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Linda Kelso

Does your garden or yard need an update, but you don't know where to start? Have you looked hiring a designer or landscape architect, only to realize it would cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars? Or, did you get a free design from a local nursery, and noticed that, well, it left a lot to be desired?If you want a professionally designed garden, and you like to DIY, this is the course for you. In this course, you'll not only learn the techniques professional designer use, you'll create your own customized design. Each lecture includes an assignment that will help guide you, step by step, through creating a garden or landscape design.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn when it's better to diy, and when you should hire a professional
  • Learn how to create your own customized garden or landscape design
  • Understand how to clearly communicate your design goals to a professional landscape designer or architect
  • Techniques for keeping yourself in compliance with local laws and ordinances

Syllabus

Course Introduction

Learn how this course will help you create your own customized garden design.

Good garden or landscape design goes way beyond pretty flowers and shrubs! Learn how a good design can make your yard more useful and enjoyable.

Read more

When you create a design, do you pick plants first? Nope!  In this lecture, learn the role plants play in design, and when you should pick them.

Spring, summer, fall, winter.  When is the best time to create a design? In this lecture, I explain that the answer depends on a lot of factors, and give recommendations on when to start your design so you can take advantage of the growing season.

Read this important disclaimer before continuing the course!

Steps for Creating Your Custom Garden Design

Learn how to get the most out of this course by watching this lecture.

The design process starts with identifying what you want and need in your current garden or landscape.

A great design is about you just as much as it's about your plants! Take a landscape personality test to help you create a design the suits you.

Your design needs to be both safe and legal, so in this lecture we cover ways to do both.

Have problems in your landscape or garden? We all do! Here's how you can solve them.

Time to draw! Learn how to create simple sketches that will bring your design to life.

Let me guide you through the process of selecting plants that will thrive in your garden, and help you solve problems in your landscape.

There are lots of design options out there, from sketching to professional design software.  I'll show you some options and help you figure out what may work best for you.

Once you have a design, you need to decide if you want to DIY the install, or hire a professional.  This lecture helps you pick which is better for you, plus provides some helpful tips on what to expect after your design is installed.

DIY Garden Design Quiz
Bonus Content

Learn more about scientific names, and why they help you pick exactly the plant you want.

Some of my favorite garden design books are listed here.  They can help you go deeper and learn more about landscape design.

Bonus Lecture: Get a Free E-Book and An Exclusive Discount!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Ideal for DIYers who want to create a professionally designed garden or landscape
Provides step-by-step guidance through the design process, making it accessible for beginners
Covers key principles of garden and landscape design, enabling learners to create functional and visually appealing spaces
Emphasizes the importance of safety and legal compliance in garden design
Offers practical tips for solving common problems in garden and landscape design
Provides guidance on selecting plants and materials that are suitable for learners' specific needs and preferences

