Professional Planting Design

This course will address the distinctive requirements of planting plans for gardens and parks. Students will study design principles and artistic qualities for combining plants and creating a palette of trees, shrubs and perennials that responds to underlying ecological implications and reflects sustainable practices. We will explore techniques for creating a planting theme by considering the structure of plants and the characteristics that create space, seasonal interest, the effect of color, inspiration and mood. Examples from actual gardens, with particular attention to current naturalistic planting practices, will be used throughout to clarify ideas and promote discussion. Classes will include lectures, in-class exercises, and critiques. Students will prepare planting designs and a professional planting plan with layout information, plant lists, and details. Specifications, contract preparation, plant tagging and construction installation, and client relations will also be included. Prerequisites: Design I and Drafting. Familiarity with plants is highly recommended.