This course is open to those seeking a change in career and who have no previous experience in garden design. Based upon the requirements demanded by membership to the Society of Garden Designers (the only professional association that exists for garden designers), it provides a sound vocational basis for the real world of business. It is also a course to advance the career of those already running their own business in landscape contracting or nursery practice who wish to offer the additional service of design to their clients.

Good garden design, like any other form of design depends upon a pleasing interplay between basic principles such as form , composition, balance and contrast. These images illustrate some of these principles.

STATEMENT
The Professional Garden Design Course is a stand-alone course and is therefore independent from Plumpton College.

AIMS
The aims for this course are to deliver dynamic and up to date information in a short but practical timeframe, so that the student can start the business of designing gardens as soon as possible. As soon as a student takes their place on the course it is considered that they are ready for the task of designing gardens. It is encouraged that work on designing gardens in the real market takes place whilst on the course in order to grasp the practicalities as the theory is being learnt.

The number of students will be restricted to six. This will allow for greater flexibility in the teaching methods as garden visits and site inspections can be organised at shorter notice and the student lecturer ratio means a greater understanding of the methods involved in bringing about a more effective design.

New garden designers are always wishing to work alongside more experienced designers in the early part of their careers so here is a chance to do just that whilst still on a course.

AS A CAREER
Many students who join the course are looking for an opportunity to begin a new career. There is a wide range of skills from other careers that are brought to the course which makes for stimulating and informed sessions.

TRACK RECORD
This course first started in 1996. Since then many students have gone on to become practising garden designers and some full members of the Society of Garden Designers.

WHAT NEXT
This course is only the beginning of a career in garden design. To help set goals and monitor future achievements, students should aim for full membership of the Society of Garden Designers. To do this there is a requirement of three completed projects from design to construction. These need to be presented to an adjudication panel of registered members. For more details visit www.sgd.org.uk

All students on the course are included as a student member of the Society of Garden Designers.