Diploma in Garden Design - next intake January 26!
Train as a Garden Designer in Norfolk – One-Year Diploma in Garden Design
Practical, inspiring, professional training for future garden designers.
A face to face course for anyone wanting to become a garden designer, equipping you to set up on your own or join an established garden design practice. Whether you have just finished a horticulture course, are working as a gardener, looking for a career change or have retired and want a new challenge.
You will learn to think like a designer and will gain all of the skills and knowledge in design, construction, horticulture and business which you will need to get going. You will be taught by some of the best in the industry including Tom Hoblyn and Adolfo Harrison. Your mentors will include other award-winning garden designers and landscapers. A range of inspirational field trips to outstanding public and private gardens as well as growers is included in the programme plus site visits.
Students will graduate with a portfolio of work and both the skills and the confidence to work on professional design projects.
This is the course brochure and you can contact us for more information or to sign up for the next intake in January 2026.
From diamonds to plants - Laura's story
Having built a very successful career as a diamond jewellery designer, Laura reached a point where she wanted to take her creativity in a new direction — one that combined her love of gardening with her design skills.
She enrolled on the Diploma in Garden Design (accredited by the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers), where she found both the confidence and the skills to take the leap. Soon after graduating, she co-founded Stark Strand Garden Design with her classmate Sam. Their debut show garden at RHS Hampton Court went on to win a Gold Medal and Best in Category. 🌿🏆
"Norfolk School of Gardening helped me turn a dream into a reality.” – Laura
If you’re ready to change career and build a future in garden design, our January 2026 intake is open now.
👉 Download the course brochure or get in touch
Why choose our Diploma in Garden Design?
Key Facts:
- One year course
- 10-12 weeks per term (32 weeks in total)
- 2 days' contact per week – Monday & Tuesday, 9.30-3.30
- 10-15 hours per week independent study
- 6 design projects over the year
- 3 research projects
- Taught in person at Norfolk School of Gardening
- Accredited by the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers
- Pre-requisites are a passion for plants and design, basic IT skills and a strong work ethic
- Fee £7500 (inc entry to gardens but not travel)
More stories from our recent alumni
Claire's story
This is the smile of someone who swapped a city skyline, working
in a global tech company and followed her heart into
creating beautiful spaces for clients.
Claire graduated with a Diploma in Garden Design from the Norfolk School of Gardening, has set up her own design studio,
Claire Amos Garden Design, and is busy working across a
number of exciting projects.
Claire says: ‘It’s a fantastic course, great teaching and a stellar group of guest tutors’
Sam's story
From London media and culture to Norfolk garden design.
Sam graduated two years ago from our Diploma in Garden Design and has proved himself to be a talented designer with many impressive projects under his belt in Norfolk and beyond, including a multi year project with RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
With a collaborative approach Sam creates connected gardens that put both his clients and nature at the forefront of his work.
He’s now also back in the classroom teaching the Introduction to Garden Design and Border Design at the School.
Toby's story
Toby is an NHS Paramedic, having originally studied graphic design and horticulture. He has now completed the Diploma in Garden Design and is excited about his new career path.
He says: 'The diploma was such a fantastic and enjoyable experience and I feel so lucky to have been taught by some of the most inspiring designers in the industry. Along the way, I’ve made great professional connections and some genuine friendships too'.