Learn Methods Behind Basic Landscape Construction

Landscape construction is concerned with what it takes to build gardens and other landscapes. Since many types of construction in the landscape can be achieved in many different ways, this course serves as an introduction to some of the ways that different surfaces, enclosures and structures can be made.

Take all the guesswork out of landscape work

This course covers things like what different tools and equipment are required and how they are used, how to measure up sites and develop landscape plans, methods for improving on-site drainage, levelling and earthworks, materials used and principles underlying the construction of garden surfaces, basic garden structures and setting out irrigation.

Apply what you learn

• Work as a landscape gardener or contractor
• Start your own landscape business
• See how gardens are constructed; from forming the levels to planting the plants

Creating a new garden can be an extremely rewarding experience. Imagine if you could spend every day doing just that; and get paid for it at the same time. Good gardens start with good plans; but it doesn’t matter how good the plan might be; if the construction is not of a high standard too.  To become a good landscape builder requires a lot of different skills, and sound knowledge to underpin those skills. Top contractors are always in demand, and have been for hundreds of years.

• Start with this course to get your fundamental understanding of how to properly build the landscape
• Expand your skills through experience, applying what you learn, in your own garden, volunteering or at work.

AIMS

• Manage equipment for landscape construction projects, including tools and machinery.
• Determine earthworks for a landscape development.
• Plan the construction of different landscape structures including buildings, fences, and walls.
• Manage the installation of a simple irrigation system in gardens.
• Determine construction techniques for different buildings or installing different garden features; including paving, water gardens, rockeries and furnishings.
• Determine techniques for creating soft landscaping.
• Manage work being undertaken on a landscape construction site.

Curriculum

There are 6 lessons in this course:

1. Tools and Machinery   

• Manual Handling
• Materials used for Constructing Tools and Equipment; ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals
• Safety with Electricity
• Engine Troubleshooting
• Machine Maintenance
• Types of Machines

2. Landscape Plans and Setting out a Construction Site

• Reading Landscape Plans, Scale, etc
• Understanding and Using Triangulation
• Slope, Contouring, Grid Systems

3. Drainage in Landscape Construction

• Introduction to Drainage
• Testing Drainage
• Improving Drainage
• Improving Soil Water Infiltration

4. Earthworks

• Levelling terminology
• Levelling Procedure
• Levelling a Sloping Site
• Earthmoving/Earth Forming: creating Mounds
• Building Raised Garden Beds

5. Surfaces, Paths, Paving and Turf

• Introduction
• Surfaces for Play Areas
• Concrete; concrete, cement, mortar, variations in treatment and use
• Loose Surfacing Materials: advantages and disadvantages
• Bark Surfaces, Crushed tiles, pebbles, etc
• Paths; concrete, asphalt, etc
• Paving; laying pavers, setting out circular paving, curved paving, edges to paving
• Lawns and Turf; shape, design, establishment
• Garden Edges

6. Construction of Garden Structures (Introduction)

• Buildings in a Garden; gazebos, verandahs, storage buildings, cubbies, etc
• Where to build a building
• Floors and Foundations for Buildings
• Walls; brick construction, coping, expansion joints, etc
• Fencing.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is to be submitted to the school.

Opportunities After Your Studies

This course is of great value to people wishing to work in landscaping. It will not lead to a construction license but should provide basic skills needed to undertake small scale landscaping projects which do not require council approval.  

It is likely to benefit people who wish to add basic construction to their landscaping and gardening skills. It could serve as a platform for further study or be taken in conjunction with other modules to enhance your learning experience.

People who should take this course are those working in, or wishing to work in:

• Landscape construction
• Landscape design
• Garden maintenance
• Garden restoration or conservation
• Landscape materials supply

It could also add to the skillset of people wanting to start a landscape business, or be of value to people wishing to renovate a home garden.