There is a recognised shortage of green skills, coupled with increased public and political awareness of the need for more vegetation in urban areas and the protection of the countryside. While everyone expects landscape architects to know about plants, the Landscape Institute has, for over 15 years, classified horticulture, plant knowledge, and understanding soils/geology as specialisms. Consequently, these subjects are neither core skills nor are they comprehensively taught at universities.

Landscape architects will often encounter earthworks, topsoil handling, and vegetation on construction sites, with clients, planners, and architects expecting them to manage these aspects. These four lectures provide a fast-track introduction to basic best practices, enabling those interested to further specialize and earn additional CPD points independently.

These four lectures introduce the subject and refresh best practice for experienced professionals.

No prior plant knowledge is required. The methodology taught is applicable globally for both interior and exterior planting.

The sessions cover contextual softscape master planning, re-grading and soil handling, planting typologies, design detail, carbon consciousness, cost awareness, specification, commercial availability, completion, successful establishment, and 30-year maintenance plans.

Insightful talks from suppliers and landscape contractors will address common challenges and highlight issues professionals should avoid.