Learn to Choose the Right Style for the Right Garden

Gardens come in all sorts of styles. They can reflect a sense of formality or informality; a warmth or a coolness, or a particular culture or environment.

This course explores the many styles of garden that can be found across the globe; and the ways in which a garden designer can recreate gardens that reflect a particular style.

The art of gardening is diverse, and gardens around the world will reflect respective cultures from the countries they originate in. The Chinese and Japanese have developed their own traditional style, as have the Europeans and Middle Eastern cultures.

Over more recent times; new and different styles of gardening have developed in Australia, America and even South America, to reflect the influences of culture, climate, art and fashion.

Be creative in your approach to design

Take this comprehensive course to learn about a broad range of garden styles. Find out how to use colour and texture to create different ambiences, the role of water in garden design, how history has influenced design, and what makes formal gardens, oriental gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and other styles.

Discover how to create modern gardens or how to incorporate different elements into an eclectic garden. Learn how to choose a style to suit the location.

There are 10 lessons in this course:

• Creating the Mood
• Historic Gardens
• Formal Gardens
• Oriental Gardens
• Middle Eastern and Spanish Style
• Mediterranean Gardens
• Coastal Gardens
• Modern Gardens
• Eclectic Gardens

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.

What You Will Do

• Visit different gardens to assess the mood of each garden. Take time to observe each garden and try to identify the different elements that contribute to the garden mood.
• Observe how colour has been used in the three different gardens. Observe the colours of both plants and hard surfaces, and the way the colours have been combined.
• Visit an historic garden in your area. Identify different features that make this an historic garden.
• Visit a formal garden in your area. Identify features that make this a formal garden.
• Visit an oriental garden either in person or by research.
• Search for more information on gardens that reflect the styles.
• Make notes of anything you find which is interesting and could be used in development of a Mediterranean style of garden in the locality in which you live.
• Visit (make a virtual or real visit) a coastal region near where you live (coast of a lake or sea) and observe the type of plants that are growing near the seashore. Also observe the plants and design elements of nearby gardens. (If you are unable to visit a coastal region, use descriptions of coastal sites and gardens from books, magazines and the internet.)
• Visit a modern courtyard garden (if there is no suitable garden in your area, use a garden described in a book, magazine or on the internet). Identify and describe the elements that make this a ‘modern’ garden. How has the designer overcome the restrictions of the site to create a feeling of spaciousness?
• Search through telephone books, magazines and the internet to find suppliers of materials suitable for eclectic gardens such as pots, sundials, pebbles, statues, wrought iron, tiles, gazebos, seats, wind chimes, etc. Visit as many suppliers as possible and inspect these materials. Find out about their cost, availability and longevity.
• Depending upon where you live, visit a dryland, permaculture, tropical, or rainforest garden in your area (if there is no suitable garden in your area, use a garden described in a book, magazine or on the internet). Identify and describe the elements that determine the style of this garden.

A Statement of Attainment in Landscaping III (Landscaping Styles) is a valuable credential for a diverse group of individuals who are keen on advancing their knowledge and skills in landscaping. Here are some groups who would significantly benefit from this course:

• Aspiring Landscape Designers

Individuals who are looking to start a career in landscape design will find this course particularly beneficial. It provides foundational knowledge in various landscaping styles, helping them to create aesthetically pleasing and functional outdoor spaces.

• Current Landscaping Professionals

Professionals already working in the landscaping industry can enhance their expertise and stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in landscaping styles. This qualification can open doors to advanced career opportunities and higher earning potential.

• Garden Enthusiasts and Hobbyists

Home gardeners and hobbyists who have a passion for landscaping can gain formal recognition of their skills. This course will help them to better design and maintain their own gardens, utilizing professional landscaping principles.

• Real Estate Developers and Property Managers

Real estate developers and property managers can benefit from understanding landscaping styles to enhance the curb appeal and overall value of their properties. Knowledge of landscaping can help them make informed decisions about property development and maintenance.

• Environmental and Horticultural Consultants

Consultants in the fields of environment and horticulture can broaden their scope of services by incorporating landscaping design into their repertoire. This qualification equips them with the necessary skills to advise clients on sustainable and aesthetically pleasing landscaping solutions.

• Event Planners and Wedding Coordinators

Event planners and wedding coordinators can utilize landscaping knowledge to create beautiful outdoor event spaces. Understanding various landscaping styles allows them to better plan and execute outdoor events that leave lasting impressions.

• Municipal and Community Planners

Professionals involved in planning and developing public spaces, such as parks and community gardens, will benefit from this course by learning how to design spaces that are both functional and visually appealing.

Key Benefits of the Course:

• Enhanced Creativity: Develop innovative landscaping solutions tailored to different environments and client preferences.
• Professional Growth: Achieve a recognized credential that can boost your career prospects in the landscaping industry.
• Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to real-world projects.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals in the field of landscaping, fostering valuable industry relationships.

By completing the Statement of Attainment in Landscaping III (Landscaping Styles), individuals can not only improve their professional capabilities but also contribute to creating beautiful, sustainable, and enjoyable outdoor environments.