Landscaping Design Course

Lesson 1 • Reading and Interpreting Site Conditions

Introduces soil types, drainage patterns, sun exposure, and microclimates. Accurate site reading prevents costly design errors.

Lesson 2 • Introduction to Landscape Design

Covers the history, scope, and career paths in landscape design. Establishes context for all subsequent technical and creative study.

Lesson 3 • Core Design Principles

Teaches unity, balance, proportion, rhythm, and emphasis as applied to outdoor spaces. These principles underpin every design decision in the course.

Lesson 1 • Digital Drawing with CAD Software

Applies CAD tools to produce professional landscape plans. Digital fluency accelerates revisions and improves presentation quality.

Lesson 2 • Scale, Measurement, and Mapping

Teaches reading and creating scaled drawings from field measurements. Accurate measurement is prerequisite to all plan production.

Lesson 3 • Hand Drafting Fundamentals

Covers drafting tools, line weights, lettering, and basic symbols. Precise hand drafting builds spatial reasoning that supports digital work.

Lesson 4 • Presentation Graphics and Rendering

Covers color rendering, graphic styles, and layout composition for client presentations. Strong graphics increase client confidence and project approval rates.

Lesson 1 • Plant Classification and Identification

Introduces botanical nomenclature, plant families, and identification keys. Correct identification prevents costly plant failures in the field.

Lesson 2 • Plant Spacing and Planting Plans

Applies mature-size data to calculate spacing and produce planting plans. Proper spacing prevents overcrowding and reduces long-term maintenance.

Lesson 3 • Native and Adaptive Planting

Explores native plant ecology, regional adaptation, and low-maintenance planting strategies. Native plantings reduce irrigation and maintenance costs significantly.

Lesson 4 • Trees and Shrubs in Design

Covers growth habits, mature sizes, and seasonal interest of woody plants. Trees and shrubs form the structural backbone of any landscape.

Lesson 1 • Outdoor Structures and Amenities

Covers pergolas, arbors, fences, fire features, and outdoor kitchens as design elements. Structures extend usable space and define outdoor rooms.

Lesson 2 • Paving Materials and Selection

Covers concrete, natural stone, brick, pavers, and gravel with their performance characteristics. Material choice affects durability, cost, and aesthetic outcome.

Lesson 3 • Hardscape Layout and Detailing

Applies drafting skills to produce dimensioned hardscape plans and construction details. Detailed drawings reduce contractor errors and change orders.

Lesson 4 • Wall and Edging Construction Basics

Teaches structural principles for low retaining walls, garden edging, and raised beds. Basic structural knowledge prevents failure and ensures contractor coordination.

Lesson 1 • Topography and Contour Reading

Teaches contour line interpretation, slope calculation, and landform identification. Contour literacy is essential before any grading work can begin.

Lesson 2 • Producing a Grading Plan

Applies topographic and drainage knowledge to draft a complete grading plan. The grading plan integrates with hardscape and planting documents.

Lesson 3 • Grading Principles and Earthwork

Covers cut-and-fill balancing, finish grade slopes, and earthwork estimation. Proper grading directs water away from structures and creates level use areas.

Lesson 4 • Surface and Subsurface Drainage

Introduces swales, catch basins, French drains, and dry creek beds as drainage solutions. Selecting the right system prevents erosion and property damage.

Lesson 1 • Irrigation System Components

Covers controllers, valves, backflow preventers, pipes, and emission devices. Component knowledge enables accurate specification and troubleshooting.

Lesson 2 • Producing an Irrigation Plan

Applies system design knowledge to draft a complete irrigation plan with schedules. The irrigation plan is a required deliverable on most commercial projects.

Lesson 3 • Water-Efficient and Sustainable Practices

Explores rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and soil moisture sensors. Sustainable water practices reduce consumption and operating costs.

Lesson 4 • Water Use and Plant Hydrozones

Introduces evapotranspiration, plant water needs, and hydrozone grouping. Grouping plants by water need is the first step in efficient irrigation design.

Lesson 1 • Low-Voltage and Line-Voltage Systems

Compares low-voltage and line-voltage systems for safety, cost, and flexibility. System choice affects installation complexity and long-term maintenance.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Outdoor Lighting

Covers lighting goals, layering techniques, and the visual effects of light and shadow. Understanding lighting principles prevents over-lit or unsafe designs.

Lesson 3 • Fixture Types and Applications

Introduces path lights, uplights, downlights, wall sconces, and step lights. Matching fixture type to application ensures functional and aesthetic success.

Lesson 4 • Producing a Lighting Plan

Applies fixture and circuit knowledge to draft a complete outdoor lighting plan. The lighting plan coordinates with hardscape and planting documents.

Lesson 1 • Portfolio Development and Presentation

Guides students in selecting, formatting, and presenting their best work as a professional portfolio. A strong portfolio is the primary tool for securing employment or clients.

Lesson 2 • Commercial and Public Space Design

Applies design skills to a commercial or public site with higher complexity and user diversity. Commercial projects require accessibility compliance and multi-stakeholder coordination.

Lesson 3 • Design Review and Critique Process

Teaches structured peer and instructor critique methods to evaluate and improve designs. Critique skills accelerate professional growth and improve design quality.

Lesson 4 • Construction Documentation Package

Assembles all plan sheets, details, schedules, and specifications into a contractor-ready set. Complete documentation reduces field errors and supports accurate bidding.