Planning Layout and Construction of Ornamental Gardens

Take Your Landscaping Skills to a Higher Level

Learn how to survey a garden site and appraise it for landscaping purposes. Become skilled at drawing plans and designing gardens. Find out how to set out sites and commence earthworks and construction. Discover what types of foundations are needed for basic constructions. Develop your knowledge of drainage systems and requirements. 

This course assumes students have some existing knowledge of landscaping principles and techniques. This course goes into further depth for advanced level studies. 

Course Duration: 100 hours or less. Self-paced.

What the Course Covers

There are 10 lessons in this module as follows:

Lesson 1. Site Appraisal, Interpretation and Risk Assessment

• Scope and Nature of Site Survey
• Prior Site Use
• Tree Data
• Tree Impact and Suitability
• Building Construction Data
• Child Proofing a Garden
• Managing Slippery Surfaces
• Risk Assessment of a Landscape Construction Site
• Keeping a Work Site Safe

Lesson 2. Preparing Site Plans and Specifications

• Base Plan
• Topographic Plan
• Design Drawing
• Different Types of Lines
• How Much Detail in a Plan
• Completed Designs

Lesson 3. Influence of Site Characteristics

• Introduction
• High Impact Site Changes
• Creating User Friendly Gardens
• Providing Shade
• Understanding the Sun's Path and Changing Effects
• Determining Shadow Length
• Making a Garden Warmer
• Paths
• Garden Features
• Entries, Exits and Gateways
• Fragrant Plants
• Focal Points
• Types of Gardens
• Dry Gardens
• Extending a Garden's Potential

Lesson 4. The Use of Hard Landscape Features

• Hard Surfacing
• Laying Pavers
• Concrete Use
• Pebble Gardens
• Fences
• Inexpensive Fencing
• Rockeries
• Stone Walls
• Planning for Children's Play Provision

Lesson 5. Setting Out a Site to Scale Plans and Drawings

• Plans
• Survey Techniques

Lesson 6. Soil Handling and Storage

• Excavation
• Changing Levels
• Slope Stability
• Soil Types
• Foundations
• Maintaining Vegetation for Soil Stability
• Developing a Grading Plan
• Grading and Filling Operations
• Earthmoving Equipment and Operators
• Cost of Earthworks

Lesson 7. Land Drainage Systems

• How Much Drainage is Needed
• Solving Drainage Problems
• Creating a Drain Pit
• Draining Turf
• Springs and Underground Water
• Sub Surface Draining
• Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
• Bore Water
• Grey Water
• Diverting Storm Water
• Water Quality

Lesson 8. Ground Preparation Techniques

• Working Soil
• Cultivation Equipment
• Making Garden Beds
• Raised Beds
• Sunken Gardens
• No Dig Beds
• Earthmoving
• Buying Soils
• Changing Ground Shape

Lesson 9. Construction of Paths and Patios

• Paths
• Soft and Hard Paths
• Load Bearing Capacity
• Paving
• The Effect of Paving Design
• Paving on a Slope
• Paving Maintenance
• Verandahs
• Timber Decks
• Decking Materials
• Handrails and Balustrades
• Steps
• Decking Around Pools
• Paints and Stains
• Heavy Work: Lifting With or Without Machines

Lesson 10. Construction of Steps, Ramps, Dwarf Walls and Fences

• Changing Levels
• Steps
• Ramps
• Railings
• Retaining Walls
• Types of Retaining Walls
• Building a Brick Wall
• Dry Stone Walls
• Rendering Walls
• Wet Walls
• Fencing and Fencing Materials

How This Course Could Help You

This course is aimed at landscape gardeners, consultants and garden designers. It is an ideal module for people wishing to gain insight into landscaping for purposes of setting up in business or as a self-employed landscape gardener. It may also be of value to home gardeners wanting to develop their garden. 

Study this course by itself or along with other landscaping or horticulture modules as part of a certificate or higher level qualification.