COURSE STRUCTURE

COURSE SYLLABUS AND CONTENT
The course has been carefully structured to include lectures, demonstrations, visits and projects taking the student through everything from basic and advanced design principles to practical knowledge of both 'hard' and 'soft' landscape materials.

The content and syllabus of the course are closely allied to the recommendations laid down by the Society of Garden Designers.

DRAWING COURSE
The Drawing Course has been specifically set up for those starting on the Professional Garden Design Course to help those students acquire the basic skills necessary to draw up a garden plan. The course runs for 5 consecutive days and includes general plan presentation, elevated drawings in perspective, planting plans and colouring. The details are as follows:

Length: 5 days

Day: Monday – Friday

Time – 09.30am – 16.00pm

Start date – September 8 -12th 2008

Course fee - £375.00

The correct drawing equipment will need to be purchased and will be on sale on the first morning. Drawing boards are provided. A 10% discount will be available for those attending the Professional Garden Design Course.

GARDEN DESIGN PROJECTS
There are three design projects of ranging complexity culminating in a final design which will combine all the elements taught throughout the year. These projects will familiarise the student with the process of designing a garden, help initiate the students' personal work portfolios and will involve visits to established gardens, working landscape projects and suppliers. These projects allow the student to work in three different scales and experience the different techniques required from a small enclosed garden to a two acre plot.

HARD LANDSCAPE PROJECTS
Hard landscape projects explore the potential use of hard materials in design. They cover the area of paving, walling and changes in level. The idea is for the student to understand both the aesthetic and practical use for these hard materials and to recognise whether or not they are successful in their landscape setting.

SOFT LANDSCAPE PROJECTS
Plant knowledge is important for all garden design students. The projects set will give the opportunity of allowing the student to explore both the practical placement of plants and also the aesthetic associations for producing exciting planting plans. Individual portfolios of plants will run as a theme through out the year.

STUDIO SESSIONS
There are two studio sessions per term where time is used for working on the drawing boards in the design studio. Here the student has a chance to work on the drawings of their design projects under the supervision of the tutors and in the company of their fellow students.

A new addition to this part of the course will be the use of computers and the programme sketch up. This 3D programme will enable students to look at their design in three dimensions allowing them to make informed decisions on the progress of their design work. A tutor is on hand to guide the development of each design.

PROJECT TIMETABLE
September 2008 – July 200

The project schedule and timetable may be subject to alteration without notice.

HOME STUDY
It is essential that some of the work is carried out by the student in their own time. It is recommended that at least a day and a half is set aside for this purpose.

This is an intensive course, which will involve dedicated regular time for private study in order for the student to complete the project work to a satisfactory standard. At the very least the equivalent of one day a week of time in addition to the formal classes is recommended.

EXTERNAL ASSESSOR
Past external assessors have included Andrew Wilson, Robin Williams and Lucy Huntingdon. For the past year Julian Treyer Evans, has been involved with monitoring the quality of the course content. He is a well respected local garden designer who has been in practice for the last 30 years. A copy of his report is available on request.