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How Do I Become a Garden Designer?

Patrick Lynch
Patrick Lynch

The job of a garden designer is an ideal vocation for anyone who is very interested in flowers and plants. To become a garden designer, a traditional college education is not a requirement. There are many online colleges and local learning centers that offer courses in garden design. You do need experience, so it is a good idea to experiment on your own garden first. Look for employment either in a local gardening store or a landscaping organization.

If you are looking to become garden designer, you must have a genuine love of horticulture as well as the ability to be creative. As a garden designer, you are responsible not only for picking the flowers for a garden but also for placing them in a certain pattern. For most prospective garden designers, this vocation is a labor of love. They see it as a good opportunity to make a second income while doing something that truly interests them.

Woman with hand on her hip
Woman with hand on her hip

It is not necessary to attend university in order to become a garden designer. There are a number of online programs that allow you to study whenever you have the time. Vocational schools and community colleges also offer part-time and night courses. It may also be a good idea to obtain a degree in graphic design. Designing a garden is a difficult job, and having the ability to use a computer program to do the design work is quite useful.

You should use your own garden as a canvas. There is no better way to become a garden designer than by producing a well-designed garden of your own. If you do a good job, your friends or neighbors may be interested in your services.

This is a career that depends on experience more than anything else. Few people will trust an inexperienced individual with their front or back lawn. This is why you should familiarize yourself with the garden environment by working in a garden store. Avoid working in large shops because you probably won’t get the opportunity to work closely with a garden. A smaller store is more likely to give you more responsibility.

To become a garden designer, you might want to look for an entry level job with a landscaping company. Be sure to indicate your desire to be a garden designer and to show your love of horticulture from the very beginning. Perhaps you will be noticed by a manager who may give you more opportunities to work with gardens.

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