The Yorkshire School of Garden Design is launching a Diploma in Planting Design, offering students the opportunity to learn about the craft and science of designing with plants for all four seasons.
The new Diploma will be launched at the school’s Spring Open Day on Saturday 11th March, 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 yearlong 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 eminent designer Alistair Baldwin, who has led a practice in North Yorkshire for 30 years, specialises in teaching professionals of the future the art of garden design.
Based at the school’s studio in the Courtyard building at the iconic Grade I listed 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.”
The new course will run alongside the extremely popular Diploma in Garden Design, for which the school has been celebrated, which was created to equip students with a multi-faceted knowledge of design principles, through a carefully designed blend of teaching, learning and personal development.
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 learn more about the Yorkshire School of Garden Design Diplomas and suite of short courses. In addition, 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, including founder Alistair Baldwin, principal tutor Liz Rawlinson and tutors Ben Preston and Pandora Ryan. Each will highlight their areas of expertise, interests and passion for garden design, and give guests the chance to ask any questions.
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.
“We are very excited to welcome guests to the Open Day this March”, continues Alistair. “For those with a passion for garden design, it is the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of some of our industry’s brightest sparks, and to find out more about Harewood House and the school itself.
“We are extremely lucky to call Harewood House our home and those joining us on the day will have the extra special opportunity to enjoy an exclusive guided tour from the extremely knowledgeable Trevor Nicholson. It really is an opportunity not to miss.”
Open Day spaces are limited to ensure that each student receives an in-depth and personal experience, so early booking is advised. Each entry is free of charge.
For further information on the Yorkshire School of Garden Design, the Diploma in Planting Design and the Open Day, please visit https://ysgd.co.uk/
