Garden Planting & Layout

Your first set of course materials will be sent to you when you enrol. You can start as soon as you want and progress through the course at your own pace, studying when and where you choose.

This flexibility makes it easy to fit learning around work and family commitments.

The extensive course materials have been developed by gardening and garden design experts and are clear and straightforward, so your studying is easy and enjoyable. As you complete each lesson, your tutor will promptly return your marked assignment with constructive feedback and guidance. (You can also contact your tutor or the support team for help at any point during your studies.)

The course includes all the required study materials.

There is no formal examination. On successful completion you will be awarded an HCC Certificate and the Certificate of Achievement at QLS Level 3. You have 2 years to complete the course.

Lesson 1

• Course introduction
• Suggested reading list
• Historical influences on gardens

Lesson 2

• Five garden plans
• Considering a professional approach

Lesson 3

• The application of concepts
• Key plants
• Boundary plantings
• Focal points

Lesson 4

• Difficult areas in the garden
• Boundaries: legal and practical considerations

Lesson 5

• Garden styles – French, Italianate, Japanese, new English, Spanish and Victorian.

Lesson 6

• Selected plants for particular locations – conservatory, patio, rockery.

Lesson 7

• The garden in its setting
• Advanced concepts
• Contrasting colours
• Vegetables

Lesson 8

• Costings and schedules for two gardens – clay garden; cottage garden.

Lesson 9

• A study of six international gardens including Hidcote Manor Gardens, Gloucester.

Lesson 10

• Remedial works for an existing garden
• Details of costs, quantities, sources

Upon successful completion you will receive; the Certificate of Achievement* at QLS Level 3. This course has been designed by The Horticultural Correspondence College to meet specific learners’ and/or employers’ requirements which cannot be satisfied through current regulated qualifications. The Quality Licence Scheme, endorses high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes.

You will also receive an HCC Certificate*, graded to show the standard you have reached. The HCC’s reputation means this can be highly regarded on a CV and, combined with your portfolio of coursework, is evidence of your achievements (whether you are applying for a job or a more advanced study course).

* Your certification will be issued once you have successfully completed your course and finished your course payments.

We are proud of our friendly, caring ethos and aim to do all we can to help you succeed.

Our tutors are all experienced, highly qualified and passionate about sharing their love of their subject. You can phone or email your tutor throughout the course – to ask questions, for advice, encouragement or to draw on their wealth of knowledge.

You can also contact the support team who are here to help you Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

You do not need previous gardening or garden design knowledge or experience to enrol on this course.

If needed you have 2 years to complete the course. Many students are able to complete this course in approximately 6-12 months*.

*Timescales are approximate and depend upon application and motivation.

• With the appropriate practical experience, once you have successfully completed this course you could:
  • Plan and implement soft landscaping, planting and design of borders and gardens
  • Work in garden maintenance and planting
  • With additional training in hard landscaping/landscape construction you could work as a garden designer, either for a company or setting up your own business
• You could progress to the following HCC courses:

  RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
  The Principles of Gardening
  Garden Landscape Construction
  Start Gardening – the Basics and Beyond