New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Landscape Design)
Growing & Vines
A course by
Unitec
Gain core technical skills and knowledge in garden and landscape design, including site analysis, plant selection, and sustainable garden creation. Suitable for those wanting to start a landscape or garden design career.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Mt Albert, Auckland
It will take a total of 17 weeks
Core skills this course teaches
Understand and apply landscape and garden design principles
Demonstrate foundational knowledge of site analysis, design process, sustainability, and client briefing for residential gardens.
Select plants and create biodiversity in garden designs
Use technical knowledge of plant species, soils, and green solutions to design attractive, sustainable planting schemes.
Produce professional design drawings and representations
What You're Signing Up For
The New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Services (Landscape Design) is aimed at individuals passionate about creating vibrant, liveable outdoor spaces. The programme equips students with knowledge of design principles, site analysis, plant selection for sustainable gardens, and an understanding of soils and biodiversity. Learners develop technical skills to represent their designs, manage projects, and oversee garden maintenance. The qualification is intended as a foundational step into a career in landscape or garden design, offering hands-on experience through real projects, drawing skills, and professional portfolio development.
Course Content
- Principles and practice of garden and landscape design
- Residential site analysis
- Plant selection and horticultural management for gardens
- Sustainable and biodiverse planting
- Technical and non-technical design drawing
- Project supervision and management
- Representing and communicating garden design ideas
- Portfolio development
- Field trips and real-world design projects
- Hands-on learning with plants and soils
What you need to know first
All applicants must be at least 16 years of age at the start of the programme (or provide a completed Early Release Exemption form).
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Horticulture
Landscape Design
Environmental Design
Garden Services
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level roles in landscape or garden design
Self-employment as a garden or planting designer