Certificate in Garden Design

Turn your passion for plants into design expertise with the Certificate in Garden Design, an online course that teaches you to create stunning, climate-smart gardens across Australia. Learn essential skills in garden planning, plant selection, and sustainable landscaping, all at your own pace.

image of a landscaped garden
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*Duration:
50 Hours
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Access:
12 Months
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Start Date:
Start Anytime
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Payment Options:
Upfront With Discount or Interest-Free Payment Plans
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100% Online. Access From Any Computer, Tablet, or Mobile

Choose from upfront payment with a discount or flexible interest-free payment plans.

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* Estimates only. You can learn at your own pace.

Crafted in Partnership with Industry Leaders

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What You'll Learn

  • Garden design principles & Australian styles
  • Climate & soil analysis for site‑specific planning
  • Plant selection & native species integration
  • Hardscaping & layout basics: paths, structures & edging
  • Sustainable water & soil management techniques
  • Small‑space & container garden strategies
  • Project planning: budgeting, timelines & contractors
  • Concept development: sketches, mood boards & presentation

What You'll Get

  • 24/7 access to your course through the online learning portal, allowing you to study when it suits your schedule.
  • Each comprehensive module contains written course notes, visual presentation slides and an immersive audio podcast via Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, or other platforms - allowing you to choose which learning method you prefer. 
  • No strict assignment deadlines or exams. Each module concludes with a multiple-choice quiz to help reinforce your understanding of the course content and track your progress.
  • Upon course completion: A digital certificate of completion to add to your resume.
  • Access to exclusive discounts on other courses.
  • Receive a 7-day money back guarantee to ensure the course is right for you. 

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Garden Design

  • History of Australian Garden Styles
  • Basic Design Principles
  • Reading Sun, Shade, and Microclimates
  • Soil Types and Improvement Basics
  • Essential Garden Tools and Safety
  • Sustainable Water Use Basics

Module 2: Plant Knowledge Essentials

  • Plant Classification and Terminology
  • Native vs Exotic Plants
  • Selecting Plants for Climate Zones
  • Basic Planting Techniques
  • Seasonal Colour Planning
  • Simple Pest and Disease ID

Module 3: Layout and Hardscaping Basics

  • Measuring and Site Survey
  • Drawing a Simple Site Plan
  • Garden Bed Shapes and Edging
  • Paths and Paving Basics
  • Basic Timber Structures
  • Safe Material Handling

Module 4: Soil, Water, and Plant Care

  • Composting Fundamentals
  • Organic Soil Amendments
  • Mulching Techniques
  • Watering Methods
  • Fertiliser Types and Use
  • Pruning for Beginners

Module 5: Small-Space and Container Gardens

  • Balcony and Courtyard Solutions
  • Raised Beds
  • Container Selection and Potting Mix
  • Vertical Gardens Basics
  • Herb and Kitchen Gardens
  • Low-maintenance Planting

Module 6: Climate-Smart Design

  • Bushfire-Resilient Landscaping
  • Drought-Tolerant Design
  • Shade Creation
  • Windbreaks and Shelterbelts
  • Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
  • Reducing Urban Heat

Module 7: Project Planning

  • Setting Garden Goals
  • Budgeting Basics
  • Timeline and Staging
  • Working with Contractors
  • Sourcing Plants and Materials Locally
  • DIY vs Professional Tasks

Module 8: Bringing It All Together

  • Creating Concept Sketches
  • Colour and Texture Boards
  • Presenting a Simple Garden Plan
  • Basic Maintenance Schedule
  • Evaluating Design Success
  • Next Steps for Learners

Duration

You can complete this course in approximately 50 hours, but you will have up to 12 months of access to complete it with self-paced learning.

Career Opportunities

  • Garden Designer
  • Landscape Architect Assistant
  • Urban Greening Consultant
  • Horticulture Specialist
  • Gardening Services Business Owner
  • Sustainability & Landscape Planner
  • Garden Maintenance Supervisor

While studying this course provides valuable skills and knowledge, it does not guarantee a specific career outcome. The career outcomes listed are intended as a general guide only.

