California School of Garden Design

The Program. Our course of study balances creativity, visual and spatial skills with technological expertise in the creation of the residential landscape. Students will develop skills in problem solving through both the design and creative processes while planning and designing the private garden. Students will be involved and work on actual projects within the community, selected by the school.

Career Opportunities. Students may find jobs in Design/Build firms, with nurseries that offer landscape design, with established design companies, swimming pool contractors or in their own practice. This program provides the student with an excellent background in working with the public and designing the residential garden. The student should be aware of the necessity to continue the study of plant identification to further their knowledge of design.

Classes in Garden Design (GD)

Code	Course Title	Hours
GD1	Gardens and Their Meaning	Lecture 3 — Lab 1
The meanings and purpose of the designed and natural landscape. Its effect on the visitor through the study of everyday and sacred landscapes, parks, plazas and community gardens. The role of the garden in community values. An introduction to the profession of landscape design. An overview of the methods and materials used to design, plan and manage the residential garden.

GD2	Landscape Drafting	Lecture 1 — Lab 6
An introduction to landscape design drafting and graphics. The development of creative expression through graphic media and drawing techniques. Plan, section and one-point perspectives.

GD3	Site Ecology	Lecture 3 — Lab 10
An overview to the interpretation of existing site features, soils and microclimates with regard to their impact on the design solution. Techniques of site analysis, site surveys and mapping procedures. Field trips to map projects.

GD4	History of Garden Design	Lecture 3 — Lab 5
An introduction to the history of landscape design and land planning from ancient Egypt to the present day. The emphasis will be on 20c. designers. Field trip to the Empire Mine State Park to be scheduled.

GD5	Landscape Design Studio	Lecture 4 — Lab 32
Introduction to the basic aesthetic and functional considerations in garden design. An overview of the 24 design principles and 6 design approaches of landscape design. Color rendering techniques in marker, pastel and colored pencil. Emphasis on design justification and client presentation. Projects are with real clients and properties. This class provides a broad foundation in landscape design skills and methods enabling the student to create responsible garden designs.

GD6	Plants in the Designed Landscape	Lecture 2 — Lab 10
Cultural and environmental parameters of plant selection for the residential garden. The role of color and texture in plant selection. Basic planting design guidelines and the creation of order in the landscape. An overview of energy and resource conservation, low maintenance and aesthetics.

Code	Course Title	Hours
GD10	Grading and Drainage	Lecture 3 — Lab 7
Topographic and grading problems in landscape engineering. Drainage plans, grading plans and spot elevations. The use and purpose of elevations in landscape design. Field trips for elevation surveys for class projects and the preparation of plans.

GD11	Planting Design	Lecture 2 — Lab 8
Further understanding on the sensory, visual and functional importance of plants in the landscape. Development of full planting plans including specifications, sourcing and cost estimations.

GD12	Landscape Irrigation	Lecture 3 — Lab 7
Introduction of the principles of hydraulics, sprinkler selection and head placement in residential landscape irrigation design. Zoning of the system, pipe placement and sizing. Estimation of water usage and precipitation rates.

GD13	Construction Materials and Detailing	Lecture 3 — Lab 17
An introduction to the materials and methods used in landscape construction. Properties of common materials (stone, concrete and wood). Students will detail selected design elements, prepare cost estimates and specifications. Designing of drainage systems, fountains and natural water features.

GD14	Professional Practice and Construction Documents	Lecture 3
Legal and professional aspects of landscape design. Preparation of construction documents (planting plans, irrigation, etc.) including specifications. Proposals and consultation. Fee calculations. Marketing.

GD15	Landscape and Art	Lecture 3
An overview of the interconnection of gardens and art including sculpture, color and the use of contemporary materials in the landscape. Field trips to be arranged.

GD16	Studies in Landscape Architecture	Lecture 3 — Discussion 2
A review and student discussion of selected garden designers and their landscapes.

GD17	Landscape Lighting	Lecture 4 — Lab 4
Low-voltage landscape lighting including terminology and design considerations. Calculation of voltage drop and materials selection. How light affects one’s perception and proper use of lighting given specific plant materials.

GD18	Landscape Design Studio	Lab 22
Studio sessions for the student to work on class projects due throughout the term.