Garden Design Academy

The Garden Design Academy - specialist tutors offering distance learning courses in Garden Design, Landscaping, Gardening and Horticulture.

We have over 70 courses suitable for all levels of student, from the amateur gardener to degree level professionals.

Located in the Loire Valley of central France, the Garden Design Academy also provides English language residential tuition in garden design and CAD and an ever increasing range of subjects including study tours of the gardens of the Loire Valley.

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Featured courses

Permaculture systems (distance learning)

Learn to prepare plans for permaculture systems. - a landscape where plants and animals live balanced in a self sustaining ecosystem. It involves developing a garden or farm where the plants and animals are put together in such a way that they support each others growth and development. The garden or farm...

Design Your Own Garden (residential)

If you are enthusiastic about your garden this course is for you. The atmosphere is supportive, the surroundings attractive and costs are kept reasonable. Being in the Loire Valley, garden trips and good food are included in the package. Working with Colin Elliott, an experienced professional garden designer, to help you every...

Gardens of the Loire Valley - guided study tours - (residential)

The Loire Valley region of central France is known throughout the world for its chateaux - the ancient homes of the kings and aristocracy of France. It is also an area of great natural beauty and it was in recognition of the regions balance between architectural heritage and natural environment that...

Certificate in Garden Design - (distance learning)

This distance learning programme, one of 80 we offer to serve the industry, provides effective training for those working or wishing to work in the landscape industry. This well-established course comes in thirty lessons and includes approximately 700 hours of work. Accredited by the International Accreditation & Recognition Council it is ideal...

Design your own garden - with feng shui (residential)

As a nation, we have generally taken a deep interest in our gardens, nurturing them with love and attention. However, when faced with a regular sized plot, either bare or one that has been ignored for several years, it can be daunting to know where to start. Many times our gardens...

Certificate in horticulture: Viticulture (distance learning)

A distance learning programme providing effective training for those working or wishing to work in grape and wine production. We run a number of different Certificates in Horticulture, all with the same essential horticultural science modules but each with lessons aimed at a particular industry sector. They form an excellent basis for...

RHS level II Certificate in horticulture - PRINCIPLES OF PLANT GROWTH, PROPAGATION AND DEVELOPMENT.

This is one of a new generation of certificates launched by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2010 to replace older qualifications. This vocationally-oriented course comprises core studies in general horticulture designed to lay a foundation for a long-term career in horticulture, but equaliy applicable to the keen amateur. The course covers the first...

RHS level III Certificate in horticulture - PRINCIPLES OF PLANT GROWTH, HEALTH and APPLIED PROPAGATION

This is one of a new generation of certificates launched by the Royal Horticultural Society in 2010 to replace older qualifications. This vocationally-oriented course is designed to lay a foundation for a long-term career in horticulture by assessing knowledge of the principles underpinning horticultural practices. It supports the career development of those...

Garden History

The history of gardens is a fascinating subject, an essential study for those working in garden design and landscaping, but equally inspiring for the amateur or professional gardener. Study the history of gardens. Understand how gardens have evolved over the centuries, and broaden your perspective on what is possible and appropriate in...

Certificate in Horticulture - Landscaping and Garden Design (distance learning)

This 700 hour course is designed specifically as training for people who want to work in the landscape industry; as a designer, contractor or in landscape construction. It is suitable both for people who want to start their own business and for anyone seeking work with an established landscape enterprise. The Garden...