Answers to Common Questions About Studying Garden Design in Australia
This page brings together the most frequently asked questions from prospective students, career changers and anyone interested in becoming a garden designer.
All answers reflect the approach and opportunities available through the London College of Garden Design Australia (LCGD Australia), based at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.
About Garden Design
What is garden design?
Garden design is the creative and technical process of shaping outdoor spaces using plants, materials, form, and structure. It combines horticulture, design principles, site planning and spatial composition to create functional and beautiful landscapes.
How is garden design different from landscape architecture?
Garden design focuses on residential and small-scale outdoor environments, with a strong emphasis on planting design and the relationship between home and garden.
Landscape architecture deals with large public, civic, and infrastructure projects.
(See our full guide: Garden Design vs Landscape Architecture)
Do garden designers need horticultural knowledge?
Yes. Understanding plants — how they grow, behave and respond to place — is essential. LCGD students learn inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, building deep plant knowledge from day one.
About Studying at LCGD Australia
Do I need design experience to study garden design?
No. Many students join from unrelated careers. LCGD’s two-year program is structured to take beginners through foundational design, planting and construction knowledge to professional-level capability.
Where is LCGD Australia located?
LCGD Australia is based within the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens, giving students direct access to world-leading plant collections and horticulture.
Can I study garden design online?
Yes. The Garden Design Program is available online, allowing students across Australia to complete the same learning outcomes as on-campus students.
What qualification will I receive?
Graduates receive the LCGD Garden Design Diploma, awarded by the London College of Garden Design. This diploma is accredited by the Society of Garden Designers (SGD) — the UK’s professional body for garden designers — recognising the program’s high standard of professional training and industry relevance.
About the Garden Design Program
How long is the program?
The professional Garden Design Program runs for two years (four semesters).
What does the course cover?
Key subjects include:
Garden design principles
Planting design
Horticulture and plant science
Construction and documentation
Concept development
Visual & digital communication
Professional practice
Industry-based learning
Portfolio development
How much time do I need to commit each week?
Students typically commit:
1–2 days of structured study (lectures, classes, tutorials)
Additional 2 days for assignments, site work and portfolio development
Do you offer short courses?
LCGD Australia currently focuses on the two-year Garden Design Program, our comprehensive professional qualification. Additional learning opportunities may be offered in the future, but at present the Garden Design Program is the primary pathway into studying with us.
Career Pathways
What careers can I pursue after studying garden design?
Graduates work as:
Garden Designers
Residential Landscape Designers
Planting Designers
Design Assistants / Junior Designers
Garden Stylists
Freelance garden design consultants
Studio collaborators with architects and landscapers
Many establish their own design studios.
Is garden design a good career for a career changer?
Yes. Career changers are a core part of the LCGD community. The two-year program is designed to support students with no prior design experience.
(See: Career Change Into Garden Design)
How much can garden designers earn in Australia?
Earnings vary widely depending on experience, studio employment or self-employment. Many designers begin with small residential projects and scale their income over time as experience and portfolio strength grow.
About the Industry
Is there demand for garden designers in Australia?
Yes. Residential outdoor living has become a major focus. Demand for designers with strong planting knowledge and contemporary design skills continues to grow nationwide.
Do garden designers need a licence?
Garden designers do not require a licence. However, strong technical knowledge and professional training are expected within the industry.
Do garden designers work closely with landscapers and builders?
Absolutely. Collaboration with landscapers, horticulturists, architects and construction professionals is a key part of the profession.
Portfolio & Outcomes
What will my portfolio include?
LCGD students graduate with an industry-ready portfolio including:
Concept designs
Planting plans
Technical drawings
Detailed documentation
Real or simulated projects
A clear design identity
Do your graduates find work?
Yes. Graduates have gone on to:
Run their own design practices
Win MIFGS awards
Work with leading design studios
Develop strong project streams across residential design
More in Student Success & Graduate Outcomes.
Applying to LCGD Australia
When do enrolments open?
Applications open annually. We recommend submitting early due to strong demand.
Do I need a portfolio to apply?
No. Beginners are welcome and no prior design portfolio is required.
Do you accept interstate or international students?
Yes. The online program supports interstate learners, and international students may also apply (subject to administrative requirements).
How do I apply?
You can apply via the website or contact our team for guidance. Downloading the prospectus is the best starting point.
Still Have Questions?
Contact our team to discuss study pathways, the program structure or your career goals.