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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)
Course Overview
This 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!
Featured Topics
- 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

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
No meals will be provided at this course.
Attention U.S. Veterans

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

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.