Certificate In Horticulture (Landscaping & Garden Design)

COURSE CONTENT

This certificate entails the following:

• Core studies - half of the course, involving approximately 300hrs over 15 lessons.
• Stream studies - half of the course, involving stream studies specific to landscaping.

Core Lessons

1. Introduction to Plants
2. Parts of the Plant
3. Plant Culture - Planting
4. Plant Culture - Pruning
5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery
6. Soils & Media
7. Soils & Nutrition
8. Propagation - Seeds & Cuttings
9. Propagation - Other Techniques
10. Identification and Use of Plants
11. Identification and Use of Plants
12. Identification and Use of Plants
13. Pests
14. Diseases
15. Weeds

Stream Lessons

The aim of the stream studies is to develop skills and knowledge in landscape design, construction, features and landscape business management

1. History of Landscaping
2. Principles of Design and Planning Information
3. Drawing and Costs
4. Irrigation
5. Garden Designs
6. Earthmoving and Drainage
7. Materials
8. Paths, Walls and Fences
9. Equipment
10. Water Features
11. Garden Art: Statues, Sundials and Figurines
12. Landscaping for Sports and Games
13. Landscape Management
14. Industrial Relations: Unions and Workers
15. Maintenance of a New Landscape

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.