Garden Design
Level 3
 
Title of learning programme Garden Design Programme
Programme level 3
Duration of learning programme 11 weeks x 10 hours*
Total number of learning hours per programme 110**

* Unlike traditional schools, colleges or universities, there are no terms, semesters, or specified intake dates for our uniquely flexible distance education courses. Our system of continuous enrolment means that our students can enrol on any day and at any time of the year. This allows our students the freedom to plan their studies to fit in with their lifestyle or work commitments.

** Please note that this is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and also how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each module there is a question paper which needs to be completed and returned to your personal tutor.

Structure
 
Module Module Title
1

Introduction – Garden Design Influences
2

The Client-Designer Relationship, The Basic Principles of Garden Design
3

Planning the Garden
4

Taking Measurements
5

Drawing the Plan
6

Preparing the Garden
7   Equipment, Tools, Soil and Irrigation
8   Surfaces
9   Lawns and Steps
10   Planting
11   Garden Features
12 Costing and Estimation
 

Learning Outcomes
 

Module 1 – Introduction – Garden Design Influences.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1

Identify famous Garden Designers, both British and American, who have influenced history and style
 

Module 2 - The Client-Designer Relationship, The Basic Principles of Garden Design.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1

Evaluate how a relationship develops between garden designer and his client and discuss basic principles of designing a garden
LO2   Summarise the following procedures:
  • The Initial Meeting
  • The Follow-up meeting
  • Discussing the Budget
  • Presenting the Budget
 

Module 3 - Planning the Garden.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1

Discuss details that need to be considered when planning a garden and give a glossary of commonly used terms
LO2   Compare ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ balance in garden design
LO3   Introduce a ‘Bubble Diagram’ and explain it uses
LO4   Examine the difference between a landscape gardener and a landscape designer
 

Module 4 - Taking Measurements.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1

Evaluate fundamental techniques used by garden designers to measure clients’ gardens
LO2   Analyse the formulas used in calculating the surface areas of:
  • Circle
  • Rectangle
  • Square
  • Triangle
LO3   Summarise Triangulation and indicate when it would be used
 

Module 5 - Drawing the Plan.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse the main factors to be considered when drawing a plan of the client’s garden
LO2   Discuss when an outline design would be used and what it would comprise
LO3   Introduce 5 ways to utilise plants in a garden
LO4   Explain the concept of using plants to form the vertical structure of a garden
 

Module 6 - Preparing the Garden.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1

Identify the main points that need to be remembered when ‘preparing a garden’
LO2   Summarise the term ‘aspect’ and explain its significance in planning a garden
LO3   Judge the advantages and disadvantages of using slopes
 
Module 7 - Equipment, Tools, Soil and Irrigation.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Discuss the various tools required for garden design the different soil types and methods of irrigation
LO2   Describe what the pH scale is used for and what it signifies
LO3   Define what soil improvers are and include examples
LO4   Evaluate principle points to consider when laying an irrigation system
 
Module 8 - Surfaces.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Introduce and discuss the various types of surfaces available for garden design
LO2   Identify three aims to work for when paving a garden
LO3   Describe the various brick bonding patterns with diagrams
LO4   Compare the differences, advantages and disadvantages of hard and soft surfaces, in less than 500 words
 
Module 9 - Lawns and Steps.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Introduce lawns showing how they should be laid
LO2   Describe the various types of steps available and explain the basic construction of ramps
LO3   Summarise the following terms:
  • Pitch
  • Nosing
 
Module 10 - Planting.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Discuss the various aspects of planting and plant care
LO2   List 10 basic planting procedures for Containerised Plants
LO3   Explain the manner in which you would prune a healthy plant
LO4   Summarise the term ‘dead heading’
 
Module 11 - Garden Features.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Introduce the different varieties of Cottage Garden Features, and examine lawns, their shape and benefits to the environment
LO2   Examine procedures to be followed when planning a water feature and explain how walls and fencing are constructed
LO3   Discuss points that must be considered with planning a water feature
LO4   Analyse what considerations must be taken into account when building a garden wall
 
Module 12 - Costing and Estimation.
On successful completion of this module the candidate will be able to:
  Learning Outcome
LO1 Evaluate how to calculate areas and discuss various methods of costing
LO2   Summarise in brief Business Operating Costs
LO3   Identify the way in which you would determine Hourly Charge-Out Rates

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