The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) Diploma in Garden History is perfect for anyone interested in the history of British gardens. This course combines a blend of flexible online learning in your own time, with attended study days here at RBGE. You’ll explore the evolution of historic gardens, their design, conservation, and the plants and techniques that shaped them.
Since RBGE was founded in 1670 garden design styles have changed and the range of plants available significantly expanded. With one of the largest living collections of plants and such a long and rich botanical and horticultural history, RBGE is the ideal place to study garden history.
Course aims:
Explore the history and diversity of historic gardens in Britain
Evaluate the influence of related subjects of literature, art and architecture
Consider the origins and development of cultivation methods of selected plants and crops
Examine period plants, their introduction dates and use in gardens
Appraise how historic gardens and landscapes are evaluated and graded across Britain
The skills acquired during the course are invaluable to any student wishing to undertake research for heritage organisations, or as part of further academic study.
Frequently asked questions
The course is divided into the following five modules covering:
History of British Garden Design – the first module provides a solid introduction to British gardens over time including an overview of ancient garden origins.
Italian Gardens and their influence – Italian renaissance gardens had a recurring influence on British gardens and this unit considers their impact
Nineteenth century Horticulture – the incredibly diverse and rapidly changing horticultural tastes of the nineteenth century provide context for the enduring legacy of garden heritage from this period.
Historic Gardening Practices – here the extraordinary skills of gardeners are explored via a range of historic gardening practices like the cultivation of exotic flowers and fruit, or historic pruning and training techniques.
Conservation of Designed Landscapes – this unit applies knowledge from across the course to address the challenges of the evaluation and conservation of our historic garden heritage.
The two study blocks (each 3 days) complement the topics above, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich collections held at RBGE, from the archive and rare books collection of original herbals and specialist gardening books to the living collection of over 13,000 species. Further visits to Historic Environment Scotland archive rooms and the National Map Library will equip students with the skills to research historic gardens. Guest lectures and visits to local gardens add further context.
This course is a two-year online coursewhere students attend in-person study blocks at RBGE each year to support the exercises and tuition which take place via PropaGate, the online learning platform used to access the course.
This course is a blend of online learning and attended study days. The course consists of five units which are divided over four terms within the two-year duration of the course. The topics of the units are made available to participants weekly throughout the terms. We also provide suggested reading lists. The study days provide an opportunity to meet course colleagues and tutors as well as take part in some focused learning. Excursions on the study days will enable students to visit a selection of fascinating Scottish gardens.
The course includes a subscription to JSTOR providing access to the back catalogue of Garden History journal articles up to 2021. We encourage Gardens Trust membership for access to more recent journals.
Johanna Lausen-Higgins, course tutor
Johanna Lausen-Higgins PGCHE, MA, BSC (Hons) is a lecturer and garden historian based in the Learning and Engagement department at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). Her diverse background in horticulture, history and public engagement inform her research and publications which focus on the history of horticulture and a sixteenth century grotto. With over three decades of experience, Johanna has worked across the UK and internationally. She is the current horticultural consultant for Dunbar’s Close Garden, a recreated seventeenth-century garden in the centre of Edinburgh.
Siân Joseph, external course tutor
Siân Joseph has an MA in History from the University of Cambridge and is an external tutor on the Garden History Diploma, having completed the course in 2023. She is currently studying for a MA in Garden History at the University of Buckingham, focusing on the commercial interests of Gertrude Jekyll, and hopes to progress to a PhD in the future. Siân joined the Surrey Gardens Trust in 2023 as member of the Research and Recording Committee and has recently been appointed as a trustee.
The course includes the following assignments:
1 Historic Garden Report, 3000 words (30%), this assignment allows you to trace the evolution of a historic garden using historic maps, plans and engravings as well as primary source material such as letters or account records.
2 Specialist Essay, 4000 words (40%) provides the opportunity to research a topic of your choice.
3 Topical Forum posts, c. 250 words each (20%) a couple of topical forum posts per unit provide the chance to read and evaluate a literary or visual source for its influence on historic gardens.
4 Revision quizzes (10%), Following each module, a brief online revision quiz will test your knowledge of the unit. Two attempts are permitted, with the highest score being credited.
The course uses the Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA) 2024 referencing style.
No previous knowledge about garden history is required. The course is set at first year degree level and is very accessible for interested students.
Those with botanical and/or horticultural backgrounds will be more familiar with some concepts whilst students with previous historical knowledge will be able to appreciate the changes in garden design and gardening in a wider context.
For those with little experience and who wish to increase or progress their horticultural or botanical knowledge either prior to application or during the Diploma, one of the following courses run by the RBGE is recommended:
RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
The RBGE Certificate in Practical Horticulture (attended with online resources)
Getting started with…Botany (attended or online)
An average of four to five hours study each week is recommended to complete the course.
You need access to
a computer with an up-to-date operating system and browser
an internet connection/speed suitable for steaming videos
an e-mail account
You should be a competent computer user with a basic understanding of standard computer applications such as using an internet browser, email, and word processing. More help can be found on the Help and Support pages on PropaGate Learning
This type of course is best suited to highly motivated learners that can work independently
Technical and tutor support will be available via the discussion forums in the course and of course at the study days.
Fees for this two-year blended online course are £3,250 (travel and accommodation are not included).
Fees should be paid in full by the start of the course. Refund policy (opens in a new window)
The next intake is in October 2025 with the first in person study days running from Wednesday 22nd to Friday 24th October 2025 here at RBGE.
Online Course (with study days)
To apply for this course, please complete the online application form. Applications will open on Friday 2nd May 2025.
“For anyone wanting to develop and extend their knowledge and understanding of Garden History in Britain, I would highly recommend the Diploma in Garden History at RBGE. Although mainly taught online, there was always constructive and helpful support available from the tutors as well as opportunities to discuss thoughts and ideas with other students. The study days at RBGE were always stimulating and included visits to historic gardens in Scotland to extend our learning. The content of the course was diverse and enriching and I can honestly say that my time on the course was one of the most significant and rewarding periods of education I have experienced. I learnt a colossal amount and now have a lifelong passion for Garden History and lots of new friends from the course who share my passion!”
