Design your own garden II: planting design

About this course

The course examines how form, texture and other design elements shape planting schemes, alongside styles ranging from naturalistic to contemporary. Participants develop planting plans at 1:20 or 1:50 scale, elevation drawings and mood boards to communicate their ideas. Sessions combine practical workshops, tutor presentations, informal discussion and handouts, with group activities and individual projects. Plant research covers suitable choices for different conditions, planting distances, pot sizes and the selection of healthy plants.

What you'll learn

• Explain how form, texture and function contribute to planting design.
• Identify characteristics of naturalistic and contemporary planting styles.
• Compile visual research and mood boards to develop planting ideas.
• Produce a functional planting plan at an appropriate scale.
• Draw an elevation showing selected plants.
• Select suitable plants for different conditions and recognise indicators of plant health.

Is this course right for you?

This course is labelled Beginner and is intended for learners developing foundational planting design skills. Participation includes group discussion, workshops and independent projects. Learners should be able to follow simple written and spoken instructions, use numbers, and complete straightforward measurements and calculations.

• The course works as a standalone planting design course.
• It forms part 2 of a modular garden design programme; part 1 may be taken before or after it.
• Preparation and homework outside class are strongly encouraged.

Before you go

• Course tasks, notes and resources are held on Google Classroom, which learners need to access before each session.