HOW TO BE A LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR OR

GARDENER
Become a professional landscaper - learn how plants grow, how to identify them and
how to care for them.

This course is designed specifically as training for people who want to work in landscaping
as a designer, contractor or in landscape construction. It is suitable both for people who
want to commence their own business; or for anyone seeking work with an established
landscape enterprise. This course is similar to our other horticulture certificates in its
introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically related to
landscaping. This course covers all the important aspects of Horticulture, as well as the
basis for good landscape design .

FOLLOW A STRAIGHT PATH TO PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING

COURSE CONTENT
This certificate entails the following:

 Core studies - half of the course, involving approximately 300hrs over 15 lessons
 Elective 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
1. History of Landscaping
2. Principles of Design and Planning Information
3. Drawing and Costs
4. Irrigation
5. Garden Designs
6. Earth moving 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

Lesson Structure
There are 30 lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Plants
 Nomenclature and taxonomy
 The plant kingdom
 Genus, species, hybrids
2. Parts of the Plant
 How plants grow
 Plant structure
 Parts of the flower and leaf
 Modification of stems and roots
3. Plant Culture - Planting
 How to plant and protect newly planted specimens, annuals, biennials, perennials,
deciduous, evergreen and herbaceous plants
4. Plant Culture - Pruning
 Purpose for pruning
 Rules for pruning
 How to prune
5. Plant Culture - Irrigation and Machinery
 Different irrigation systems
 Components of an irrigation system
 Designing an irrigation system
 Maintenance in the garden and for tools
6. Soils & Media
 Soil classifications
 Soil testing
 Potting mixes
 The U.C. system
 Ingredients of potting mixes
7. Soils & Nutrition
 Fertilizers
 Deficiencies and toxicities
 N:P:K ratios
 Salting
 Fertilizer programming
 Compost
8. Propagation - Seeds & Cuttings
 How to propagate plants with the two easiest techniques: seeds and cuttings
 Propagating mixes
  Cold frame construction
 After care for young plants
9. Propagation - Other Techniques
 Other methods to increase plant numbers
 Budding and grafting
 Layering, division and tissue culture
10. Identification and Use of Plants
 How are plants used in the landscape
 How to choose and purchase plants
 Selecting plants suitable for the climate and site
11. Identification and Use of Plants
 Problems with plants
 Choosing plants for problem sites
12. Identification and Use of Plants
 Indoor and tropical plants, flowers, herbs, bulbs, ferns
13. Pests
 Identifying and controlling pests
 Chemical and natural methods for pest control
 Chemical safety precautions
14. Diseases
 Identifying and controlling diseases
 Plant pathology
 Fungi, viruses, non pathogenic problems
 Interactions with the host and the environment
15. Weeds
 Identifying weeds
 Controlling weeds
 Chemical terminology
16. History of Landscaping
 Garden styles
 Types of gardens
 History of gardens
17. Principles of Design and Planning Information
 Principles of design
 Pre planning information
 Using colour
 Natural garden design
 Eclectic gardens
 Minimalist gardens
 Plant application
 Aesthetic criteria for design
 Procedure for planting design
 Entries
 Birds in the garden
18. Drawing and Costs
 Cost effective design
 Garden style versus costs
 Construction decisions
 Planting decisions
  Maintenance decisions
 Garden investment
 Determining costs
 Drawing techniques
 Computer aided design
19. Irrigation
 Sprinkler systems
 Micro irrigation
 Planning an irrigation system
 How to use a watering system
 Automatic watering systems
20. Garden Designs
 Park design
 Home garden design
 Cottage garden design
 Trail design
 Types of trails (fitness, sensory, cryptic, environmental)
 Recreational landsacaping
 Playground design
 Barriers and walls
 Gradients and dimensions
21. Earthmoving and Drainage
 Levelling & basic surveying
 Earthmoving equipment
 Earth forming
 Creating mounds
 Raised beds
 Importing or improving soil
 Soil shaping
 Soil degradation
 Soil rehabilitation
 Earthworks calculations
22. Materials
 Using, choosing & preserving timber
 Recycled timber
 Rock work
 Concrete
 Coloured pebbles and gravel
23. Paths, Walls and Fences
 Paths: guidelines, gradients, surfaces
 Walls & sleeper walls
 Types of fences
 Building a wood fence
 Garden structures
 Play Structures
 Skate facilities, motor vehicle parks
 Pavers, stone and gravels
 Contracts and specifications
24. Equipment
  Manual tools and equipment
 Power tools for landscaping
25. Water Features
 Planning a water garden
 Types of water gardens
 Water quality, depth, area, safety etc.
 Water effects
 Finishing touches to a water garden
 Fountains
26. Garden Art: Statues, Sundials and Figurines
 Garden rooms: How to design a garden room, what to put in a garden room
 Positioning garden art
 Painting in the garden
 Pots
 Sculpture and statues
 Outdoor furniture
27. Landscaping for Sports and Games
 Fun and fitness trails
 Outdoor multi purpose courts
 Skateboarding
 Types of playgrounds
 Park design criteria
28. Landscape Management
 Role of a manager
 Management processes
 Law and business
 Communication skill
 Marketing
 Industry awareness
 Landscape management
29. Industrial Relations: Unions and Workers
 Work scheduling
 Unions
 Workplace health and safety
30. Maintenance of a New Landscape
 Protecting young plants
 Replanting
 Pruning
 Weed control
 Maintaining turf
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the
school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if
necessary, extra reading.

