Learn Ornamental Garden Planting, Planning and Design
This course is suitable for:
- landscape construction
- garden designers
- horticulture project managers
- anyone working with landscape
Gain skills in:
- surveying and evaluating planned work
- creating plans for landscape construction
- implementing plans
- practical construction of sound hard landscape features
- managing site characteristics such as soil
Examples:
-
Planting large plants can modify existing microclimates by buffering temperature fluctuations, changing light intensities etc.
-
Changing contours can alter soil temperatures, soil moisture, exposure to light, as well as drainage patterns, etc.
-
Treatments of surfaces can change drainage characteristics, soil conditions,
-
Buildings, drainage pipes, services (electricity, gas etc)can be affected by the nature and type of landscape treatment
-
Some styles of landscape are going to cause greater changes to a landscape than others.
Lesson Structure
There are 10 lessons in this course:
-
Site Appraisal, Interpretation and Risk Assessment
-
Preparing Site Plans and Specifications
-
Influence of Site Characteristics
-
The Use of Hard Landscape Features
-
Setting out a Site to Scale Plans and Drawings
-
Soil Handling and Storage
-
Land Drainage Systems
-
Ground Preparation Techniques
-
Construction of Paths and Patios
-
Construction of Steps, Ramps, Dwarf Walls and Fences
-
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
-
•Explain how to conduct a site appraisal and interpret the results.
-
•Conduct risk assessments associated with planning layout and construction of ornamental gardens
-
•Produce and interpret site plans and specifications using basic survey measurements.
-
•Explain how site characteristics may influence choice of garden design style.
-
•Evaluate and explain the contribution made by hard landscape features to design and function
-
•Describe the practical procedures for setting out a site to scale plans and drawings.
-
•Describe and explain the reasons for correct soil moving and storage during construction works.
-
•Explain the factors which determine the design and specification of land drainage systems and describe procedures for setting out and installing land drainage.
-
•Explain requirements for a range of ground preparation techniques for different landscape features.
-
•Specify a range of materials and outline procedures for construction of paths and patios.
-
•Specify a range of materials and outline procedures for construction of Steps, Ramps, Dwarf Walls and Fences
Good Design Makes for Good Construction
Design and construction are very much interrelated. When designing, there are many factors that should be considered the construction phase of a landscape development. At the design stage, you should know what materials will be used in construction and how those materials will be used. Ensure that those materials are available, and at a price that is within the planned budget. If not, this is the time to consider other materials that may be used, or to modify the design, if needed, to allow for available resources.
To allow you to make better decisions about construction resources, ensure that the information you have on resources is accurate and current. Information in dated catalogues or files might no longer be valid, as materials can and do go in and out of demand and new materials may become available. Also, consider the costs and time involved in transporting materials or having them delivered. If you are using sand, soil or gravel, for instance the cost of carting these materials may be the major expense. Discover what quarries or other providers of materials are closest to the job site, and modify your plan to utilize the sorts of materials available there.
Start with the Topography
If the slopes are not right, water does not drain from the site. This can lead to soil being too wet in some places, not wet enough elsewhere, and in extreme weather events: erosion.
Drainage is necessary where the site holds or catches unwanted to excessive water because of its slope, kind of soil or other factors, and water must be diverted away. Naturally occurring drainage (when water or rainfall run off or from areas) can also contribute to erosion. Any slope over 30 degrees is subject to severe erosion and definitely needs special treatment. Below are some ways of addressing these potential problems.
Methods of reducing erosion to maintain a slope:
- Mulching tea tree brush, straw or some other organic material can be held on an embankment by wire strands or mesh attached to pegs.
- Spray on mulch a tar mix sprayed on an embankment will stop erosion for a short period but after a few months will wash off virtually completely.
- Wood cellulose and grass seed mixture this mixture if sprayed on will stick long enough for the grass seed to germinate and get a hold.
- Brick, stone, cement walling.
Water can be drained by careful forming of the ground and directing water to collect into surface or sub surface drains.
Once the topography and drainage needs are understood, a garden can be planned for walls, paving, plants and any other structures or features that need to be incorporated into the design.
HOW WILL THIS COURSE HELP?
This course will help refine and extend your skills to do all of this. It is a stand alone course or one that will complement and add to the learning you get from any of our other courses.
It is a valuable opportunity for landscapers, gardeners or students to explore this type of garden, and build their abilities to create ornamental landscapes in home gardens, parks or on commercial sites.
Do you have any questions for our Landscaping tutors? If yes, then please click here.
