Author: Andrew Fisher Tomlin

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.

We’re delighted to be celebrating the success of new garden design talent at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Special congratulations to LCGD students Andy Sargood and Madeleine Holyman (below left) who won the award of excellence and a Gold medal for their Challenger Achievable garden called ‘Look Within’. LCGD graduate Sarah McLauchlan (below right) won the competition to create her ‘Nature’s Pantry’ garden for Open Gardens Victoria and Rachael Saulle created the ‘Soundwave Garden’ (above) which was used by musicians...

Our Director Brent Reid has been awarded the prestigious “Spirit of the Show’ awarded at this year’s Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. The award was given for Brent’s dedication to supporting new design talent and his commitment to championing excellence in horticulture. Brent is well known within the horticulture industry and this award acknowledges the work he has achieved and the regard with which the industry holds him.