DEFINITIONS |
| Language |
| Like all specialists, there are a numebr of terms that your Landscape Designer will use. It is helpful for you to udnerstand what these terms mean. |
| Landscape Contractor |
| A Landscape Contractor is someone who constructs or installs a garden, they are generally Landscape Builders, Pool Builders, or Landscapers. There are a variety of different formal training options. In Victoria to carry out Building works with a value of above $10,000 you must be licensed by the VBA. |
| Landscape Architect |
To be a Landscape Architect you must have a qualification in Landscape Architecture. There is no requirement to belong to AILA (Australian Institute of Landscape Architects) or AILDM (Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers). Both of these associations are Industry associations. The areas covered in the training of Landscape Architects varies greatly depending on the subjects under taken and the length of course. The length of the course can be anywhere from 6 months to 6 years.. As a student you can be expected to cover the history of design, and landscape architecture, construction subjects, urban planning and theory. Most courses also require at least one unit of plant identification which will generally also cover plant growing requirements. Generally, if you want to be heavily involved in the plant side of design you will need to udnertake more training than offered in a Landscape Architectural course. |
| Landscape Designer/Garden Designer |
| A Landscape Designer is anyone who designs landscapes or gardens. There is no requirement to have undergone any formal training. There are some specific Certificate 4 level Landscape Design courses. These courses cater for people who have an apprenticeship in horticulture or a related field or have no experience in the field. These are generally considered introductory courses. In all cases when engaging a professional you should ask what training the designer has undertaken and what experience they have. You should also ensure that they have relevant insurance. It should be expected that all design professionals carry PI (Professional Indemnity Insurance) as well as other workcover and other insurance as appropriate. It is always a good idea to view a portfolio and meet with your designer before engaging them. |
| Horticulturist |
| To be a Horticulturist you must have a qualification in Horticulture. There are a number of horticultural qualifications available in Australia from TAFE level courses, through to a Bachelor of Science. As a student in horticulture you can be expected to cover soil science and identification, soil hydrology and irrigation design, plant maintenance including fertilisers, pruning etc, and extensive plant identification – often as much as 6 units. In addition to this electives will include design based subjects and computer drafting as well production and turf specific subjects. Generally a degree in Horticulture is a 3 year course – there are other shorter training options in Horticulture. In all cases when engaging a professional you should ask what training the designer has undertaken and what additional professional experience they have. You should also ensure that they have relevant insurance. It should be expected that all design professionals carry PI (Professional Indemnity Insurance) as well as other workcover and other insurance as appropriate. It is always a good idea to view a portfolio and meet with your designer before engaging them. |
| Knock Down Rebuild (KDRB) |
| A knock down rebuild is generally where an unsuitable home is replaced with a brand new home. Many companies have a range of homes where the footprint doesn't vary much. As there is minimal customisation we are able to provide a Light Design Service for some of the volume builder footprints. |
| Annual Plant |
| A plant that flowers and dies in one season (think pansies). You would normally purchase an annual as a seed or seedling. Typically, your seedling should be budded up, but not flowering. We love annuals due to the seasonality and colour they bring to a garden, but we do keep their use to a minimum in a garden setting as they will need to be replaced each season. We use them more for specific events or pop up type of gardens, or for our Clients who engage us to specifically design seasonal colour displays. |
| Perennial Plant |
| A perennial plant is typically one which lives longer than 2 years. The term is also used to describe plants which have little or no woody growth. |