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Personal & Business

Garden Design & Maintenance Diploma Training Course

Duration15 hours
LevelProfessional development
AccessLearn online at your own pace
Course content16 modules
One-time payment Get complete course access

Original price was: £119.00.Current price is: £35.00. inc VAT

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About this course

What the Garden Design & Maintenance Diploma covers

You take Garden Design & Maintenance Diploma online, at your own pace, without booking a place on anything. The material comes as 16 modules and takes about 15 hours end to end. Nothing expires part way through, so an interrupted evening costs you nothing.

The course works through Gardening Basics, Garden Design Process, Garden Design Styles and Survey, Site Appraisal & Measuring Techniques. There are 12 further modules beyond those, listed in full on the Modules tab.

There are no entry requirements, and it is pitched at people who need the subject for work rather than at exam candidates. We list 42 Personal Development courses, of which 37 sit at Professional development. Its study time is about mid-range for the subject. It carries CPD accreditation, which is what makes the hours usable on a CPD log, and the certificate downloads straight away.

Buyer guide

Is this the right course for you?

Best fit

Garden Design & Maintenance Diploma is a sensible shortlist choice when you want a structured route through the published syllabus rather than a general overview of the whole subject. Its 16-module plan starts with Gardening Basics and Garden Design Process, which gives you a clear indication of the assumed starting point. That shape is likely to be most useful for anyone who wants a structured go at a skill rather than another article about it whose training need matches those topics. It is a weaker fit if you only need one isolated skill, or if an employer has specified a different standard, awarding body or practical assessment. Before buying, compare that requirement with the final modules on Equipment and Pest Control as well as the course title.

How to use the syllabus

Treat the module list as a study plan, not just a contents page. Begin with Gardening Basics and Garden Design Process and note any terms or processes you need to revisit. Around the middle, Surface & Materials / Hard Landscaping acts as a useful checkpoint: if you can explain that material without looking back, move on; if not, repeat the preceding section before adding more. The later work on Equipment and Pest Control is where you can test whether the earlier ideas connect. After each block, write a short example from your own work or a realistic scenario. That simple retrieval step makes self-paced learning more useful than clicking straight through to completion.

Check before enrolling

The listed study time is 15 hours; reserve more time if the subject is new to you or you plan to make detailed notes. No fixed access period is stated in the validated course facts; ask us before enrolling if a deadline matters to your plans. A downloadable or printable completion certificate is described, but it records course completion rather than replacing a regulated qualification. The course carries a CPD accreditation reference; still check that your employer or professional body accepts this exact course for the purpose you have in mind.

Full course details from the training provider

Whether you are thinking of starting a career outdoors as a gardening expert or you are already working in the industry and are thinking of starting your own garden company, then the Garden Design and Maintenance Diploma is the right choice for you.

Introduction to the Garden Design and Maintenance Diploma

This information packed course will teach you the basics you need to start your own gardening company or boost your career within the gardening industry. You can turn your hobby into a successful business by completing the twenty nine modules and passing the multiple choice question test.

The modules cover everything from basic gardening to pest control, landscaping and more. The course takes approximately fifteen hours to complete and on successful completion, you will have the ability to download and print your industry recognised diploma.

When applying for a position within the gardening industry, your potential employer will be able to confirm your certification online. During your studies you will enjoy the convenience of studying at your own pace with no set schedule and from anywhere using any device, as long as you have a connection to the internet to access the modules.

What You Will Learn

The twenty nine modules included in this Garden Design and Maintenance Diploma are brimming with information to help you jump start your gardening career and turn your hobby and passion into a money-making opportunity.

  • Learn the basics of gardening from the various soil types to plant planning and purchasing.
  • Identify an effective garden planning process from the initial consultation with the client through to site surveys, maintenance planning, to the final and completed project.
  • Know different garden design styles. Learn how to gain inspiration throughout the day, how to design a mood board and how to implement your design effectively for the best results.
  • Understand site surveys, approvals and measuring techniques. Learn how to use survey maps, photographic records and what surveys and appraisals you are going to need before you begin.
  • Learn the benefits of project planning.
  • Know the five forms that should be included in all your client packs.
  • Learn more about drawing a plan and essential graphic skills.
  • Know the various surfaces and materials, understand what hard landscaping is and how to deal with it.
  • Know the secrets of great soil.
  • Understand the importance of the right plan selection and care. This includes use of colours to make an impact.
  • Gain valuable plant knowledge that you can use daily to make the best choices based on your design, garden location and finish.
  • Learn how to identify high maintenance areas within any garden. Know the different options when it comes to low maintenance planning.
  • Learn the importance of sustainability. Know what plants to use, about water conservation and how to recycle and reuse when working in any garden.
  • Learn essential tips for reducing maintenance in difficult to manage and overgrown gardens.
  • Know what equipment you are going to need, what equipment you will need for certain jobs and what each item is capable of.
  • Get a good understanding of the most common garden pests, natural and chemical pesticides, integrated pest management and how to come up with a pest management plan that will work.
  • Identify effective solutions for difficult gardens from adding container plants to adding additional irrigation and more.
  • Know what to plan in a herb and vegetable garden.
  • Know what you need to start your own gardening business to achieve success.
  • Learn more about marketing your business, health and safety in the workplace, insurance, tax and record keeping, just to name a few of the points covered in this industry recognised course.
  • Gain valuable insight into raising flower beds, laying patios, decking, fencing, know more about artificial grass, how to lay lawn and how to build a fish pond.