Accreditations

CPD Accredited

This course is fully CPD accredited, which means each of the course modules is globally recognised for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Completing CPD-endorsed courses gives you CPD points that are recognised by employers and can be used in your resume, professional industry membership, or future career as a professional. Every student receives a digital badge of CPD points that is portable, sharable and verifiable for the study they have completed.

ICOES: A Global Seal of Online Education Excellence

Our courses are proudly ICOES accredited. ICOES (International Council of Online Educational Standards) is a globally recognised accreditation body that sets and upholds rigorous quality standards for online education. By thoroughly reviewing course content, delivery, and measurable learning outcomes, ICOES ensures that accredited courses meet high standards of excellence, integrity, and innovation. This trusted seal of approval not only enhances institutional credibility but also assures learners of a superior educational experience.

Payment Options

Please note: All prices are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Pay Upfront With a Discount

AUD

Best Value Offer
* 7-Day Money Back Guarantee
PAY UPFRONT

Interest-Free Payment Plan

AUD

/week

Pay Weekly
Budget-Friendly Option
PAY WEEKLY
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About the Course

Bring Out Your Inner Garden Designer: Craft Beautiful, Climate‑Smart Gardens Across Australia

  • Do you dream of designing outdoor spaces that flourish in Australia’s diverse climates?
  • Are you eager to turn your love of gardening into a creative, professional skill?
  • Or are you a horticulture enthusiast, landscaper, or DIY homeowner wanting to deepen your design expertise?

Did you know? The Gardening Services industry in Australia is projected to reach $4.1 billion in 2025, having grown at a 7.9 % CAGR from 2019 to 2024—highlighting strong demand for skilled garden designers.

So, if you’re ready to bring your garden visions to life, enrol in the Certificate in Garden Design, a fully online course designed to give you both the theoretical foundations and hands‑on expertise to plan, design, and manage gardens across Australia.

This course contains 8 key modules where you’ll learn:

  • Foundations of Garden Design: History of Australian styles, core design principles, microclimates, soils & essential tools.
  • Plant Knowledge Essentials: Native vs exotic species, climate‑zone selection, seasonal colour & basic pest/disease ID.
  • Layout & Hardscaping Basics: Site surveying, site plans, garden bed shapes, paths, paving, and simple structures.
  • Soil, Water & Plant Care: Composting, organic amendments, mulching, efficient watering methods & pruning fundamentals.
  • Small‑Space & Container Gardens: Balcony/courtyard solutions, raised beds, vertical gardens, herb/kitchen gardens & low‑maintenance plantings.
  • Climate‑Smart Design: Drought‑tolerant schemes, bushfire resilience, shade creation, windbreaks, wildlife habitats & heat reduction.
  • Project Planning: Goal setting, budgeting, timelines, contractor coordination, sourcing locally & DIY vs professional tasks.
  • Bringing It All Together: Concept sketches, mood boards, presenting a garden plan, maintenance schedules & evaluating success.

To enhance your learning experience, you’ll enjoy 24/7 access to our online portal with video lessons, PDF guides, interactive quizzes, and immersive podcasts—so you can learn in the style that suits you. Upon completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate to showcase your expertise.

Ready to cultivate your future as a garden designer and transform outdoor spaces? Enquire now, get more details, and grab your free sample lesson.

Get MY SAMPLE LESSON
Clock Icon - Education X Webflow Template
*Duration:
50 Hours
Camera Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Access:
12 Months
Graph Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Start Date:
Start Anytime
Star Icon - Education X Webflow Template
Payment Options:
Upfront With Discount or Interest-Free Payment Plans
Phone Icon - Education X Webflow Template
100% Online
Access From Any Computer, Tablet, or Mobile.

Choose from upfront payment with a discount or flexible interest-free payment plans.

Get MY SAMPLE LESSON
* Estimates only. You can learn at your own pace.