More About the Stream (elective) Studies:

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

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
 Analyse and report on a cottage garden design
 Analyse 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
 LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
Learn landscape construction skills -100 hour distance education. Train for a job, career or
professional development

Course Code BHT111

Fee Code S3

Duration (approx) 100 hours

Qualification Statement of Attainment

Learn Landscape Construction

 Work as a landscape gardener or contractor
 Start your own landscape business
 See how gardens are constructed; from forming the levels to planting the plants.

Creating a new garden can be an extremely rewarding experience. Imagine if you could
spend every day doing just that; and get paid for it at the same time.

Good gardens start with good plans; but it doesn't matter how good the plan might be; if the
construction is not of a high standard too. To become a good landscape builder requires a
lot of different skills, and sound knowledge to underpin those skills. Top contractors are
always in demand, and have been for hundreds of years.
 Start with this course to get your fundamental understanding of how to properly build the
landscape
 Expand your skills through experience, applying what you learn, in your own garden,
volunteering or at work.

Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Tools and Machinery

 Manual Handling
 Materials used for Constructing Tools and Equipment; ferrous metals, non ferrous
metals
 Safety with Electricity
 Engine Troubleshooting
 Machine Maintenance
 Types of Machines
 Chainsaws: safety, buying, using
  Brushcutters
 Earthmoving and Cultivating Equipment; rotary hoes, ploughs, cultivators, etc
 Workshop and Hand Tools; spanners, chisels, hacksaws etc
 Hand saws, Rakes, Spades, Shovels, Rollers, Wheelbarrows, Sprayers, etc
2. Landscape Plans and Setting out a Construction Site
 Reading Landscape Plans, Scale, etc
 Understanding and Using Triangulation
 Slope, Contouring, Grid Systems
3. Drainage in Landscape Construction
 Introduction to Drainage
 Testing Drainage
 Improving Drainage
 Improving Soil Water Infiltration
 Improving Drainage after construction; sand slitting, aerating, sub soiling
 Sub Surface Drains; types, layout, outlet, gradients, pipe spacing, etc
 Surface Drainage
 Soil Testing; testing nutrients, pH, toxins
4. Earthworks
 Levelling terminology
 Levelling Procedure
 Levelling a Sloping Site
 Earthmoving
 Earthmoving Machinery; Bobcat, Backhoe, Dozer
 Use an Experienced Driver
 Topsoil Considerations
 Earth Forming: creating Mounds
 Building Raised Garden Beds
 Earth Quantity Calculation
 Soil Degradation
 Erosion; water erosion, wind erosion, controlling erosion
 Soil Acidification Management
 Managing Soil Compaction
 Managing Chemical Residues
5. Surfaces, Paths, Paving and Turf
 Introduction
 Surfaces for Play Areas
 Concrete; concrete, cement, mortar, variations in treatment and use
 Loose Surfacing Materials: advantages and disadvantages
 Bark Surfaces, Crushed tiles, pebbles, etc
 Paths; concrete, asphalt, etc
 Paving; laying pavers, setting out circular paving, curved paving, edges to paving
 Lawns and Turf; shape, design, establishment
 Garden Edges
 Playing Field Construction
 Sand Based Technology
 Constructing Steps
6. Construction of Garden Structures I
 Buildings in a Garden; gazebos, verandahs, storage buildings, cubbies, etc
 Where to build a building
  Floors and Foundations for Buildings
 Walls; brick construction, coping, expansion joints, etc
 Fencing
 Retaining Walls
 Wooden Walls
 Construction with Rock or Masonry; dry walls, wet walls
 Home Playgrounds
 Using Timber in the Garden
 Differences between Softwood and Hardwood
7. Construction of Garden Structures II
 Compost Bins
 Traditional Features: gazebos, statues, gates, arches, sundials, bird baths, urns, tubs,
pergolas, pleached alleys, etc
 Wooden Decks
 Constructing a Deck
 Greenhouse and Shadehouse; types, construction, installation
 Water Features; Waterproofing, keeping water clean
 Landscaping a pond
 Tennis Courts
 Spas
 Rockery Construction
 Artificial Rock Formation
 Mulching Rockeries
 Garden Furniture
 Lighting in the Garden
8. Irrigation Systems
 Planning an Irrigation System
 Types of Systems: sprinkler, drip, automatic, etc
 Using and Maintaining an Irrigation System
9. Establishing Hedges and Other Plants
 Factors affecting successful plant establishment
 Physical Plant Protection Methods
 Hedges; site preparation, plant selection, spacing, planting, pruning, hedge maintenance
10. Workplace Safety and Management of Landscape Construction Work
 Risk Management on a Landscape Construction Site
 The Risks
 Keeping a Work Site Safe
 Duty of CareSignificance of Illness
 Protective Clothing
 Safety with Tools and Equipment
 Safety with electricity and different types of equipment
 Tool Maintenance
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the
school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if
necessary, extra reading.

