Which garden design course?

Hi everyone!
I'm considering a change of career and taking up garden design. I think I know the basics but I'd like to do a study from home course that'll give me a good knowledge and ideally some kind of qualification to impress my clients! I don't mind splurging if it's worth it.
Can anyone recommend one or are there any to steer clear of?
Thank you!
Sezzle x

 

I know nothing - but my first instinct would be to try the RHS, Kew, Hadlow, or any other recognised school of Agriculture and see if they do open learning (i.e. postal/online) courses. Failing that, many do part-time BA courses design/landscaping courses, this one for example: http://www.hadlow.ac.uk/sector-courses7.aspx

Or the OU?

 

Thank you for the suggestions Fidgetsmum! I'll do a bit more research on open learning. I know the RHS only do horticulture. Unfortunately my "local" college is over an hour away and the OU seem to be too intellectual for garden based subjects! Does anyone else have any experience?

 

I'm starting my first year foundation degree in horticulture and that has the option to go more design based in the second year, probably not quite what your thinking but it's an option. Oh and it's going to take me 2 hours to get there and 2 hours back every day, there's nothing wrong with a bit of travel

 

What about an evening course. Most colleges have a design/horticulture theme. I've not studied one myself (I have a horticultural degree), but it will give you an insight to the basics, and if you would like to continue and commit further.

Hope this Helps!

 

If you want a qualification that will impress clients, I'd say it has to RHS. I know once when I looked into it ages ago, a number of home study colleges offered course that follow the RHS syllable, and then you just book directly with the RHS to do the exams. Unfortunately I don't appear to have bookmarked the course I found, but if I can remember which companies ran them, I'll post back.

 

Thanks everyone!
Sweetpeas - your course sounds great, I hope you enjoy it.
And thanks for the info plant1star and clueless1. I shall get smurfing!
Sezzle x

 

Sezzle, I know someone who did the RHS Foundation Course and she loved it. She said she learnt loads and even though she didn't go on to do anything professionally with it, she thoroughly enjoyed it.

Good luck

 

Envy you for being able to take a garden anything course. Wow, good luck.