Learn to Design Gardens
Graduates of the Certificate in Garden Design may pursue employment, self-employment, or further study in garden design, landscaping, horticulture, and related industries. The course develops skills in garden planning, landscape drawing, plant selection, design principles, and project planning that can be applied across a range of roles.
Up-skill by learning the basics of design and an understanding of principles like proportion, repetition, contrast and harmony, different styles of garden. Nurture your knowledge of plants and their needs so you can recognise the significance of positioning in the landscape.
Find out how to go from gathering site information to producing drawn designs and estimating costs.
What the Course Covers
Thirty lessons as follows:
- Introduction to Landscaping
- Plant Identification
- History of Gardening
- Drawing Plans
- Soils and Nutrition
- Understanding the Environment
- Earthworks and Surveying
- Basic Landscape Construction
- Surfacing
- Garden Structure
- Park Design
- Home Garden Design
- Costing and Specifications
- Trail Design and Sporting Facilities
- Tools and Machinery
- Plant Establishment Techniques
- Ponds and Pools
- Rock work and Masonry
- Lawn Construction Techniques
- Irrigation Design and Installation
- Wild Garden Design
- Cottage Garden Design
- Playground Design
- Garden Bed Design
- Management
- Land Rehabilitation
- Drainage
- Maintenance
- Dealing with Clients
- Major Garden Design Project
Extra Reading
The following books, available through this web site are relevant supplementary reading for this course
- Garden Design I
- Garden Design II
- Starting a Garden or Landscape Business
- Trees and Shrubs
- Gardening in the Shade
- Tropical Landscaping
- Water Gardening
How This Course Could Help You
This course will provide up to date knowledge and skills in how to design and create gardens and lead to:
- Starting your own business in landscaping
- Working for a landscaper
- Work as a gardener
- A hobby gardener turning a passion into a profession.
- A substantial step toward further education.
| Career Opportunity |
Description |
| Garden Designer |
Design residential, commercial, and public gardens using sound design principles and plant knowledge. |
| Landscape Designer Assistant |
Assist with landscape plans, site assessments, plant selection, and client projects. |
| Landscape Design Consultant |
Provide advice on garden layouts, planting schemes, and outdoor living spaces. |
| Residential Garden Designer |
Create attractive and functional home gardens tailored to client needs. |
| Garden Renovation Consultant |
Develop plans to improve or transform existing gardens and landscapes. |
| Horticultural Consultant |
Advise on plant selection, garden establishment, and landscape management. |
| Garden Centre Design Advisor |
Assist customers with plant selection, garden planning, and landscape ideas. |
| Landscape Project Coordinator |
Coordinate landscape installations, contractors, materials, and project timelines. |
| Landscape Contractor |
Design and implement garden and landscape projects for clients. |
| Garden Design Business Owner |
Operate an independent garden design consultancy or landscape design business. |
| Outdoor Living Space Designer |
Design functional outdoor entertaining areas, courtyards, and lifestyle gardens. |
| Sustainable Garden Designer |
Create environmentally responsible gardens focused on biodiversity and sustainability. |
Further Pathways
This course provides a foundation for further studies in landscape design, horticulture, landscaping, garden construction, permaculture, plant knowledge, project management, and landscape consultancy. It may also support career progression into senior design, project management, consulting, or business ownership roles.