Jo Thompson
Garden Design Diploma
Course Leader
Jo Thompson is one of the UK’s leading garden designers, known for creating beautifully crafted, sustainable landscapes and gardens that stand the test of time. She has taught at the college for over 15 years, becoming course leader in 2026.
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
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 became Director and Course Leader for the Planting Design Diploma in July 2023.
Duncan Cargill
Garden Design Diploma
Deputy Course Leader
Duncan Cargill has a long career in design that became focussed on garden design in 2017. In this new role he supports the delivery of our leading Garden Design Diploma.