1Apply knowledge of plant requirements and characteristics to the design of landscape spaces using plants and plant communities as the primary design material.

2Construct appropriate plant palettes using both native and horticultural plants to build a cohesive sense of place, including a palette that is regionally appropriate to the Midwest.

3Explore alternative solutions and use personal judgments to select plant combinations for technical, functional, and aesthetic uses in the landscape.

4Distinguish the differences in garden styles and know the characteristics of each style.

5Create a planting plan and schedule, incorporating appropriate nursery standards, and understand how these elements are part of the necessary construction documents for site construction.

6Apply design process (site, inventory, analysis, concept, schematic, and master plan) to planting design.