GardenWorld

Turn on the television these days and you might be forgiven for thinking that all garden designers are former models, ballet dancers or pop singers, and those who aren't speak with an Irish or Scottish brogue. But where does that leave the rest of us who would love a career in garden design, but not necessarily one in front of television cameras? To be a really successful garden designer all you really need is a natural flair for design and a reasonable level of horticultural knowledge. For a vast majority of professional garden designers it is something that started as a hobby, became a passion and then went on to develop into a full-time career. Quite how you come by garden design skills is up to you, although it's not something that can be aquired if you haven't got a natural artistic streak. If you're not good at conceptualizing three-dimentional shapes and forms and how they're likely to interact, then even your best-laid plans will probably be flawed. Of course, in your own garden a mistake isn't a disaster, but if you set up as a garden "designer" you've got to be 100% sure that your plans will be inspirational, attractive and actually work. Some type of formal training is therefore essential.

Getting the training
Training in garden design can be as formal and intensive as you like. Many people opt to study part-time - perhaps one evening a week at a local college or with a recognised designer who lives locally. It's also a great way of meeting new people and learning skills.

On any well-structured course you will learn about how garden design has changed through the centuries and about notable designers of their day, such as Capability Brown. Then there will be practical skills to pick up, such as surveying, construction techniques, soil science and those all-important drawing skills.

You'll learn more, and become a better designer, if you initially adopt the pen and paper approach. Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages are available but they're more useful for finalising designs and producing presentation drawings than for the early stages of design.

Every garden designer will develop their own style and a palette of plants that they use regularly. Knowing what these plants need in the way of growing conditions, and how they will perform, is essential if the end product of a completed design is to last. Undoubtedly, the biggest part to learn is the horticulture and those with a good basic knowledge of gardening will have a distinct advantage.

There are literally thousands of plants to choose from and every designer tends to develop what they call "signature" plants. With Gertrude Jeykll it was stachys for its soft, muted colours and naturalistic appearance.

Am I going to be rich?In truth, no garden designer is going to get rich quick, although the opportunity to be your own boss and work at your own pace is a distinct advantage. Plus, you can work from home and the overheads are minimal.
Once established, a basic plan that would have involved a site visit and one day at the drawing board could be charged to customers anything from about Ł300 to Ł500. Initial designs for friends and neighbours will help to start the ball rolling. Then if you're lucky and can attract corporate clients for larger gardens there's scope for much higher earnings.

We all know Diarmuid Gavin has a liking for tree ferns with their exotic fronds and architectural form. You certainly don't need to know every plant available, but a good selection suited to specific roles and needs will definitly stand you in good stead.
As a main career, or part-time hobby, garden design offers many opportunities to meet lots of interesting people, incerase your horticultural knowledge, perhaps make some money - and create lots of beautiful gardens while your about it.

Getting started
Send for course details from recognised colleges such as RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) or English Gardening School
Many UK colleges offer the RHS General Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma. These give a broad knowledge of horticulture and a globally recognised qualification.
The RHS Garden, Wisley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6QB. The English Gardening School, Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London, SW3 4HS.

Have I got what it takes?Good interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to interpret a specific client brief. A natural flair for design will help, coupled with a keen interest in all aspects of horticulture - including Latin plant names. If plans are to be practical, a good knowledge of the basics of hard landscaping is essential. Most work will come in during Spring and early Summer, so you'll need to plan ahead and 'project manage'.