Design residential landscapes clients approve on the first presentation — site analysis, planting design, hardscape, and plan drawings.
Who this course is for
Landscapers moving into design, garden enthusiasts going professional, and realtors/stagers adding curb-appeal design services.
What you’ll be able to do
- Run a site analysis and client discovery that drives the design
- Apply design principles: form, scale, line, focal points, and flow
- Build planting plans by zone, exposure, and maintenance level
- Integrate hardscape: patios, paths, walls, and drainage
- Produce presentation plans and a design-fee business model
Course curriculum
Module 1: Site analysis and client discovery
Design starts with constraints.
Module 2: Design principles that make spaces work
The principles behind every design that feels right: unity and repetition, scale and proportion (plant size at maturity, not at purchase), line and form to move the eye, focal points, and the outdoor-rooms concept for organizing a property.
Module 3: Planting design: structure, layers, and seasons
A professional planting method: structure plants first (trees, evergreen bones), then layered masses, then seasonal interest and groundcover.
Module 4: Hardscape and drainage integration
Covers patio and path sizing/placement (circulation widths, dining vs.
Module 5: Drawing the plan: from base map to presentation
Covers building a scaled base map from measurements or GIS imagery, bubble diagrams to concept plans, the final presentation plan (symbols, labels, plant schedule, materials legend) by hand or with accessible software, and simple section/elevation sketches for grade changes.
Module 6: Pricing, proposals, and working with installers
The business layer: design-fee models (flat, per-square-foot, percentage), the proposal that sells the design phase separately from installation, phasing plans for budget-limited clients, producing installer-ready documents, and site visits during installation to protect design intent.
How it works
Self-paced online course. Lifetime access. Work through the modules in order, apply the checklists on real jobs, and finish with a Certificate of Completion.
FAQ
Is this a license or certification? No. This is skills training. You receive a Certificate of Completion. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade — always verify your local requirements.
How long do I have access? Lifetime access, including updates.
What if it’s not for me? Contact support within 14 days of purchase.