‘Natural gardens’ are those designed using native plants indigenous to a garden’s geographic area, and they have become increasingly popular. This course is ideal for landscapers, landscape designers and horticulturalists as well as avid gardeners who are keen to create a natural garden setting – in their own backyard!
The Certificate of Natural Garden Design is an online program that will teach you how to design and create a range of natural gardens from bush gardens to environmentally sustainable landscapes.
In this professional development course, you will explore the history and scope of natural gardens and develop a detailed concept plan using the concepts of unity, proportion, harmony, colour, contrast, form, tone and texture (among others!)
You will also learn how to construct and maintain a natural garden, including learning about a wide variety of plants and garden features like rockeries, water features and paths.
On completion of this course, you will know how to design, construct and maintain a sustainable natural garden, and have enhanced the qualifications of your ‘green thumb’!
Course Structure
Unit - Natural Garden Design
Unit 1 – Introduction to natural wild and bush gardens
- What is a natural garden?
- What is a natural, wild or bush garden?
- Soil names and composition
- Improving soils
- Drainage and improving infiltration
- Mulches
- Soil mixes
- Resources
- Plant review worksheets
- Plant collection options
- How to press a plant
- Plant identification sheet
Unit 2 – History of natural, wild and bush gardens
- Natural garden movement
- The history of gardening
- Landscape designers
- Garden designers and landscape architects
- Natural gardening approaches
Unit 3 – Developing concept plans
- Principles of landscapes
- Quality of components
- Creating effects
- Pre-planning
- Dimensions and other measurements
- Studying the environment
- Council By-laws
- Drawing plans (graphics)
- Landscape plans and symbols
- Plant representation on landscape plans
- Designing a playground, home garden or park garden
Unit 4 – Plants for natural gardens
- Planting procedures
- Fertilisers and planting times
- Frost protection
- Old trees
- Pruning
- Building raised beds
- Mulching materials
- Plant nutrition
- Propagation of native plants
- Four main seed sources
- Understanding cuttings
- Native and natural garden plants
- Temperate climate wild gardens
- Australian native and natural garden plants
Unit 5 – Planting design in natural gardens
- Natural gardening planting design
- Successions
- Native planting design
- Three tier planting design
- Aesthetic criteria for planting design
- Procedures for planting design
- Plant applications
- Tips for buying trees
- Weed control
- Invasive plants
- Plants that take over
- Plant health
- Parasitic problems
- Controlling problems
- Rainforest gardens
- Meadow gardens
- Woodland gardens
- Desert gardens
- Arid desert gardens
- Xeriscapes
- Wetland gardens
- Garden maintenance
Unit 6 – Garden features
- Flexibility
- Ornamentation
- Pathways
- Terraces and patios
- Drainage
- Erosion
- Maintaining a slope
- Walls
- Timber walls
- Rockeries
- Artificial rocks
- Coating mix recipes
Unit 7 – Natural gardens and wildlife today
- Landscaping and wildlife
- Birds and gardens
- Australian native birds
- Plants that benefit and attract birds
- Things birds look for
- Feeding birds
- Bird and bat boxes
- Ponds
- Other animals
- Shaded areas
- Ferns
- Other plant choices
Unit 8 – Bringing it all together
- Tips for natural garden planning
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Garden size and location
- Arranging plants
- Using trees
- Functions of a garden
Assessment
When you study with Australian Online Courses you will be assessed using a competency-based training method. Competency-based training focuses on a learner’s ability to receive, respond to and process information to achieve a competency result. As such, skills-based and knowledge assessments are geared towards attainment to meet industry-defined standards.
Assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, including short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Landscapers
- Garden Designers
- Home Owners
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