Course Overview
This exciting and creative course gives you the opportunity to develop your garden design knowledge and practical horticultural skills while working on a real design project. You can choose to focus on a designated project area or use your own garden as the basis for your design work.
Throughout the course, you will learn how to assess a site, identify its strengths and limitations, and develop clear design objectives that meet the needs of the space and its users. You will explore the design process from initial ideas through to planning, budgeting, sourcing materials and plants, and creating achievable garden designs.
You will also develop an understanding of plant selection, considering factors such as site conditions, function, appearance, and maintenance requirements. The course will introduce simple planting plans and the key considerations required to create attractive and sustainable planting schemes.
As your project develops, you will learn how to manage the implementation of a garden design, including working effectively with other people involved in the build process. Practical elements of the course will focus on successful planting techniques and the establishment and aftercare required to ensure plants thrive.
Topics may include:
- Identify design objectives and develop a design brief for a garden or landscape project
- Carry out site evaluations to assess opportunities, challenges, and site limitations
- Work to realistic budgets and sourcing plans for plants and materials
- Select suitable plants and produce simple planting plans for different garden conditions
- Understand how to manage a garden build project and work effectively with others
- Apply practical planting, establishment, and garden design principles.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is through formative assessment throughout the course.
Progression Options
You could progress to the RHS Level 2 certificate (theory) and the RHS Level 2 Practical Horticulture qualification, which focuses on developing and demonstrating practical horticultural skills.
Entry Requirements
You will need maths & English at grade 4 (C) or equivalent and a reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