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Reviews summary

Creative gardening know-how

Learners say they will imagine, plan, and create beautiful gardens with the help of this course's creative and engaging content.
This course sparks imagination and design.
"...envolviendo a la imaginacion y al diseño."
"muy creativo."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gardening Know How: DIY Garden Design with these activities:
Organize your course materials
Organizing your course materials will help you stay on track and find the information you need quickly.
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing your notes, assignments, and other materials.
  • Store your materials in a safe and accessible place.
  • Review your materials regularly to reinforce your learning.
Volunteer at a local botanical garden or nursery
Volunteering at a local botanical garden or nursery will give you hands-on experience in gardening and allow you to learn from experts.
Browse courses on Gardening
Show steps
  • Contact your local botanical garden or nursery and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend a volunteer orientation.
  • Help with tasks such as planting, weeding, and watering.
  • Ask questions and learn from the staff and other volunteers.
Follow a step-by-step guide to create a planting plan
Following a step-by-step guide to create a planting plan will ensure that you choose the right plants for your garden and arrange them in a way that maximizes their visual impact.
Show steps
  • Find a guide that matches your climate and garden style.
  • Gather information about your garden's soil, sun exposure, and other conditions.
  • Select plants that meet your needs and preferences.
  • Create a planting plan that shows where each plant will be placed.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read "The Well-Tended Perennial Garden"
This book provides comprehensive information on planning, planting, and maintaining a perennial garden.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of the book.
  • Read the book cover to cover or focus on specific chapters that are relevant to your interests.
  • Take notes or highlight important passages.
  • Apply the information you learn to your own garden design.
Sketch different garden layouts
Practicing sketching different garden layouts will help you visualize your design ideas and create a more cohesive plan.
Browse courses on Garden Design
Show steps
  • Choose a piece of graph paper or tracing paper.
  • Draw the outline of your garden space.
  • Sketch different arrangements of plants, trees, and other features.
  • Experiment with different scales and perspectives.
Develop a scale model of your garden design
Creating a scale model of your garden design will allow you to visualize your plan in 3D and make any necessary adjustments before you start planting.
Browse courses on Garden Design
Show steps
  • Gather materials such as cardboard, foam board, and glue.
  • Create a scale drawing of your garden space.
  • Cut out and assemble the pieces of your scale model.
  • Add plants, trees, and other features to your model.
Create a blog post or video about your garden design process
Creating a blog post or video about your garden design process will help you reflect on what you've learned and share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on Garden Design
Show steps
  • Choose a topic that you're passionate about.
  • Write or record your content in a clear and engaging way.
  • Share your content with others online.
  • Respond to comments and questions from your audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Gardening Know How: DIY Garden Design will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Landscape Designer
This course is highly relevant if you are interested in a career as a Landscape Designer. Landscape Designers create outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and other public areas. They use their knowledge of plants, soil, and construction to create beautiful and functional spaces. This course can help you learn the basics of landscape design, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different elements of a landscape design, such as plants, hardscapes, and water features. You'll also learn how to create a design that is both beautiful and functional.
Garden Designer
If you are interested in a career as a Garden Designer, this course can be useful. Garden Designers create and maintain gardens for both residential and commercial clients. They use their knowledge of plants, soil, and design to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. This course can help you learn the basics of garden design, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different elements of a garden design, such as plants, hardscapes, and water features. You'll also learn how to create a design that is both beautiful and functional.
Restoration Ecologist
This course can be useful for those interested in a career as a Restoration Ecologist. Restoration Ecologists work to restore damaged ecosystems to their natural state. They use their knowledge of plants, soil, and ecology to create plans for restoration. This course can help you learn the basics of restoration ecology, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of ecosystems, how to assess them, and how to develop plans for restoration.
Landscape Architect
This course can be useful if you are interested in a career as a Landscape Architect. Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and other public areas. They use their knowledge of plants, soil, and construction to create beautiful and functional spaces. This course can help you learn the basics of landscape design, which can be helpful for getting started in this field. You'll learn about the different elements of a landscape design, such as plants, hardscapes, and water features. You'll also learn how to create a design that is both beautiful and functional.
Horticulturist
This course can be useful if you are interested in a career as a Horticulturist. Horticulturists are responsible for the care and cultivation of plants. They work in a variety of settings, such as greenhouses, nurseries, and botanical gardens. This course can help you learn the basics of horticulture, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of plants, how to care for them, and how to solve problems that may arise.
Conservation Biologist
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Conservation Biologist. Conservation Biologists work to protect and conserve endangered species and their habitats. They use their knowledge of ecology, biology, and conservation to develop plans for conservation. This course can help you learn the basics of conservation biology, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of endangered species, how to assess their populations, and how to develop plans for conservation.
