garden design diploma

This is an in-depth 12-module home study course for students who wish to explore the exciting world of garden design. It is an ideal starting point for the keen amateur designer as well as those hoping to build a successful professional career in garden design. The course fee includes two course books: John Brookes' Garden Design and Essential Garden Planning and Construction;

(normal price: £495)

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 10 - 12 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.

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.

Course books: John Brookes' Garden Design and RHS Essential Garden Planning and Construction.

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.

You can spread the cost of your course over 4 months by choosing our instalment option. There is a £20 administration fee if you choose this option.

Normal price, £495; Normal instalment price: £515: Deposit - £80; Four instalments - £108.75 each. If booking on-line, winter offer: £440.75; deposit - £70; four instalments - £92.69. (This includes an administration fee of £20.)

If you wish to pay by instalments please contact us on: 01896 860661.

Learning Curve is one of the UK's leading distance learning providers. All of our home study courses include study material, which is sent out in an attractive, hardwearing folder, essential course books and full tutorial support. We are accredited by the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council, members of the Association of British Correspondence Colleges and the British Learning Association, and registered as providers with the Learning Skills Council. For more about Learning Curve click here.