Garden Design Courses in Melbourne

Professional Garden Design Training at the Royal Botanic Gardens

The London College of Garden Design Australia (LCGD Australia) delivers Melbourne’s most comprehensive, design-led training for aspiring and career-changing garden designers. Based within the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens, our programs blend world-class garden design education with Australia’s unique horticultural and landscape context.

Whether you’re starting a new creative path or looking to refine your professional skills, our courses offer the depth, industry exposure and technical knowledge needed to enter the garden design profession with confidence.

Our Flagship Program: Garden Design Program (Two Years)

The Garden Design Program is our core professional qualification, delivered across four semesters either in person or through our online learning pathway.

The program includes:

  • Garden design principles and methodology

  • Planting design and horticultural science

  • Site analysis and planning

  • Concept development and design communication

  • Construction knowledge and documentation

  • Software and graphic presentation skills

  • Real design studios with industry-style briefs

  • A professionally presented final portfolio

Students graduate with job-ready skills, an industry-standard portfolio and a clear pathway into professional garden design practice.

Why Study Garden Design in Melbourne?

Melbourne is home to one of the world’s most respected botanical gardens and a vibrant design culture. Studying garden design here gives students:

  • Direct access to diverse plant collections

  • Exposure to professional horticulture and landscape management

  • Connections to leading designers, landscapers and industry specialists

  • A thriving garden design community and strong demand for skilled designers

  • The opportunity to experience design across varied climates and architectural styles

Melbourne’s landscape design culture makes it an ideal location for grounding your practice in both horticulture and design thinking.

Learn Inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

LCGD Australia is uniquely positioned within the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, offering an immersive plant- and design-centered environment.

Students benefit from:

  • On-site plant identification and analysis

  • Access to expert horticulturists

  • Gardens that serve as living case studies

  • A rich learning environment that connects theory to practice

This botanical setting underpins our design-led philosophy and makes plant knowledge a central part of your education.

Who Our Courses Are Designed For

LCGD Australia attracts students from all paths:

  • Career changers from corporate, creative, and trade backgrounds

  • Emerging garden design and horticulture professionals

  • Landscape industry professionals seeking design skills

  • Passionate plant lovers ready to turn interest into expertise

  • Graduates of related disciplines seeking professional specialisation

No previous design experience is required — just curiosity, commitment and a love of gardens and design.

Flexible Study Options

To support a wide range of students, LCGD Australia offers:

  • In-person study at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

  • Online learning for remote or interstate students

  • Access to all lectures and resources regardless of location

  • Regular feedback, mentoring and design reviews

  • A structured two-year pathway into professional practice

This flexibility ensures all students — wherever they live — can access world-class garden design training.

Industry-Led Teaching Team

Our faculty includes:

  • Award-winning garden designers

  • Planting designers

  • Landscape architects

  • Horticulturists

  • Technical and construction specialists

  • Guest lecturers from Australia and internationally

The diversity and calibre of our teaching team ensures students receive contemporary, practical and relevant training aligned with industry expectations.

What You Can Do After Studying Garden Design

Graduates of LCGD Australia move into roles such as:

  • Garden Designer

  • Residential Landscape Designer

  • Planting Designer

  • Garden Stylist / Outdoor Living Designer

  • Landscape Technician

  • Design Support / Junior Designer in established studios

  • Show Garden Designer (MIFGS and beyond)

Many graduates launch their own design practices, publish projects, or contribute to award-winning gardens.

Explore LCGD’s Programs

To learn more about our professional training, visit the Garden Design Program page or contact our team for guidance on study pathways and applications.