This course is a continuation of the Edexcel (BTEC) Advanced Certificate in Garden Design. The programme is designed for those who are either already working within the industry, possibly in garden maintenance or landscaping looking to develop professional qualifications or expand their portfolio of services; for those looking to career change into this creative area of horticulture possibly with a view to becoming self employed; or for those interested in broadening their knowledge in the topics covered frequently alongside gaining RHS qualifications. The course covers five level four modules: advanced presentation techniques - practical drawing workshops and lectures covering client presentation work including mood boards, plan graphics and formatting, sketching with confidence techniques, cross section and elevation drawings, 3D drawing techniques; and contractor working drawings including construction detailing and planting plans; soft landscape design - illustrated lectures, garden visits and practical design studio workshops producing planting plans and plant schedules for a range of garden settings and planting styles including: herbaceous borders, Prairie planting styles, borders for sun, shade, aquatics, fruit and vegetable gardens, low maintenance plantings and commercial design; Horticultural Practices - exploring the establishment and maintenance requirements for a range of horticultural plant settings and plant groups such as lawns, wildflower meadows, climbers, perennials, shrubs and trees. This module supports development of horticultural knowledge which influences decisions during site assessment and at the planting design and specification stages of a project; professional practice - we explore the issues that we need to be aware of when looking at developing a garden design business including types of insurance, contractual documentation including Client Briefs, format and content of Bills of Quantity and Specifications and exploring marketing of services. The content of this module is reinforced through completion of practical design assignments supported by experienced staff who have first hand practical experience of the industry; hard landscape design - a mix of practical and theory sessions discovering the range of surfacing, walling and fencing materials and how they may be used in addition to specifics such as aquatic feature and lighting design. We will explore current trends and the effects of legislation as well as looking at sustainable practice.