Overview
Please note: This course has pre-requisites
This is a very comprehensive course, beginning with an overview of historical garden design perspectives and include examinations of art, statuary, wildlife, water, and native ecosystems in the design process. The principles of landscape design and how the various elements are used in softscaping and hardscaping will be examined in detail on how to achieve particular aesthetics and function. Design terminology and drafting skills will be applied when following the steps of the design process. Through case studies and project work, the topics of site analysis, hardscape construction and grading, estimating and landscape supplies, drainage and water solutions, site remediation and special needs will be covered. Throughout, presentation skills will be emphasized.
Student Comment
I am over the top impressed with the ELD course which should not have surprised me after the courses I've enjoyed and learned so much coming from Gaia College.
Chris Morrison, Toronto
Outline
Please download the course outline here: Ecological Landscape Design Course Outline.
Time Expectations
Students can expect to dedicate 8-10 hours per week to successfully complete this course.
As well, our courses are offered in the continuing education realm and are designed so students can complete them according to their own schedule. The work is divided up into 14 weekly topics and students are expected to complete their assigned work and quizzes by the given deadlines.
Our courses do not use online meetings, so we are not using Google Meet, Zoom or other online meeting applications.
If you have any questions about studying online with Gaia College please see our FAQs page
Fees
Fees: $795.00
Fees include:
- Comprehensive on-line educational materials
- Unlimited access to our on-line course resources, community center, including libraries, discussion forums and much more.
Payment Options
By Mail: Cheque drawn on a Canadian bank; Money order in Canadian funds
On-line: Visa, Mastercard
Policies
Please be sure you are familiar with our policies.
Prerequisites
The successful completion of the following course is pre-requisite for the online Ecological Landscape Design course:
Landscape Design Basics with Sketchup Pro (formerly Sketchup Pro for Landscape Design)
(Sketchup Pro maybe taken as a co-requisite.)
Additionally, it is strongly recommended that students have previously completed (or intend to take concurrently), or otherwise have extensive knowledge in the topics covered in the following:
Also, students must
- be proficient in English (written)
- be comfortable with current computer and internet technology, including spreadsheets and word processing programs
- have an email account capable of receiving a large number of messages for the duration of the course
- have access to high-speed internet
- have access to a computer capable of running a current version of FireFox or Chrome. Tablets and phones are not supported at this time.
Student Comment
Thanks for putting together such a great program, and you have awesome teachers!
Liz Nienaber, Victoria
Evaluations
There are no formal exams in this course, as the emphasis is on developing practical skills and the ability to synthesize information.
To receive a Certificate of Completion students must contribute to all on-line discussions and satisfactorily complete all assignments.
Student Comment
I am very grateful for the Gaia College courses because I can actually answer the questions that my clients have and sell them on things they didn't even know existed!
Elly Cruickshank, Organic Landscaper
Texts
Recommended Text
For using hand-drawn graphics:
Reid, Grant W., Landscape Graphics, 2002 Edition, Whitney Library of Design, New York. Available through Amazon.ca.
For ecological design and plant choices:
Rainer, Thomas and West, Claudia, Planting in a Post-wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes, 2015 Edition, Timber Press. Available through Amazon.ca.
Access to our extensive online resource library is included in the tuition.
Credits
This program is eligible for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) with the following:
Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA)
Also applies to B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) and Landscape Ontario
Pre-approved: 24 Credits
National Association of Landcare Professionals - American (NALP)
Pre-approved: 24 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Certified Arborist
Pre-approved: 10 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Board Certified Management Arborist
Pre-approved: 10 Credits (Practice)
International Society of Arboriculture: Municipal Specialist
Pre-approved: 10 Credits
International Society of Arboriculture: Tree Worker/Aerial Lift
Pre-approved: 1.5 Credits
B.C. Society of Landscape Architects
As per certification renewal guidelines - eligibility of this program has been confirmed
Master Gardeners of Ontario Inc. (MGOI)
Pre-approved: 24 Credits
Canadian Society for Organic Urban Land Care (SOUL)
Pre-approved: 6 Credits
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Canada
Pre-approved: 1.76 Credits
Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA)
Pre-approved: 4 Credits
Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC)
Pre-approved: 56 Core LUs
This course partially satisfies the requirements of:
How to Apply for Your Continuing Education Credits
For information on obtaining your credits please see:
How to Apply for your Continuing Education Credits
