Course Overview
The Landscaping & Decorations course is an intensive, practical training program designed to equip participants with the technical and creative skills required to design, install, and maintain functional and aesthetically appealing outdoor and indoor spaces. The course combines principles of landscape design, horticulture, hardscape construction, decorative finishing, and modern landscaping technologies to prepare participants for residential, commercial, institutional, and public space projects.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in landscape planning, site analysis, plant selection, irrigation systems, paving, water features, lighting, garden structures, decorative installations, and project costing. Through practical workshops and real-life projects, learners will develop the ability to transform outdoor environments into sustainable, attractive, and functional landscapes while meeting client expectations and industry standards.
Duration: 4 Weeks (20 Training Days)
Tuition: KES 50,000/=
Course Requirements
Participants should have:
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
- An interest in landscaping, gardening, construction, or environmental design.
- No prior experience in landscaping is required.
- A notebook and basic drawing materials.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for practical sessions.
- Access to basic landscaping tools during field practicals is an added advantage.
- A willingness to participate in outdoor practical activities.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles of landscape design and site planning.
- Conduct site assessments and prepare landscape concepts.
- Identify and select appropriate ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, and ground covers.
- Design residential, commercial, and institutional landscapes.
- Install lawns, gardens, pathways, and landscape features.
- Construct hardscape elements including paving, retaining walls, pergolas, and water features.
- Design and install irrigation and drainage systems.
- Apply decorative elements that enhance outdoor and indoor environments.
- Prepare landscape budgets, material schedules, and project quotations.
- Maintain landscaped environments using sustainable practices.
- Develop professional landscape design presentations and project portfolios.
- Manage landscaping projects from concept to completion.
Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Landscaping and Decorative Design
- Principles of landscape design
- Types of landscapes
- Roles of landscaping in the built environment
- Landscape terminology
- Design styles and themes
- Landscape planning process
- Safety in landscaping operations
Practical Exercise
Conduct a site walk-through and identify opportunities and constraints for landscape development.
Module 2: Site Survey and Landscape Planning
- Site analysis
- Soil assessment
- Climate considerations
- Topography
- Site measurements
- Landscape zoning
- Concept development
Practical Exercise
Prepare a basic landscape site analysis and concept plan.
Module 3: Landscape Design Fundamentals
- Balance and proportion
- Scale and unity
- Color theory
- Texture and contrast
- Focal points
- Plant composition
- Functional landscape planning
Practical Exercise
Develop a conceptual landscape layout for a residential property.
Module 4: Plant Identification and Selection
- Ornamental trees
- Shrubs
- Flowering plants
- Ground covers
- Hedges
- Indoor plants
- Planting specifications
Practical Exercise
Identify and prepare a planting schedule for a landscape project.
Module 5: Lawn Establishment and Garden Installation
- Types of lawns
- Soil preparation
- Turf installation
- Garden bed preparation
- Planting techniques
- Mulching
- Lawn maintenance
Practical Exercise
Install a demonstration lawn and ornamental garden.
Module 6: Hardscape Construction
- Walkways
- Paving blocks
- Stone pathways
- Retaining walls
- Edging
- Garden borders
- Outdoor flooring
Practical Exercise
Construct a decorative paved walkway with edging.
Module 7: Water Features and Outdoor Structures
- Fountains
- Fish ponds
- Waterfalls
- Pergolas
- Gazebos
- Garden seating
- Decorative walls
Practical Exercise
Design a landscape incorporating water features and outdoor structures.
Module 8: Irrigation and Drainage Systems
- Irrigation principles
- Sprinkler systems
- Drip irrigation
- Water conservation
- Surface drainage
- French drains
- Maintenance
Practical Exercise
Install a simple irrigation and drainage system.
Module 9: Outdoor Lighting and Electrical Features
- Landscape lighting principles
- Solar lighting
- Pathway lighting
- Security lighting
- Decorative lighting
- Cable routing
- Lighting maintenance
Practical Exercise
Develop an outdoor lighting plan for a landscaped garden.
Module 10: Decorative Landscaping Elements
- Decorative stones
- Pebbles
- Mulch
- Garden ornaments
- Sculptures
- Pots and planters
- Vertical gardens
Practical Exercise
Install decorative features within a landscape design.
Module 11: Interior Landscaping and Decorations
- Indoor plant selection
- Green walls
- Decorative planters
- Office landscaping
- Interior plant maintenance
- Decorative arrangements
- Biophilic design principles
Practical Exercise
Design an indoor landscape for an office reception area.
Module 12: Landscape Drawing and Digital Design
- Landscape sketching
- Scale drawings
- Planting plans
- Landscape symbols
- Introduction to digital landscape design
- Presentation layouts
- Client presentations
Practical Exercise
Prepare a professional landscape layout drawing.
Module 13: Sustainable Landscaping
- Native plant selection
- Water-efficient landscapes
- Rainwater harvesting
- Composting
- Eco-friendly materials
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Sustainable maintenance practices
Practical Exercise
Develop a sustainable landscape plan for a commercial property.
Module 14: Landscape Maintenance
- Pruning
- Fertilization
- Weed management
- Pest and disease control
- Lawn care
- Seasonal maintenance
- Equipment maintenance
Practical Exercise
Perform routine maintenance on an established landscape.
Module 15: Landscape Project Costing and Estimation
- Material estimation
- Labor costing
- Equipment costing
- Project budgeting
- Quotations
- Procurement planning
- Contract documentation
Practical Exercise
Prepare a cost estimate and quotation for a landscaping project.
Module 16: Residential Landscape Project
- Home garden design
- Courtyard landscaping
- Backyard development
- Front yard enhancement
- Outdoor entertainment spaces
- Plant selection
- Decorative integration
Practical Exercise
Develop a complete residential landscape design and implementation plan.
Module 17: Commercial and Institutional Landscaping
- Office landscapes
- Hotel landscaping
- School compounds
- Hospital gardens
- Shopping centers
- Parks and recreational spaces
- Streetscape landscaping
Practical Exercise
Prepare a commercial landscape proposal for a public facility.
Module 18: Landscape Installation Project
- Site preparation
- Material organization
- Plant installation
- Hardscape installation
- Irrigation setup
- Finishing works
- Quality inspection
Practical Exercise
Execute a complete landscape installation on a designated project site.
Module 19: Capstone Landscape Design Project
- Client consultation
- Site planning
- Landscape design development
- Material selection
- Budget preparation
- Installation planning
- Project documentation
Practical Exercise
Develop a complete landscape project for a residential or commercial property, including design drawings, planting plans, hardscape layouts, irrigation plans, lighting layouts, cost estimates, and maintenance schedules.
Module 20: Final Project Presentation and Assessment
- Project presentation techniques
- Design justification
- Construction methodology
- Cost evaluation
- Maintenance strategy
- Portfolio development
- Career opportunities in landscaping and decorative design
Practical Exercise
Present and defend a complete landscaping and decoration project, demonstrating competency in site planning, landscape design, hardscape construction, plant selection, irrigation systems, decorative installations, project costing, and professional presentation.