Why The English Gardening School
For more than 40 years, EGS has been one of the country's leading horticulture and garden design schools, inspiring generations of people passionate about gardens from its home at the historic Chelsea Physic Garden, London.
Our History
Founded in 1983
The English Gardening School was founded in 1983 by the pioneering landscape architect Rosemary Alexander: a hub of educational excellence at the heart of the Chelsea Physic Garden.
What makes EGS different?
At The English Gardening School, you will learn from the names shaping garden design and horticulture. Our tutors and visiting lecturers include award-winning industry figures working in some of the country's most acclaimed gardens with expertise in both designing and caring for gardens. We offer individual support and practical hands-on teaching to help you reach your goals:
- Learn from practising professionals
- High tutor-to-student ratio
- Exceptional gardens as classrooms
- Practical, hands-on teaching
- Four decades of horticultural expertise
- A thriving alumni community
- Seasonal, year-round learning
- Strong connections across the horticultural industry
Learning beyond the classroom
Our teaching goes beyond the classroom for inspirational learning and practical, hands-on experience. From visits to specialist nurseries to seeing behind the scenes at some of the UK's most exceptional gardens, EGS gives you exclusive access to the growers and head gardeners at the forefront of horticulture. Depending on your course you may:
See how exceptional gardens are managed behind the scenes
Gain exclusive access to private gardens
Visit specialist plant and tree nurseries
Receive expert guidance on performing practical tasks
Observe how gardens evolve through the seasons
The EGS Community
Whichever course you take, you will become part of the EGS community: a supportive network united by a shared passion for gardens and plants. Through lasting connections with tutors, fellow students and alumni, you can continue to seek advice, share ideas and build relationships across the horticulture and garden design professions.
Alumni Benefits
Our alumni benefit from preferential rates on further EGS courses, helping you to continue learning as your interests develop. We are also able to offer alumni discounted rates from selected suppliers and partner organisations including Garden Masterclass.
Taught by the industries best
Our Tutors
Our tutors and visiting lecturers include leading figures in horticulture and garden design, giving students the opportunity to learn from highly respected professionals at the forefront of their fields.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Where we teach
Classroom teaching takes place at Chelsea Physic Garden, conveniently located in central London.
For practical work we visit a range of private and public gardens as well as nurseries. Seasonal visits are made across the year to the acclaimed garden of our founder, Rosemary Alexander.
Student Outcomes
Many of our alumni have gone on to establish successful careers as garden designers and landscapers, and in a wide range of roles across the horticultural industry. Some have become involved in voluntary work and community garden projects, while others have chosen to take their studies further.
