PLANNING LAYOUT AND CONSTRUCTION OF ORNAMENTAL GARDENS BHT242

Develop an in depth understanding of the principles and procedures for all aspects of planning for development of a hard landscape; including: site assessment, plan drawing, plan interpretation, project specification and construction planning.

• It assumes a foundation knowledge of landscape and horticultural management.

• It is a valuable study program for even those who have worked in landscaping for some time, but whio seek a deeper and broader knowledge of garden renovation.

• This course has been developed by professionals in both Australia and the UK, with the aim of being relevant throughout the world.

All of these things are relatively uncontrollable; although the way the landscape is designed will impact on these characteristics as well. 

Examples:

• Planting large plants can modify existing microclimates by buffering temperature fluctuations, changing light intensities etc.
• Changing contours can alter soil temperatures, soil moisture, exposure to light, as well as drainage patterns, etc.
• Treatments of surfaces can change drainage characteristics, soil conditions,
• Buildings, drainage pipes, services (electricity, gas etc)can be affected by the nature and type of landscape treatment

Some styles of landscape are going to cause greater changes to a landscape than others.

Course Structure

There are 10 lessons in this module as follows:

1. Site Appraisal, Interpretation and Risk Assessment

• Scope and Nature of Site Survey
• Prior Site Use
• Tree Data
• Tree Impact and Suitability
• Building Construction Data, etc
• Chid Proofing a Garden
• Managing Slippery Surfaces
• Risk Assessment of a Landscape Construction Site
• Keeping a Work Site Safe

2. Preparing Site Plans and Specifications

• Base Plan
• Topographic Plan
• Design Drawing
• Different Types of Lines
• How Much Detail in a Plan
• Completed Designs

3. Influence of Site Characteristics

• Introduction
• High Impact Site Changes
• Creating User Friendly Gardens
• Providing Shade
• Understanding the Sun's Path and changing effects
• Determining Shadow length
• Making a Garden Warmer
• Paths
• Garden Features
• Entries, Exits, Gateways
• Fragrant Plants
• Focal Points
• Types of Gardens
• Dry Gardens
• Extending a Garden's Potential

4. The Use of Hard Landscape Features

• Hard Surfacing
• Laying Pavers
• Concrete Use
• Pebble Gardens
• Fences
• Inexpensive Fencing
• Rockeries
• Stone Walls
• Planning for Children's Play Provision

5. Setting out a Site to Scale Plans and Drawings

• Plans
• Survey Techniques

6. Soil Handling and Storage

• Excavation
• Changing Levels
• Slope Stability
• Soil Types
• Foundations
• Maintaining Vegetation for Soil Stability
• Developing a Grading Plan Grading and Filling Operations
• Earthmoving Equipment and Operators
• Cost of Earthworks

7. Land Drainage Systems

• How Much Drainage is Needed
• Solving Drainage Problems
• Creating a Drain Pit
• Draining Turf
• Springs and Underground Water
• Sub Surface Draining
• Rainwater Harvesting and Storage
• Bore Water
• Grey Water
• Diverting Storm Water
• Water Quality

8. Ground Preparation Techniques

• Working Soil
• Cultivation Equipment
• Making Garden Beds
• Raised Beds
• Sunken Gardens
• No Dig Beds
• Earthmoving
• Buying Soils
• Changing Ground Shape

9. Construction of Paths and Patios

• Paths
• Soft and Hard Paths
• Load Bearing Capacity
• Paving
• The Effect of Paving Design
• Paving on a Slope
• Paving Maintenance
• Verandahs
• Timber Decks
• Decking Materials
• Hand rails and Balustrades
• Steps
• Decking Round Pools
• Paints and Stains
• Heavy Work: Lifting with machines or without

10. Construction of Steps, Ramps, Dwarf Walls and Fences

• Changing levels
• Steps
• Ramps
• Railings
• Retaining Walls
• Types of Retaining Walls
• Building a Brick Wall
• Dry Stone Walls
• Rendering Walls
• Wet Walls
• Fencing and Fencing Materials

Aims

• 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

REFERENCE BOOKS
ACS operates a student bookshop that supplies a range of horticulture texts to supplement our courses.
Many are written by the principal (well known gardening author John Mason), or other staff. All have been reviewed and approved by our academic experts (to be accurate and relevant to students studying our horticulture courses).

• Student discounts are available to anyone studying with ACS Distance Education.
• Both printed books and ebooks (as downloads) available

GROWING TREES and SHRUBS for SMALL GARDENS by John Mason

http://www.acsbookshop.com/products/1684-growing-trees-and-shrubs-for-small-gardens.aspx

TROPICAL and WARM CLIMATE GARDENING  by John Mason (publisher Bay Books)  Printed Book

 

TROPICAL PLANTS by John Mason (publisher ACS)   E Book
http://www.acsbookshop.com/products/2248-tropical-plants-pdf.aspx

• Click on above link for info
• Sample pages available to download for all ebook
• E Books can be purchased online for immediate download (Can be read on a computer, ipad, iphone, lap top, most book readers or similar devices).
• GO TO www.acsbookshop.com for more titles