Brian Dove Mauritius

After 11 years of repairing fighter jets, helicopter turbine engines, double decker commercial airliners and smaller private aircraft as an aircraft maintenance engineer, I felt the innate tendency to seek connections with nature and a genuine desire to better people’s quality of outdoor living in the sub-tropical climate (Mauritius & Australia). After several months of online course research, I was delighted to discover The Oxford College of Garden Design. It contained all the elements I was searching for; design principles and composition, planting design, rendering techniques, 2D/3D modelling, technical and construction drawing, amongst others.Beyond the traditional landscape design elements, the diploma provides exceptional insight on starting your own landscape design practice by addressing relevant subjects such as client’s meeting, telephone techniques, professional communication, business plan and fee scales. It even provides a garden photography module and a series of Masterclasses by today’s eminent garden designers. Duncan Heather, the College principal, is one of Europe’s foremost garden designers whose availability and one-to-one critiques and mentoring are invaluable for a fast progression.The best part of the course was the virtual classroom where you can interact with other students from all parts of the world, the weekly live classroom tutorials, and the course material which is presented through aspiring videos accompanied by notes which can be referred to quickly when required.Also, coming from a totally different climate and lifestyle from the other side of the world, I was able to relate the course to my local sub-tropical environment and conditions effectively. This was also encouraged and supported by Duncan & his tutors. All for all, this diploma went well beyond my expectations and opened my mind and my heart to the beginning of a new adventure!