Ecological Landscape Design Course (evenings)

Join the Ecological Landscape Design Course with Rosmarie Lohnes!

Live Sessions: January 7, January 28, February 4, February 11, March 11, March 18

🌿 Course Overview

Ecological Landscape Design Course — 6 Weeks
This six-week interactive program is designed for anyone interested in creating ecological, sustainable, low-maintenance, organic, restorative, natural, or food-producing landscapes. Whether you're working on a specific site or simply learning the foundations of ecological design, this course will guide you through the full design process from start to finish.
No previous experience is required.

🌱 What You’ll Learn

Ecological Landscapes & the Sustainable Mindset

We begin with a deep look at the meaning of “sustainability” — socially, environmentally, and economically.
You’ll explore questions such as:

• What makes a landscape nourishing and supportive for people?
• How do we design spaces that are non-polluting, low-impact, and biodiversity-friendly?
• How do ecological landscapes support local economies and reduce long-term maintenance?

You’ll learn how ecological design takes sustainability even further by working with natural processes, observing site systems, and understanding where the land sits in succession. This mindset encourages landscapes to grow, evolve, bloom, and offer resources for both people and wildlife — while we gently guide rather than dominate.

📝 Design Process

You will be guided through the full ecological landscape design workflow, including:

• Detailed site analysis (soil, hydrology, slopes, sun/wind exposure, climate, vegetation)
• Understanding site limits and opportunities
• Creating conceptual plans based on ecological patterns
• Developing final drawings that consider long-term impact and land stewardship

We’ll also explore design frameworks and approaches such as:

• Permaculture
• Biodynamics
• Successive sowing
• Native species integration
• Food forests

By the end of the course, you will have completed the full design process for your chosen site.

✨ Optional Homework

This course includes 18 hours of in-class instruction.
Optional homework is provided each week for participants who want to deepen their learning, refine their drawings, or move further through the design process.
All homework is optional and designed to enhance — not overwhelm — your learning experience.

✏️ Materials Needed

Please have the following tools on hand throughout the course:

• Paper (various sizes and weights)
• Vellum / tracing paper
• Pencils, coloured pencils, crayons, and/or markers
• Pens, scales, straight edges
• Templates and stencils
• A computer for Zoom classes

These materials will help you complete your design work as we move from analysis into concept plans and final drawings.