Course Description
The KLC Garden Design Diploma is a uniquely tailored course designed to prepare students for a career in the garden design industry. This one-year course combines practical hard landscaping and gardening skills, plant science and creative design principles in a part-time format, with two full days at school (Wednesday & Thursday) and an average of 20 hours additional study required outside of class each week.
The KLC Garden Design Diploma is the only garden course in the UK with exclusive access to the 20 Century Garden at Hampton Court Palace, KLC students have the opportunity to undertake practical horticultural sessions in one of the most historically rich gardens in the country. Each year this garden is carefully crafted by KLC students, creating a landscape unique to each graduating class.
Throughout the course students are trained to think like a designer, as well as expand their horticultural knowledge, gaining valuable knowledge and insight through visiting talks from industry leaders. Students graduate with a respected qualification, an impressive portfolio of work and the skills and confidence to work on professional design projects.
Alumni from this course have gone on to exhibit and win medals at RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, as well as being employed by established designers such as Andy Sturgeon, Marcus Barnett and John Nash. Our most recent alumni win was Matt Child's amazing triple win at RHS Hampton Court Flower show 2018 with his B&Q Busy Lizzie Garden achieving a Gold Medal, 'Best in Show' and 'Best in Construction'.
Course Content
Term One
Design Project 1 Chelsea Fringe Proposal
Design Project 2 Residential Garden
Research Project 1 Plant Combinations File
The year starts with exploratory design sessions; enabling students to get to know their tutors and classmates and immersing them in sketching and technical drawing workshops, as well as introducing design principles, planting and garden history.
The term continues with training in practical gardening skills such as pruning, training and propagation, as well as planting design and principles, including plans, schedules and using colour. Students are encouraged to develop their creative eye by keeping a plant sketchbook and learning to hand-render their plans and drawings. An overview of the design process is also given, with topics such as surveying a site, taking the client brief and project management all being introduced.
Term Two
Design Project 3 Hampton Court Conceptual Show Garden
Design Project 4 Derelict Space
Research Project 2 Construction File
Focusing on complex design situations and theory, including designing challenging sites, this term progresses students’ knowledge of garden design principles, creativity and concept work. Advanced visual communication techniques are introduced, such as one and two point perspective drawing and computer aided design software, such as SketchUp, Photoshop and Vectorworks Landmarks. A range of inspirational visits and lectures are also included in the course timetable to complement the ongoing projects.
Term Three
Design Project 5 Commercial Project
Design Project 6 Historical Garden
The course concludes with two large design projects, incorporating all of the skills students have learnt so far, as well as further teaching on professional business practice; including specifications, contracts, project management, proposals and costing. Students are also offered portfolio advice and careers workshops to help them get started in the industry. The year then culminates in a final Exhibition and graduation ceremony, with professionals from the garden design industry being invited to view students’ final projects.
Entry Requirements
No previous experience in garden design or horticulture is required for this course; we simply ask that you have a passion and a drive to learn more about this exciting field of design!
Please note we are unable to take international applicants for this course, as it is not supported by any study visas.
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Diploma Garden Design
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Diploma Garden Design
KLC School of Design