Landscape Design I: The Basics

In 8 half-day class sessions, learn how to design a landscape that incorporates solid fundamentals with creativity and beauty.

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Course Details

Course Name: Landscape Design I: The Basics
Course Code: AL0205CA25
Date of Most Recent Offering: January 3 – February 21, 2025 (every Friday afternoon for 8 weeks)

Date: January 3 – February 21, 2025 (every Friday afternoon for 8 weeks) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Time: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm (Check-in time: 12:30 pm) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Format: In person classroom course UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Registration Fee: $795 per person UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING
Early Bird Discount Fee: $745 per person (December 27, 2024) UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Registration Closes: January 1, 2025 UPDATE THIS FOR NEXT OFFERING

Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

Course Overview

Certificate iconThis class is part of the Landscape Management II Certificate Program.

Learn the Basics of Landscape Design!

In this fundamental landscape design course, held on eight consecutive Friday afternoons, instructor Lisa Cameron will demystify the design process and lay out the sequential steps for creating a successful landscape. You’ll learn to articulate your design objectives, use functional diagrams and site analysis to understand your site, generate ideas and forms, and refine those ideas into complete, site-appropriate landscape plans.

  • Understanding the Design Process
  • Elements of Landscape Design
  • Functional and Spatial Diagrams
  • Site Analysis and Constraints
  • Understanding Scale
  • Preparing Base Maps
  • Creating Readable Site Plans
  • Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation
  • Hardscape – Patios, Fences, Decks,
    Walls, and Pools
  • Choosing Plants / Native Plants
  • Planting Design
  • Site Drainage
  • Planning for Landscape Maintenance
  • Considering Local Regulations

Develop Your Landscape Design Skills with Practical Assignments in Class and at Home

In addition to learning the theory and principles of landscape design, you’ll get practical experience by completing weekly assignments. These assignments will allow you to immediately apply your new knowledge and skills. You’ll get feedback from the instructor as well as your classmates to help you improve your design and presentation skills. Your final project will be a complete residential landscape plan. Students may use their own real-life projects for the final as long as they meet course criteria.

Who Should Attend?

If you’re serious about creating better landscapes, for yourself or for others, this class is for you. Past students include:

  • Landscape Contractors, Owners, and Forepersons
  • Garden Center and Nursery Personnel
  • Master Gardeners
  • Homeowners
  • Groundskeepers

Meet Your Instructor

Lisa G. Cameron

Headshot of instructor Lisa Cameron

Lisa G. Cameron is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned a degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. She retired following twenty-four years as a Licensed Landscape Architect for the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, where she focused on design and construction of public natural areas for passive recreation and environmental education. Headquartered at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, the Commission is widely known for its early use and advocacy of native plants to support wildlife communities.

Lisa currently consults as a freelance landscape designer, book designer, and graphic designer, drawing on her landscape architect experience and a BFA from Philadelphia College of Art.

Student Reviews

“The course removes all confusion about how to start a project. [Instructor is] very passionate, always willing to assist, unbelievably knowledgeable.”

– Past Participant

“[Appreciated the] instructor’s teaching skill, years of experience, and hands-on approach to each project, starting with bubble diagram, building to finish and design. Takes away [the] mystery.”

– B. Thomas, Garden Nanny

“Very good teacher, loves going over projects and pointing out the little things that matter.”

– M. Barthelme, A Simply Greener Side

Continuing Education Credits

The most recent offering of Landscape Design I: The Basics was approved for 2.8 Rutgers CEUs (28 contact hours).

The Landscape Design I: The Basics course is approved for 28 contact hours.

Meals

No meals will be provided at this course.

Course Requirements and Policies

stack of books iconCourse Supplies and Optional Textbook

NJAES will provide 18×24” vellum sheets for use in class. Students are responsible for the purchase of all other materials. The following supplies will be needed. These items are widely available online and in art supply stores. Do a simple Google search and you’ll find them.

  • T Square – 36″ long
  • One 30-60 degree triangle – 8”-10”
  • One 45 degree triangle – 8”-10”
  • One small triangle – 3”-5”
  • Drawing Pencils – 4B, 2B, B, HB, H, 2H, 4H
  • Colored pencils – Prismacolor recommended, set of 12-24
  • Pencil Sharpener
  • Fine and Extra Fine Sharpies, black
  • 24″ wide roll of yellow or white tracing paper (20-25 yds long)
  • Erasers – white or kneaded are best
  • Engineer’s Scale – triangular
  • Architect’s Scale – triangular
  • Circle Template(s) – try to get ones with circles from around ¼”- 3”
  • Drafting Tape, drafting tape dots, or other removeable tape

Optional Tools:

  • Rolling Ruler
  • Mechanical pen set with various line thicknesses
  • Mechanical pencil set with various line thicknesses
  • Compass
  • Flexible Curve – about 18”
  • French Curves – only if you have them
  • Lettering Guide
  • Eraser Shield

Suggested Optional Text: The Essential Garden Design Workbook by Rosemary Alexander and Rachel Meyers, Timber Press; ISBN-10: 0881929751

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Please visit our policies page for the latest information.

Red checkmark in circle iconPre-registration/Walk-Ins

Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.

Icon of map marker over folded mapLocation Changes

Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.

Red car iconCampus Parking Policy

All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.

  • A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
  • When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
  • All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.

email iconEmail Requirement

A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.

  • If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
  • If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
    • Your full name
    • The shared email address that needs to be changed
    • Your unique email address
    • A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions

x icon with circle around itCancellations and Substitutions

A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.

Attention U.S. Veterans

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This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!

If you have any questions about Landscape Design I: The Basics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Headshot of Rutgers Program Coordinator Joe Canzano

Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu

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Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu

For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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