Clarice wrote:
Completely new to news groups, full stop, so I hope I get this right
and am posting in the right place!

I am very keen to train as a garden designer, but because or

snip

We can't afford to spend money on another bum course, so I was hoping
someone could recommend one from personal experience? I need a good
college with excellent tuition and, preferably, not costing too much
... tall order, I know... here's hoping...

Clarice , beware of some colleges who offer distance learning courses
at a basic level; for instance KLC only offer RHSII and you will only
receive a certificate, not a Diploma when you complete the project,
qualifications that are fine in themselves but basic. Their course
would be very suitable. for someone with little or no gardening
experience but if you want to get into garden design and you already
have some little experience, go for a Diploma course, as far as I know,
they do not offer a Diploma course in garden design but they do offer
Diploma courses in other subjects.

There is a very good college near me called Easton Horticultural
College, Norwich. I don't know if they offer distance learning Diploma
courses but Julia Parker-Barret is their garden design lecturer and it
may be that she would be able to give you information and advice, her
number is (01603) 731214