Are you considering a transition into the garden design profession or looking to create your own stunning garden?  This course provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of garden design, aimed at those considering a transition into the profession and passionate amateurs.

You’ll start with the fundamentals, from honing your drawing skills to conducting precise site surveys. Every facet of design is covered, including grid use, integrating striking horizontal and vertical elements and crafting intricate garden layouts.

Working on a real site with a proposed client, Catriona Rowbotham Course Director will guide you step by step through the design process, from initial considerations to final presentations. You’ll learn to create hand-drawn plans and mood boards, bringing your ideas to life.

Our course places a strong emphasis on planting and rigorous design methods.  In the first half-term you’ll be introduced to leading designers such as Barbara Samitier (Moss Studio) and Nick Tripp (Taylor Tripp) while input from Tom Eno (The Marylebone Garden Company) and a visit to The Glasshouse Collective introduce you to the specification and pricing of hard landscaping and Paul Willavoys (Landscape Plus) demystifies lighting and small water features.

In the second half-term top horticulturists, such as multi-award-winning nursery owner Rose Hardy (Hardy Plants), renowned author Andy McIndoe and award winning garden designer Richard Miers will assist you in plant specification and design. Throughout the course, Caroline Jackson (roving head gardener for Marian Boswall) will help you understand how to study plants in depth as you build your own personal plant portfolio.

Visiting trade nurseries in both terms is an opportunity to gain exposure to the wider horticultural industry with talks and lectures from Eliot Barden at Majestic Trees and Robin Wallis at Hortus Loci providing vital insights, while garden design coach Patricia Fox (Aralia Garden Design) will take you through how to market and price your garden design services. Visits to private gardens including EGS founder Rosemary Alexander’s own Sandhill Farm House round off your learning.

We are proud to say that many of our diploma students have gone on to build successful businesses and showcase their work at prestigious RHS Flower Shows. Notable alumni include Pollyanna Wilkinson, Manoj Malde, Adolfo Harrison, and Holly Johnston.

Our guest speakers are among the top garden designers in the field, featuring names like Adolfo Harrison, Arit Anderson, Charlotte Rowe,  Jo Thompson, Kate Gould, and Sarah Eberle.

Prospective students are advised to attend an online video call or in person  INFORMATION SESSION to learn more on the work involved and the required level of commitment. Both options are being held regularly so please email to inquire or click ‘Apply For This Course’ and await our confirmation.