The new Diploma will be launched at the school’s Spring Open Day on Saturday, March 11th, with the event offering the ideal opportunity for those with a passion for plants to explore the route to a career in garden design.
The Diploma in Planting Design is a year long part-time course, which will be delivered by leading experts who all have successful careers in the fields of horticulture and garden design.
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design, which was launched less than a year ago by designer Alistair Baldwin. Based at the school’s studio in the Courtyard building at Harewood House, the course will cover topics ranging from plant taxonomy, through the history of horticulture in design, to the art and science of designing plants in a wide range of settings.
“Our new diploma is the perfect opportunity for budding designers, amateur gardeners, professionals and all those passionate about the fundamentals of planting design”, says Yorkshire School of Garden Design founder Alistair Baldwin.
“The course will provide a careful blend of creativity, design principles, botany and taxonomy, the sociability of plants in sustainable communities, and insights into the work of the world’s leading practitioners in the world of planting design.
“Our proximity to many of Yorkshire’s finest gardens, landscapes and plant collections, not to mention the glorious gardens at Harewood, will also provide unrivalled opportunities to expand the learning process. Throughout the twelve months, our students will be encouraged to explore and gain first hand insight from our surroundings in the company of experts, supplemented by trips out to first class regional gardens and a study tour in the south of England.”
Taking place between 10am to 3pm, the Spring Open Day will give prospective students the chance to delve into the world of professional garden design and guests will have the opportunity to explore the grounds of Harewood House, free of charge.
Throughout the day, guests will be led through a series of illustrated talks from the school’s core teaching team.
Following a short intermission for lunch and mingling, guests will be guided through Harewood House’s stunning Italianate terrace and Himalayan Garden by the estate’s head gardener, Trevor Nicholson, accompanied by Alistair and Liz.
Open Day spaces are limited, so early booking is advised. Each entry is free of charge.
Visit https://ysgd.co.uk/ for more information.
