Course Detail: AEXP-208 - RESIDENTIAL GARDEN DESIGN


Whether you are looking to reimagine your entire yard or refresh existing garden beds,this course guides students through the garden design process from inspiration to afinished plan. Blending the art of design with the science of healthy landscapes, thecourse will cover both traditional design principles and ecological approaches toresidential gardens. Students will learn how to observe and evaluate a site for its habitatvalue, water, soil and light conditions; develop site diagrams; select plants; considerlocal sourcing; and plan for long-term care. Students will also explore emerging designtools and technology alongside practical, low-tech methods anyone can use to create athoughtful garden plan. 

No prior garden design knowledge or artistic experience is required. Students willreceive a basic tools list and curated references to support their project beyond theclassroom. By the end of the course, students will have the foundation to develop agarden design concept for their own home landscape they can use for a DIY project orto request contractor quotes.

$295
Ages 16+

Recommended minimum set of supplies for this course
1Drafting Pens (Micron. Staedtler, Copic) . Black. .05, .1, .3, .5, .8 is a good range of line weights. 
1Mechanical Pencil - 0.5 mm line weight
1Staedtler Mars Plastic Stick Eraser 
1Richeson Drawing Clipboard - 11" x 17"
1Drafting Dots or Masking Tape
1Colored Pencil Set - Assorted Colors, 24-36 count gives a good range
112" Triangular Architecural Scale (should have 1/4 and 1/8" markings)
1Flexible Stainless Steel Imperial Ruler with cork back - at least 18" but longer for larger yards
1Giant circle template with fractional 1/4" and 1/8" scales, and not just decimals. 
1Small circle template  with fractional 1/4" and 1/8" scales, and not just decimals. 
1Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser - Single Eraser
1Bienfang Gridded Paper Pad - 8 x 8 Grid, 11" x 17", 50 Sheets
1Bienfang Gridded Paper Pad - 4 x 4 Grid, 11" x 17", 50 Sheets
1Speedball Tracing Paper - 18" x 20 yds, White, Roll (24" or 36" for large yards)
1Stanley 100' Closed Case Long Tape (300' for large yards)
1.375" 10-12" metal spike (landscape, timber, spiral, whatever is affordable)
1Laptop/access to a computer with internet


Optional/Nice to have 
Addn'l templates of varying shapes and curves
Rolling ruler
Drafting Compass
Alcohol markers
T square and triangles if you have a large square edged surface to work from
Printer capable of printing at 11x17 or larger

 Session Information: 26FA-AEXP-208-A1A

Schedule: Every week on Sunday, starting on 10/04/26 and ending on 11/08/26
Times: 01:00pm-04:00pm EDT
This session contains no associated Fee Codes, so you cannot register at this time

Facility Detail

Taubman Center for Design Education
T*910
460 West Baltimore
Detroit, MI 48202