Environmental Engineer
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Environmental Engineer. Environmental Engineers work to design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They use their knowledge of engineering, science, and technology to develop solutions to environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and land use. This course can help you learn the basics of environmental engineering, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of environmental issues, how to assess them, and how to develop solutions to address them.
Environmental Scientist
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Environmental Scientist. Environmental Scientists work to protect and improve the environment. They use their knowledge of science, technology, and policy to develop solutions to environmental problems. This course can help you learn the basics of environmental science, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of environmental issues, how to assess them, and how to develop solutions to address them.
Arborist
If you are interested in a career as an Arborist, this course may be useful. Arborists are responsible for the care and maintenance of trees. They work in a variety of settings, such as parks, forests, and private property. This course can help you learn the basics of arboriculture, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of trees, how to care for them, and how to solve problems that may arise.
Urban Planner
This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as an Urban Planner. Urban Planners work to create and improve cities and towns. They develop plans for land use, transportation, and other infrastructure. This course can help you learn the basics of urban planning, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of planning issues, how to assess them, and how to develop plans to address them.
Sustainability Consultant
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Sustainability Consultant. Sustainability Consultants work with businesses and organizations to help them reduce their environmental impact. They use their knowledge of sustainability, business, and technology to develop plans for sustainability. This course can help you learn the basics of sustainability, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of sustainability issues, how to assess them, and how to develop plans for sustainability.
Climate Change Analyst
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as a Climate Change Analyst. Climate Change Analysts work to assess the impacts of climate change and develop plans to adapt to them. They use their knowledge of climate science, economics, and policy to develop solutions to climate change. This course can help you learn the basics of climate change, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of climate change impacts, how to assess them, and how to develop plans to adapt to them.
Environmental Lawyer
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Environmental Lawyer. Environmental Lawyers work to protect and enforce environmental laws. They use their knowledge of law, science, and policy to advocate for the environment. This course can help you learn the basics of environmental law, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of environmental laws, how to interpret them, and how to enforce them.
Environmental Writer
This course may be useful for those interested in a career as an Environmental Writer. Environmental Writers communicate about environmental issues to the public. They use their knowledge of writing, science, and the environment to write articles, books, and other materials that inform and educate the public about environmental issues. This course can help you learn the basics of environmental writing, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of environmental writing, how to write them, and how to get them published.
Environmental Planner
This course may be useful if you are interested in a career as an Environmental Planner. Environmental Planners work to protect and improve the environment. They develop and implement plans to address environmental issues, such as pollution, climate change, and land use. This course can help you learn the basics of environmental planning, which is essential for success in this field. You'll learn about the different types of environmental issues, how to assess them, and how to develop plans to address them.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gardening Know How: DIY Garden Design.
Considered a classic in the field of garden design, this book provides comprehensive guidance on creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. It includes detailed instructions, inspiring ideas, and stunning photographs.
Written by renowned horticulturist Tovah Martin, this practical guide covers all aspects of gardening, from planning and design to planting and maintenance. It is an excellent resource for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Introduces the principles of permaculture, a sustainable design system for creating resilient and productive gardens. It provides practical guidance on site planning, water management, and companion planting.
This visually stunning guide showcases the work of renowned landscape designer Piet Oudolf. It offers practical advice on plant selection, color theory, and creating harmonious planting schemes.
Emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable and ecologically friendly gardens. It provides guidance on attracting wildlife, reducing chemical use, and promoting biodiversity.
This practical guide focuses on organic vegetable gardening techniques. It covers soil management, crop rotation, composting, and pest control. It valuable resource for those interested in sustainable and environmentally friendly gardening.
This thought-provoking book explores the history and evolution of plants that have influenced human culture and desires. It provides a unique perspective on the relationship between plants and people.
While this book covers a wide range of self-sufficiency topics, it includes a comprehensive section on gardening. It provides practical advice on sustainable practices, food preservation, and creating a self-reliant homestead.
Emphasizes the importance of biodiversity and ecological balance in gardening. It provides a scientific foundation for understanding plant interactions and creating sustainable landscapes.
This controversial book delves into the scientific evidence supporting the idea that plants have consciousness and can communicate with each other. While its theories are not universally accepted, it offers an intriguing perspective on the plant world.
Is more advanced than is necessary for this course, but it very useful and in-depth reference on plant care and growth.

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