How to Design a Garden

Course overview

For keen amateurs and landscapers with some plant knowledge who wish to learn some new skills.

Look at a range of garden styles and survey your garden, then use your knowledge to create a new design plan for your garden. 

Merrist Wood has a strong tradition of excellence in garden design. The College offers students a well-equipped design studio and a library containing an immense collection of horticultural and design books.

Within the College grounds an ongoing programme of model gardens is under construction, which supplements the unrivalled plant collection on the 280-hectare estate.

DELIVERY DATES

Autumn Option

  • 17 September – Welcome, introductions, analysing what ‘works’ & what you want – Mini Gardeners’ Question Time
  • 24 September – Garden history and garden styles
  • 1 October – Focal points and other design ‘rules’
  • 8 October – Site analysis and site survey
  • 15 October – Scale drawings and bubble graphics

Half Term – 2 weeks

  • 5 November – Troubleshooting, use of colour
  • 12 November – Hard landscaping
  • 19 November – Plants, plants, plants!
  • 26 November – Design and ideas – development
  • 3 December – Final plan development

 

Spring Option

  • 25 February – Welcome, introductions, analysing what ‘works’ & what you want – Mini Gardeners’ Question Time
  • 3 March – Garden history and garden styles
  • 10 March – Focal points and other design ‘rules’
  • 17 March – Site analysis and site survey
  • 24 March – Scale drawings and bubble graphics

Easter – 2 weeks

  • 15 April – Troubleshooting, use of colour
  • 22 April – Hard landscaping
  • 29 April – Plants, plants, plants!
  • 6 May – Design and ideas – development
  • 13 May – Final plan development

Please note: this is a 10-week course split into two periods. 

Timings: Thursday evenings 6.30 – 8.30pm

Room:  Westnedge W9

This course is taught through lectures, group work and workshops.

Please bring a notebook and pen/pencil.

 

This is an evening course, and there are no catering outlets open. Hot water is available, but please bring your own supplies, milk, and a cup.

We run several RHS courses for adults and horticulture courses.

Drawing equipment is required in order to study this course. The tutors will advise during induction.

Course Starts in 73 Days

Thu 17 September 2026

Enquire about this course

Enquire about this course

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OC02CE0A006Q

Meet the tutors

We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.

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