learning curve garden school
.
Whether you are looking for an introductory course or professional level training we have a course to meet your needs. Our Garden School is well-known within the industry for the quality of our training.
All of our gardening tutors are experienced gardening professionals as well as tutors who understand the unique needs of distance learning students. They can offer extensive advice on finding work in this area.
Compare our courses to others available:
•you will have support for a full three years, if needed (although most courses can be completed comfortably in 12 months);
•for examination courses, your tutor will support you right up to the exam, including marking past exam papers and helping with revision;
•you will be assigned an individual personal tutor who you can contact at any time by phone or e-mail, ensuring you receive expert support when you need it.
Our courses include full tutorial support, all study material and free course books - whether you are interested in pursuing a new career or would simply like to learn more about a favourite subject, we have a course to suit you.
Introductory Courses
leisure gardening
This is a 10-module home study course for the amateur gardener who would like to learn more about how to plan, maintain and organise their garden or allotment. Includes course book, The Gardener's Year by Alan Titchmarsh.
organic gardening
This 10-module course explores the reasons for organic gardening, as well as key practical principles. Includes course book, The Complete Gardener, all course materials and full tutorial support.
wildlife gardening
This is a 10-module course for the keen wildlife gardener who would like to learn how to plan and maintain a wildlife garden, attracting the optimal number of wild visitors. Includes best-selling course book - How to Make a Wildlife Garden by Chris Baines, as well as all required study material and full tutorial support.
introduction to garden design
Two short, introductory courses for students who would like to learn about some of the skills and techniques used by designers, without undertaking a full, professional course.
introduction to horticulture
This is a short course providing a gentle introduction to horticulture for the beginner. If you are considering a career in this area or would simply like to know more but do not yet feel ready for the RHS Level 2 course, this is an ideal starting point.
introduction to conservation
This is a comprehensive 12-module course providing a detailed introduction to key issues in conservation. The course has a practical emphasis and looks in depth at habitat creation and the importance of an environmentally-sound lifestyle. It also explores the role of communities in protecting both our wild places and our urban green spaces
introduction to professional floristry
This course introduces the main principles of floral design. Whether you have a keen personal interest in floristry or would like to pursue a new career in this area, our course is the ideal starting point. With the help of an expert tutor, you'll develop a range of new skills and technique, allowing you to create beautiful arrangements, bouquets and wreaths for any occasion.
first professional
RHS level 2 horticulture
This is a comprehensive 12-module home study course covering a wide range of subjects from garden design and soil health to lawn care and the scientific principles of horticulture. Whether you are a keen amateur gardener or wish to take your first steps in a professional horticultural career, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Certificate in Horticulture Level 2 is the qualification of choice.
RHS level 2 aboriculture
This course covers the theory section of the RFS level 2 certificate. It includes 12 modules and 12 assignments that together provide comprehensive coverage of the RFS syllabus.
advanced courses
RHS level 3 horticulture
This is an advanced, in-depth home study course helping students to prepare to sit the RHS Advanced Level 3 Certificate. It is designed for students who are at the start of their horticulture career, wishing to develop their knowledge and skills to the next level. Keen amateurs will also find this a rewarding and informative course. We recommend that students have some previous training, either the RHS Level 2 Certificate or a similar qualification, before embarking on the Level 3 Advanced Certificate course.
garden design diploma
This is an in-depth 12-module home study course for students who wish to explore the exciting world of garden design. It is an ideal starting point for the keen amateur designer as well as those hoping to build a successful professional career in garden design.
run a horticultural business
This is a comprehensive, 12-module programme taking you step-by-step through your business start-up, from initial idea to launch, and beyond. Whatever type of horticultural business you would like to run - from plant nursery to fruit grower, garden centre to plant breeder - this course will suit your needs.
running a garden centre This is a useful course for those new to the garden centre business, as well as those with experience in the field who would like to consolidate their knowledge.
Subjects covered include: understanding the garden centre business; selecting and sourcing stock; cafe or restaurant facilities; the law and garden centres; managing staff; customer relationship management; market research; getting to know your customer base; the role of advertising, marketing and PR; an on-line presence; creating a business plan; networking; future forecasts; sources of advice, information and further training.
RHS level 2 & garden design
This is a unique combined programme offering students the opportunity to complete the RHS Level 2 Certificate in Horticulture course in combination with a Garden Design diploma.
RHS level 3 & garden design
This is a unique combined programme offering students the opportunity to complete the RHS Level 3 Certificate in Horticulture course in combination with a Garden Design diploma.
short courses
herb gardening
These are short, four module courses for gardeners who don't have time to complete a full study programme but would still like to improve their knowledge. Each course includes all the course materials required, plus a course textbook and full tutorial support for the duration of the course.
create a kitchen garden
These are short, four module courses for gardeners who don't have time to complete a full study programme but would still like to improve their knowledge. Each course includes all the course materials required, plus a course textbook and full tutorial support for the duration of the course.
green living
This 6-module home study course provides an ideal introduction for students who would like to 'green-up' their life but are not really sure where to start. It shows how small changes can make an enormous difference to the planet, while improving your quality of life too. The course is full of practical ideas and suggestions
specialist courses
heritage horticulture
This 6-module home study course provides an in-depth exploration of historical garden design, showing you how to create a garden that is both authentic and entirely in-keeping with an historical home. The course covers every step in the process, from first research to selecting and sourcing authentic hard landscaping materials and plant varieties
gardening in school
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the development of a school garden and the integration of gardening into the curriculum, with many practical ideas and suggestions. It also explores the social and emotional aspects of gardening.
healing garden
This 6-module home study course provides an in-depth exploration of the healing garden. It looks at ways in which a garden can be designed to create healing and harmony in our lives, contributing to emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being.
the Japanese garden
This 6-module course provides an in-depth exploration of the Japanese garden. It shows you how to create an authentic Japanese garden in harmony with your home and lifestyle. The course explores philosophical and spiritual aspects of Japanese garden design, before moving on to look at the practical creation of such a garden. It also looks at ways of introducing Japanese features and concepts into Western gardens to create an harmonious fusion of East and West.
FAQ
Contact Us
You can contact us by email , telephone on: 01896 860661 or 01896 860651, or by writing to us at: Learning Curve, Leader Cottage, Blainslie, Galashiels, TD1 2PR.
|
