How to Become a Garden Designer in Australia

A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Garden Design Career

Garden design is a growing creative profession in Australia, blending plants, people, architecture and outdoor living. Whether you’re a career changer or beginning a new creative path, becoming a garden designer involves developing strong design skills, horticultural knowledge and a clear understanding of how outdoor spaces are shaped.

This guide outlines the essential steps to enter the industry — and how the London College of Garden Design Australia (LCGD Australia) helps aspiring designers build the skills needed to work confidently and professionally.

1. Understand What a Garden Designer Does

Garden designers create outdoor environments for residential, urban and rural settings.

Their work includes:

  • Site analysis and planning

  • Concept development and spatial design

  • Planting design and plant selection

  • Outdoor structures, materials and detailing

  • Construction understanding and technical documentation

  • Client communication and presentation

  • Working alongside architects, landscapers, builders and trades

It’s a role that blends creativity with horticultural expertise and practical problem-solving.

2. Build a Foundation in Horticulture

Garden design is grounded in plant knowledge. To work professionally, you need to understand:

  • Plant behaviour

  • Growth habits

  • Light, soil and microclimates

  • Seasonal change

  • Maintenance considerations

  • Australian plant palettes

This horticultural foundation is one of the reasons LCGD Australia is based inside the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, giving students access to world-class plant collections and expert horticulturists.

3. Study a Professional Garden Design Program

While there is no single required qualification in Australia, the industry expects designers to be trained in:

  • Design principles

  • Planting design

  • Construction and documentation

  • Graphic and digital communication

  • Professional practice

  • Portfolio development

The Garden Design Program at LCGD Australia provides the most comprehensive pathway, combining design education with horticulture and real-world practice over two years.

Students graduate with a job-ready portfolio and the skills to work in design studios or launch their own practice.

4. Learn to Communicate Your Designs Professionally

Successful designers can clearly communicate ideas through:

  • Sketching and concept drawings

  • Digital design tools

  • Planting plans

  • 3D and layout drawings

  • Presentation boards

  • Client communication

LCGD Australia’s program includes both hand and digital communication, ensuring graduates have the visual language the industry expects.

5. Gain Technical and Construction Knowledge

Garden designers must understand how outdoor spaces are built.

This includes:

  • Levels and grading

  • Drainage

  • Hardscape materials

  • Lighting

  • Pools and water features

  • Irrigation

  • Construction documentation

LCGD Australia includes technical subjects taught by specialists, helping students design with confidence and collaborate effectively with contractors.

6. Build a Professional Portfolio

Your portfolio becomes your entry into the industry.

It should showcase:

  • Conceptual thinking

  • Planting design skills

  • Detail and documentation

  • Built and theoretical projects

  • Visual presentation skills

  • A clear design identity

LCGD Australia’s program culminates in a fully developed, industry-standard portfolio.

7. Connect With Industry

To establish your career, it’s important to gain exposure through:

  • Design studios

  • Mentors

  • Plant nurseries

  • Construction companies

  • Garden shows (including MIFGS)

  • Industry bodies and events

LCGD Australia’s lecturers and guest speakers are active professionals, offering connections that help students move confidently into the field.

8. Start Working as a Garden Designer

Graduates typically enter roles such as:

  • Garden Designer

  • Planting Designer

  • Landscape Designer (residential)

  • Junior Designer in a studio

  • Design Assistant

  • Garden Stylist / Outdoor Living Designer

Many launch their own design practice after building a strong portfolio and industry network.

Why LCGD Australia Is a Leading Pathway

  • Based at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

  • Taught by award-winning garden designers and horticulturists

  • International design education heritage

  • Flexible study options (including online learning)

  • Strong graduate outcomes and industry recognition

  • Ideal for career changers

  • Deep focus on planting design and professional practice

LCGD Australia provides a comprehensive, design-led pathway into the profession, combining creative thinking with horticultural and technical expertise.

Ready to Begin Your Path Into Garden Design?

Explore the Garden Design Program or connect with our team to discuss study options, course structure and career pathways.