Caring for your garden
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Chapter 1 Getting started
Garden analysis and planning
How plants work, basic botany
Soil
Plant names
Chapter 2 Getting the garden into shape
Clearing the site, tools etc
Moving plants
Layout and hard landscaping
Potting shed
Weed control
Cultivating the soil
Chapter 3 Planning the planting
Redefining boundaries
Internal divisions
Climbers
Lawns
Chapter 4 Choosing and buying plants
Trees
Climbers
Shrubs
Roses
Herbaceous
Alpines and rock gardens
Grasses and bamboos
Ferns
Chapter 5 Care of plants and propagation
Pruning
Propagation
Plant health
Going organic
Greenhouse
Chapter 6 Finishing touches
Water
Lighting
Ornamental pots and troughs
Efficiency
Planning for the future
Exercises
The exercises have been designed to enhance the subject matter covered in each chapter, and to help you check your understanding as you go.
In many cases you will be able to check your answers by reviewing the text; in some, you are encouraged to extend your knowledge by referring to other sources.
Some exercises are practical, and they will encourage you to get out there, to observe your garden growing. Some will encourage you to go further afield and to observe other gardens in your neighbourhood.
Projects
In order to participate in the course, each student must have access to a garden that can be used as a living, practical project. The garden need not belong to the student, but regular access is vital for observation.
The projects will follow your maintenance and development of the garden throughout the year. You will submit written reports to your tutor for assessment.