Foundation Certificate in Residential Garden Planning and Care Level 2

A fast track entry level certificate to start a career in landscaping - covering residential garden planning & care, landscape design, plant establishment & maintenance.

Course Code: VHT039
Fee Code: S3
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 150 hours
Qualification Certificate
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 Home Studies Course -Start your Gardening or Landscaping Career in Horticulture Here

 

There are 10 lessons here, spread across 4 units:

Unit 1 – Garden features, plant selection and planning.
Unit 2 – The choice, establishment and maintenance of garden plants and lawns.
Unit 3 – The production of outdoor vegetables and fruit.
Unit 4 – Protected environments and their use in plant cultivation.
  • Study Online; or using CD or printed notes : your choice
  • 100 hours study where and when you want, from anywhere in the world, and complete the course as fast or slow as best suits you
  • Options available to build on this course with further studies (leading to further and higher qualifications)

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Principles of Garden Design
    • Introduction
    • Landscape Principles (Unity, Balance, Proportion, Harmony, Contrast, Rythm)
    • Design Elements (Line, Form, Mass, Space, Texture, Colour, Tone)
    • Landscape Effects
    • Colour in Garden Design
    • Formal Gardens
    • Informal Gardens
    • Cottage Gardens
    • Minimalist Gardens
    • Natural Landscapes
    • Oriental Gardens
    • Mediterranean Gardens
    • Tropical Gardens
    • Plant Identification, Culture and Use -Reviewing a range of plants
  2. Conducting Garden Surveys and Planning
    • Appraising a Site and Collecting Data for Planning
    • Components of the Pre Planning Phase
    • Use of Hard Garden Features and Hard Surfaces
    • Scale for Landscape Plans
    • Triangulation
    • Surveying Slope
    • Direct Contouring
    • The Grid System
    • Levelling Terminology and Procedure
    • The site Plan
    • Concept Plan
    • Final Plan
    • Other Plans
    • Design Procedure
    • Landscape Graphics
    • Putting Pen to Paper
    • Lettering and Graphics
  3. Use of Hard Landscaping Features
    • Hard and Soft Landscaping
    • Surfaces in the Garden
    • Paving
    • Using Pebbles
    • Rockeries
    • Mulching and Erosion Matting
    • Barriers and Walls
    • Trellis
    • Types of Fencing
    • Patios
    • Seating
    • Garden Structures
    • Garden Art, Features and Furnishings
    • Pools, Ponds and Water Gardens
    • Environmental Sustainability
  4. Use of Soft Garden Features
    • Choosing Plants
    • Purchasing Plants
    • Trees in the Landscape (Deciduous, Semi Deciduous, Evergreen)
    • Shrubs
    • Perennials and Herbs
    • Types of Herb Gardens
    • Wildflower Meadows
    • Perennial Displays
    • Annuals
    • Flower Bed Design
    • Cottage Gardens
    • Scented Plants
    • Climbers and Growing plants on Trellis
    • Lawns and Turf varieties
  5. Plant Establishment and Maintenance
    • Plants in the Landscape
    • Plant Selection
    • Environmental Factors
    • Improving Environmental Conditions
    • Selecting the Right Plant
    • Which Plant to Buy
    • Understanding Soils and Fertility
    • Plant Nutrition
    • Preparing a Garden
    • Transplanting Techniques
    • Fertilising and Staking
    • Planting Bare Rooted Plants
    • Time of Planting
    • Planting Mistakes to Avoid
    • Gardening in Dry Areas
    • Colourful Year Round Foliage
    • Establishing Annual and Herbaceous Plants
    • Seed
    • Selecting Herbaceous Plants and Bulbs
    • Dividing and Separating Perennials
    • Herbaceous Borders
    • Maximising Flower Displays
    • Selecting Woody Plants
    • Trees and Tree Health
    • Selecting Flowering Shrubs
    • Hedges
    • Climbers
    • Water Plants and Pond Management
    • Plant Health
    • Weed Management
  6. Pruning
    • What, Where and Why Prune
    • Removing Dead and Diseased Wood
    • Controlling Type of Growth
    • Distinguishing between Bud Types
    • Controlling Shape and Size
    • Pruning to Rejuvinate a Plant
    • Winter Pruning
    • How to Prune
    • Pruning Different Specific Plant Genera
    • Espaliers
    • Dead Heading
    • Tree Pruning
    • Stopping, Disbudding, Root Pruning, Dead heading etc.
  7. Lawns; Establishment and Maintenance
    • Turf Establishment
    • Soil Preparation
    • Seeding, Stolonising, Sodding, Sprigging, Plugging
    • Mowers and Mowing Turf
    • Fertilising Turf
    • Renovation: aeration, scarification, top dressing etc
  8. Outdoor Food Production; Vegetables
    • Introduction to Growing Outdoor Food Crops
    • Growing Techniques for Vegetables
    • Planning a Crop
    • Starting a Vegetable Garden
    • Managing the Crop (Weed Control, Pests, Water etc)
    • Special Techniques: No Dig, Green Manure, Cover Crops, Compost etc)
    • Sustainable Cultivation Techniques
    • Planting Techniques
    • Review of major Vegetable Crops
    • Managing Water and Irrigation
  9. Outdoor Food Production; Fruit
    • Choosing a Site and Establishing an Orchard
    • Location, Climate, Rainfall and other Site Considerations
    • Deciding what to Grow
    • Scope of Fruit Growing
    • Pest and Disease Management on Fruit -Chemical and Non Chemical
    • Environmental Problems and their Management
    • Pruning Fruit Trees
    • Pollination
    • Review of Sigificant types of Fruits, Berries and Citrus
    • Developing a Production Plan
  10. Protected Cultivation
    • Introduction to Protected Growing
    • Types of Growing Structures
    • Factors Affecting Light Transmission in Growing Structures
    • Management of Greenhouses: Benches, Hygeine, Watering, Temperature Control etc
    • Shade Houses
    • Computerised Environmental Control
    • Heating Systems
    • Controlling Light
    • Irrigation & Nutrition Control
    • Feeding Plants
    • Pest and Disease Control in Greenhouses
    • Containers for Growing in
    • Potting Media
    • Indoor Plants and their Management

