Garden Design Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Horticulture for Designers

Covers plant biology essentials—growth habits, life cycles, and seasonal change—relevant to design decisions. Establishes the plant knowledge base used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Core Design Principles

Introduces unity, balance, rhythm, scale, and focal points as the grammar of garden composition. Students apply each principle through annotated sketches.

Lesson 3 • History and Styles of Garden Design

Traces garden design from ancient formal gardens to contemporary naturalistic styles. Provides historical context that informs every stylistic decision made later.

Lesson 1 • Soil Assessment and Drainage

Covers soil texture, structure, pH, and drainage testing methods a designer must understand. Soil data shapes plant selection and hard-landscaping decisions.

Lesson 2 • Client and Context Analysis

Structures the client interview process and contextual research needed before design begins. Aligns design intent with user needs, budget, and neighborhood character.

Lesson 3 • Surveying and Measuring a Site

Teaches hand-measuring techniques, triangulation, and offset methods to produce accurate base plans. Accuracy here underpins every subsequent design drawing.

Lesson 4 • Compiling a Site Analysis Document

Synthesizes survey, microclimate, soil, and client data into a single annotated analysis plan. This document becomes the evidence base for all design decisions.

Lesson 1 • Drawing Tools and Materials

Introduces pencils, pens, scales, and paper types used in professional garden design drawing. Correct tool selection improves accuracy and presentation quality.

Lesson 2 • Rendering and Presentation Techniques

Applies color, texture, and layout to produce polished presentation drawings. Professional presentation quality directly influences client confidence and project approval.

Lesson 3 • Scaled Plans and Orthographic Drawing

Teaches how to translate site measurements into accurate scaled plans using standard conventions. Plan drawing is the primary communication tool in garden design.

Lesson 4 • Perspective and Sketch Visualization

Develops freehand perspective sketching to communicate three-dimensional design ideas quickly. Sketches are essential for client engagement and design exploration.

Lesson 1 • Steps, Ramps, and Level Changes

Teaches the geometry and construction of steps and ramps that connect different garden levels safely. Level-change design is both a functional and aesthetic challenge.

Lesson 2 • Paving Construction and Detailing

Covers sub-base preparation, laying methods, jointing, and drainage falls for paved surfaces. Correct construction prevents settlement, cracking, and water pooling.

Lesson 3 • Walls, Fences, and Boundaries

Examines boundary structures in masonry, timber, metal, and living materials for privacy and enclosure. Boundary design defines the garden's relationship with its surroundings.

Lesson 4 • Paving Materials and Selection

Compares natural stone, concrete, brick, and composite paving for durability, aesthetics, and cost. Material choice defines the character and longevity of outdoor surfaces.

Lesson 1 • Drawing and Annotating a Planting Plan

Translates planting decisions into a scaled, annotated plan using standard horticultural notation. A clear planting plan is the primary deliverable for contractors and clients.

Lesson 2 • Planting Layers and Structure

Explains the canopy, shrub, herbaceous, and ground-cover layers that create naturalistic planting depth. Layered planting improves resilience, aesthetics, and habitat value.

Lesson 3 • Planting Patterns and Repetition

Teaches how repetition, drifts, and rhythmic groupings create cohesion across a planting scheme. Pattern decisions determine whether a planting reads as designed or accidental.

Lesson 4 • Plant Selection Criteria

Establishes a decision framework using site conditions, aesthetics, and ecological value to choose plants. Systematic selection prevents costly failures and supports biodiversity.

Lesson 1 • Design Development and Refinement

Moves from concept to a developed design through iterative drawing and client feedback cycles. Refinement ensures the design is buildable, beautiful, and on brief.

Lesson 2 • Producing a Design Proposal Package

Assembles concept statement, plans, elevations, planting plan, and materials board into a client-ready proposal. A complete package demonstrates professionalism and builds client trust.

Lesson 3 • Bubble Diagrams and Spatial Zoning

Uses bubble diagrams to explore spatial relationships and functional zones before committing to geometry. This stage prevents costly layout errors in later drawings.

Lesson 1 • Ecological Planting Principles

Applies plant community ecology to garden design, emphasizing native and near-native species. Ecological planting reduces maintenance and increases habitat value simultaneously.

Lesson 2 • Water-Wise Garden Design

Covers drought-tolerant planting, rainwater harvesting, and permeable surfaces to reduce water use. Water efficiency is increasingly critical as climate patterns shift.

Lesson 3 • Soil Health and Composting

Examines how healthy soil biology supports plant resilience and reduces the need for inputs. Soil stewardship is the foundation of a sustainable garden.

Lesson 4 • Climate-Adaptive Design Strategies

Addresses heat islands, flooding risk, and extreme weather through design and plant selection. Adaptive strategies future-proof gardens against changing climate conditions.

Lesson 1 • Client Management and Communication

Teaches active listening, expectation management, and written communication throughout a project. Strong client relationships generate referrals and reduce disputes.

Lesson 2 • Contracts, Fees, and Invoicing

Explains design contracts, payment schedules, scope of work, and intellectual property clauses. Clear contracts prevent misunderstandings and protect both parties legally.

Lesson 3 • Setting Up a Garden Design Practice

Covers business structures, professional registration, insurance, and fee-setting for new designers. A sound business foundation protects the designer and builds client confidence.

Lesson 4 • Project Planning and Site Coordination

Introduces Gantt charts, contractor briefing, and site visit protocols for managing design implementation. Effective coordination ensures the built garden matches the design intent.