Basic Landscape Design and Horticulture Program

COURSE OBJECTIVE:

• To establish a good understanding of the basic principles of design

• Application of these principles to your own space

• Analysis of space (yours mainly) and application of design themes

• A clear understanding of how plants function i.e. roots, stems, leaves and seeds for propagation

• A practical understanding of the soil type in your garden

• Understanding the major plant nutrients and how they affect your garden

• A clear understanding of the role that insects play in our gardens

OUTCOME:  A clearer understanding of how plants function on a daily basis and what this means to you and your garden.  Understanding how roots, stems, leaves and seeds can be used to propagate plants

-          Roots

-          Stems

-          Leaves

-          Flowers

-          Seeds

-          Propagation
TEA

SESSION TWO: GARDEN SOILS (NQF 264179 / 119703) 

OUTCOME:  A practical understanding of the soil type in your garden, how this affects plants and fertilizing.  How to amend problem soils. 

-          Sands, Clays and Loams

-          Improve your Soils

-          The Art of Composting
LUNCH

SESSION THREE: FERTILIZERS (NQF 119695 / 264258)

OUTCOME:  Understanding the major plants nutrients and how they affect your garden.

What type of fertilizer should I be using in my garden

Effects of fertilizers on soils and the environment

Should I be going organic in my garden?

-          The Big Boys (NPK)

-          The Tiny Tots (Trace Elements)

-          What to Buy

-          How and when to apply

-          Liquid Fertilizers

-          Organic FertilizersTEA

SESSION FOUR: PESTS AND DISEASES (NQF 116124 / 12586 / 264236 / 119708)

OUTCOME:  Insects friend or foe?

A clearer understanding of the role that insects play in our gardens.

How to identify and treat

Emphasis is placed on organic cures and principles

-          Common problems and insects

-          Dreaded diseases

-          What must I do?

-          The Garden Allies

-           

SESSION FIVE: DESIGN PRINCIPLES (NQF 119689 / 72424 ) 

-          Horticultural Redesign Checklist

-          Design for you – Overview

-          Horticultural Redesign:

Going about redesigning an existing garden

-          Design Beginning

Where does all this begin – your site / your space

-          Design Ground Rules

Tension

Mystery

Surprise

Simplicity

Unity & Harmony

Interest & Atmosphere

Colour

Texture & Shape

Balance

Seasonal Choices

-          Task Analysis / Case Study – Apply to your own Garden

Practical Assessment
LUNCH

SESSION 6: DESIGN PHILOSOPHY (NQF 119689 / 72424 )

-          Analysis of your Garden Space

What you need to consider in the Development / Turnaround of your garden

-          Design Philosophy – Your Story

Desired Philosophy & Concepts

Mid-Term Turnaround

Long-Term Turnaround

-          Homework: Planning of your Space Layout
TEA

SESSION 7: SOFT LANDSCAPING (NQF 264259 / 264184)

-          Planting Combination Rules / Plants to Furnish

Plant Species: Ground Covers / Shrubs / Trees

Understorey / Middle Storey / Upper Storey

-          What to do first? Time, Patience, The Will to Make it Work

Planning & Research
HOMEWORK

DAY THREE

SESSION 8: HARD LANDSCAPING (NQF 264259 / 264184 / 72424 )

-          Introduction to Map Design & Layout

-          Focal Points / Feature Appointments and Where to Start

Boundaries

Features

Complimentary Planting

-          Hard Elements to Consider in the Planning Process

Scale: How to read it & use itTEA

-          Planting Combination Rules – Plants to Furnish the Space

-          Exercise: Group work in Applying Themes to Planting CombinationsLUNCH

-          Practical in Nursery

-          Practical Design Exercise + Presentation

Student to Draw a Design (Unique) based on Theory Presented. All Aspects to be incorporated.

-          Design Presentation & Discussion