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.

Aims

  • Develop an understanding of: design principles and how to apply them; basic surveying; garden features, plant selection; garden planning.
  • Develop an understanding of plant selection, establishment and maintenance of a range of ornamental plants and lawns.
  • Develop an understanding of basic cultural operations and production methods for outdoor vegetable and fruit crops.
  • Develop an understanding of: environmental controls, uses and appropriate applications of greenhouses and other protected plant growing structures; the production of a range of plants in protected structures and the care of plants in the house and conservatory.

How Can This Course Help You?

This highly instructive course offers great value for money to people seeking to refine their knowledge and skills in setting out gardens of different styles, understanding how to use plants in the landscape, general horticulture practices, as well as fruit, vegetable and greenhouse growing. Students not only develop awareness of hard landscaping elements but also an appreciation of how to install, grow and maintain different types of plants from lawns to hedges.
People who take this course include those working in, or aspiring to work in:

  • Garden design
  • Landscaping & construction
  • Garden maintenance
  • General horticulture
  • Garden centres
  • Orchards

It is also suited to avid gardeners and enthusiastic novices who have a keen interest in horticulture and gardening generally.  

 

 

Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Principal of ACS Distance Education, John Mason, is fellow of the CIH.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding in your selected discipline. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (6 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

Yvonne Sharpe

RHS Cert.Hort, Dip.Hort, M.Hort, Cert.Ed., Dip.Mgt. Over 30 years experience in business, education, management and horticulture. Former department head at a UK government vocational college. Yvonne has traveled widely within and beyond Europe, and has worked in many areas of horticulture from garden centres to horticultural therapy. She has served on industry committees and been actively involved with amateur garden clubs for decades.

John Mason (Horticulturist)

Parks Manager, Nurseryman, Landscape Designer, Garden Writer and Consultant.
Over 40 years experience; working in Victoria, Queensland and the UK.
He is one of the most widely published garden writers in the world.

Diana Cole

B.A. (Hons), Dip. Horticulture, BTEC Dip. Garden Design, Diploma Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector), P.D.C.
In addition to the qualifications listed above, Diana holds City & Guild construction qualifications and an NPTC pesticide spraying licence (PA1/PA6). Diana runs her own landscape gardening business (Arbella Gardens). Active in many organisations including the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

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