The Course
The course runs for one year from September to July. Students attend for one day each week. A wide range of topics and lectures are supported with slides, workshops, garden walks and visits. The gardens are used every week for plant identification purposes. Assignments are supported through tutorial time in the studio.The course is intended to stimulate people working as professional gardeners or garden designers, to extend their plant knowledge and to enable them to use plants more creatively. The emphasis is always on professionalism and a high standard of presentation is expected, particularly when working on planting plans.

Course Content
The topic areas covered over the year of study include:

• Herbaceous plants
• New wave perennial planting
• Grasses and bamboos
• Ferns
• Wall shrubs and climbing plants
• Trees and shrubs
• Native plants
• Bulbs· Herbs
• Roses
• Containers
• Plant selection
• Plant association
• Planting design
• Form and texture
• Planting plans
• Elevations
• Colour theory
• Planting styles
• Garden History
• Plants in History

Visits to interesting gardens are also arranged during the year. Some of the visits are linked into on-going projects.During the 2nd term students study Garden History.

Qualifications Gained
Success on this course leads to the City & Guilds Amenity Horticulture (0220) Certificate in Plants and Planting Design.

Assessment
Assessment is by assignments and an end of year examination. Assignments include plant profiles, planting plans, verbal and visual presentations and a written report.

Students need to allow at least 10 hours per week for coursework (to be completed at home).

Entry Requirements
You are welcome to visit the College to discuss and identify with one of the course tutors a study programme, which will help towards your intended career. All students are assessed on an individual basis but a sound understanding of professional horticultural practices and a very good plant knowledge are essential.

Students who lack formal qualifications will be expected to take the Foundation Course for Garden Design before being considered for the City & Guilds Course. On successful completion of the Foundation Course students can progress directly onto the C&G Garden Design Course.

The entry requirements are:

• A very good plant knowledge
• The Foundation Course for Garden Design

Students may also be considered if they have successfully completed:

• RHS General Examination in Horticulture
• Other relevant qualifications of equivalent standard

If these students have no drawing or graphics background they will be expected to take the Introductory Drawing Course during the Summer term

Preference will always be given to those people who have completed the Foundation Course for Garden Design.

Course Dates and Terms
The course runs for 33 weeks with normal college holidays at Christmas, Easter and half terms. The end of course examination is in the middle of June. The day runs from 9.00am - 4.00pm, with a half hour at the end of the day for anyone needing extra tutorial support.

Course Costs
Apart from course and examination fees, students will need to buy drawing materials, books and photographs, and to pay for course visits. The purchase of a drawing board is optional but is a good investment for those pursuing a career in this field. There is also a £10 levy to help cover the cost of drawing materials and books provided by the College.

Venue
This course takes place in one of the well-equipped Design Studios in the Frank Parkinson Building at Capel Manor's main site in Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield. The 30-acre estate is laid out in a wide range of gardening styles and provides an excellent teaching area for plants and hard landscape materials. It is the perfect setting for this course.

Fees

Study		Day	Start Date	Course Time	19+ Annual Tuition Fee	19+ Reg Fee	Length
Part-time		M	Sept	9am-4pm	£478	£85	1 year
Part-time		Th	Sept	9am-4pm	£478	£85	1 year

Please note that exam fees may be subject to change by the awarding bodies

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