John Wood
John has been the principal tutor at the Society of Garden Designers for a wide range of computer graphics and design programs.
Ref: D3H36456
This course will introduce the garden design tools available for the iPad, which can be used as an aid to the workflow of professional garden designers. You will need to bring your own iPad pre-loaded with the apps listed in the ‘Materials to bring’ section.
Day 1:
This day will be a comprehensive introduction to garden design tools on the iPad using Morpholio, SketchUp and Procreate. Delve into the functionalities of each program and explore how they interact synergistically in the design process. By the end of the day, you will have drawn a small suburban site, incorporating steps, raised beds, pond fences and paving based on the client brief. Additionally, you will create a three-dimensional outline model in SketchUp, serving as a foundation for freehand sketching in both Morpholio and Procreate.
Day 2:
This day will cover Morpholio's diverse applications for drafting plans and surveys, along with practical demonstrations in construction detailing. Progress in three-dimensional modelling techniques in SketchUp, with a special emphasis on creating visually captivating renderings. Explore Procreate's practical applications in planting design, balancing both technical precision and visual appeal. Gain insights into the iPad’s role in the intersection of technology and artistic expression.
Day 3:
This final day will cover: Procreate and its many applications for ‘post production’ visual enhancement and presentation imagery; planting visuals in SketchUp, Morpholio and Procreate, leading to the creation of personalised plant libraries in all three programs; a demonstration and discussion about SketchUp’s new AI capabilities; organising material produced throughout the course into presentation documents, bringing together all three programs to best enhance work flow and ease of process.
Teaching will be by live, interactive, front of class demonstration with all sessions being recorded by the tutor to provide a permanent learning resource for you to best ensure a comprehensive understanding and practical mastery of these powerful design tools.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 10am–4.15pm
Students arrive 9.30am-10.00am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 10am-1pm
Lunch break 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included
Afternoon teaching 2pm–4.15pm (15 minute break)
Teaching finishes 4.15pm
Please note that this course takes place over three Fridays: 13, 20 and 27 June 2025.
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
John has been the principal tutor at the Society of Garden Designers for a wide range of computer graphics and design programs.