Student Success & Graduate Outcomes
Real Pathways. Real Designers. Real Careers.
Students of the London College of Garden Design Australia (LCGD Australia) come from a wide range of professions and life stages — but they share a common goal: to build a meaningful, creative career working with plants, design, people and place.
Our graduates consistently move into the industry with confidence, capability and a strong design identity. Many now lead studios, create award-winning work, exhibit show gardens, and contribute to the evolving voice of Australian garden design.
This page highlights the diverse outcomes achieved by LCGD students since the College launched in Melbourne.
A Community of Career Changers and Emerging Designers
Most LCGD students join us from completely different fields, including:
Architecture and interior design
Marketing, project management and business
Education and healthcare
Horticulture and trades
Art, floristry and creative industries
Science, technology and engineering
Our programs are intentionally designed so students with little or no prior design experience can gain the skills needed to work professionally. The two-year structure allows for deep learning, strong creative development and refined horticultural understanding.
Graduate Roles & Career Pathways
LCGD Australia graduates step into careers such as:
Garden Designer
Residential Landscape Designer
Planting Designer
Design Assistant / Junior Designer
Garden Stylist or Outdoor Living Designer
Horticultural consultant (for those leaning heavily into plants)
Studio collaborator with architects, designers and builders
Many graduates establish their own garden design practices within a short period of completing the program.
Graduate Achievements & Industry Recognition
Our graduates regularly:
Exhibit at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS)
Receive medals for show gardens and displays
Feature in leading publications and digital platforms
Collaborate with award-winning design studios
Work with landscape contractors, nurseries and architect-led practices
Produce built work across Melbourne, across Australia and New Zealand
These outcomes reflect the depth of design, planting and technical training completed during the program.
Show Gardens & MIFGS Participation
LCGD students have had a strong and growing presence at MIFGS:
Student gardens and planter displays
Emerging designer showcases
Medal-winning exhibits
Collaboration with sponsors, nurseries and industry partners
These opportunities provide invaluable real-world experience and portfolio-ready outcomes.
Student of the Year & Program Recognition
Each year, the College awards Student of the Year to a graduate who demonstrates:
Strong design capability
Planting design excellence
Professionalism and commitment
A clear design identity
Past recipients have gone on to create their own studios, win show-garden medals, and become active contributors to the Australian garden design community.
Student Stories: From First Sketch to New Career
LCGD Australia celebrates each student’s transformation — from early concept explorations to professional design work.
Graduate journeys often include:
Launching a garden design practice
Transitioning from unrelated fields into design
Combining horticulture and design expertise
Creating gardens for real clients during or shortly after graduation
Continuing studies or professional development in planting, design or sustainability
Joining industry networks, events, and specialist groups
Our graduates represent a diverse, talented community whose work continues to shape Australian garden design.
What Sets LCGD Graduates Apart
Graduates of LCGD Australia enter the industry with:
A strong planting design foundation
Clear conceptual and spatial design thinking
Technical construction knowledge
A refined and cohesive portfolio
Confidence in presenting and communicating ideas
Professional practice awareness
Industry connections and exposure
These attributes reflect the design-led, horticulture-focused and studio-based training model of the College.
A Growing Alumni Network
LCGD Australia now has a strong alumni community that:
Shares opportunities, resources and support
Connects through events, gardens, shows and industry networks
Creates meaningful collaborations
Mentors new students and graduates
This network is an important part of the LCGD experience — and one of the most valuable aspects for career changers entering the industry.
Your Success Starts With the Right Foundation
LCGD Australia provides the structure, support and professional training needed to transform interest into expertise — and create a meaningful, design-led career.
To learn more about the career paths of our graduates or to begin your own journey, explore the Garden Design Program or contact our team.