The Society of Garden Designers was established in 1981 and is the only professional body in the UK dedicated solely to garden design. It is active both nationally and internationally, promoting its aims through the Garden Design Journal, workshops, seminars, conferences and links with the construction industry.

The Society includes Friends of the Society, and membership categories for Students, Graduates, Correspondents and Registered Members. Only Registered Members are approved by the Society as garden designers and they can provide a full professional service in all aspects of garden design.

The key aims of the Society are:

• to promote excellence in garden design
• to recognise and promote only Registered Members and Fellows as
  professional garden designers.
• to serve its wider membership

The organisational structure of the Society includes a core Council of 9 members, including Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Honorary Secretary, and a full time administrator. Many events throughout the UK are organised by regional coordinators. All Registered Members are governed by the Society's Constitution and Code of Conduct.

Registered Office:  Katepwa House, Ashfield Park Avenue, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 5AX; email info@sgd.org.uk or sgd@assocmanagement.co.uk ; tel 01989 566695.
Society of Garden Designers is a company Limited by Guarantee,
Registered in England and Wales No. 52833373

Download application form and membership details.
Download guidance on choosing a garden design course.

BENEFITS OF JOINING THE SOCIETY

The Society is non-profit making with all membership funds raised directed to furthering the aims of the Society.

As a member of the Society you will receive :


• The Garden Design Journal.
• The Society's newsletter, Vitis.

 
You will also get access to:

• The Members section of the Society’s website which includes useful downloads and guidance on issues such as fees and the Society’s book service.
• The online forum where you can get help from other members and discuss current issues.
• Continuing professional development through national and regional workshops and seminars.
• Discounted rates to the Society's national conferences and all workshops and seminars.
• Discounted or free entry to any events and trade shows supported by the Society.
• Invitations to special events run by suppliers and supporters of the Society for Members
• Supportive professional regional network groups.
• Insurance services

Additional benefits for Registered Members:

• Use of MSGD or FSGD after your name.
• Use of the Society’s Registered Members’ logo.
• Inclusion of your details in The Directory of Registered Designers.
• Inclusion of your details on the web site which receives over 300,000 hits per month
• Exposure to potential clients through regular advertising in key gardening magazines and media endorsements in gardening articles.
• Access to supporting packages tailored to Registered Members.
• Member Tender Alert Service

Additional benefits for other members


• Two years work experience before applying for Registered Membership for Graduate members only.
• A supportive route to Registered Membership for all members.
• Recruitment opportunities
• Student Membership is open to students on garden design or landscape architecture courses.
• Student Members are entitled to reduced fees at conferences and seminars

Membership Levels

REGISTERED MEMBER

Registered Members are recognised by the Society as professional designers. Only Registered Members can use MSGD after their name and the society approved logo. They are listed in the Directory of Registered Designers. Registered membership is open to established garden designers. Applicants are assessed by the Society's adjudication panel. Graduate members must have two years full time work experience before applying and Correspondents must have three years experience before applying. Established designers who meet the work experience requirements do not have to be members of the Society prior to applying for Registered membership. However, applicants will need to attend an Open Forum, or present a letter of recommendation from a Registered Member who knows their work well, prior to attending the Adjudication.

The Society also welcomes qualified landscape architects. It recognises that there are many landscape architects who have an interest and commitment to garden design and invites them to apply for Registered Membership. 

Adjudication administration fee  £195 (incl VAT)
Annual subscription      £245 (incl VAT)

FELLOW

Fellows are Registered Members of the Society nominated by at least two other Registered Members and approved by Council. Fellowship recognises the time, energy and commitment a member has given to the society. Only Fellows can use FSGD after their name.

Annual subscription      £245 (incl VAT)

CORRESPONDENT

Open to anyone who does not currently qualify for any of the other classes of membership. Correspondents require at least three years work experience before applying for Registered Membership.

Annual subscription £85 (incl vat )
Overseas subscription £92 (incl vat)

GRADUATE

Open to graduates of University-accredited garden design or landscape architecture courses

Annual subscription £85 (incl vat)
Overseas subscription £92 (incl vat)

STUDENT

Open to all students on garden design or landscape architecture courses. Proof of student status on such a course showing start and finish dates and title of course from your college is essential.

Annual subscription £49 (incl vat)

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