design your own garden - with feng shui

As a nation, we have generally taken a deep interest in our gardens, nurturing them with love and attention. However, when faced with a regular sized plot, either bare or one that has been ignored for several years, it can be daunting to know where to start. Many times our gardens are left with a square of grass in the middle and unimaginative planting around the periphery.

This course addresses these issues using experts in both garden design and Feng Shui. 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 award-winning garden designer and Elizabeth Wells FSSA, an experienced Feng Shui consultant, we help you every step of the way, guiding you through the process of designing your own (or a friend’s!) garden

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The underlying premise of Feng Shui, developed in China and practised for over 4,000 years, is that everything in your surroundings, down to the smallest details, can either further your aims in life or work against you.  Using simple Feng Shui principles and techniques, Elizabeth has successfully brought a professional approach to this ancient art, with many businesses and private clients finding her advice invaluable.

Colin Elliott, Principle of the Garden Design Academy provides landscape and design guidance based on over 30 years of creating gardens in the UK. Colin has an infectious enthusiasm for his subject, with a crop of RHS awards and over one thousand gardens under his belt. He is well placed to teach budding gardeners at all levels of experience how to create their own ideal 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;
Feng Shui – what is it? how can it help? applying the principles;
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 sampled some of the delicious local wine!.

Course cost: now only £750 (paid in advance)

BRING A FRIEND, ASK FOR 10% DISCOUNT!

Accommodation cost extra: £550 (paid on arrival) (other options available)

Arrival: Tuesday pm       Leave: Tuesday am

Dates:   2012 dates to be confirmed

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