Foundation Certificate Level 3 - Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting (VHT042)
This theory based course builds on the RHS Level 3 Certificate in Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance. Together these two courses provide a solid foundation for building a career or business in landscaping, garden design or maintenance. Students who complete both courses will have a leading edge over competitors through superior knowledge and understanding.
The course teaches all you need to know from surveying sites and recording site information to earthworks, planning and design. Feel competent in advising your clients and impress them with drawings and your knowledge of design concepts.
What the Course Covers
There are 15 lessons in this course:
- History of Garden Design and Styles
- Site Appraisals, Basic Surveying Techniques and Client Briefs
- Principles and Elements of Garden Design and the Influence of Site Characteristics
- Hard Landscaping Features and their Contribution to Garden Design and Function
- The Function of Drainage Systems in the Garden
- Soft Landscaping Features and their Contribution to Garden Design and Function
- Turf and its Contribution to Garden Design and Function
- Setting out a Site to Scale Plans and Drawings
- Earthworks, Soil Storage and Drainage Systems
- Landscape Construction Procedures and Materials
- Constructing Rock Gardens and Water Features
- Amenity Bedding Schemes
- Specialist Garden Areas and Urban Garden Options
- Specialist Pruning Techniques
- Adapting Gardens for Water Sustainability
Workload
Study when, where and however much you want. For most students, the course can be completed with a total of around 150 hours of study; and a commitment close to that may be needed to achieve desired learning outcomes.
Extra Reading
The following books, available through this web site are relevant supplementary reading for this course.
- Garden Design I
- Garden Design II
- Gardening in the Shade
- Water Gardening
- Perennial Plants
- Growing and Knowing Annuals
Assessment
Self Assessment Tests are presented throughout the course. These are essentially an automated quiz. When you undertake a "SAT" or "Self Assessment Test", you will be able to see what you got correct, and what was incorrect; and in that way, you can identify your weaknesses.
Assignments are given at the end of each lesson. You should complete this assignment, paying careful attention to follow what is asked of you. It can be just as important to learn to work to specification, as it is to learn about the topic you are studying. Graduates who develop a habit of working to specification in the field of human behaviour, will impress employers, and will be more efficient when self employed.
A Final Exam is offered upon satisfactory completion of all assignments. This is optional. If you choose to apply for and do this exam, you will have the possibility of obtaining a "formal credit" or "Pass Certification" for this course. A fee applies. The exam may be sat under prearranged conditions anywhere in the world. This college will award you a formal transcript, upon successful completion of the exam, as proof of your results.
How This Course Could Help You
This course builds on the RHS level 2 certificates as a natural next step. It adds to the knowledge and skills of professional horticulturists and provides greater insight into principles and practices of horticulture.
If you like a stern challenge or want to enhance your gardening and horticulture then look no further.
NEED MORE ADVICE?
We offer a FREE ADVISORYSERVICE where you can connect with an expert for advice on the industry you are interested in and the sorts of things you need to learn. Start by submitting our course counselling form at: https://www.tradecoursesonline.com.au/coursecounselling.aspx