Aims
 Manage equipment for landscape construction projects, including tools and machinery.
 Determine earthworks for a landscape development.
 Plan the construction of different landscape structures including buildings, fences, and
walls.
 Manage the installation of a simple irrigation system in gardens.
 Determine construction techniques for different building or installing different garden
features; including paving, water gardens, rockeries and furnishings.
 Determine techniques for creating soft landscaping.
 Manage work being undertaken on a landscape construction site.

What You Will Do

 Compare the quality and cost of a range of different tools and machinery used in
landscape construction.
 Identify tools and machinery used in everyday work by landscape constractors.
 Explain appropriate uses for different tools and machinery on a landscape construction
site.
 Prepare landscape plans for a number of landscape sites
 Research and report on marking out boundaries in construction sites
 Describe how to locate contours
 Determine the fall of existing drains, and identify appropriate falls, spacing and depths of
drains
 Observe and report on earth moving equipment in operation
 Survey a site and recommend earthworks necessary
 Examine surfacing materials for paths, gardens, etc and determine the appropriate
landscaping function of each.
 Assess the construction of a range of different existing landscape features
 Describe preparation of foundations for a specified garden structure, on a specific site.
 Design a rockery at least 30 square metres in area
 Contact a range of suppliers of landscape materials and compare the products available in
your locality.
 Identify materials needed to install an irrigation system on a site selected by you.
 Prepare plans of irrigation systems
 Research which species of plants are suitable for hedging in your locality
 Outline how to effectively transplant an existing tree
 Prepare a detailed risk assessment for a landscape construction site
 Identify safe working practices for a landscape construction site
 Determine a list of work tasks to be undertaken on a landscape construction site. Give a
time frame for completion of the entire project

Landscape Construction work requires many different skills.

This course helps you understand what needs to be done, and how to do many things; but
sometimes even professionals might need to employ a concreter, tiler, plumber, electrician,
gardener, stone mason, earth moving contractor, or other expert to assist with some aspect
of a job.
 They’re likely to charge higher rates, but some aspects of a project will be far better served
by taking the plunge and spending that money.

Concreting
Most landscape contractors will do a certain amount of concrete work themselves; but for
larger or more complex jobs you need at least advice from an expert if:
 heavy vehicles are going to drive over the concrete
 it is being built on unstable ground (eg. A steep slope or land fill)
 you want to include patterns or colour in the concrete
 it is part of a more significant construction. eg. You are going to build walls on top of the
concrete; it is a bridge over a stream or pond
Finding a reliable concreter is not always easy. Ask other people in industry (eg. a
professional body) if they can recommend someone. When you find someone, ask if they
can provide examples of their work.

Electricians
You can never be too safe when it comes to electricity. You will need an electrician when:
 you want to install garden lights. Even if you plan to use a low voltage transformer, you
may need an electrician to install extra power outside or fit switches that can be operated
from inside the house.
 you want power for the garden shed or gazebo
 power is required to operate a fountain or pump in a garden pond
 underwater lighting for ponds, spas, pools, etc
 spotlights, sensor lights, etc.

