

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.
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.
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