Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens

Overview

This module has been developed and accredited in the UK as an elective in the RHS Diploma in Horticulture. It assumes a foundation knowledge of landscape and horticultural management. It is a valuable study program for even those who have worked in landscaping for some time.

Aims of the Restoring Established Ornamental Gardens course from Warnborough College

• Outline the history of UK garden design and the influence of plant introductions.

• Evaluate an established ornamental garden in order to determine any particular design style period, or plants of interest.

• Describe basic methods for the survey and recording of the layout and content of an established garden, and explain the importance of detailed information including assessment of site factors.

• Explain processes and the need for assessment and recording of the type, condition and future potential of a range of plantings and features in an ornamental garden.

• Explain the main criteria used to select plantings and features for retention in a restored garden.

• Explain the need and processes of analysis of collected information.

• Prepare a summarised programme for organisation of garden restoration work

• Assess risk and identify safe work practices

• Recognise and explain the visible signs of the failure of old land drainage systems and describe remedial measures

• Describe and explain the practical procedures necessary for the restoration of a range of hard landscape features.

• Explain problems which may be encountered in the improvement of retained hedges, plantings and lawns.

• Describe practical solutions for improving retained hedges, plantings and lawns

• Evaluate the use of modern maintenance techniques in established gardens