Earth Moving
If you have heavy or hard soil, then a rotary hoe is the quick and easy way to loosen it up.
Bobcats and modified tractors are used for removing or relocating rocks and tree roots.
They also make short work of moving large quantities of soil and will be able to reshape the
ground into terraces etc. much faster than you.

Paving
If doing a small paving area, get all the materials delivered at once. Then hire a machine
that can move in the sand and pavers, as well as levelling the soil. This will save you much
of the hard preparation work. All you will be left with is to finish off the job.
Plumber
If you are going to tap into the potable (drinkable) water supply, you will have to use a
licensed plumber. This will be necessary when you are installing major irrigation works or
wish to include an additional water tap in the garden.

Stone Mason or Brick Layer

Erecting a stone or brick wall is a skilled task. Any wall that is more than one metre in height
(especially those used as retaining walls and those alongside footpaths) should be
designed and built by a professional.
Plant Knowledge
Being able to construct the non living components of a landscape is essential; but this is
only half of the job, when it comes to building a garden. The other half is what is called "soft
landscaping". Soft landscaping is planting and establishing the plants.
 To do this well, the soil must be appropriate, the plants need to be kept from getting too dry,
or wet (in most cases). They may also need protection from extreme weather and pests,
until they get established.

Comment from a Tutor in this Course

“This extremely practical course works as the perfect guide to direct the student through tool
selection and use, understanding plans, and preparing a site, to the actual construction of
landscape features. It’s compelling study for those with a bent towards construction or those
working as landscape gardeners.” - Gavin Cole B.Sc., Psych.Cert., Cert.Garden Design,
former Operations Manager for "The Chelsea Gardener" , a highly regarded London
Landscaping firm.

PATHWAYS TO A FUTURE IN LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

There are many different pathways people follow to become a landscape contractor.
 Some start out as a gardener or labourer, and working alongside someone else are given
jobs in garden construction. They learn on the job; but often they come to the realisation
that there are serious gaps in their knowledge. That is where this course can be valuable,
to help fill those gaps.
 Others may be trained or experienced working in an associated trade, such as carpentry or
masonry. This may lead them to using their skills to help construct features in gardens.
Some of the best landscapers have started out this way; and through study and
experience, moved from building parts of a landscape to building entire landscapes.
 Many people begin as a home gardener; developing a passion that grows into a desire to
develop a career. Passion and experience are essential and will go a long way toward
starting such a career; but without some study as well, the potential for success will never
be as great.
 Of course some will begin their career with a course; and for a career in landscape
contracting, this is an excellent place to start.

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN LANDSCAPING

VHT032
An outstanding Landscaping Course from ACS
  The best training you are likely to find for working as an elite garden designer.
Outstanding learning is of course only part of what makes a landscape designer
exceptional. You also need a flair for design, a passion for gardens and a practical
touch (including some management and business abilities).

 This course works hard at developing all of these capabilities, as much as any
course can; and provides interaction with leading landscape professionals in both
Australia and the UK.

More info & enrolment: ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN LANDSCAPING VHT032 »

BIOPHILIC LANDSCAPING BHT343

Design Landscapes to be more people friendly.

 Discover and learn about the relationship between outdoor environments and
human well-being.

 Learn about considerations of design concepts and the components of the

landscape.

 Understand how to integrate biophilic practices into existing landscapes.

More info & enrolment: BIOPHILIC LANDSCAPING BHT343 »

CERTIFICATE IN GARDEN DESIGN VHT012

Garden Design Certificate - a course covering all
areas of garden design, development, and
maintenance, developed and taught by
specialists.

The Certificate in Garden Design covers a wide area of subjects; students

will:

 Gain skills in design, through studies in drawing plans, learning garden

and landscape principles, history and styles.

 Develop knowledge in horticultural practices and management.

 Understand how to draw and develop plans, compile specifications,

estimate costs.

This course has been developed over many years and has been an effective
training program for people working, or wishing to work, in the landscape
industry. It is suitable for someone looking to operate their own business, or
who may be working at a supervisory level in a business.

More info & enrolment: CERTIFICATE IN GARDEN DESIGN VHT012 »

CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE
(LANDSCAPING & GARDEN DESIGN) VHT002
Home Study Garden Design and Landscaping Course

An ideal course for anyone wanting to work as a landscape contractor, supervisor or landscape
gardener.

