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  Andy Cole October 27, 2013 at 10:05am

  I have just finished a course with the oxford collage of garden design I learnt so much not just about design but also using cad and other computer soft ware sketch up vector works skype none of which I had used before so I think it was worth the money
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  Pristine Gardens October 27, 2013 at 10:19am

  Where are you based? merrist wood in guildford Surrey do a selection or good design courses
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  Matt Johnson October 27, 2013 at 10:41am

  I am based in northamptonshire, Travelling isn't an issue if the course is worth it
  
  David Miller said:

  Where are you based? merrist wood in guildford Surrey do a selection or good design courses
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  Pristine Gardens October 28, 2013 at 8:53am

  I have been to merrist wood on 3 occasions and have always found it worth while
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  timwright November 2, 2013 at 10:52am

  HI there,

  I have mixed experience - at one college the course disintergrated after a year, was offered modules in floristry, business studies and landscaping. Until then it was useful. Second course was much better. A Foundation Degree in Garden Design covered all aspects and was more than worthwhile. However that was a couple of years ago now and fees have gone up. The latter of the two courses was at Skipton.
  A reputable course that offers recognised qualifications through an award body I would say is well worth it. THere are so many aspects to design that it can have an impact on many elements in the profession - without joining the SGD!
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  Colin Elliott November 2, 2013 at 10:58am

  We have just finished a hectic month of residential courses in garden design and landscaping based in the Loire Valley of central France.

  Students from around the world (including the UK) came over for an intensive weeks course offering a complete overview of the garden design process including CAD and surveying.

  Each course had a slightly different emphasis depending on the requirements of those on it. They included a visit to the International Garden Festival at Chaumont sur Loire for inspiration.

  The season is closed for this year but they will be run again in 2014 if you are interested.
  www.gardendesignacademy.com for details.
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  Matt Johnson November 2, 2013 at 11:03am

  Hi tim, Could you give me details on where i can find out more information on this course, Just done a quick web search and can't seem to find any info

  Thank you
  
  timwright said:

  HI there,

  I have mixed experience - at one college the course disintergrated after a year, was offered modules in floristry, business studies and landscaping. Until then it was useful. Second course was much better. A Foundation Degree in Garden Design covered all aspects and was more than worthwhile. However that was a couple of years ago now and fees have gone up. The latter of the two courses was at Skipton.
  A reputable course that offers recognised qualifications through an award body I would say is well worth it. THere are so many aspects to design that it can have an impact on many elements in the profession - without joining the SGD!
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  Alice Meacham November 2, 2013 at 11:48am

  I went through this debate last year when I was looking for a course. A degree in Landscape Architecture is probably a good 'recognisable industry qualification' (but only if you have a spare 3 years and £27K) As regards the many 1 year short courses in garden design on offer, you would do well to check if CAD (computer-based design) is offered as well as hand drawn design - not all courses teach CAD, and those that do are generally more expensive. Tutor 'hours' are also important - how much contact time will you get, and is there an opportunity for design implementation (i.e. in actual gardens) or is it all 'drawing board' based? Is the course offered by a regulated educational body,(and therefore subject to some scrutiny) or by a private organisation which has a reputation to uphold? Can you see evidence of work produced by students from previous years?. Defining what you want from it is key - I wanted to develop my technical drawing and presentation skills to create a good portfolio, so I made my choice based on that. Being self employed, my clients are far more interested in my portfolio that in seeing my qualifications, so for me gaining the skills was more important that the course certification. .
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  Jenny Bloom November 2, 2013 at 2:54pm

  I attended Capel Manor College - studying part-time over three years so I was still able to work/earn. Excellent course and not as expensive as the private design colleges (although their fees will have inevitably gone up I'm sure since I went when they were about £600 per year). I agree with Alice, it is perhaps defining what you need/want and then looking for a course that will fit best with that. Good luck!
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  Christopher Ray November 4, 2013 at 4:20pm

  Andy Cole said:

  I have just finished a course with the oxford collage of garden design I learnt so much not just about design but also using cad and other computer soft ware sketch up vector works skype none of which I had used before so I think it was worth the money

  The Oxford college do a diploma for £7K, but its based online, sorry but I am lost for words!!!! They call it £6995.00, that seems a lot but from your experience Andy, would it be worth paying £7000?

  My college course at Writtle is costing me £800, quite is a bit more reasonable but its only plant design course and not a full on landscaping course,