🌿 How to Start a Career in Garden Design

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Turning Passion into Profession

Garden design is where creativity meets nature — a profession that blends artistic vision with horticultural knowledge and practical planning. Whether you're looking for a new career path or want to turn your green-fingered hobby into something more, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to get started in garden design.

1. Understand What Garden Designers Do

Before diving in, it’s important to know the scope of the role. Garden designers create outdoor spaces that are both beautiful and functional. This can include:

• Designing private gardens, public spaces, or commercial landscapes

• Creating planting plans and mood boards

• Working with landscapers and horticulturists to bring designs to life

• Understanding the practical limitations of climate, soil, and budget

Successful garden designers are part artist, part technician — and part project manager.

2. Get the Right Training

While some garden designers are self-taught, most employers and clients prefer designers with formal training or industry qualifications. Popular options include:

• Diploma in Garden Design (available at RHS or specialist colleges)

• Horticulture and Landscape Design courses at universities or adult education centres

• Short courses in CAD, planting design, or landscape graphics

Many training programs also offer work experience or mentorship opportunities, which are invaluable for building confidence and real-world knowledge.

3. Build a Portfolio (Even Without Paid Work)

Your portfolio is your most important tool — it shows off your design style, technical ability, and creative process. If you’re just starting:

• Include sketches, concept boards, and planting plans from training projects

• Reimagine an existing space (like your own garden) and document your approach

• Use CAD tools or hand-drawn designs — just make sure your work is clear and presented professionally

Over time, you can update your portfolio with client projects or collaborations with landscapers.

4. Gain Hands-On Experience

Designing a garden on paper is one thing — seeing it built is another. Employers love candidates who’ve gotten their hands dirty. Here’s how to gain experience:

• Work or volunteer with landscaping teams to understand site logistics

• Shadow a garden designer during consultations or installs

• Offer to design spaces for friends, family, or community groups

This practical exposure helps you understand how materials, plants, and timelines come together on a real site.

5. Find Entry-Level Roles or Internships

Start by applying for:

• Junior Garden Designer roles at established firms

• Design Assistant positions with landscape architects or design studios

• Trainee Horticulturist or Landscaper roles to build field experience while developing your design skills

These roles give you mentorship, industry contacts, and a steady path to grow within the profession.

6. Stay Inspired & Keep Learning

Garden design is always evolving. Stay sharp by:

• Following industry leaders and design influencers

• Visiting public gardens, trade shows, and design festivals

• Learning about sustainable practices, native planting, and ecological design

The more you stay engaged with trends and techniques, the more valuable you’ll be as a designer.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Starting a career in garden design doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right mix of training, creativity, and real-world experience, it’s a deeply rewarding path. Whether you dream of designing intimate courtyards or bold, modern landscapes, there’s a place for your vision in this growing industry.

At Hortus Recruitment, we connect emerging designers with the roles, studios, and opportunities that match their passion and potential.

📩 Looking to get started? Send us your portfolio or CV — we’d love to help you grow.