Ideal for people wanting to either:

 start their own landscape business, or

 find employment with someone else in landscaping

This course develops skills in general horticulture, plant identification and use, designing, costing

and constructing gardens. This course is similar to other C12CN002 horticulture

certificates in its introductory (core) units, but devotes 50% of the course to topics specifically
related to landscaping.

 Accredited through International Accreditation & Recognition Council

 It is broader based than our Certificate in Garden Design (which focuses in particular, less
on gardening skills and more on design).

More info & enrolment: CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE (LANDSCAPING & GARDEN

DESIGN) VHT002 »

COTTAGE GARDEN DESIGN BHT110

Learn about cottage gardens and the principles
of their design concepts
  Find out what a cottage garden is.

 Learn how to apply the principles of this concept to garden design and
garden renovation.

 Discover the History of Cottage Gardens, Planting Design for Cottage

Gardens, Features and Components of Cottage Gardens (eg. Arches,
furniture, lattice, sundials, barriers and walls) and more.

More info & enrolment: COTTAGE GARDEN DESIGN BHT110 »

DIPLOMA (ADVANCED) IN HORTICULTURE -

LANDSCAPING VHT009

Train to be a Landscaper

This course provides comprehensive training to a professional level for employment as a garden
designer, landscape technician, contractor or manager.

Core modules include: Biochemistry, I.T., Business Studies, Instructional Skills, Workplace Health
& Safety, Horticulture I, Landscaping I, Landscape Construction, Soil Management, Engineering I,
Plant Science I, Horticultural Management, Horticultural Marketing.
This course is internationally accredited through I.A.R.C.

More info & enrolment: DIPLOMA (ADVANCED) IN HORTICULTURE - LANDSCAPING

VHT009 »

DIPLOMA IN LANDSCAPING VHT025

An exceptionally detailed and extensive course
from ACS

 2,100 hours of intensive, highly practical learning.

 Your guides - a team of 12 expert garden designers and horticulturists from both the
UK and Australia.

 An experiential learning program incorporating lots of practical experience together

with sound training in foundation knowledge required for a successful and sustained
career.

 Learn to design all types of landscapes, manage projects and to adapt and confront
new problems as they arise.

This course has been developed by a team of highly respected, qualified and
experienced landscape professionals from the U.K., Spain, Australia, and several
other countries.
More info & enrolment: DIPLOMA IN LANDSCAPING VHT025 »

GARDEN HISTORY BHT329

Learn more about the history of gardens - An understanding of
garden history can provide a wonderful foundation for improving
your garden design skills.

This is a course for not only students of garden design, but also practising
professional designers, and horticulturists who wish to broaden their
understanding of gardens across many countries and over the centuries.

This course has been written by highly qualified garden designers from both
the UK and Australia, to present different styles of gardens and demonstrate
the evolution of gardens across the world.

ACS Student Comment: The course has been fabulous because it really
made me think beyond my own planting ideas. I have particularly enjoyed the
research into noted garden writers and considering the legal aspects of
conservation for the future. Melanie Veasey, UK - Garden History Course.

More info & enrolment: GARDEN HISTORY BHT329 »

GREEN WALLS AND ROOFS BHT256

Improve the environment! Learn to develop appropriate and
functional roof and vertical gardens, for residential, commercial
and public landscapes.

Green walls and roofs are increasingly popular in landscaping and

environmental management for various reasons, including:

 Greening areas where there is lack of space for a more extensive

garden.

 Improving aesthetics of unsightly places.

 Improving the environment (eg. Reduce glare, modify temperature, filter

air pollutants, reduce water run-off and mitigate flood problems, etc).

 Urban farming – growing crops in an urban area.

More info & enrolment: GREEN WALLS AND ROOFS BHT256 »

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION BHT111

Study the practicalities of building a garden landscape

 Develop your knowledge of how to construct or build a landscape - as

distinct from designing a landscape.

 Learn to construct or build a garden the "right" way.

 This course provides a good grounding for someone entering the

landscape industry.
More info & enrolment: LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION BHT111 »

LANDSCAPING I BHT109
An introduction to the concepts of landscape design

 Learn the principles that underpin all design and how to design a garden.

 Understand how to use different garden components to create varying affects.

 See how garden styles have evolved over the centuries.

 The course will provide you with a foundation for further studies in specific areas of
landscape design, development or management.

