Introduction to garden design

About this course

The course introduces the main stages of garden design, from understanding a site and developing practical solutions to planning layouts and selecting suitable plants and materials. Participants will explore ways to add structure, interest, privacy and noise reduction to a garden, then translate ideas into a simple scaled plan and mood board. Teaching combines practical workshops, tutor presentations, demonstrations, informal class discussion and handouts. Tasks, notes, resources and demonstration videos are also shared through Google Classroom, with preparation and homework outside class strongly encouraged.

What you'll learn

• Draw a garden plan at a 1:50 scale
• Create a mood board for hard landscaping and planting choices
• Recognise principles that contribute to a successful garden design
• Suggest design approaches for improving privacy and reducing noise
• Develop a simple planting combination for a garden

Is this course right for you?

This beginner-level course is intended for people developing their understanding of garden design, including those planning improvements to their own garden. No previous experience is necessary. Participation includes group discussion, practical workshops and following written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and health and safety information. Learners should be able to use numbers and carry out simple measurements and calculations.

• No previous experience is necessary
• Includes group discussion and practical workshop activities
• Requires simple measurements and calculations
• Preparation and homework outside class are strongly encouraged

Before you go

• Equipment and materials are provided for use in class.
• For home working, learners may wish to buy graph paper, tracing or greaseproof paper, masking tape, a notebook, pencil, eraser and a long tape measure.
• Printable graph paper and a scale rule are provided in the handouts.
• Learners are expected to log in to Google Classroom before each session.