Garden Design and Associated Courses

Due to the popularity of our classes over the years, and frequent requests for more knowledge into planting design from people attending our ‘Design Your Own Garden’ course, we have decided to expand the choice of classes available.

Introduction To Garden Design (2 day class run 1 day per week)

This course explores a method of designing through lectures and practical exercises with some work carried out in between each day. We will give you an insight into what is involved in the design process and a chance to produce some simple designs.

The course content consists of

• Preparing a list of wants/needs for the garden
• Conducting a site assessment and gathering relevant information
• Analysing the information in conjunction with the brief
• Design Principles -    
  
  • Space & Movement
  • Enclosure & Openings
  • Balance & Proportion
  • Formal & Informal Layouts
  • Styling the Garden
• Choosing materials to suit the desired style and mood.

Course venue -

The Edinburgh Conference Centre,
Heriot Watt University
Riccarton
EH14 4AS

Cost -    £220 for the 2 day course and includes tea/coffee and a buffet lunch.
Class sizes limited to 14. All drawing equipment will be provided

Introduction To Planting Design (2 day class run 1 day per week)

This is a subject we have had a significant note of interest. The course is intended as a follow up to the Garden Design Course although not essential.
Planting Design is a very complex subject and we will look at a step-by-step method of selecting an appropriate planting scheme through lectures and practical exercises. An assignment on plant combinations is undertaken between day 1 and 2.

The course content consists of

• Assessing site conditions for planting
• Considering an appropriate style to enhance the design
• Profiling plants by assessing their individual qualities
• Decorative qualities of plants -    
  
  • Shape
  • Form
  • Texture
  • Colour
• Functional qualities of plants -    
  
  • Controlling movement and view
  • Creating enclosure and separation

• Combining plants to create an interesting and long lasting composition

Course venue -

The Edinburgh Conference Centre,
Heriot Watt University
Riccarton
EH14 4AS

Cost -    £220 for the 2 day course and includes tea/coffee and a buffet lunch.
Class sizes limited to 14. All drawing equipment will be provided

Level Surveying

Changes in level in a garden can influence and dictate the solution to a design. Learn to use levelling equipment and carry out a level survey in order to analyse how level changes can be accommodated and altered within the garden.
I intend to supply this course through a distance learning method of video and notes that can be purchased online.

Design Your Own Garden

At present this course is run through Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Course dates and bookings are taken direct form their educational department www.rbge.org.uk
It is an 11 week (2hrs/week) session run Tuesday mornings 10am-12.
The content is similar to the Introduction to Garden Design course but is aimed specifically at designing your own garden and covers measured surveying.

If you are interested in any further information on the above classes, or wish to be put on the mailing list for details of future course dates, then please complete the enquiry form in the Contact Us section or contacting Diane direct 01506 414459

Gift vouchers are available for the Garden and Planting Design courses.

If you want to book a place on a course, then please fill in the booking form below.

Booking Form for
Introduction to Garden design and Planting Design

Venue: Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University