Become a Landscape Designer Course Contents
Enrol now	1. WELCOME The aims of the course How to do the course. Getting the most from it. How to do the assignments What skills do you need? Assess your strengths and weaknesses Getting inspiration Any problems? Assignment 2. LANDSCAPE DESIGN INFLUENCES Sources of influence in landscape design Influence of garden history Fashions and trends Impact of television The principles of design Movement Direction Rhythm Unity and balance Using colour to influence your design Assignment 3. WHAT DO YOU, OR YOUR CLIENT, WANT IN THE GARDEN? Assessing your needs Asking the right question Making a list How to record the information Adding comments What else can the client tell you? Your form Getting the client to sign on the dotted line The maths. Areas Triangulation Chain surveys Level surveys Assignment 4. MEASURING A GARDEN AND RECORDING THE DETAILS The Maths! Measuring the area of a garden How to find the area of a triangular part of the garden Working with curves Triangulation Chain surveys The 3, 4, 5 triangle Recording the information Measuring heights and changes in level The importance of measuring the levels Calculating changes in level Using surveying equipment Using the figures 5. GETTING DOWN TO EARTH The garden's aspect How to measure and plot it What are its implications? Drainage. Soil What is topsoil and why do we need it anyway? Texture Structure Nutrients pH Scale Assignment
	6. PUTTING PEN TO PAPER (OR MOUSE TO PAD) Using computers for design What type of computer will you need? What other equipment will you require? Advantages and disadvantages of using computers Presenting your drawing Choosing a scale Drawing to scale General rules for drawing Tools for drawing Using a template Using symbols Assignment 7. PLANT USE IN THE LANDSCAPE Using plants for screening and windbreaks Food production Using plants for their aesthetic appeal Trees Hardy shrubs Herbaceous perennials Grasses Climbers Lawns Planting for harsh environments How many plants to use Where to source the plants Assignment 8. PRESENTING YOURSELF AND YOUR WORK Getting a corporate identity Business cards Headed notepaper Compliment slips Using a computer A drawing board Presenting your plans The title block The garden layout plan The planting plan 9. USING INSETS, CONSTRUCTION DIAGRAMS AND NUMBER CHARTS Preparing insets Creating construction drawings Using number charts 10 . PAVING AND WALLS (HARD LANDSCAPE) What is hard landscaping? Flagstone paving Block paving Gravel surfaces Decking and Walling Assignment 11. WATER Types Positioning a water feature Pumps and filters Construction Water safety Assignment 12. IRRIGATION The use of drought tolerant plants Water conservation and water harvesting Major suppliers contact details Optional Assignment 13. GARDEN LIGHTING Warning Garden lighting today Lights and their use Lamps. Filters. How to choose a lamp. Fittings Water Focal points and statues Steps When to consider garden lighting Selling the principle of lighting to the client Think about lighting early in the process Electricity Irrigation and water conservation Assignment 14. GETTING DOWN TO DESIGN Arranging plants Height Information sources Plants for particular problem positions Plants for particular uses Designing for shapes and sizes After you decide the theme Problem sites 15. SCHEMATIC PLANNING Color The color wheel Getting the planting mix right Color patch bedding Foliage for color Height Features which require thought Fruit growing in small areas Containers, tubs and patios Plants to define areas Hedges for defining areas 16. MAINTENANCE Putting together a schedule. Putting together a maintenance guide. Water maintenance Hard landscape maintenance. Assignment 17. GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE What will you include in your service? Plans only, contract management, or maintenance schedule? How many copies and how many different types of drawing. Selling by the hour or contract. Where do your responsibilities end? Writing terms and conditions, to protect both you and your client. Assignment 18. ADVANCED LANDSCAPE DESIGN Designer's block Adding shapes to the garden Inspection covers Blocking unsightly views Hiding sheds Changing the shape of the garden Assignment 19. PERSONAL PLANT FILES AND PORTFOLIOS The plant file What to start with The file itself What else to include in the plant file Your portfolio Presenting your work to clients Presentation tips How to present your work Additional extras END OF COURSE Review and Next Steps We supply all the modules at the beginning of the course, so you can study topics whenever you choose. We reserve the right to improve or amend the course contents.