How to Design a Garden

Course overview

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)

 

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

  • 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.

Explore our wide range of courses in horticulture and other land-based studies, including our range of RHS courses.

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.
Course Starts in 73 Days
Enrol now

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OC02CE0C006Q

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.