Do you want to become a Garden Designer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
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Garden designers use their creative skills and knowledge of plants and horticulture to help people create beautiful gardens.
They work closely with the client to design a garden that suits the individual's home and lifestyle. The design is drawn up after the designer has visited the garden, taken measurements and discussed the client's requirements.
The designer works out the location of the main features, such as pools, paths or trees, and, on a separate planting plan, decides which flowers and shrubs will work best for all-year-round interest.
Once the design is agreed, designers work in different ways. They may simply give the design to the client, they may carry out the work themselves or they might oversee work by contractors or gardeners.
Hours can be flexible, but designers may need to work at weekends or in the evenings to make the most of the weather. They spend time either working on designs at a desk, but mostly visiting clients in their gardens. This can mean being outside in all weathers.
Most garden designers are self-employed and income will vary depending on the type of project and hours worked. As a rough guide, salaries could range from around £14,000 to £25,000 a year, or more.
Garden designers need to:
Although opportunities are growing, jobs are still rare. Most garden designers are self-employed, but there may be jobs with garden centres or design practices.
Though formal qualifications are not always necessary, it is often important to have a qualification in garden design. Some people may start as a gardener or groundsperson. As well as HNC/HND, degree and foundation degree courses at universities and colleges, training is also provided by private schools of garden design. There is no age limit to becoming a garden designer.
Once in a job or working self-employed, garden designers usually learn on the job, but may also take further training courses.
There are few promotion prospects in small design practices or garden centres, but some people may move to larger organisations or into self-employment.
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