Diploma In Garden Design VHT012

Become an expert in garden design. This is an effective training program for people working, or wishing to work, in the landscape industry; either in their own business, or at a supervisory level. It develops the student's design skills and knowledge in other areas of landscaping (eg. horticultural practices, management, plant identification and use, and marketing). Students will learn to draw landscape plans, compile specifications, and prepare cost estimates. Course Content There are 30 lessons outlined as follows:

1. Introduction to Landscaping
2. Plant Identification
3. History of Gardening
4. Drawing Plans
5. Soils & Nutrition
6. Understanding the Environment
7. Earthworks & Surveying
8. Basic Landscape Construction
9. Surfacings
10. Garden Structures
11. Park Design
12. Home Garden Design
13. Costing & Specifications
14. Trail Design
15. Tools & Machinery
16. Plant Establishment Techniques
17. Ponds & Pools
18. Rockwork & Masonry
19. Lawn Construction Techniques
20. Irrigation Design & Installation
21. Bush Garden Design
22. Cottage Garden Design
23. Playground Design
24. Garden Bed Design
25. Management
26. Land Rehabilitation
27. Drainage
28. Maintenance
29. Dealing with Clients
30. Major Design Project

Examples Of Tasks Undertanken In This Course The following are only some of the activities that the student will undertake in this course.

• Find a site to be landscaped. (It could be a park or home garden; it could be a new development or a redevelopment of an older garden). Visit the site and record pre planning information required to design the landscape.
• Find five examples of the use of landscape principles. Using sketches and written descriptions, describe the way the garden has been laid out in order to achieve those particular effects.
• Find gardens which represent three different styles. Submit a photograph or sketch plan of each along with a half page written description of the style of the garden. Explain any historical influences, including the influence of those who build to owned the garden. The gardens may be gardens you have actually visited, or can be gardens you have seen in a magazine or book.
• Copy the drawings of symbols (ie. drawings which show you how to represent plants, walls, rocks, etc. when you draw plans). Practice drawing these various components of a landscape.
• Using the pre-planning information collected, produce a design for that area. or part of that area.
• Take a sample of soil and attempt to name it using the test given.
• Obtain components of potting or soil mixes; make up different mixes and test their characteristics.
• Survey an area requiring earthmoving. Draw a plan of the area, to scale, showing the area to be excavated.
• Calculate the volume of earth to be removed. Calculate where it is to be put.
• Find, observe & report on some bad landscape construction work. (You might discuss a poor rockery, a wall which is falling over, or some playground equipment which is unsafe.)
• Find three examples of bad selection of surfaces in a landscape (ie. home garden, park, sports oval, tennis court or whatever). Describe the material used and explain why they are bad. Consider both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the surfacing.
• Develop a redevelopment plan for an existing park. Submit a photograph of the park as it exists at the moment (otherwise submit a rough sketch). Prepare a design for redevelopment in line with the suggested changes.
• Choose an established home garden (your own or a friends), and draw a sketch plan as the garden exists. Explain how well do you think this garden is designed?
• Find another home garden, needing either a new design or redevelopment. Pre