All courses are despatched by courier.

Students have up to three years to complete this course, allowing them to work through the modules at their own pace. On average, however, it takes students around 12 - 18 months to complete the course, based on 4 - 6 hours study time per week.

Subjects covered include: practical garden planning and design; key design techniques; latest trends in garden design; selecting new materials and techniques; understanding soil; working with clients; harmony and cohesion; creating a sense of place;  key styles - Minimalist, Mediterranean, Urban and Oriental; materials and styles; assessing the site; selecting and arranging plants. With many garden plans and three-dimensional design sketches.

professional development

Students may apply to join the Society of Garden Designers as student members. Once their course is complete and they are practicing as a garden designers, they may apply to join as full members. Click here for more information on the Society of Garden Designers.

why choose us?

Our tutorial support is second-to-none. You'll be assigned a personal tutor as soon as you enrol who will work with you all the way through. You can contact your tutor directly at any time if you have any questions or problems, or if you would just like a chat about how the course is going. Tutorial support is by e-mail and/or telephone.

Tutors can also offer advice on developing your portfolio, working as a garden designer and your continuing professional development.

Click here for more on practical work in our design courses.

course outline

Course book:The Essential Garden Design Workbook.

Module 1 - Basics of Design: Key elements. Introducing the survey. Analysis. A working plan. Zoning. Surveying and drawing equipment. Understanding client needs.

Module 2: Strong Foundations: The finished design. Presentation techniques. Drawing plans. Sections and elevations. Planning irrigation and drainage. Marking out. Planning your first garden.

Module 3 - The Site Survey: Carrying out a detailed survey. Drawing a site plan. Site inventory and analysis. Garden layout plan. Engaging the senses.

Module 4 - Understanding your Site: Landscape and existing features. Climate. Trees and established planting. Soil - soil types and their importance for plant growth, drainage, plant nutrients, organic matter and soil organisms.

Module 5 - Selecting and Using Plants: Selecting plants (trees, plants and crops) to suit location, consideration of scale, position, facilities and features. Planting density. Planting plans. Considering function. Associations between plants and other features. Interior landscapes.

Module 6 - Surfaces: Surfacing to suit your design. Decking and paving. Edgings. Rigid surfaces. Steps and ramps. Selection and sourcing of materials.

Module 7 - Vertical elements: Vertical planting. Walls. Fences. Gates and apertures. Decorative structures. Garden buildings. Ornamental pieces. Selection and sourcing.

Module 8 - Creating Visual Impact: Understanding light and colour in the garden. Contrasts and focal points. Creating pictures. Plants and containers. Garden accessories. Water and rock features. Leisure and garden games.

Module 9 - Garden Plans: Sample designs to suit different needs. History of garden design. Designing to commission. Planning for long-term maintenence.

Module 10 - Legislation and Regulations: An exploration of legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to horticulture and garden planning, including practical examples.

Module 11: Professional Practice. Administration. Pricing. Drawing up a proposal. Running your own practice. Project management. Building a strong client relationship. Working with subcontractors. Drawing up specifications for subcontractors.

Module 12: Bringing it all Together. Developing a thriving practice. Nurturing your designer instinct. Continuing professional development.