Inside Stonefields: An Unforgettable Learning Experience for Students

With sweeping views of the Macedon Ranges and a design pedigree recognised across the world, Paul Bangay’s Stonefields offers more than just inspiration — it offers an education in structure, restraint and the power of detail.

Each year, London College of Garden Design Melbourne students are given exclusive access to this extraordinary private estate as part of their second-year studies. Guided by LCGD Director Brent Reid, the visit allows students to experience one of Australia’s most iconic gardens firsthand, studying its spatial composition, planting structure and the craftsmanship that defines it.

For many, walking through Stonefields is a turning point, a moment where classroom learning meets real-world design thinking. Seeing a garden of this calibre up close provides invaluable insight into the balance of form, proportion and planting that underpins great design.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Paul for his continued generosity and support of the College,” says Brent. “It’s opportunities like this that give our students a deeper understanding of how the principles we teach translate into practice.”

At LCGD Melbourne, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom — it happens at the source. From private garden tours and nursery visits to on-site design reviews, students gain a level of exposure that’s truly unique in garden design education.