Horticulture: Landscape Design Certificate

Program Description

The Horticulture Landscape Design Certificate is designed to prepare students for certification as Professional Landscape Designers. The certificate is designed to develop those skills in plant identification and culture, landscape construction skills, the maintenance of landscapes, as well as hand drawing, sketching, technical drafting, computer aided design, and portfolio assessments. This program is affiliated with the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, graduates will be able to:

1. Identify the current repertoire of trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines, annuals, biennials, and perennials by botanical and common names, describe the outstanding characteristics of each; summarize landscape uses, know their cultural requirements; design herbaceous and mixed borders.
2. Evaluate landscape areas and needs; select and place plants in a design; design and place hardscape features in a landscape; draw plans using traditional equipment and computer aided tools; outline techniques for low maintenance needs in both residential and commercial properties.
3. Transfer portions of aerial designs into perceptual designs, using sketching techniques; develop a plan for pricing out landscape projects and bids; demonstrate oral skills to clients on design ideas; design landscape garden plans using computer design programs; manipulate computer designs to illustrate to landscape design development over time.
4. Demonstrate how to bring color to the landscape through the four seasons with herbaceous and woody plants; how to establish and manage mass planting through the year.
5. Demonstrate and explain how to prune deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs for a variety of purposes.
6. Interpret fertilizer needs for particular plants from the general recommendations of a soil analysis; recognize signs of nutrient deficiency.
7. Demonstrate techniques for designing small properties; plan and select plants for different kinds of gardens (examples: for woods, meadows, marshes, water, rock gardens).
8. Relate the historical development of the garden through the ages and be able to recognize the contributions and influences of great designers on gardens today.
9. Relate and demonstrate how to use all the subtleties of color and design in the garden in two-dimensional and three-dimensional formats.
10. Initiate, develop and present a significant design as an independent study project.
11. Demonstrate a responsible attitude in relationships with employers, fellow employees, and toward the world of work.
12. Access available resources to incorporate technological innovations.
13. Be prepared for certification as a Professional Landscape Designer.
14. Initiate landscape design through computer-aided programs.

This Certificate is eligible for WIOA funding. The program prepares students to obtain their certification as a Landscape Designer through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. It also assists students with future career prospects as a Landscape Architect through the transfer to a four-year degree program.

Certificate Requirements

• Horticulture Certificate
• Horticulture, AS