More info & enrolment: LANDSCAPING I BHT109 »

LANDSCAPING II BHT214 (Landscape Components)

Home Study Landscaping Course

"Study in detail the components of landscape design"

This course can either fine tune the important landscaping skills you acquired upon completion of
Landscaping 1, or it can be taken as a self contained study unit. It is equally suited to those already
working or looking to work in the industry, or enthusiastic gardeners with good basic landscaping
knowledge.
In this course you learn to design and build such things as walls, rockeries, steps, ponds, and paving;
and you develop skills to create specific effects in a garden.

More info & enrolment: LANDSCAPING II BHT214 (Landscape Components) »

LANDSCAPING III - BHT235 (Themed Gardens)

Train to be a Landscaper at Home

"Investigate the style of different types of gardens"

Learn to apply the principles, design features and elements that make up many types and styles
of gardens. This is an outstanding course for even experienced landscape designers, developing skills
in developing everything from a formal to an eclectic garden, and a Mediterranean to an oriental
landscape.

More info & enrolment: LANDSCAPING III - BHT235 (Themed Gardens) »

NATURAL GARDEN DESIGN BHT215

Learn how to use the natural environment to design gardens
  Create innovative plans for low maintenance natural gardens (bush
garden, woodland garden, using either indigenous plants or a mixture of
both indigenous and other plants).

 Study the concepts and planning of natural garden design

More info & enrolment: NATURAL GARDEN DESIGN BHT215 »

PLANNING LAYOUT AND CONSTRUCTION OF

ORNAMENTAL GARDENS BHT242
Learn the design, construction and maintenance
considerations of ornamental gardens
 Develop an in depth understanding of the principles and procedures for
all aspects of planning for development of a hard landscape.

 Learn about site assessment, plan drawing, plan interpretation, project

specification and construction planning.

More info & enrolment: PLANNING LAYOUT AND CONSTRUCTION OF ORNAMENTAL

GARDENS BHT242 »

PLANT SELECTION AND ESTABLISHMENT -

BHT107
Home Study Plant Selection Course
"Study the selection and maintenance of garden
plants"
Develop a firm basis for the selection, establishment and maintenance of a wide range of commonly
used garden plants; woody trees and shrubs, hedges and screening plants, alpines, water plants, turf
varieties, herbaceous plants etc).

More info & enrolment: PLANT SELECTION AND ESTABLISHMENT - BHT107 »

PLAYGROUND DESIGN - BHT216

Distance Learning Playground Design Course

"Learn how to design and construct 'effective' playgrounds"

This course develops a sound understanding of the design and construction of small community
parks and playgrounds. A valuable course for parks managers or designers, .the course covers
playground philosophy, design of play structures (for function and safety), materials selection,
community participation and park design.

This course was developed by John Mason, author of "The Environment of Play" and former
Playground Designer with PRAV. Mr Mason was Australia's representative for the International Play
Association in the late 1970's, and has maintained a keen interest in children's playground design
since that time.

More info & enrolment: PLAYGROUND DESIGN - BHT216 »

PROFICIENCY AWARD IN PLAYGROUND
DESIGN VHT243
Study playground design and learn more developing a concept, materials and
structures, child psychology, the environment of play, green walls and roofs
and landscaping. The course requires around 500 hours of study. Work
through the course by distance learning supported by our excellent
playground design and development tutors.
More info & enrolment: PROFICIENCY AWARD IN PLAYGROUND DESIGN VHT243 »

Proficiency Award in Water Gardening and Garden

Water Usage VHT066
Become a water gardening expert with this thorough course on water garden design and
care, and water garden usage. Study three core modules of Water Gardening, Water
Conservation and Management and Irrigation in Gardens. Then complete a 200 hour
research project - all supported by our excellent landscaping tutors.

More info & enrolment: Proficiency Award in Water Gardening and Garden Water Usage VHT066 »

RESTORING ESTABLISHED ORNAMENTAL

GARDENS BHT243

Learn to Save and Rebuild an Old Ornamental Gardens

"The history, design and restoration of ornamental gardens"

Learn to survey, analyse and plan sensitive and appropriate renovation of established gardens,
generally of 2 hectares or less in size.

More info & enrolment: RESTORING ESTABLISHED ORNAMENTAL GARDENS BHT243 »

WATER GARDENING BHT307
DEVELOP SKILLS IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN OF WATER GARDENS

Develop your skills in designing, constructing and maintaining a variety of different types of
water gardens (fountains, streams, ponds, waterfalls, etc). Water gardens may be small or large, and
when used properly can bring movement, sounds and a character to a garden that cannot be found
any other way.