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Garden Design

Certificate

Design and plan your own garden - from site analysis and layout to planting schemes and scaled drawings - via five hands-on projects with expert feedback.

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Why this course?

Turn ideas into an achievable garden plan. This beginner-friendly course gives enthusiasts a solid foundation in garden design—no prior qualifications required.

Structured around five practical assignments, you'll build skills step by step: surveying and analysing your site (aspect, soil, drainage), developing concepts and layouts, balancing hard and soft landscaping, designing planting for structure and seasonality, and communicating your scheme with clear drawings and presentations. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and know-how to plan a garden that suits your space and lifestyle.

You'll learn with expert - created resources - video tutorials, written guides and project briefs - and receive timely tutor support with detailed feedback on every submission, so you can progress with confidence and produce a resolved plan for your own garden.

COURSE DETAILS

About this course

Course Level

N/A

Course Duration

This course typically takes Approximately 3-6 months to complete.

Course Assessment

This course is assessed via 5 practical assignments.

UPCOMING

Certificate course

Date START DATE:
ANYTIME
HOME STUDY

SCHEDULE

Online Self-Directed Study

£545 Payment plans available
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Entry requirements: To enrol on this course, you must be over 18 years of age.

BAC

BAC

Accreditation

The National Academy of Creative Arts is an accredited provider of the British Accreditation Council (BAC), a leading authority in quality assurance for independent education in the UK. Recognised globally by students, agents and government bodies, the BAC mark represents the highest standards in teaching, student welfare and institutional management.

STUDY MODE

Explore Our Flexible Learning Path

Home Study courses at the National Academy of Creative Arts allow you to learn at your own pace.
As a Home Study student you will receive access to our Online Learning Centre with in-depth course materials including instructional videos, written content, and carefully crafted assignments. You will also have a dedicated tutor to support you on your learning journey.

Home Study

OUTCOMES

What will you learn?

Understand landscape design fundamentals: balance, proportion, unity, rhythm, and focus

Learn to apply these core design principles to outdoor layouts, creating visually balanced and harmonious exterior spaces.

Plan simple outdoor layouts and functional pathways

Gain skills for designing practical outdoor spaces - drawing paths, patios, decks, and structuring yard flow effectively.

Select appropriate plants and materials for cohesive outdoor schemes

Learn how plant choices, color palettes, and hardscape materials work together to create inviting exterior environments.

Use basic presentation tools: sketches, layout drawings, and mood boards

Develop visual communication skills to express your outdoor design ideas clearly and confidently.

PROGRAM

Course Overview

Transform your garden into a masterpiece with our comprehensive guide to garden design essentials. Discover how to select the perfect plants and craft stunning color schemes that breathe life into your outdoor space. This course offers you the secrets to creating harmonious and visually striking gardens that captivate the senses.

Key learnings:

  • Balance and Proportion
  • Unity and Repetition
  • Movement and Rhythm
  • Creating Contrast
  • Mastering Colour
  • Designing Focal Points
  • Embracing Simplicity
  • Understanding Material Choices
  • The Seven Principles of Plant Selection

Transform your outdoor space into a stunning garden retreat with our expertly curated guide. Discover essential elements that will enhance the beauty and functionality of your garden, from stylish outdoor floors to captivating themes. Dive into the art of garden design and create an outdoor haven you’ll love.

Key learnings:

  • Path and Patio Planning
  • Decks
  • Living Floors
  • Lawns
  • Garden Walls
  • Living Walls
  • Hedges and Shelterbelts
  • Seaside Themes
  • Cottage Style
  • Mediterranean Style
  • Modern or Architectural Garden
  • Fragrance Garden
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Vegetable Border Garden
  • Rockeries
  • Japanese Gardens
Academic Catalog

TUTORS

Meet Our Garden Design Educators

All our tutors are creative professionals working in the industry.

See all tutors
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