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.

Main Content

Hand holding green pencil coloring in landscape design

Course Status: Not Currently Scheduled

The next offering of this course is tentatively planned for January – February 2024. Please join our email list to be notified when registration opens!

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Course Details

Course Name: Landscape Design I: The Basics
Course Code: AL0205CA23
Date of Most Recent Offering: January 6 – February 24, 2023 (every Friday afternoon for 8 weeks)

Date: TBD – TBD (every Friday afternoon for 8 weeks)
Time: TBD pm – TBD pm (Check-in time: TBD pm)

Location: Blake Hall, Room 244, 93 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: In person classroom course

Registration Fee: $TBD per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $TBD per person (expires TBD)

Registration Closes: TBD

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 from Roy DeBoer, Jr.!

In this eight-week landscape design training course (held on eight consecutive Friday afternoons), instructor Roy DeBoer, Jr. will take the mystery out of the design process and lay out the sequential steps for planning a perfect landscape. From the basics of bubble diagrams to the complexity of major site installations, you’ll learn how to do it right from someone who has done it all!

  • Introduction to the Landscape Design Process
  • Fundamentals and Elements of Landscape Design
  • Introduction to Design Graphics
  • Functional and Spatial Diagrams
  • Preparing Base Maps and Bubble Diagrams
  • Combining Mixed Concepts into a Larger Scheme
  • Understanding Scale and Space
  • Creating a Readable Site Plan
  • Site Analysis and Constraints
  • Contours and Land Forms
  • Choosing Appropriate Plant Materials
  • Plant Massing and Design Composition
  • Vehicular and Pedestrian Needs / Mechanics of Driveways and Walks
  • Decks, Hardscapes, Pools, and Gathering Areas
  • Walls, Rain Gardens, and Water Features
  • Landscaping for Corner Lots
  • And More!

Hands-on Assignments to Practice Your New Landscape Design Skills

Several landscape design projects are incorporated into the curriculum for this course, each one building upon previous coursework and gaining in complexity. In addition to learning the theory and principles behind picture-perfect landscape designs, you’ll get practical experience completing assignments such as developing a base map, preparing a site analysis overlay, creating a front yard landscape plan, designing a residential courtyard landscape, planning a backyard entertainment area with deck and patio, and developing a landscape plan for a corner lot.

These projects will provide you with the chance to apply your new knowledge of landscape design concepts and practice using all of the design skills you have learned. Plus, you’ll get feedback from the instructor and your classmates to help you improve your design concepts so you can feel confident presenting to future clients! Your weekly design assignments culminate in a final project in which you will create a residential lot landscape plan.

Who Should Attend?

If you’re serious about creating better landscapes, this class is for you! Here are some of the types of people who have taken this course in the past:

  • Landscape Business Owners
  • Landscape Contractors
  • Landscape Designers
  • Landscape Foremen
  • Garden Center and Nursery Managers
  • Groundskeepers
  • Homeowners
  • Master Gardeners

Meet Your Instructor

Roy DeBoer, Jr., DeBoer Planning

Headshot of instructor Roy DeBoer, Jr.

Roy DeBoer, Jr. is a graduate of Rutgers University, where he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning. He is a Licensed Landscape Architect as well as a Licensed Professional Planner. He provides professional services including Land Use Planning and Zoning, Landscape Architectural Design Services, Site Plan Design, Community Impact Analysis Reports, and Graphic Illustration Services. In addition to teaching this course, he is an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of Landscape Architecture at Rutgers University. His portfolio/website is available at https://deboerplanning.smugmug.com.

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

There are no credits offered for this class.

Meals

Place setting icon with napkin, plate, fork, and knifeNo meals will be provided at this course.

Course Requirements and Policies

stack of books iconCourse Supplies and Optional Textbook

The following supplies will be needed for this class. Students are responsible for the cost and purchase of these materials. These items are available online. Do a simple Google search and you’ll find them!

  • T Square (36″ long)
  • One 30-60 degree triangle
  • One 45 degree triangle
  • Drafting Pencils (set of pencils 4B though 4H and a sharpener) OR mechanical pencils and various leads
  • Fine Sharpie pens OR ink drawing pen set
  • 24″ wide roll of yellow or white tracing paper (20-25 yds long)
  • Erasers
  • Set of colored pencils and/or color markers
  • Engineers Scale and an Architects Scale
  • Circle Template
  • Drafting Vellum (24″ wide x 10 yds long roll)
  • Drafting Tape (masking tape 1/2 ” wide or drafting tape dots)
  • Compass (optional)

Suggested Optional Text: The Essential Garden Design Workbook; Timber Press; ISBN-10: 0881929751

coronavirus icon COVID-19 Mask & Vaccination Policies for Face-to-Face Classes

Registrants attending OCPE events are not currently required to wear face masks or provide proof of vaccination.

Rutgers Culture of Caring graphic stating masks welcome, test to know, recover at home

To continue to protect yourself and others:

  • Masks are welcome.
  • If you have symptoms, testing is encouraged.
  • If you feel unwell, please recover at home. Contact us to cancel your registration at 848-932-9271, option 2 or registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.

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

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

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