Explore a range of garden styles and survey your garden; then use your knowledge to create a new design plan for your garden
Modules:
- Assessing your needs – intended uses, budget, maintenance requirements
- Choosing a style – formal, informal, traditional and modern
- The site survey – measuring size, shape, soil type, and aspect, and assessing the effects of sun and shade design aspects – looking at shapes, harmony, balance and proportion
- Hard landscaping – walls, fences, paving and decking
- Designing with plants – height, form, texture, colour, year-round interest
For keen amateurs and landscapers with some plant knowledge who wish to learn some new skills.
Merrist Wood has a strong tradition of excellence in garden design. The College offers students access to tutors of excellence in garden design, individual design tables and a library containing an immense collection of horticultural and design books.
Dates of attendance:
Tuesday evenings: 6.30pm-9pm
22, 29 April, 6, 13, 20, 27 May, 10, 17 June 2025 (there will be no class on 3 June 2025)
How you'll learn and be assessed
Units covered will include:
Week 1: The Foundations of Garden Design
Understanding Space, Style, and Function
Week 2: Mastering Garden Layouts & Structure
Designing Paths, Borders, and Focal Points
Week 3: Planting for Impact & Year-Round Interest
Choosing the Right Plants for Every Season and Style
Week 4: Hardscaping & Garden Features
Beyond Plants: Using Paving, Walls, and Water Features to Enhance Your Garden
Week 5: Colour, Texture & Seasonal Planting Plans
How to Create a Harmonious and Dynamic Garden Palette
Week 6: Wildlife-Friendly & Sustainable Garden Design
Designing with nature in mind
Week 7: Problem-Solving in Garden Design
How to Maximise Your Outdoor Area
Week 8: Bringing Your Garden Vision to Life
Final Touches & Personalised Designs: Create Your Own Garden Masterplan
Progression
Explore our wide range of courses in horticulture and other land-based studies, including our range of RHS courses.
Entry requirements
- There are no qualification entry requirements for this course.
- Drawing equipment is required in order to study this course. The tutor will advise during induction.
- A genuine passion for plants, gardening, and the natural environment is essential. Applicants should demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and engage.
Additional information
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 19 years of age to enrol in the course.
- We recommend you attend all sessions to get the most out of our courses.
- If you require additional support, please advise us before enrolling so that we can investigate if this is available.
- Unfortunately, the catering outlets are closed in the evenings, but you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks with you.
- There is free car parking on campus. A map will be sent out with your joining instructions.
