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Our Course Leaders

Our courses are led by experienced professionals with extensive expertise in garden design and education. They bring industry knowledge and practical insight to support our students in developing their skills and careers.

James Aldridge

James Aldridge

Garden Design Diploma
Course Leader

James Aldridge is a renowned garden designer, horticulturalist, and ardent enthusiast of plants. After many years of dedicated teaching at the college, he will assume the role of course leader for the garden design diploma in 2025.

Nina Baxter

Richard Wilford

Certificate in Plantsmanship
Course Leader

Richard Wilford is fascinated by plants, in cultivation and in the wild. He worked at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew for 37 years, as a horticulturist and garden designer. He teaches on the Planting Design Diploma and from 2026 will be course leader for the Certificate in Plantsmanship.

Nina Baxter

Nina Baxter

Planting Design Diploma
Course Leader

Nina Baxter is an accomplished garden designer, plantswoman and horticulturist and has been widely recognised for her planting designs. She has been involved with the College for many years and became Director and Course Leader for the Planting Design Diploma in July 2023.