Garden Design Courses

When considering a course, find out where the emphasis will be – you may want one that spends more time on construction or horticulture, or is arts based. Questions to consider include:

• Are the course tutors practicing designers who are professionally trained, and as such can teach from a real-world perspective? Can you visit the provider and talk to the tutors and their existing or former students?
• How many graduates go on to find work or start successful businesses, and what opportunities are available for further study after the course?
• Are work experience placements are part of the course, or does the course have links within the industry to help you find one?
• Is the course externally accredited? Does it use external examiners?
• Does the method of delivery suit your circumstances and preference e.g. is it online or in person?
• Ask how much studio time there will be for design teaching and how much tutor supervision is included. Find out if students gain experience in pitching and presenting their ideas as they would to clients.

• Design: A course should cover the main aspects of the design process and train you to create appropriate visuals and documentation for a project. These would include presentation plans and drawings, site surveys and analysis, detailed construction drawings and setting out drawings, as well as teaching you how to specify materials.  It’s a good idea to find out how many complete garden projects (and not just tasks) will be covered in the course – the more, the better – and if these include different kinds of garden, such as large rural or small urban sites as well as difficult elements such as slopes and gradients.
• Skills: A garden design course should train students in a range of skills, including practical horticulture and construction, as well as hard and soft landscaping (plant identification and maintenance). A working knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) should  be included and hand drawing classes are always helpful.
• Business: Find out if students learn about communicating with clients, contractors and others involved in the process, and the contracts, laws and legal responsibilities that are part of garden projects. Will you be taught about setting up your own business, marketing and book keeping?

We award Educator Status to courses offered at Level 3 and above where the designated programme leader or course tutor has been approved. Being awarded SGLD Educator Status means that a course is committed to high standards in garden design education and teaching of best practice, as well as allowing for reviews of students’ work.