design your own garden

If you are enthusiastic about your garden this course is for you. The atmosphere is supportive, the surroundings attractive and costs are kept reasonable. Being in the Loire Valley, garden trips and good food are included in the package.

Working with Colin Elliott, an experienced professional garden designer, to help you every step of the way, you will be guided through the process of designing your own (or a friend’s!) garden.

We will send you a Guide to Surveying (measuring) your garden before you arrive so that this can be used as the basis of your new design.

A series of helpful talks in the studio will start you thinking about what you want to achieve and examples of good gardens will be discussed to inspire you.

Then, individually and as a group, we will begin to create your dream garden in plan form.

We will discuss and explain the techniques needed to design your garden in a series of modules throughout the week including:

Assessing your requirements – intended uses, budget, maintenance;
Choosing a style – formal, informal, traditional, modern or themed;
Design considerations – looking at shapes, harmony, balance and proportion;
Drawing the plan – paper vs. Computer; drawing techniques;
Landscaping – paving, walls, decking, fences and water features;
Designing with plants – size, form, texture, colour, seasonal interest, plants for problem places;

By the end of a pleasurable and informative week you will have designed your own garden - with a little help from your friends at the Academy. You will also have seen some of the sights of the region, eaten well and perhaps picked up a few words of French.

Course cost: £490 (paid in advance)

Course Dates

Sept 2010 £490.00 May 2011 £490.00

Accommodation cost: £490 (paid on arrival)

Arrival: Tuesday pm       Leave: Tuesday am

Dates:   next course

September 2010

(other course dates available by request - minimum two students)