Landscape Design & Drawing: A Masterclass Series by Jim Fogarty

Learn landscape design with our Design Short Courses in Sydney!

Join award-winning, world renowned designer Jim Fogarty for a six-part masterclass uncovering the principles and techniques of garden design.

Perfect for aspiring designers and passionate gardeners alike, this series will help you turn ideas into confident, creative designs.  

Course content

What will be covered in this landscape and garden design course?

Workshop 1: Creating a Base Plan – The Important First Stages in the Design Process

Wednesday 6 August

• Understand what a base plan is and why it matters
• Research your site and assess its landscape value
• Create your first draft base plan using sketches and colour
• Learn common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Workshop 2: Site Analysis & On-Site Inspiration – How to Start Your Design Ideas

Wednesday 20 August

• Perform a site analysis to identify key features, constraints, and opportunities
• Draw inspiration from architecture and the natural environment
• Explore movement, flow, and how they influence design
• Begin developing your initial design concept

Workshop 3: Drawing Hardscapes & Vegetation (with Intro to Elevations)

Wednesday 3 September

• Draw structural elements such as paths, patios, and retaining walls
• Represent trees, shrubs, and planting zones
• Understand scale, layout, and spatial planning
• Get an introduction to elevation drawing

Workshop 4: Elevation Sketching & Understanding Levels

Wednesday 17 September

• Create elevation drawings to show height, slope, and perspective
• Represent stairs, slopes, and level changes
• Understand site levels and how to communicate them visually
• Review examples of level-sensitive design solutions

Workshop 5: Design Inspiration – Materials

Wednesday 1 October

• Choose materials that are functional, durable, and visually cohesive
• Understand how budget and maintenance influence material selection
• Analyse real-world case studies of material use
• Explore sustainable and low-maintenance material options

Workshop 6: Design Inspiration – Plants

Wednesday 15 October

• Develop planting palettes that enhance colour, texture, and form
• Design for seasonality, environmental factors, and long-term growth
• Learn practical tips for plant selection and placement
• Study effective planting combinations from real projects

Intended audience

Who is this course for?

• Homeowners wanting to enhance their outdoor spaces.
• Beginners looking to learn landscape and/or garden design fundamentals.
• Professionals in interior design, construction, or gardening who want to broaden their skills.
• Aspiring landscape designers seeking a strong foundational start to their learning journey.

Course materials

This is an online course delivered by our specialist partner in industry-led short courses.

Students will need access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with an internet connection. No other prerequisites are required.

The course includes:

• Engaging video lessons delivered by industry experts.
• Interactive quizzes and activities to enhance learning.
• All lessons will be recorded and made available for students to re-watch or catch up on if they are unable to attend.

Student Reviews

Featured Experts

Learn from Australia's best

Learn from an award-winning , world renowned designer:

• Jim Fogarty: Jim is an award-winning landscape designer and architect with over 30 international design accolades, including 16 gold medals. He was the first Australian-based designer to compete at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the Philadelphia Flower Show. His standout achievements include Gold at RHS Chelsea (2011), and both Gold and Best in Show at RHS Hampton Court (2014). He also won the Gardening World Cup in Japan (2011). Jim is internationally recognised and frequently invited to judge leading garden shows and design competitions around the world.