Distance Learning Landscaping and Garden Design Certificate
- Exceptional support services (Orientation video, Student Manual, Tutors available 50 weeks a year, online student room, bookshop etc)
- Start any time, work at your own pace, study from anywhere.
Comment from a Student:
" I compliment you on the quality of the course. It has helped me immensely, already, in my job with the local council's parks & gardens department" - Lester, studying Certificate in Horticulture (Landscaping)
COURSE CONTENT This certificate entails the following:
- Core studies - half of the course, involving approximately 350hrs over 15 lessons.
- Elective studies - half of the course, involving stream studies specific to landscaping.
Core units
1. Introduction to Plants
Nomenclature and taxonomy, the plant kingdom, genus, species, hybrids.
2. Parts of the Plant
How plants grow, plant structure, parts of the flower and leaf, modification of stems and roots.
3. Plant Culture - Planting
How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, terms like: annuals, biennials, perennials, deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants.
4. Plant Culture - Pruning
Purpose for pruning, rules for pruning, how to prune.
5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery
Different irrigation systems, components of an irrigation system, designing an irrigation system, maintenance in the garden and for tools.
6. Soils & Media
Soil classifications, testing soil, potting mixes, the U.C. System, ingredients of potting mixes.
7. Soils & Nutrition
Fertilizers - deficiencies and toxicities, N:P:K ratios, salting, fertilizer programming, compost.
8. Propagation - Seeds & Cuttings
How to propagate plants with the two easiest techniques, propagating mixes, cold frame construction, after care for young plants.
9. Propagation - Other Techniques
Other methods to increase plant numbers - budding, grafting, layering, division and tissue culture.
10. Identification and Use of Plants
How are plants used in the landscape, how to choose and purchase plants, selecting plants suitable for the climate and site.
11. Identification and Use of Plants
Problems with plants and choosing plants for problem sites.
12. Identification and Use of Plants
Indoor and Tropical Plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns.
13. Pests
Identifying and controlling pests, chemical and natural methods for control, chemical safety precautions.
14. Diseases
Identifying and controlling diseases, plant pathology, fungi, viruses, non pathogenic problems, interactions with the host and the environment.
15. Weeds
Identifying and controlling weeds, chemical terminology.
Stream(elective) studies: LANDSCAPE AND GARDEN DESIGN
The aim of the stream studies is to develop skills and knowledge in landscape design, construction, features and landscape business management.
The student will engage in the following activities as part of the stream studies:
Review the historical evolution of gardens.Obtain pre-planning information and use of that information to draw plans.Identify different principles and styles of landscape designs.Analyze garden designs.Develop graphic skills, and a knowledge of drawing materials and techniques.Prepare cost estimates for a landscape job.Describe surfacing materials and their effects.Explain the quality and cost of different landscape materials.Develop a knowledge of plants, both native and exotic, suitable for local conditions.Select plants for difficult sites and conditions.Describe advantages and disadvantages of various pipes, sprinklers and pumping equipment.Recommend irrigation systems for different landscape situations.Design a simple irrigation system.Design a bush garden and the value and relevance of using native plants.Analyze and report on a cottage garden design.Analyze and report on a playground design.Prepare a playground design for a school or public park.Draw layout plans for a range of gardens.Conduct a detailed survey of a site, prepare a detailed plan based on that survey, estimate costs and develop contract documentation for that project.Explain earthworks and soil preparation techniques used in landscaping.Describe alternative techniques for establishing and growing plants.Explain a range of landscape construction techniques including building fences, walls, rockeries, paths, water gardens, paving and drainage.Compare different landscape materials with respect to their quality, cost, availability and application in garden construction.Describe the correct procedures for the proper and safe removal of a limb from a tree, and for the felling of trees.Develop a detailed maintenance program for a garden.Demonstrate the ability to prepare for, and plant a new lawn.Explain how to establish turf on a steep slope.Write and advertisement for a landscaping business.Explain basic management procedures.Show a reasonable level of communication skill.Explain health and safety requirements on a landscape site
Fee Payment Options
You can pay either
- Full Fees
- As a two part payment plan
- As a four part payment plan
If you pay in full on enrolment, the fees are discounted.
If you pay in 2 parts, the first half of the course is supplied initially; and the second part payment is not made until you have completed the first half (at which time the second half of the course is supplied).
If you pay in 4 parts, the first half is still supplied; you are then billed a second payment (due 2 months later). The third payment becomes due when you commence the second half of the certificate.The fourth part is due 2 months after that.
IDEAS FOR COURTYARD GARDENS -FROM OUR TUTORS
If your courtyard is looking a bit lacklustre, why not give it a revamp using some of the following ideas.
Add Container Plants
Container plants are a simple solution for livening up a courtyard. You won’t need to dig out planting holes or build raised beds to achieve an instant effect.
