Course outline

Presenters
Jeff Smith - Bachelor of Science Honours (Zoology); Diploma of Education, Graduate Certificate of Environmental and Heritage Interpretation.

Scott Watson - Bachelor of Applied Science (Horticulture), Masters of Landscape Architecture (15/16ths complete), Winner of the 1999/2000 Ellis Stones Memorial Award for landscape architectural research.

Tony Collins - Advanced Certificate in Natural Resource Management; Certificate in Bushland Regeneration Techniques; Certificate in Landscape Design; Horticultural Certificate in Gardening.

Doug Evans - Bachelor of Science (Zoology and Geology); Diploma of Education; Certificate in Bushland Regeneration Techniques.

The course will cover the following aspects:
Brief ecological history of the Sandbelt region and events leading to present situation
· brief geological history leading to present soil types - describe main soil types and how to recognise them
· pre-settlement vegetation communities and distribution - brief description of main communities in the region
· importance of indigenous vegetation for native fauna
· brief description of the post-settlement changes to the vegetation
· Brief description of the present situation

Why create an indigenous garden?
· to complement other areas of habitat
· to attract local native fauna (eg birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs, etc)
· to restore local natural character
· to act as propagation material source
· to conserve water
· to reduce garden maintenance requirements
· a combination of the above

How to plan and design an indigenous garden
· decide what do you want to achieve - establishing your broad objectives and functional needs
· analyse the site - checking the site for the various constraints (what might be a problem) and opportunities (what might be useful) it presents
· developing broad concept plans - rough sketch layout plans to try different ways and ideas for making the garden function the way you want it to within the identified constraints, and to see how different elements work together
· understanding and applying basic landscape design principles - thinking about things like line, colour, form, texture, continuity, balance, scale, space, perspective, juxtaposition, time, environmental psychology (how it makes you feel)
· selecting the design elements - choosing the things you want to include in your design
· landform - water features, depressions, mounds, etc.
· 'hard' elements - retaining walls, paths, seats, etc.
· the plants - choosing the right species and right numbers of each for desired effect, function and site conditions

How to construct an indigenous garden
· Preparing the site - what things do you need to do before you can plant, and how to do them
· Constructing the 'hard' elements - basic 'how to'
· Planting - how and when to plant
· Maintaining your indigenous garden - what are the things you need to do to keep your garden healthy and flourishing, and how to do them