Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a gardening enthusiast, this course will show you how to create an ecologically sustainable water garden, beyond the backyard pond or water feature. This course is ideal for landscapers, gardeners, water feature specialists and backyard enthusiasts.
The Certificate of Water Gardens is a professional development course that will develop your skills and knowledge to create stunning water gardens.
In this water garden design course, you will learn about the nature and scope of water gardens, including construction materials and techniques, equipment, construction and maintenance of pools and spas and the design of water features.
You’ll also discover the water plants typically used in water gardens, and a variety of aquatic animals that are suitable for water gardens.
On completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to create stunning water gardens and features for yourself or your clients.
Course Structure
Unit - Water Gardening
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Scope and nature of water gardens
- What size water garden
- Water supply: rain, tanks,etc
- Water quality
- Siting the water garden
- Evapouration rate, water depth, safety
- Water in garden design: formal, informal
- Edging, Water sculptures, shade
- Water effects: sound, reflection, movement, light, cooling,
- Water life: algae, fish, mosquitos, wildlife, plants
Unit 2 – Water Garden Construction
- Introduction
- Planning the water garden
- What effect do you want
- Matching the effect with the type of garden
- Shape, size and location
- Type of construction
- Surrounds
- Using a liner
- Pre formed water gardens (Kits)
- Pond edges
Unit 3 – Equipment: Pumps, Lights, Filters
- Submersible pumps
- Lighting: power source, DC power
- Lighting design with water
- Pond filtration systems: sterile or living water
- Mechanical or biological filtration
- Swimming pool filtration
- Sand filters
- Diatomaceous earth filters
- Cartridge filters
Unit 4 – Ponds and Watercourses
- Designing a natural watercourse
- Siting a stream
- Water circulation
- Pond design
- Dams
- Bog gardens
- Reed beds
- Pond management
- Oxygenating plants
Unit 5 – Spas and Swimming Pools: Design and Aftercare
- Choosing a swimming pool
- What sort of pool do you need
- Structural considerations
- Cost considerations
- Types of pools: concrete, fibreglass, vinyl
- Above or below ground
- Pump and filtration system
- What shape
- Special features in a pool
- Heating a pool
- Pool care over winter
Unit 6 – Indoor and Outdoor Water Features
- Introduction
- Pot ponds
- Water barrels
- Wall plaques and wall fountains
- Water walls
- Water spouts
- Bird baths
- Fountains
- Cobble fountain construction
- Waterfalls
- Cascades
- Canals
- Using water features in a landscape
Unit 7 – Water Plants
- Introduction
- Waterside trees and shrubs
- Bog plants
- Emergent water plants
- Floating leaf plants
- Aquatic plants
- Water lilies
- Plants to avoid in water gardens
- Surrounding plants
Unit 8 – Aquatic Animals
- Introduction
- Conditions needed by fish and aquatic animals
- Maintenance
- Fish
- Frogs
- Tortoises
- Water snails
- Insects
- Birds
- Troubleshooting
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. 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.
Testimonials
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Click Enrol Now (Credit Card) or Enrol Now (Internet Banking/BPAY)
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit.
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?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
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.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS 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 only 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
- Gardeners
- Retail water garden specialists and employees
- Backyard enthusiasts
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