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Benefits
This course is one of the finest investments you will make. The knowledge you will gain on this garden design course can be used in any situation and in any hemisphere. Expensive mistakes in the garden can be prevented by gaining a sound working knowledge of gardening and the principles of design.
Meet and work with others who are like minded. It is highly motivating to plan a garden with fellow students under the guidance of a tutor.
The School of Garden Design's well stocked library comprises local and international books on plants and garden design and offers a fantastic research facility which is also available to past students by appointment.
Who will benefit from this course?
If you would like to enter the landscaping/green industry or are already involved but would like to finetune your skills, this is the course for you. It is also ideal for homeowners who would like to increase their investment in their property by creating a beautiful garden. All students work at their own pace and level. A Certificate of Attendance is issued to all students that present their final plan.
Course Content :
Design Component - All aspects of garden design are taught, including utilisation of space, needs analysis, practical considerations, conceptualisation of design using styles, themes and colour, universal principles of design, choice of plant material and plant research and, equally important, creating an environmentally-friendly setting for the wildlife in your area.
Maintenance Component - In a world where the weather is constantly changing, we need to protect our gardens from the onslaught of high winds, drought and excessive rain. This is part of the course about which I am passionate and you will learn how to make and utilise compost and leaf litter. You will be taught the basics of fertilisers, both organic and inorganic, so that you can decide for yourself how to use them intelligently. We discuss lawn care and pruning at length as well as an environmentally friendly way of controlling unwanted pests.
Drawing Component - You will learn the basics of technical drawing to allow you to enlarge on paper a site plan drawn in 1:500 to a scale of either 1:100 or 1:50, graduating on to your design of choice and plant placement. The final project on which you will be marked is a completed, rendered (coloured) plan.
Do I need any previous experience?
No. You will work at a comfortable pace, provided that you make every effort not to lag behind. If you are an experienced gardener/designer, you are most welcome to work at a faster pace and to contribute your knowledge, provided that it fits the ethos of the school. There is also an extension programme for experienced gardeners. Many fine landscapers who now work in their own businesses throughout South Africa or for commercial enterprises were schooled at The School of Garden Design. (see Links Page)
How do I enrol?
Confirm you intention to enrol by email, fax or telephone. You can also use the online booking form in "Contact Us". On enrolment you will be required to pay a 20% non-refundable deposit.
Testimonials
I first attended a weekend course at The School of Garden Design two and a half years ago after seeing their advertisement in The Gardener magazine and, at the time, considering myself to be an experienced gardener, having developed our garden from an overgrown plot. What an informative day it was! I didn't want it to end.
Shortly afterwards, I gave up full time work and enrolled for the twelve week course with the intention of improving/rehabilitating my new garden. This course has changed my life and, of course, my garden! The curriculum is in-depth and provides an excellent theoretical foundation as well as essential practical skills. The preparation and group presentation of a garden plan was a great experience. I am still using my plan to make further design, thematic and structural changes and it has been so rewarding to see how everything comes together. Should one be considering a career in garden design or just to improve your gardening skills, this course is very valuable.
Helen Loudon | 
