Landscape Design Program Outline

Unit 1 Introduction to Landscape Design

1.1 Introduction to Landscape Design
1.2 Assessing the Site and Your Client's Needs
1.3 The Landscape in Context
1.4 Assessing the Site's Existing Conditions



In Unit 1 : Research, Preparation, and Design Elements we are going to discuss the basics of landscape design and include the helpful knowledge you need to get your understanding of landscape design going.

Students will learn to begin the design process using client interviews and site evaluations. These lessons will also teach basic sketching and drawing principles and combine those with elements of the site evaluation and client interview to create a rough concept diagram.

Throughout each lesson, you will be required to complete reading assignments in your textbook, The Essential Garden Design Workbook.

Unit 2 Developing the Landscape Design

2.1 Preparing the Design
2.2 The Ground Plane
2.3 Hard Landscaping Materials
2.4 Raising the Landscape
2.5 Overhead Features and Barriers
2.6 Finalizing the Garden



In Unit 2: Developing the Landscape Design we are going to further discuss the basics of landscape design and include the helpful knowledge you need to get your understanding of landscape design going.

The lessons in this Unit cover the development of the overall design theme and the establishment of lawn and planting areas based on the theme developed. Lesson coverage also includes the addition of pathways and patios to the development of the design. The student continues to develop presentation skills through the use of grid lines and detailed drawing features in their plan.

Next, we give a summary of the process used to select the materials necessary to execute the desired design plan. These lessons introduce the specific steps followed for selecting vertical elements in a design and the process for adding trees and plants to accomplish specific design goals. Unit 2 lessons also address building codes and how they factor into the completion of a final design.

Throughout each lesson, you will be required to complete reading assignments in your textbook, The Essential Garden Design Workbook.

Unit 3 Landscape Design Tools

3.1 First Steps in Plant Selection
3.2 Completing the Plant Selection
3.3 Plant Identification Techniques
3.4 Landscape Design and Graphics
3.5 A Designer's Tools



In Unit 3: Landscape Design Tools, we are going to go into greater depth discussing the topic of landscape design, and talk about the tools you will be using as a landscape designer.

Students will learn about the purpose-specifics contribute to a design and how to select the correct plants through the application of recognized design principles. Students are introduced to the concept of plant morphology and how this technique can be used to identify unknown plants. We also provide instruction on the creation and maintenance of plant notebooks.

Next, an overview of the drafting tools that are used to create landscape designs and how to use drafting tools properly. Students will also learn the steps in the landscape design process, how different presentation graphics are used in landscape design, and how plans and drawings can be used to help clients and contractors understand the design.

Throughout each lesson, you will be required to complete reading assignments in your textbooks, The Essential Garden Design Workbook and Plan Graphics for the Landscape Designer.

Unit 4 Designing the Landscape

4.1 Lines in Design
4.2 Lettering
4.3 The Symbols in Landscape Design
4.4 Drawing the Ground Plane
4.5 Elements of the Final Drawing Plan



In Unit 4: Designing the Landscape, we are going to apply our understanding of landscape design, and begin our journey into the practical process of designing a landscape.

In this Unit, students will expand their drawing and design skills by learning how to control line quality and to apply different line types to create the master plan. The lesson also covers lettering and the use of symbols to represent specific plants in a design.

Next, students learn techniques for drawing the ground plane using texture to create a design that is visually pleasing and clearly represents all parts of the design. Preparation of a master plan drawing using labeling to describe symbols and other design elements of the plan concludes the lesson.

Throughout each lesson, you will be required to complete reading assignments in your textbooks, Plan Graphics for the Landscape Designer.

Unit 5 Design Finalization and Business Management

5.1 Adding Color
5.2 Section Drawing
5.3 Computer Graphics and Design
5.4 Starting Your Landscape Business Right
5.5 Keeping Your Landscape Business Profitable
5.6 Making Sure Your Business Is Legally Sound



In Unit 5: Design Finalization and Business Management, we are going to journey further into the practical process of designing a landscape and finalize our design. Additionally, we are going to look at business management techniques to help you better run your landscape business.

This Unit covers the drawing and design process introduces tools used to add color and sections to plans. Students will also be introduced to drawing software that can be used in plan drawing and the basic functions of standard drawing software.

Next, students will learn the process and materials required to start a landscaping business, including the minimum equipment required, legal issues encountered in landscape business, expectations of an employer, and how to write contracts and bid jobs.

Throughout each lesson, you will be required to complete reading assignments in your textbooks, Plan Graphics for the Landscape Designer and The Professional Landscaper's Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Own Landscaping or Lawn Care Business.

Unit 6 Landscape Maintenance

6.1 Managing Turfgrass
6.2 Maintaining Landscape Plants
6.3 Understanding Soils
6.4 Pruning
6.5 Irrigation Maintenance



In Unit 6: Landscape Maintenance, we have finalized the design, and now we look into the practical elements involved in maintaining the designed landscape.

This Unit will instruct students how to maintain a client's lawn as well as the installation and maintenance of plants in an established setting. Topics also include the fertilization and irrigation of turfgrass and plants.

Also, this Unit covers the identification of different soil types and the use of different soil amendments based on soil tests and soil pH. The lesson also provides instruction on pruning trees and shrubs and the performance of typical property maintenance.

Throughout each lesson, you will be required to complete reading assignments in your textbook, The Professional Landscaper's Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Own Landscaping or Lawn Care Business.