Certificate of Landscaping

Landscape designers bridge the gap between landscape architecture and garden design. If you’re a garden enthusiast, whether you want to create your own garden, pursue a career in landscape design or start your own business, this course is ideal for you.

The Certificate of Landscaping is an online professional development program that will provide you with garden design skills and techniques to pursue a passion or jump-start your career.

In this introductory landscape design course, you will learn about pre-planning, how to make landscape drawings, how different garden styles are created and the components that make up a garden to create visual effects.

You will also learn about making walls and other hard landscape surfaces, how to add garden features, and how to design small and large landscapes.

On completion of this course, you will have a solid foundation in landscape design to execute real-life projects.

Printed learning materials may be available free to print for this course. Requests can be made by contacting us.

Course Structure

Landscaping I

Unit 1 – Basic Design Procedures

Horticulture and landscaping
Plant names
Common name and scientific names
Botanical families
Principles of landscaping
Design elements
Design effects
Pre-planning information
Plant reviews
Plant identification work sheet

Unit 2 – History and Styles of Gardening

Formal / informal gardens
Natural gardens
Cottage gardens
Oriental gardens
Mediterranean gardens
Subtropical (rainforest) gardens
Naturalistic landscaping
History of gardening

Unit 3 – Drafting and Contracting

Drawing options
Computer added design (CAD)
Drawing (Graphics)
Design procedures
Specifications and contracts

Unit 4 – Basic Landscape Construction

Drainage and erosion
Walling
Mound making
Earth shaping
Play structures – design considerations
Gravel and bark paths

Unit 5 – Surfaces

Gradients
Surfaces
Soft ground surfacing
Artificial surfaces
Substrates
Performance considerations
Paving

Unit 6 – Furnishing and Features

Landscaping design structures
Garden furniture
Furnishing a garden
Choosing furnishings
Garden art
Lighting
Fountains and water displays
Skateboard facilities

Unit 7 – Park Design Part A

Park components
Ornaments
Walls, fences and windbreaks
Enclosed gardens and gates
How do windbreaks work
Recreational landscaping
Park design criteria
Types of play landscapes
Community participation

Unit 8 – Garden design

Characteristics of garden design
Practical concerns
Bringing the outside in
Buildings
Courtyards

Unit 9 – Design Procedure

Design elements and principles
The design process
Groups of components
Landscaping narrow gardens
Water garden design
Water effects
Water plants
Formal and informal ponds
Choosing a practical site
Water quality and quantity

Unit 10 – Park Design Part B

How to make trails
Planning a trail
Types of trails
Sporting facilities
Turf playing surfaces
Dimensions of sporting facilities
Outdoor multi-purpose courts
Court elements and specification
Fun and fitness trails
Motorised vehicle parks
Selecting a motorbike trail

Estimated Duration

50 hours

Course Delivery and Start

Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online

Assessment

Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.

Approval and Recognition

Australian Online Courses Pty Ltd is an approved and recognised member of IARC. The IARC is an International association that recognises quality and excellence in tertiary education providers.

Career Outcomes

Professional Development for:-

Landscaper Designers
Landscape Construction Workers
Garden Designers
Garden Maintenance Staff

I had an overall positive experience studying with Australian Online Courses. The course content was practical and relevant, helping me develop a strong understanding of skills that are needed in the workplace. I found the learning materials easy to follow and well-structured, which made it manageable to balance my studies with other commitments. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was how it focused on real-world applications. It gave me insight into what is expected in the industry and helped me feel more confident about transitioning into a work environment. I was able to learn at my own pace, which allowed me to fully understand the topics rather than rushing through them. Overall, I feel that the course has prepared me well for future opportunities. I gained useful knowledge and skills that I believe will benefit me in my career, and I would consider studying with Australian Online Courses again in the future.