RHS Level 3, Principles of Garden Planning, Construction & Planting

RHS Principles of Garden Planning, Planting & Construction Courses. RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting (Theory).

Having successfully completed the RHS Level 2 Certificates, you'll then progress to the more advanced Level 3 programme.

On successful completion of this Level 3 certificate course, you will have acquired more skills covering:

• in-depth garden design
• garden construction an landscaping
• planting skills

To obtain this RHS qualification you will need to pass four unit exams, held by the RHS in February and June annually. You must register for them before the set deadline. Exam fees are payable direct to the RHS .

Free Past exam papers are readily available from RHS.

• RHS Exams and Syllabus Changes for 2021 - download

The four unit exams are:

1. Garden Survey Techniques and Design Principles
2. Selection and Use of Landscaping Elements in the Garden
3. Setting out and Construction of Landscaping Elements in the Garden
4. Specialist Elements in the Establishment of Garden and Urban Plantings

Course Duration:
The Total Qualification Time (TQT) given for this course is 202 hours.

UNIT 1 – GARDEN SURVEY TECHNIQUES AND DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Outcome 1: Understand how to develop a client brief

• 1.1 Identify the information which needs to be gathered from the client.
• 1.2 Describe how information is gathered to develop the client

Outcome 2: Understand how to carry out a site appraisal

2.1 State what existing features and characteristics need to be recorded.

• 2.2 State what methods are used to collect and record site information.
• 2.3 Explain the influence of features and characteristics on choice of design

Outcome 3: Understand a range of basic surveying techniques

• 3.1 Describe the linear surveying of a site using appropriate equipment.
• 3.2 Describe the level surveying of a site using appropriate equipment.
• 3.3 Interpret survey measurements from standard documentation.
• 3.4 Describe scale drawings produced from survey data

Outcome 4: Understand the principles of garden design

• 4.1 Explain the principles of garden design.
• 4.2 Describe examples of the application of the elements in 4

Outcome 5: Understand the historical development of garden design styles

• 5.1 Describe representative characteristics of the following garden design styles:
• Medieval, Moorish, Renaissance (Italian, French and Dutch), English Landscape,
• Victorian, Modernist, Japanese
• 5.2 Review the factors that influence the design of domestic

UNIT 2 – SELECTION AND USE OF LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS IN THE GARDEN

Outcome 1: Understand the Contribution made by Hard Landscaping Features to Garden Design

• 1.1 Identify how hard landscaping features may contribute to garden design.
• 1.2 Describe a range of materials suitable for these hard landscaping features to meet aesthetic, functional and sustainable design requirements.
• 1.3 Evaluate the suitability of hard landscaping materials and features to ensure accessibility for all garden users.
• 1.4 Review how considerations of safety may influence the choice of structures and materials used in the garden

Outcome 2: Understand the Contribution made by Soft Landscaping Features to the Design of a Garden

• 2.1 Describe soft landscaping features that contribute to garden design
• 2.2 Select plants suitable for a range of soft landscaping situations
• 2.4 Describe the design possibilities of grassed areas ( including mowing effects and heights, turf mazes)
• 2.5 Describe the use of planting plans

UNIT 3 – SETTING OUT AND CONSTRUCTION OF LANDSCAPING ELEMENTS IN THE GARDEN

Outcome 1: Understand the Planning Involved in the Realisation of a Garden Design

• 1.1 Explain the need to plan landscape works

Outcome 2: Understand the Practical Procedures for Setting out a Site

• 2.1 Describe how to set out the major features of a design on the ground
• 2.2 Describe how to set out the required levels on site

Outcome 3: Understand the Reasons for Correct Groundwork Procedures

• 3.1 Describe the correct handling, storage and reinstatement of soil during site construction
• 3.2 Select the type of drainage system required in various situations
• 3.3 Describe the foundations for hard landscaping

Outcome 4: Know Materials and Construction Procedures for Garden Surfaces

• 4.1 Describe a range of appropriate materials for garden surfaces
• 4.2 Describe the procedures for laying the surface materials mentioned in 4.1

Outcome 5: Know materials and construction procedures for garden walls, fences and pergolas

• 5.1 Describe materials that are suitable for the construction of garden walls
• 5.2 Describe materials suitable for garden fences
• 5.3 Describe materials suitable for pergolas and arches
• 5.4 Describe the construction of walls, fences and pergolas

UNIT 4 – SPECIALIST ELEMENTS IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GARDEN AND URBAN PLANTINGS

Outcome 1. Understand the Practices of Establishing and Maintaining Planting in a Range of Specialist Areas

• 1.1 Describe the characteristics of a range of specialist areas
• 1.2 Identify establishment and maintenance issues associated with specialist areas
• 1.4 Understand how water conservation can be applied in soft landscaping

Outcome 2. Understand Pruning in the Establishment and Maintenance of Specialist Plantings

• 2.1 Describe the use of specialist pruning techniques
• 2.2 Describe establishment and maintenance pruning

Horticulturalists, Garden Enthusiasts, Home Gardeners, Landscapers, Garden Designers.

A pc or laptop with internet connection

Studying horticulture creates a world potential for every nature lover in search of a career. Plants are one of the most important organisms in our world. We eat them, we grow them, we use them for ornamentation and even medicine.