Hello all;

I'm hoping you'll allow me to pick your brains a bit. I'm interested in becoming a landscape or garden designer. I've been doing it as a hobby for a while (designing my own yard, doing some design work for friends/neighbors), and I've decided to do what I love and turn it into a profession.

While I do not have the time or the funds right now to go back to school full-time (to get a degree in horticulture, for example), I would like to most effectively use the time and funds that I DO have. Are there any classes I really shouldn't miss? Software that I should purchase? Books I should read?

I appreciate any and all opinions and advice - thank you!