‘Natural gardens’ are those designed using native plants indigenous to a garden’s geographic area, and they have become increasingly popular. This course is ideal for landscapers, landscape designers and horticulturalists as well as avid gardeners who are keen to create a natural garden setting – in their own backyard!
The Certificate of Natural Garden Design is an online professional development program that will teach you how to design and create a range of natural gardens from bush gardens to environmentally sustainable landscapes.
In this garden design course, you will explore the history and scope of natural gardens and develop a detailed concept plan using the concepts of unity, proportion, harmony, colour, contrast, form, tone and texture (among others!)
You will also learn how to construct and maintain a natural garden, including learning about a wide variety of plants and garden features like rockeries, water features and paths.
On completion of this course, you will know how to design, construct and maintain a sustainable natural garden, and have enhanced the qualifications of your ‘green thumb’!
Course Structure
Unit - Natural Garden Design
Unit 1 – Introduction to Natural Wild and Bush Gardens
- What is a natural garden?
- What is a natural, wild or bush garden?
- Soil names and composition
- Improving soils
- Drainage and improving infiltration
- Mulches
- Soil mixes
- Resources
- Plant review worksheets
- Plant collection options
- How to press a plant
- Plant identification sheet
Unit 2 – History of Natural, Wild and Bush Gardens
- Natural garden movement
- The history of gardening
- Landscape designers
- Garden designers and landscape architects
- Natural gardening approaches
Unit 3 – Developing Concept Plans
- Principles of landscapes
- Quality of components
- Creating effects
- Pre-planning
- Dimensions and other measurements
- Studying the environment
- Council By-laws
- Drawing plans (graphics)
- Landscape plans and symbols
- Plant representation on landscape plans
- Designing a playground, home garden or park garden
Unit 4 – Plants for Natural Gardens
- Planting procedures
- Fertilisers and planting times
- Frost protection
- Old trees
- Pruning
- Building raised beds
- Mulching materials
- Plant nutrition
- Propagation of native plants
- Four main seed sources
- Understanding cuttings
- Native and natural garden plants
- Temperate climate wild gardens
- Australian native and natural garden plants
Unit 5 – Planting Design in Natural Gardens
- Natural gardening planting design
- Successions
- Native planting design
- Three tier planting design
- Aesthetic criteria for planting design
- Procedures for planting design
- Plant applications
- Tips for buying trees
- Weed control
- Invasive plants
- Plants that take over
- Plant health
- Parasitic problems
- Controlling problems
- Rainforest gardens
- Meadow gardens
- Woodland gardens
- Desert gardens
- Arid desert gardens
- Xeriscapes
- Wetland gardens
- Garden maintenance
Unit 6 – Garden Features
- Flexibility
- Ornamentation
- Pathways
- Terraces and patios
- Drainage
- Erosion
- Maintaining a slope
- Walls
- Timber walls
- Rockeries
- Artificial rocks
- Coating mix recipes
Unit 7 – Natural Gardens and Wildlife Today
- Landscaping and wildlife
- Birds and gardens
- Australian native birds
- Plants that benefit and attract birds
- Things birds look for
- Feeding birds
- Bird and bat boxes
- Ponds
- Other animals
- Shaded areas
- Ferns
- Other plant choices
Unit 8 – Bringing it All Together
- Tips for natural garden planning
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Garden size and location
- Arranging plants
- Using trees
- Functions of a garden
Study Hours
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.
Testimonials
Course materials including notes and assignments were well-structured to convey the information I needed.
S. Graham, Nunawading, VIC | Certificate of Natural Garden Design
The Certificate of Natural Garden Design course was just what I was looking for as a solid introduction to natural garden design.
Each subject provided plenty of content, and the assessment tasks provided a good way to work through and gain a better understanding of the topic. Many of the assessment questions allowed the answers to be basically answered or answered in a more thorough way if you had the time and interest. I enjoyed the course not only as I am very interested in natural garden design but the structure and content was just what I was needing.
Stephanie | Rye, VIC | Certificate of Natural Garden Design
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrolment Form – Employment Services and Rehabilitation Providers
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Landscapers
- Garden Designers
- Home Owners
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