The English Gardening School

Distance Learning Course FAQs

How is the course taught?
  • Our distance learning course is taught through the 400 page course manual that you will receive in the post. Written by Rosemary Alexander, this can be studied anywhere in the world. All you need is a good understanding of the English language.
  • For the course you will need regular access to a garden that can be used as a design project, although it doesn’t have to be your own. Ideally it should not be less than 10m (33’) long and 5m (6’) wide and should be fairly level, as opposed to a steep or sloping site. The garden can just be used as a template if you wish.
  • This course focuses on one garden.
  • Homework is sent by email to your tutor. Written work should be attached to your email as a PDF if possible or Word, and drawings should be scanned or photographed and submitted as JPEG or PDF. Some of your drawing originals may be large, so when you photograph them, you may need to send extra photos of details. You can also use platforms such as Dropbox and WeTransfer to send larger files.
  • Each piece of work submitted will be marked, graded and returned to you via email with comprehensive feedback to help and guide you.
  • Please ensure your work is clearly labelled with your name.
  • Computer aided design methods such as SketchUp are not covered on this course and you may work by hand or CAD.
  • We prefer you to use Metric measurements, but if you are in the USA or other countries that use Imperial, please advise us that you will be using Imperial for your work.
What is covered in the syllabus – Garden Design?
  • Introduction to the course
  • Recommended reading list
  • List of equipment
  • Chapter 1: Research and Preparation
  • Chapter 2: Garden Layout, Transforming your ideas into a Garden
  • Chapter 3: Vertical and overhead planes, materials, lighting and garden accessories
  • Chapter 4: Designing with plants
  • Chapter 5: Visuals and Garden Construction
What do I have to submit? (Garden Design)
  • You will submit 5 projects and two Plant Notebooks.
What is covered in the syllabus – Caring for your Garden?
  • Introduction to the course
  • Chapter 1: Getting Started
  • Chapter 2: Getting the Garden into shape
  • Chapter 3: Planning new Plantings
  • Chapter 4: Choosing and buying Plants
  • Chapter 5: Care of Plants and Propagation
  • Chapter 6: Finishing Touches
What do I have to submit? (Caring for your Garden)
  • You will submit 5 projects and a Garden Log and Plant Portfolio.
What happens if I have any questions during the course?
  • The manual is detailed and comprehensive, but throughout the course your distance learning tutor and the School Principal are always available via email to answer any questions you may have.
How long does it take to complete the course?
  • This depends on how much time you can give to the course. As a rough guide we suggest you allow 21 hours per project — this can vary depending on your base knowledge.
  • We recommend that you take a calendar year to complete the course; however we do ask you to complete the course within 3 years.
Are there any deadlines?
  • No. You work in your own time at your own pace; all we ask is you complete the course within 3 years.
Do I need any qualifications or experience to start the course?
  • No. All you need is a keen interest in gardening and a desire to learn.
When can I start?
  • All you need to do is complete the online booking form — you will then receive payment details, and once paid, your course manual will be dispatched within 7 days.
What happens if I am not able to complete the course in the allocated time?
  • In exceptional circumstances extensions are given at the discretion of the Principal.
What will I receive at the end of the course?
  • You will receive a certificate from the English Gardening School.
Will this course prepare me for the RHS exams?
  • No, our distance learning courses won’t prepare you for the RHS exams as these are a lot more technical.
Do you offer a returns policy?
  • Yes. When you have received your Course Manual, if you are not completely satisfied, please return the book to us in perfect condition, by recorded mail within 14 days and we will refund the fees in full less £50.00 administration charge, postage charges, and charges for product received back in less than perfect condition.
  • Sadly under no circumstances will refunds be given after this 14-day period.
Can I pay in instalments?
  • The course costs £650 and is payable in one sum before the course commencement. Unfortunately we are unable to offer payment by instalments.