Course Outline

Take a closer look at the course outline
to see exactly how comprehensive our course is.


We understand that different people learn at different speeds and that every one of our students has their own unique set of personal responsibilities. We also understand that some students will need more time on a particular subject while others will breeze right through it. That's why we've designed our course to be completely flexible and to work with anyone's schedule.

You will complete 10 assignments that together will give you actual experience dealing with real-world garden design projects. These assignments can be completed at any time. Some students put themselves on the fast track and have their entire course completed in less than 6 months. Others take their time and use the full 3 years. Whatever your needs are, our course is sensitive to them.

Our programme is designed in such a way that each module builds upon the module before it. The 4 textbooks outlined below, when paired with the feedback and guidance you'll receive from your personal tutor, will give you everything you need to build a successful career in garden design.

The History

Book One

In this book you will learn about the history of garden design, covering the ways in which gardens evolved through time and how this influences the way we design today.

From ancient Mesopotamia to the English Traditions, you will gain knowledge of what garden features and planting trends belong to what world region/time period. These reference points are an all-important step in forming your very own adaptable garden style.

  • Mesopotamia
  • Egypt
  • Persia (Iran) Persian Empire
  • Greece
  • The Roman Epoch
  • India
  • China
  • Japan
  • Spain
  • Monastery and Castle Gardens
  • The Italian Renaissance
  • The French Tradition
  • English Traditions

The Principles

Book Two

From plant selection to selecting colour schemes, our second book offers you the principle components that form the garden designers craft. Starting with the Principles of Garden Design, you will study the following:

  • Balance and Proportion
  • Unity and Repetition
  • Movement or Rhythm
  • Contrast
  • Colour
  • Focal Points
  • Simplicity
  • Know your Materials


The Seven Principles of Plant Selection

  • Light
  • Soil and Moisture
  • Hardiness
  • Height/Spread
  • Type of Plant
  • Interest
  • Care

The Elements

Book Three

In our third book we take an in depth look at some of the most important elements within a professionally designed garden. From outdoor floors to garden themes this book deals with many of the most important elements you will require when designing your outdoor rooms. Starting with garden floors, you will study the following:

  • Path and Patio Planning
  • Decks
  • Living Floors
  • Lawns
  • Garden Walls
  • Living Walls
  • Hedges, and Shelterbelts

  • This section also contains a comprehensive Hedging/screening plant list. We then deal with light and water in the garden before introducing you to Garden styles and themes:

  • Seaside Theme
  • Cottage Style
  • Mediterranean Style
  • Modern or Architectural Garden
  • Fragrance Garden
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Vegetable Border Garden
  • Rockeries
  • Japanese Garden

Assessment & Presentation

Book Four

This practical book covers all you need to know about how to go about assessing a client's wishes and needs, and how to make effective presentations of your ideas to them. You learn how to prepare simple base plans at first, building up to a Concept Drawing then a final Working Plan.

Along the way you will study the following

  • The Garden Area
  • Steps to Effective Measuring
  • What's Above, What's Below?
  • Existing Plants and Trees
  • Recording Sun and Shade
  • Factoring in Hardiness and Microclimates
  • Soil Conditions
  • Ph Levels
  • Client Questionnaire
  • Drawing Tools
  • Creating a Base Plan
  • Title Block
  • Bubble Plan
  • Landscape Symbols
  • Concept Drawing and Working Plan

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