Annie Guilfoyle
My approach is very informal as it is important for students to feel relaxed and enthused by the subject, which at times can seem rather daunting.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?My objective is for students to leave the course with the confidence to progress in their own gardens and to know where to find the answers to difficult situations should they arise.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?I use a mixture of lectures and interactive student involvement. It is important for the students to feel that they know where and how to discover the answers themselves, rather than have me just stand in front of them a talk non-stop!
What inspires your own work?My work is inspired by art, architecture and glorious gardens such as Great Dixter and West Dean of course!
Where did you gain your training/experience?I have a BA Hons in Garden Design from Middlesex University. Prior to that I studied horticulture at Capel Manor College. I run my own Garden Design Consultancy here in West Sussex. I have an RHS Silver Medal from The Chelsea Flower Show in 1994.
What teaching experience have you had?I have been teaching for over 16 years, I am the Director of Garden Design at KLC School of Design and I am the Garden Courses Consultant at West Dean.
Have you written any books/had articles published?I have written for Gardens Illustrated, Country Living and The Garden Design Journal. I have also featured in two BBC TV series called Small Town Gardens and The Garden Makers for Meridian TV. I have written three training courses in Garden Design.
Do you belong to any professional groups/societites?I am a member of the Royal Horticultural Society.
To view one of Annie's garden designs featured in Gardens Illustrated April 2012 issue please click here (By kind permission of Gardens Illustrated Magazine)