Author: Andrew Fisher Tomlin

Each year, our second-year students are invited to experience something truly special – a private tour of Stonefields, the renowned country garden of celebrated designer Paul Bangay OAM. With sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges and a design pedigree known across the world, Stonefields offers more than just inspiration, it offers an education in structure, restraint and the power of detail.

Last year we experienced unprecedented demand for places on our Garden Design Program. When people start to investigate a career in landscape design they have seen that results speak for themselves and the success of LCGD Melbourne students and graduates not just at the big events but in real landscapes for real businesses is self-evident. And so we are already receiving applications to study with us from next year.

One of the highlights of our first-year program is the annual visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, a place where Australian landscape design, horticulture and ecological principles converge in the most breathtaking way. Led by our Director Brent Reid, the day is a guided exploration of the iconic Australian Garden, a living showcase of native plants, bold design moves and thoughtful environmental responses. Brent teaches throughout the tour, helping students unpack plant choices, spatial composition and the stories behind the garden’s creation.

We’re thrilled to share some exciting international news from our Director Andrew Fisher Tomlin – a designer, educator and leader who continues to shape the future of planting design around the world. Recently Andrew received the very first printed copy of his brand new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer. Far more than a gardening guide, the book offers a comprehensive and deeply considered approach to resilient, sustainable planting design – covering everything from crafting seasonal palettes and sketching planting plans, to designing gardens that actively support...

What an absolute thrill to see our students, graduates and very own Director dominate at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show! We’re bursting with pride over these incredible achievements:

We were delighted to welcome Sarah Wilson from the UK this week to talk to our students about the challenges of designing for wildlife. Sarah is well known for her podcast Roots And All which is internationally renowned for looking deeper into issues around horticulture and climate change than you’d usually find.

Following the successes of LCGD Melbourne students and graduates last year, even more are heading to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in March 2025. If you’re planning to visit then look out for these students and graduates who will be taking part –

Due to overwhelming demand, we’ve done something we’ve never done before – opened up 10 extra spots for our 2025 intake! We originally closed enrolments when we reached capacity, but with so many enquiries still coming in, we’ve decided to make room for a few more students. To accommodate this extra intake, we’ve secured additional tutors, ensuring every student gets the same level of support.

We’re celebrating the success of students Andy Sargood and Maddy Scott-Mackenzie who were given the prestigious opportunity to design and install this year’s garden at the Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria’s Horticulture Showcase in Victoria Parliament.