The Yorkshire School of Garden Design has celebrated its first anniversary with an exhibition showcasing the work of the first cohort of Diploma in Garden Design graduates.
Taking place at the School’s residence, the Grade I listed Harewood House, the graduates were joined by Yorkshire School of Garden Design founder, and world-renowned landscape designer, Alistair Baldwin, tutors and guests to celebrate.
“I can’t believe it has been a year,” says Alistair Baldwin. “We are so proud of what our students have achieved and this next generation of landscape designers are truly something to behold. Their passion and skill are unparalleled, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve in their future careers.”
Throughout the evening, the students’ work and portfolios were displayed, showcasing and celebrating an exciting year of creativity, dedication and achievement. In addition, guests were treated to a brief lecture from award-winning landscape designer and broadcaster, Matthew Wilson.
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design launched in August 2022 to international praise. Alistair Baldwin, who started his landscape and architectural design consultancy AWB Associates in 2010, in Richmond, Yorkshire, founded this unique school to teach budding designers of the future how to work in the beautiful north of England terrain.
Since launching with its flagship professional Diploma in Garden Design, the School has delivered a year’s course encompassing all aspects of landscape art, design and planting.
“The Yorkshire School of Garden Design was born out of my passion for this great art, combined with my belief that all garden designers should have an experience of working in northern landscapes, appreciating the nuances that resonate throughout this stunning region.
“I have lived and worked in North Yorkshire for over three decades and have developed an innate knowledge of its geology, terrain and climate, which plays such an important role in design development.
“I believe all students should have the opportunity to learn from and feel inspired by their peers, and to truly understand the different ways of working across the country.”
Tim Gray graduated with a distinction from the 2023 class. Following a career in hospitality, Tim jumped at the opportunity to retrain and explore a career in garden design.
“I have always loved gardens and was fascinated about understanding the deeper meaning and methodology of their design. When I heard about the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry, in a face-to-face environment, I jumped at the chance.
“The Diploma in Garden Design is such a unique course, as it offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamental tools required for a career in garden design, as opposed to solely landscape architecture or gardening, from some of the brightest minds in the industry. I had no hesitation that this was the course for me and relished the challenges and hard work it demanded.
“The friendships and lasting connections we have formed within our industry community over the past year have been remarkable and provided us with the opportunity to continue our tutorage in the years to come.
“I have found a real passion in garden design, and this course provided a diving board from which I am launching into my future career, full of opportunity. I will be starting a new role with a Yorkshire-based landscape designer in the autumn, and I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life.”
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design is now accepting applications for the 2024 Diploma in Garden Design and has released the details of its 2023-2024 inspirational short courses. The short courses give an individual the opportunity to explore the industry, with the guiding hand of some of the UK’s most talented tutors and practitioners.
The short courses have been created by Alistair Baldwin and the School’s tutors and will be taught at Harewood House. The courses include:
- Sketchup for Garden Designers: 1-3 November
- An Introduction to Garden Design: 14-16 February
- Freehand Sketching for Garden Designers: 10-12 April
- Seasonality and Layering: 30-31 May
- Designing with Plants: 12-14 June
Course spaces are limited to ensure that each student receives an in-depth and personal experience, so early booking is advised.
For further information on the Yorkshire School of Garden Design and all its courses, please visit https://ysgd.co.uk/