There are many different containers available, ranging from man-made reconstituted stone and plastic through to wood and terracotta.
You can place pots along the ground, planters along the tops of walls, planter boxes or troughs on the face of walls, or even hang baskets from awnings and pergolas.
Make sure that the weight can be supported adequately though.
For a formal effect, use matched containers and plantings in a symmetrical arrangement. For a more relaxed approach, group together different styles of containers and plants.
Add a Small Water Feature
A water feature does not have to be big to be effective. Wall-mounted water fountains and free-standing ponds can look equally spectacular. Once again, you will not have to worry about huge installation or running costs as the water is recycled via a pump which can be hooked up to the electricity supply.
Increase Enclosure
Another option is to heighten walls to block outside views. If your courtyard is too open, why not heighten the walls? If there are particular aspects of the view you wish to save, you can incorporate an arch or open window, so that you can retain your favourite sights. This will also add an element of mystery to the garden.
Cover a Bad Outlook
You can overcome an ugly view by installing trellis on the tops of walls or fences. Trellis is also an excellent way of masking ugly walls and fences. Once in place, you can grow climbers up the trellis to further hide the poor outlook, whilst simultaneously beautifying the view. Alternatively, you can use more elaborate trellis panels that look amazing in their own right. Try using trellis to frame wall hangings, wall-planters, murals, mirrors or statues.
Create an Entry
A sure way to add intrigue is to install an arch. Placed at the courtyard entrance, it acts as a focal point, drawing visitors into the courtyard. Inside the courtyard, it can be used to frame a view or a feature such as a statue or bench.
An entrance tunnel is an even more exciting feature for drawing visitors into the courtyard. The longer it is, the greater its impact, but keep in mind that it needs to be in scale with the courtyard and the surrounding garden.
For greater enclosure and shelter, the tunnel can be covered with shade-cloth and used to support climbing plants. Scented climbers are especially appealing because their fragrance is trapped within the enclosed space. If there is sufficient room inside the tunnel, a garden bench will make it a great place to retreat to on a hot day.
Pave It
If your courtyard is gravelled, turfed, or just plain earth, it may be time to pave it. Paving is low-maintenance, durable and can look exceptionally smart. Paving materials range from the more expensive York stone, sandstone and slate stone to the less expensive man-made stones and concrete. Consider tiles for a Mediterranean effect, or granite setts for a more traditional look.
Paint a scene, a gate, doorway or even a plant in a pot on the face of a wall. If this is done well it can trick the eye and make a garden area seem larger than it really is - particularly if the painting is surrounded by real features such as plants or ornaments.
Mirrors attached to a wall will give an impression that a garden is larger. A mirror can break, of course, but so can a glass window - and we usually have windows bordering our gardens.
Create a Theme Garden
Courtyards are ideal for creating small-scale ‘theme’ gardens. Because it is visually and physically separated from the rest of the garden, the courtyard can be landscaped in any way you desire regardless of the style of the rest of the garden.
These are some of the theme garden styles suitable for courtyards:
• Japanese gardens - these commonly contain a pond, single feature rocks, a traditional sculptured stone lantern, dwarf maples, bonsai, and gravel raked into patterns. Some, or all, of these things can be incorporated into a small courtyard.
• Mediterranean style - these commonly feature terra cotta or bright ceramic materials, large container plants, olive trees, grape vines, citrus trees, topiary, narrow pencil shaped conifers, (dwarf types are available), and classical sculpture (Roman or Greek style).
• Balinese – these include clumping bamboos, Balinese sculpture, glazed pots, bamboo screens and furniture.
If none of these styles appeal, use your imagination and create your own fantasy courtyard.
More Useful Tips
• Depth can be created by using foliage to make a frame against a rendered wall. The use of a statue as a focal point and pots spilling over with flowers in the foreground will enhance this effect.
• The sense of enclosure can be increased by planting tall hedging. This will not only increase privacy, but also allow the courtyard to be divided into separate areas
• Seating is an integral part of making the courtyard more exciting and user friendly. Select furniture that complements the style of the courtyard
• Accent plants can be used to dramatic effect. Cordylines, agaves, yuccas, and phormiums all work well. Contrasting coloured pots will heighten the impact.
• Create a formal courtyard by setting out a well-ordered garden bed. Edging plants, standard trees, angular ponds and hedges will be in keeping with this theme.
• A small free-standing pond is ideal for a small courtyard and can add year-round interest.
• Lattice can be used to beautify walls or as a feature in its own right. Climbers will add further interest and help to soften the impact of hard surfaces.
• Paths and patios can be livened up by laying unusual surfaces e.g. contrasting black and white pebbles in a distinct pattern.
• Installing a retractable shade cloth will make your courtyard more useable during hot sunny periods, and can increase your options in terms of the plants you use.
