Certificate in Garden Design – Level 2

 The Level 2 Certificate in Garden Design is a foundation qualification aimed at learners who wish to build the essential design, plant, and drawing skills required to work in garden design. It is suitable for those new to the subject or seeking to progress toward more advanced design or horticultural qualifications.

Skills & Knowledge You Will Gain

• Understanding of plant and soil science — how plants grow, their needs, and how soil affects design.
• Knowledge of plant selection, care and maintenance — how to choose appropriate plants for designs and manage them.
• Design process skills — learning how to plan a garden, work through design steps, layouts, and spatial planning.
• Graphic and 3D visualisation/drawing skills for garden design (manual or CAD‐based).
• Optional skills: hard landscaping features, use of design software, and project planning.
  

Time / Workload

• Guided Learning Hours: 216 hours
• Total Qualification Time: 270 hours
• The course is accessible to both 16–18 and 19+ learners and can be delivered through centres recognised for delivering Gateway qualifications.
  

What It Can Lead To

• Progression into Level 3 garden design courses (e.g. Gateway Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Garden Design)
• Entry into roles in garden design support, landscaping, work with design studios, nurseries, garden centres or self-employed designer assistants
• Builds foundational credentials for further training in horticulture, landscape architecture, or professional design
  

Conclusion

The Gateway Level 2 Certificate in Garden Design offers learners a structured, practical introduction to garden design, combining plant science, creative design skills, and visualisation techniques. With this foundation, graduates are well placed to advance to higher design qualifications or begin working in support roles within the garden design industry.