) guidelines
3.4. Perform task using the prescribed tools and equipment and appropriate protective/safety devices

LO 4. Perform post-fertilizer application activities
4.1. Clean, maintain and store the tools and equipment according to LMS
4.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
4.3. Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices

QUARTER 2

LO 1. Identify requirements of watering / irrigating landscape plants
1.1. Recognize the Importance of water to growth and development of landscape plants and the effects of water stress (less or excess water) to plants as per established practice
1.2. Determine the landscape plants suffering from less or excessive watering using some visually observable plant and soil conditions and/or guidelines

LO 2. Prepare for watering / irrigation activity
2.1. Determine the Amount and frequency of watering/irrigation of plants in accordance with LMS or as per instructions
2.2. Prepare Tools, supplies and equipment needed based on the method of watering and/or irrigation to be used
2.3. Prepare and avail of the Prescribed protective/safety devices for use

LO 3. Conduct watering / irrigation of plants
3.1. Conduct watering or irrigating of plants in accordance with the basic principles or standard practice or as per instructions
3.2. Perform watering/irrigation using the irrigation tools and equipment appropriate to the methods selected
3.3. Perform task using the prescribed protective/safety gadgets

LO 4. Perform post-watering / irrigation activities
4.1. Clean, maintain and store the tools and equipment as per instruction or in accordance with LMS
4.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
4.3. Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices

LO 1. Identify requirements of preventing and controlling plant pests and diseases
1.1. Determine the Infested and diseased landscape plants based on plant conditions, symptoms and signs and other manifestation of infestation and infection
1.2. Identify and classify the Pests and diseases using general classification guidelines
1.3. Know the life cycle or various life stages of pests from eggs, larvae, pupa and adult and their mode of attack or infestation
1.4. Know the life cycle or various life stages and signs and symptoms of plant diseases and their mode of attack
1.5. Determine the access to the site in consultation with concerned persons or authority
1.6. Identify the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards and report risks to concerned persons or authority

LO 2. Prepare for application of pest and disease prevention and control measures
2.1. Determine the Method of prevention and control based on types of pests and diseases, their mode of attack and extent of infestation and infection
2.2. Prepare the tools, equipment, supplies and materials relevant to the method of prevention and control
2.3. Select the prescribed safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with work requirements

LO 3. Apply pest and disease prevention and control measures
3.1. Apply the manual and biological method of prevention and control of pest and disease whenever applicable
3.2. Determine the frequency and dosage of application based on types of pests and diseases and extent of attack according to LMS or manufacturer’s recommendation
3.3. Apply pest and disease prevention and control measures according to OHS requirements and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) guidelines
3.4. Perform the task using prescribed tools, supplies and appropriate protective/safety devices

LO 4. Perform post-pest and disease prevention and control measures
4.1. Clean, maintain and store the Tools and equipment according to LMS
4.2. Undertake the Maintenance of clean and safe area throughout and on completion of work (refer to previous rewrite sp 4)
4.3. Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices QUARTER 3

LO 1. Identify requirements for installing plant support
1.1. Mark and count the Landscape plants in need of plant support as per instructions or in accordance with LMS
1.2. Determine the Purpose and method of providing plant support in accordance with LMS or as per instructions

LO 2. Prepare for installation of plant support
2.1. Select and prepare support materials relevant to the purpose and method of proving plant support in accordance with LMS or as per instructions
2.2. Apply plant support materials with preservatives at desired dosage and length of treatment to prolong serviceability as per instructions
2.3. Prepare tools, supplies and equipment needed according to the purpose and method of providing plant support
2.4. Use the Appropriate safety protective devices needed to carry out the task

LO 3. Install plant support
3.1. Install support materials based on purpose and method of proving plant support or in accordance with LMS or as per instructions
3.2. Undertake plant support installation using prescribed tools and equipment

LO 4. Maintain plant support
4.1. Inspect and maintain plant support for a period depending on the conditions of the plant or in accordance with LMS or as per instruction
4.2. Replace unserviceable plant support if necessary or as instructed
4.3. Remove and dismantle plant support once it is no longer needed, has served its intended purpose , or as instructed
4.4. Perform tasks using prescribed tools and equipment and appropriate safety protective device

LO 5. Perform post-plant support activities
5.1. Keep in proper storage all dismantled plant support materials that can still be re-used as per instruction
5.2. Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment as per instruction or in accordance with LMS
5.3. Undertake Maintenance of clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work 5.4. Record and report work

LO 1. Mow lawn grass
1.1. Prepare supplies, materials, tools and equipment for use in mowing lawn grass
1.2. Mow Lawn grass according to specifications or instructions
1.3. Perform tasks using the prescribed tools and equipment and or based on established practice
1.4. Observe Personal Protective Equipment and Safety procedures during mowing of lawn grass

