The book I'm using for my construction class is "Landscape Construction" by David Sauter, ISBN 0-8273-8427-0. It is required for the class, which covers Landscape Mechanics and Construction.

Thanks for the recommendation, Saypoint. I was looking at the Sauter book on Amazon yesterday and wondered if it was worthwhile. When I saw the $80 price, I figured it must be a textbook. I've just ordered it; thanks again.

Tina McG

I am not surprised at the lack of required text. Tina, I would hope that your construction course would be focused towards hands-on, practical experience as opposed to in-class, lecture type material. This is one situation where "book learning" is not gonna get you the info you need, no matter how elaborate the Powerpoint presentation:-)

Of course all landscape design curricula are formulated differently, but the more hands-on the technical classes are, the better prepared the student. Nothing you will learn in the classroom can effectively duplicate what you will learn by actually doing yourself. And the doing of yourself is what enables you to correctly design and specify the technical aspects of a design.

FWIW, the construction portions of my design curriculum were very specific - one entire quarter on wood construction, another on concrete construction and a third on materials in general. And an entire year (3 quarters) of a practicum with an experienced landscape contractor as instructor actually building and installing all manner of landscape features. Other than the first day, we never even entered a classroom! As a group, we built various fence components, a raised deck, designed and built an arbor, installed paver pathways and completed various small concrete pours. And we had individual projects we had to complete for each class as well.

I could see using a text as a back-up or reference, but not as the primary focus of the class.

Gardengal, your class sounds a lot more comprehensive than mine's going to be. We only get one term, 16 weeks! On top of that, it's in the evening, so as the days become shorter and winter sets in, our time outside will be restricted.

Where did you study? Actually, I'm interested in knowing where everyone studied. I don't have many options since I'm beyond the age where I'd be able to pack up and go away to school. My husband would starve to death, not to mention the poor dogs...

Tina McG

Tina -

Like you the landscape design class I took was more text than hands on (no real construction but quite a bit of conversation regarding hardscapes) however being me I made every effort to be outside and construct what I thought would be a benefit to my landscape design curriculum.

Like GG48 said any hands on lessons are worth more knowledge than one lesson in a book.

I would suggest that you read any of the Sunset, Ortho, Home Cheapo, LoweÂs and other garden / hardscape construction books. They all say the same thing but they are very basic and can get one going in the right direction.

Never be afraid to try and build something. Start with a simple project like a trellis for a clematis and before you know it youÂll be building more complex decks, arbors, pergolas, fountains, pools and a new house. Welll ÂÂ. maybe not a new house but there is no limit.

It boils down to your own desire and experiences that can lead you to a successful career.

Jake

Tina, I got my degree at a local community college that has a reputation for an excellent hort program. It was a pretty intensive program - 2 years (7 quarters) if you went full time, which I was able to do. Many other students, most all of which were mature, second career types or those wanting to formalize years of hands-on experience with a degree, attended on a part-time basis, often taking night classes. However, most of the night classes that addressed the more technical aspects of the profession had weekend sessions as well, so those folks could get out into the field and actually do the stuff they were learning.

But as I stated, all curricula are structured differently and one is not necessarily better than another - you get out of it what you put into it. As Jake says, try to get your hands dirty by applying what you learn in the classroom lectures. Use your own garden as a classroom and start building. Maybe you could suggest to your intructor that the class get together a few weekends during the course and build something as a group, perhaps as a community service. Any parks or public gardens that may need a new pathway or an arbor? Habitat for Humanity is also a great program for volunteer landscape services - you could probably get a local materials dealer to donate supplies and maybe a local nursery to donate plant material.