The Yorkshire School of Garden Design releases new short courses programme

The Yorkshire School of Garden Design has released details of its inspirational short courses for 2023, ideal for anyone with either an amateur or professional interest in garden design.

The courses, which have been expertly curated by the eminent garden designer and founder of the school, Alistair Baldwin, accommodate all levels of experience and will be taught by a carefully assembled team of professional designers, horticulturalists, architects, landscapers and artists who are all specialists in their own fields and who have built their reputations worldwide.

“We’ve brought together some of the leading lights of the garden design world to deliver engaging, up-to-date and fun learning experiences for aspiring practitioners, established designers and keen amateurs,” said Alistair. “The courses are ideal for anyone thinking of becoming a garden designer or simply learning more about the principles of garden design and planting schemes.

“The tutor team will also be complemented by an ever-growing list of internationally-renowned visiting lecturers, all leaders in their own areas and chosen for their open and generous approach to sharing their expertise with our students.”

The short courses will be taught at the Yorkshire School of Garden Design, based in the Grade 1 Courtyard building of Harewood House near Leeds. Launched in September 2022, the school was recently awarded Educator Status by the prestigious School of Garden Designers (SGD) in recognition of its high standards of garden design education and ‘best practice’ teaching.

As one of only two educational providers in the north of England to hold SGD accreditation, the school offers specialist insight into designing for northern landscapes and equips students with all the creative, technical, business and communication skills needed to design gardens to the highest standard.

The short courses running through 2023 are:

• An Introduction to Garden Design: 21 and 28 February, 7 March. An informative and relaxed course run over three consecutive Tuesdays, providing an introduction to the principles of garden design and planting schemes.
• Freehand Sketching for Designers: 11-13 April. A stimulating and enlightening three-day course which explores the tools and techniques for creating a range of lively, expressive and communicative drawings to develop and present design ideas.
• Capturing the Garden – A Photographic Masterclass: 28 April. An opportunity to join internationally renowned garden photographer Eva Nemeth for an exclusive masterclass in capturing the beauty of the garden through the camera lens.
• Designing with Plants: 9-11 May. A three-day introductory course into the mechanics and artistry of planting design and plant compositions.
• Seasonality and Layering: 5-6 June. How to plant for a year-round display and held in June when the gardens at venues Harewood House and York Gate near Leeds are in inspirational full bloom.

Course spaces are limited to ensure that each student receives an in-depth and personal experience, so early booking is advised.

As well as its short courses, the Yorkshire School of Garden Design also offers its flagship Professional Diploma in Garden Design which follows the academic year and begins in September.

For further information on the Yorkshire School of Garden Design and all its courses visit https://ysgd.co.uk/