A beautifully designed garden - Piet Oudolf's garden at Pensthorpe in Norfolk
At the beginning of January I started a four week online course with My Garden School (see my previous post My Garden School). I chose to do Planting Design Part One with Hilary Thomas, a former head of garden design at Capel Manor. Well I’ve just finished my last assignment so I thought I’d let you know how I got on.
Each Saturday a video and course notes, along with details of that week’s assignment were available to view on the website in a section called My Classroom which you get access to once you have signed up to a course. You could log on any time during that week to view the video and read the notes and go back to them as many times as you wanted, even during the following weeks. The videos lasted about half an hour and consisted of a series of photos illustrating the themes whilst Hilary talked you through the subject.
Each week there was an assignment related to the themes of that week. For example, I had to create a planting plan inspired by Piet Oudolf and create a collage of purely evergreen plants and select a group of plants based on their special characteristics such as beautiful bark. Assignments were uploaded in the My Classroom section and then I would receive comments from Hilary on how I had done. It was also possible to chat and leave messages for fellow students.
So what was my verdict. Well I found the course interesting and informative. The course is really aimed at someone who hasn’t really had an previous experience so I did find the course easy but there are courses available for those with more knowledge and experience. A plus is that it did highlight the mistakes I have made in my own garden. The negative is that because we don’t think we will stay in this house too much longer I probably won’t implement the necessary changes, so now I will have to look at my mistakes knowing where I’ve gone wrong. I’m not sure whether I preferred blissful ignorance! Anyway, I do feel I have a much better understanding of why structural planting is so important in a garden and I will definitely refer back to Hilary’s notes with any future garden projects.
I thought the tutor support and comments were prompt, friendly and constructive. My previous experience of an online course with another horticulture college was completely let down by the lack of tutor involvement. So it was good to see one of the more important elements of a distance learning course working well here.
I know the word ‘assignment’ can sound quite scary but they weren’t complicated or onerous and really just required sitting down with some good gardening books and/or the internet and selecting plants that fitted the requested criteria. Possibly the most time consuming aspect was finding suitable photographs to create the collages.
I found you do need a certain degree of computer literacy, being able to create a digital collage. I just used the photo package on my computer and once Wellyman had shown me what to do I was fine. You do also need access to a scanner for elements of this particular course. Fortunately, Wellyman could use a scanner at work.
Now the crunch question – did I think the course was value for money? The courses cost £120 for the 4 weeks. I personally would have liked another week or two for that price but if you have nowhere locally that offers gardening courses or you have limited time available then they may well be what you’re looking for. If you do have access to a local college or you want something more in depth or with some practical experience then it probably isn’t the best value. For instance, my local college is offering a 15 week garden design course for £67. Although this course is for 2 hours every week during the day so might not be convenient for a lot of people. There is also the added value of the calibre of tutors the college offers, such as Hilary Thomas and John Brookes.
Ultimately My Garden School is offering a level of convenience that most colleges can’t offer, as well as tutors that are respected in their field, that most of us wouldn’t ordinarily be able to get access to.
I would just like to thank Hilary and Elspeth for their time.
For more information go to www.my-garden-school.com
Your photo of Pensthorpe at the top is so inspiring, I’m trying to turn my border at the side by the field next door, into something similar. Your course sounds as if you have enjoyed it and when you move you will be able to put your new skills into practice, will look forward to seeing it take shape!
It sounds interesting, but a little expensive. As you say, there are usually local courses which are much cheaper, but you pay for convenience I suppose.
I thought your review was very balanced and the fact that you felt you had learned something very positive. i wonder if you would have learnt as much if you really hadn’t had any previous knowledge. Courses are very expensive here and not always very good so I read your comments with great interest. I think I would miss the interaction with other students most by doing this kind of course. Christina.
Christina,
I agree that interacting with others on a course is part of the experience and I miss that element from the courses I have done previously. It was always nice to get together with like minded people and have a chat and share information.
Interesting…I had seen something about this garden school, but I never looked into it further. I am not sure I would have time for a course just now, but it is nice to know it is there.
It’s nice to have someone with a ‘critical eye’ look over your plans, especially ones that haven’t been implemented yet. And now you’ve learned, and can carry that on to your next design. I like the idea of taking classes from home, but cost is something I would look at closely, as it would just be for my personal satisfaction. Appreciate this review.
Funny that you should post about gardening courses as I was looking on the internet over the weekend to see if there was anything in my area. I don’t want to do anything too serious and really don’t want ‘qualifications’ but I quite like the idea of doing something. For years I always did a ‘night class’ or course of some type every year and would quite like to do something else at some point. You have given me ‘food for thought’ (gosh I hate that saying) – thank you!
Your course sounds most interesting and stress free although perhaps on the expensive side. Even if you do not remain where you are for much longer you can apply all that knowledge to your next garden. I have done a couple of half day/ days courses in the last year or so at a local RHS affiliated nursery on topics like propagation, garden photography – very hands on and positive learning experiences. Will be on the look out for something similar this year
It’s interesting to hear how you got on with this course. I was lucky to study garden design and history with Hilary when I was studying horticulture in Brighton. She was a great teacher and definitely worth working with her even if only on line.
This is thought provoking stuff and a very good review of the course. I’ve been looking for a gardening course and looked at these people but thought I’d do better in a face to face situation. I like the sound of your local college’s course, and Anna’s RHS affiliated nursery – both sound like good options. Capel Manor in Regent’s Park is fairly local so none of the local colleges seem to offer gardening courses. The Capel Manor courses are quite expensive too – and you can’t do garden design until you’ve done the basics (even if you already have experience!).
I sympathise with the “oh but we’re probably not staying long enough to…” dilemma, so irritating, I find it challenges my relationship with the garden to the extent that sometimes I find it hard to invest in it, emotionally or physically. Course sounds interesting, and an excellent compromise for people unable to get to a regular class.
I was wondering about online courses, as they did seem expensive, but I don’t have a local alternative. So thanks for your review, it’s given me something to think further about.
Sorry – know I am a bit late with a comment, but I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this review and your experience of “My Garden School” they have a course about climbers which caught my eye as I am totally rubbish with them.
K
What a thoughtful review. Thankyou. If any of you would like to trial us – I’d be happy to give you a 25% off discount code. We’re always looking for ways to improve our service, so sharing information like this is very valuable. Please just drop me an email if you’re interested.
Kindest regards
Elspeth Briscoe
(founder)
elspeth@my-garden-school.com