This is a great course for landscape consultants, garden designers, horticultural advisors, project managers, or anyone else who works with landscapes and needs to improve their ability to survey, evaluate and plan development work on a site. 

"This is one of my favourite courses as it covers the stages that are so important for a good landscape design." - Tracey Morris Dip.Hort., Cert.Hort., Cert III Organic Farming, 

There are 10 lessons in this course:

1. Site Appraisal, Interpretation and Risk Assessment
2. Preparing Site Plans and Specifications
3. Influence of Site Characteristics
4. The Use of Hard Landscape Features
5. Setting out a Site to Scale Plans and Drawings
6. Soil Handling and Storage
7. Land Drainage Systems
8. Ground Preparation Techniques
9. Construction of Paths and Patios
10. Construction of Steps, Ramps, Dwarf Walls and Fences

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

• Explain how to conduct a site appraisal and interpret the results.
• Conduct risk assessments associated with planning layout and construction of ornamental gardens
• Produce and interpret site plans and specifications using basic survey measurements.
• Explain how site characteristics may influence choice of garden design style.
• Evaluate and explain the contribution made by hard landscape features to design and function
• Describe the practical procedures for setting out a site to scale plans and drawings.
• Describe and explain the reasons for correct soil moving and storage during construction works.
• Explain the factors which determine the design and specification of land drainage systems and describe procedures for setting out and installing land drainage.
• Explain requirements for a range of ground preparation techniques for different landscape features.
• Specify a range of materials and outline procedures for construction of paths and patios.
• Specify a range of materials and outline procedures for construction of Steps, Ramps, Dwarf Walls and Fences