Lesson Structure:  Diploma In Horticulture (Landscaping & Garden Design) VHT002

There are 30 lessons:

Section 1: General Horticulture

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, terms like: 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: Seed 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 disease
    • Plant pathology
    • Fungi, viruses, non pathogenic problems
    • Interactions with the host and the environment.
15. Weeds
    • Identifying weeds
    • Controlling weeds
    • chemical terminology.

​

Section 2: Garden Design and Landscaping

1. History of Landscaping
   • Garden Styles
   • Types of Gardens
   • History of Gardens
2. 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
3. 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
4. Irrigation
   • Sprinkler Systems
   • Micro Irrigation
   • Planning an Irrigation System
   • How to Use a Watering System
   • Automatic Watering Systems
5. 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
6. 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
7. Materials
   • Using, Choosing & Preserving Timber
   • Recycled Timber
   • Rock Work
   • Concrete
   • Coloured Pebbles and Gravel
8. 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
9. Equipment
   • Manual Tools and Equipment
   • Power tools for landscaping
10. 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
11. 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
12. Landscaping for Sports and Games
    • Fun and Fitness Trails
    • Outdoor Multi Purpose Courts
    • Skateboarding
    • Types of Playgrounds
    • Park Design Criteria
13. Landscape Management
    • Role of a Manager
    • Management Processes
    • Law and Business
    • Communication Skill
    • Marketing
    • Industry Awareness
    • Landscape Management
14. Industrial Relations: Unions and Workers
    • Work Scheduling
    • Unions
    • Workplace Health and Safety
15. Maintenance of a New Landscape
    • Protecting Young Plants
    • Replanting
    • Pruning
    • Weed Control
    • Maintaining Turf

Please note:  Each lesson requires the completion of an assignment.  This is then marked by your Tutor and returned with relevant suggestions, comments, and extra reading if required.

Please see lesson titles for your learning goals.

More About Section 2: Garden Design and Landscaping The aim of the stream studies is to develop skills and knowledge in landscape design, construction, features and landscape business management. You 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.
• Analyse 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.

Your tutor for this course is:

Susan Stephenson

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.