LO 2. Irrigate lawn
2.1. Prepare supplies, tools and equipment for use in irrigating lawn
2.2. Observe Personal Protective Equipment and Safety procedures in irrigating lawn
2.3. Irrigate lawn based on established procedures
2.4. Carry on Modifications based on established procedures in the event of malfunctions, climatic changes and accidents

LO 3. Fertilize lawn
3.1. Prepare supplies, materials, tools and equipment for use in fertilizing lawn
3.2. Observe personal protective Equipment and Safety procedures in fertilizing lawn
3.3. Apply Fertilizers based on manufacturer’s instructions and established procedures

LO 4. Control pests
4.1. Prepare supplies, Materials, Tools and equipment for use in controlling pests
4.2. Observe Personal Protective Equipment and Safety procedures in controlling pests
4.3. Control Pests using appropriate materials and control

LO 5. Control weeds
5.1. Prepare supplies, materials, Tools and equipment for use in controlling weeds
5.2. Observe Personal Protective Equipment and Safety procedures in controlling weeds
5.3. Control Weeds using appropriate materials and procedures and report outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices

QUARTER 4

LESSON: MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS

LO 1. Identify requirements for removal and re-planting of landscape plants
1.1. Recognize Landscape plants that need to be removed/replaced in accordance with LMS or instructions.
1.2. Mark and count landscape plants needing removal and replacement based on the size, plant conditions and purpose using appropriate measuring tools and equipment

LO 2. Prepare for removal and replacement of landscape plants
2.1. Secure and make ready a list of landscape plants needing removal and replacement
2.2. Make ready and available Tools, supplies and equipment needed according to the types and sizes of landscape plants
2.3. Make ready and available appropriate safety protective devices

LO 3. Conduct removal and disposal of landscape plants
3.1. Remove and dispose of subject landscape plants in accordance with LMS or based on instructions
3.2. Perform removal and disposal using appropriate tools and equipment
3.3. Perform tasks using prescribed protective/safety devices

LO 4. Prepare land / soil for replanting
4.1. Prepare Land/soil for replanting following the landscape installation/maintenance standard or based on instructions
4.2. Conduct preparation of land/soil using appropriate tools and equipment
4.3. Perform task using prescribed protective/safety devices

LO 5. Select right species and size of landscape plants for replacement
5.1. Select the right species, size and quality of landscape plants to be used for re-planting based on instructions or in accordance with LMS
5.2. Consider species and size of the landscape plants removed from site but give equal consideration to other species and sizes depending on the purpose of re-planting or as per instructions

LO 6. Conduct re-planting activity
6.1. Conduct Re-planting activity in accordance with LMS or as per instructions
6.2. Use appropriate tools, supplies and equipment and prescribed protective/safety devices in the conduct of the activity

LO 7. Perform post-removal and replanting activities
7.1. Clean, maintain and store tools and as per instruction of in accordance with LMS
7.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
7.3. Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices

Collect, dispose and utilize organic waste

LO 1. Identify requirements for collection, disposal and utilization of organic waste
1.1. Determine the Types of plant derived organic wastes based on the trimming and pruning program
1.2. Identify Locations where the collected organic wastes will be disposed of and/or will be segregated and processed for future utilization based on the trimming and pruning program

LO 2. Prepare for collection, segregation, disposal and utilization of organic waste
2.1. Make ready and available the tools, supplies and equipment needed according to the types of the organic wastes, and whether these wastes are to be disposed of or processed and utilized
2.2. Make ready and available the appropriate safety protective devices

LO 3. Gather and dispose organic waste
3.1. Collect and dispose plant derived organic wastes in accordance with LMS or per instructions.
3.2. Perform collection and disposal using prescribed tools and equipment
3.3. Conduct task using appropriate safety protective gadgets

LO 4. Segregate and process collected organic waste
4.1. Collect, segregate and process organic wastes that are to be utilized for specific purposes in designated area as per instructions or in accordance with LMS
4.2. Conduct collection, segregation and processing (e.g., conversion of woody organic wastes into chips) using prescribed tools, supplies and equipment
4.3. Perform Task using appropriate safety protective devices

LO 5. Make use of organic waste
5.1. Mix Organic wastes (like palm leaves, twigs and branches of shrubs and trees) that are chipped into small materials with grass clippings or either other small organic wastes (leaf litter) for composting. Use other wood chips as mulch.
5.2. Perform task in accordance with environmental standards and using appropriate protective safety devices

LO 6. Perform post-disposal and utilization of organic waste
6.1. Clean, maintain and store tools and as per instruction of in accordance with LMS
6.2. Maintain a clean and safe area throughout and upon completion of work
6.3. Record and report work outputs to concerned persons or authority according to industry practices

Source: K to 12 Agri-Fishery Arts – Landscape Installation and Maintenance (NC II) Curriculum Guide