Benefits of the Garden Design and Maintenance Diploma

This course is designed to provide you with a wide range of benefits, including:

  • An easy to understand syllabus that you can learn at home and in your own time.
  • Improve your career prospects with an industry recognised diploma.
  • Learn using any device at any time.
  • Enjoy ongoing support during your studies.


Who can take the course?
Anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter is encouraged to take the course. There are no entry requirements to take the course.

What is the structure of the course?
The course is broken down into 29 individual modules. Each module takes between 20 and 90 minutes on average to study. Although you are free to spend as much or as little time as you feel necessary on each module, simply log in and out of the course at your convenience.

Where / when can I study the course?
You can study the course any time you like. Simply log in and out of the web based course as often as you require. The course is compatible with all computers, tablet devices and smart phones so you can even study while on the move!

Is there a test at the end of the course?
Once you have completed all modules there is a multiple choice test. The questions will be on a range of topics found within the modules. The test, like the course, is online and can be taken a time and location of your choosing.

What is the pass mark for the final test?
The pass mark for the test is 70%. If you don’t pass the test first time you will get further opportunities to take the test again after extra study. There are no limits to the number of times you can take the test. All test retakes are included within the price of the course.

When will I receive my certificate?
Once you have completed your test you can log in to your account and download/print your certificate any time you need it.

How long does it take to complete the course?
We estimate that the course will take about 15 hours to complete in total, plus an additional 30 minutes for the end of course test.

Garden Design & Maintenance Diploma course content

  • Module 1: Gardening Basics
  • Module 2 : Garden Design Process
  • Module 3 : Garden Design Styles
  • Module 4 : Survey, Site Appraisal & Measuring Techniques
  • Module 5 : Planning Your Projects
  • Module 6 : Proportion Illusions & Effective Use of Space
  • Module 7 : Drawing a Plan & Graphics skills
  • Module 8 : Surface & Materials / Hard Landscaping
  • Module 9 : Secrets of Great Soil
  • Module 10 : Plant Selection & Care
  • Module 11 : Plant Knowledge
  • Module 12 : Low Maintenance Gardens/Planting
  • Module 13 : Sustainability
  • Module 14 : Garden Maintenance
  • Module 15 : Equipment
  • Module 16 : Pest Control
  • Module 17 : Solutions to Difficult Gardens
  • Module 18 : Vegetable and Herb Gardens
  • Module 19 : Running your own Gardening Business
  • Module 20: Marketing and Social Media
  • Module 21: Health and Safety
  • Module 22: Insurance, Tax, VAT and Record Keeping
  • Module 23: How to build raised flower beds
  • Module 24: How to lay a patio
  • Module 25: Decking
  • Module 26: How to Put Up Garden Fencing
  • Module 27: How to turf a garden / lay a lawn
  • Module 28: How to lay artificial grass areas
  • Module 29: How to Build a Garden Pond

Garden Design & Maintenance Diploma course details

  • Course Access: Lifetime
  • Exams Included: Yes
  • Compatibility: All major browsers / devices

What you will learn

Learning outcomes

The twenty nine modules included in this Garden Design and Maintenance Diploma are brimming with information to help you jump start your gardening career and turn your hobby and passion into a money-making opportunity.

  • Learn the basics of gardening from the various soil types to plant planning and purchasing.
  • Identify an effective garden planning process from the initial consultation with the client through to site surveys, maintenance planning, to the final and completed project.
  • Know different garden design styles. Learn how to gain inspiration throughout the day, how to design a mood board and how to implement your design effectively for the best results.
  • Understand site surveys, approvals and measuring techniques. Learn how to use survey maps, photographic records and what surveys and appraisals you are going to need before you begin.
  • Learn the benefits of project planning.
  • Know the five forms that should be included in all your client packs.
  • Learn more about drawing a plan and essential graphic skills.
  • Know the various surfaces and materials, understand what hard landscaping is and how to deal with it.
  • Know the secrets of great soil.
  • Understand the importance of the right plan selection and care. This includes use of colours to make an impact.
  • Gain valuable plant knowledge that you can use daily to make the best choices based on your design, garden location and finish.
  • Learn how to identify high maintenance areas within any garden. Know the different options when it comes to low maintenance planning.
  • Learn the importance of sustainability. Know what plants to use, about water conservation and how to recycle and reuse when working in any garden.
  • Learn essential tips for reducing maintenance in difficult to manage and overgrown gardens.
  • Know what equipment you are going to need, what equipment you will need for certain jobs and what each item is capable of.
  • Get a good understanding of the most common garden pests, natural and chemical pesticides, integrated pest management and how to come up with a pest management plan that will work.
  • Identify effective solutions for difficult gardens from adding container plants to adding additional irrigation and more.
  • Know what to plan in a herb and vegetable garden.
  • Know what you need to start your own gardening business to achieve success.
  • Learn more about marketing your business, health and safety in the workplace, insurance, tax and record keeping, just to name a few of the points covered in this industry recognised course.
  • Gain valuable insight into raising flower beds, laying patios, decking, fencing, know more about artificial grass, how to lay lawn and how to build a fish pond.
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