RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace (you have 2 years to complete it), studying when and where you choose. This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

All the required study materials are included.

On successful completion of your studies and the RHS exams you will be awarded a nationally recognised RHS qualification.

RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting – A 4-lesson study programme of preparation for the RHS examination.

Lesson 1 – Understanding garden survey techniques and design principles

• Historical garden design styles
• Conducting a site appraisal
• The client brief
• Basic survey techniques
• Influence of site characteristics on garden design
• Principles and elements of design

Lesson 2 – Understanding the selection and use of landscaping elements in the garden

• The contribution of hard landscaping features to design and function
• Drainage systems in the garden
• The contribution of soft landscaping features to design and function
• The contribution of turf to the design and function of a garden

Lesson 3 – Understanding the setting out and construction of landscaping elements in the garden

• Setting out a site
• Soil movement and storage during construction work
• Construction of drainage systems
• Construction procedures for paths, patios and driveways
• Construction of steps and ramps
• Construction of walls, fences and pergolas
• Pond construction
• Rock garden construction
• Risk assessment

Lesson 4 – Understanding a range of specialist elements in the establishment of garden and urban plantings

• Amenity bedding schemes
• Components of specialist garden areas
• Pruning for effect
• Urban gardening options
• Water sustainability in the garden

RHS qualification:

Upon successful completion of RHS examinations you will be awarded:

• RHS Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Construction and Planting

This course is available for student enrolments up to 1st April 2024 and registered students will have until the final exam session scheduled for February 2025 to successfully achieve this qualification. RHS are launching new qualifications which will become available from September 2023. For further information please visit our news page.

Your course materials and the valuable tutor feedback you will receive during your studies will help to prepare you for the Royal Horticultural Society qualifications. When you are ready to sit the examinations, you will need to register as a candidate with HCC or as an external candidate using another RHS Approved Centre. We offer advice and assistance for booking examinations when you are ready. Please click here for RHS and assessment centre requirements and fees.

You will also need to obtain the RHS syllabus and an entry form directly from the Royal Horticultural Society. Please click here to download the RHS outline syllabus, and for further information on examination dates and fees. Your exam fees are payable to the RHS Approved Centre.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

While there are no formal entry requirements, we recommend that you have successfully completed our RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Garden Planning, Establishment and Maintenance or similar before starting on this course. Please get in touch if you are unsure about the level of the course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 9-12 months (approx 150 learning hours)*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• As this is a Level 3 qualification, if you have the required practical experience you could do the jobs listed above at a supervisory level.
• If you already work in the horticultural profession, this qualification would demonstrate to prospective employers or clients an in-depth knowledge of garden planning, construction and planting.
• Successful completion of this course and the Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth, Health and Applied Propagation provide the written framework (theory) for the RHS Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture (when the assessments of the RHS Level 3 Practical Horticulture Certificate have also been successfully completed).