References
"After working overseas in the UK, a great interest was spurred into gardening. I decided that I would find a means to pursue a career in landscape design. I did a lot of research into courses that were available in South Africa, and found the one that changed my life! Since I have completed the Professional course I have had endless opportunities; I have designed gardens in the UK, Madagascar and had several high profile clients in South Africa. I am forever grateful to Irene School of Garden Design for realising my dream of becoming a successful business owner and landscape designer!" - Mia Gowar, Student 2007
"The landscaping industry not only requires passion and dedication, but also; skill, knowledge and innovative thinking. Irene School of Garden Design has equipped me with the necessary tools to make a success of a long career in landscaping!" - Tammy Russell, Student 2008
"After attending the introduction course on the fundamentals of garden design I was hooked and needed to know more. The professional course has been a creative journey both challenging and inspirational." - Sheilagh Du Preez, Student 2009
"Lee Burger is a phenomenal landscape architect with a vast understanding of theoretical landscape design principles and the practical implementation thereof." - Thania van den Berg: MArch Prof (Pret), Colleague
"In my employment experience, the Irene School of Garden Design produces well rounded students with good design training and a sound knowledge of plants. Interestingly enough, another common factor is their sheer enthusiasm for what they do - all invaluable assets for an employer!" - Renée Wright, Colleague: Owner and Principal Designer of Eco Landscapes
Lecturers and Staff
By diversity we cover every aspect of garden design.
Lee Burger - BSc LArch (Pret), BL Hons (Pret), ML Prof (Pret)
School Principal & Principal Lecturer
Lee Burger is the principal of Irene School of Garden Design and is the principal lecturer for the professional courses. Lee is a conferring lecturer and assessor for leading educational institutions and universities, and does consulting work for leading architectural and Landscape architectural firms. Lee Burger has been an active lecturer at the Irene School of Garden Design since 2006 and has completed numerous projects in the industry, including landscape design and urban planning for Anglo Platinum, Bell and various significant residential developments.
Lee's vision for the expansion and progression of the landscaping industry through education and design is unique and extraordinary. "Diversity and individual expression amongst students is the holistic vision of the world we inhabit; through design we translate our surrounding landscapes."
Helen Lachenicht
Lecturer, Author & Founding Member
Helen, who presents Irene School of Garden Design's introductory course, has been interested in gardening from a very young age. "I struggled for years to make sense of the various gardens that my husband and I owned, but it was only after my youngest child finished school that I enrolled in a garden design college in Johannesburg S.A. Within two lectures, covering design principals and plant design, the pieces of the puzzle had fallen into place. I finally understood where I had been going wrong. In addition learning to draw to scale and planning garden designs on paper was a real eye-opener."
Helen has also co-authored the book, "Making Sense of Garden Design", which is a set book in the curriculum of the courses offered by the school. | 
