Garden and landscape design

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Welcome from Sophie Guinness, Head of Garden and Landscape Design

Hello and congratulations on your offer to study with us. I am delighted you have chosen to join our garden and landscape design department at Capel Manor College.

Whether you are taking your first steps into garden design, considering a career change or building on existing horticultural knowledge, you have chosen a course that combines creativity, technical expertise and professional practice in one of the UK's leading environmental colleges.

Garden design is about far more than creating beautiful outdoor spaces. It brings together design, horticulture, environmental understanding and creative thinking to produce gardens that are both practical and inspiring. Throughout your studies you will develop the knowledge, technical skills and confidence needed to transform ideas into professional design proposals.

Our garden design courses are delivered primarily at our Regent's Park and Enfield Campuses, with our introductory Level 1 course also available at Gunnersbury Park and Mottingham. You will learn from experienced designers and horticultural specialists while studying in unique environments that provide constant inspiration for your own design work.

Many of our learners are balancing study alongside work and family commitments, while others are preparing for a new career or developing an existing business. Whatever your reason for joining us, our team will support you throughout your learning journey.

Your studies will include:

  • Studio-based design work
  • Freehand sketching and technical drawing
  • Site analysis and surveying
  • Plant identification and planting design
  • Design communication and presentation
  • Understanding client briefs

Preparing for study

If you would like to get a head start before your course begins, here are a few ideas:

Watch
Your Garden Made Perfect
Garden Rescue
Gardeners' World
RHS Chelsea Flower Show coverage
BBC Big Dreams, Small Spaces

Visit
If you have the opportunity, visit:

RHS Garden Wisley
Kew Gardens
Regent's Park
National Trust gardens
Local show gardens
Historic landscapes and public parks

Keep curious

Follow organisations such as:

Society of Garden + Landscape Designers (SGLD)
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Landscape Institute
Kew Gardens
RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Meet the team

Sophie Guiness

Sarah Plested

Antonia Couling

Nathalie Puget

Shaun Mooney

May Starey

Lily Bakratsa

Garden and landscape design FAQs

Not necessarily.

Our courses welcome learners from a wide range of backgrounds. Some students join us with years of gardening experience, while others are completely new to garden design. Your tutors will support you in developing both your creative design skills and your horticultural knowledge throughout your studies.

You will be expected to spend time developing your assignments between classes.

This may include drawing, research, visiting gardens, developing design ideas and completing coursework. The amount of study varies depending on your qualification, but your tutors will guide you on what is expected and help you manage your workload effectively.

Absolutely.

Many of our students study with us to begin a new career in garden design, establish their own business or complement existing work within horticulture, landscaping or related industries.

Our courses provide a strong foundation in both design and horticultural knowledge, helping you build the confidence and portfolio needed to take the next step.

Yes.

Throughout your course you'll develop a portfolio of design work that demonstrates your creativity, technical drawing skills and understanding of garden design principles. As you progress, your portfolio becomes an invaluable record of your development and can be used to support progression into further study or professional practice.

Throughout your studies you will have opportunities to:

  • Learn from experienced garden designers and horticultural specialists.
  • Visit inspirational gardens and landscapes.
  • Develop professional presentation and drawing skills.
  • Explore contemporary planting and design trends.
  • Build a portfolio of professional-quality work.
  • Network with like-minded learners who share your passion for design.
  • Prepare for further study or professional practice.

Garden design combines studio work with visits to gardens and outdoor spaces.

Before you start we recommend bringing:

  • An A3 sketchbook or drawing pad
  • Pencils (HB–4B), eraser and sharpener
  • A ruler and notebook
  • Coloured pencils or fine liners (recommended)
  • A refillable water bottle

You may also wish to bring a camera or smartphone to record ideas and inspiration during garden visits.

You will have access to specialist learning resources throughout your course and will also use laptops/computers together with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams to support your studies.

Do not worry if you do not have everything on your first day, we will explain what you will need during induction.

Have questions?

Speak to our Admissions team via live chat from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday or email admissions@capel.ac.uk.