Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to design a specialised landscape.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop a design brief | 1.1 Consult with client to establish the purpose and requirements of the design 1.2 Conduct a site inspection and note the physical elements and features of the site 1.3 Conduct a functional analysis of the site 1.4 Develop a design brief and consult with client to negotiate agreement |
2. Design with plants as a main focus of the design project | 2.1 Categorise plant families and genera, species and cultivars suitable for the design 2.2 Identify a wide range of plants for different design criteria and requirements, which include the use of aesthetic, ornamental, productive and economic plant groups 2.3 Determine and select plants appropriate to the design criteria 2.4 Use botanical nomenclature when documenting plants |
3. Consider a range of factors that may influence the performance of the plants | 3.1 Determine the implications of climate and environment on plant selection and design 3.2 Select plants that are adaptive to micro and meso climates in domestic, and small to moderate-scale public spaces 3.3 Report on the cultural techniques required to establish and maintain plants in specialised environments 3.4 Identify soil types and condition and make recommendations for appropriate soil management techniques 3.5 Identify organic and inorganic fertilisers and make appropriate recommendations 3.6 Identify common plant disorders and make appropriate recommendations |
4. Develop specifications for the design | 4.1 Incorporate instructions on the use and production of compost 4.2 Define the propagation techniques required 4.3 Outline the planting techniques to be used 4.4 Specify situations where staking and guying would be required 4.5 Define the required pruning and shaping techniques to be used 4.6 Outline the biological, organic and inorganic plant and plant pest management techniques to be used 4.7 Seek expert advice on irrigation requirements for the design 4.8 Develop a weed management plan 4.9 Document the design plan and present to client |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
Develop a design brief in consultation with client to establish design purpose and requirements
identify the implications of climate and environment on plant selection and design
identify and design with plants appropriate for use in controlled environments
identify and recommend soils and plant nutrition requirements
identify and select plants appropriate to the design criterion
use botanical nomenclature when selecting plants
identify plant species and cultivars using botanical nomenclature
identify weeds and recommend appropriate weed management
Identify biological, organic and inorganic plant and plant pest management techniques to be used
provide garden design solutions
compile the recommendations and document a design plan or report
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of specialised landscape design
aesthetic, ornamental, productive and economic plant groups
allied horticultural, environmental and conservation industries and movements
botanical geography (plant families, geographic distribution and links)
botany - plant structures and physiology
ethno botany (sustainability and the stories of plants)
horticultural media, information and knowledge-based resources
how to determine suitability of plants for different environments such as green buildings (rooftops), conservatories, glass houses and atriums
irrigation and current progress in new irrigation techniques
plant families and detailed knowledge of species and cultivars used in garden design, horticulture industry and other ornamental, productive and economic plant industries
plant taxonomy and nomenclature
principles and processes of plant culture
the use and development of plants though history
turf culture
types, properties and characteristics of a wide range of soils and growing media
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Plants culture and management (PCM)