Andrew Fisher Tomlin on The Modern Professional Planting Designer

We’re celebrating the release of LCGD Director Andrew Fisher Tomlin’s new book, The Modern Professional Planting Designer — out only a few weeks and already a best-seller. Offering a global perspective on modern planting design, the book analyses the strategies used by contemporary designers to create landscapes that are compelling, resilient and alive with purpose.

We spoke with Andrew about the ideas behind the book and how they connect to garden design in Australia.

What inspired you to write a book on planting design?

“With a background rooted in horticulture, my professional journey has allowed me to design gardens around the world and advocate for the central role of plants in landscape architecture. That passion for planting design has shaped my entire career. Planting expertise is becoming increasingly vital as we face challenges like climate change and species extinction.”

What are the underlying themes in the book?

“The last decade has seen a shift away from hard features towards planted landscapes, yet books that focus on planting design remain limited. My aim was to create the first comprehensive study of modern planting design — contextualising global approaches and anticipating future needs. It’s rewarding to see it already appearing on college reading lists around the world.”

How does your writing relate to Australian landscapes?

“Every visit to Australia reminds me of its extraordinary native flora. I’ve been fortunate to both learn and teach here for many years — designing with Australian natives and encouraging students to create plant-led designs that build genuine connections to nature and wildlife. With around 24,000 native species, Australia offers enormous opportunity for innovation, but also a responsibility to ensure their conservation.”

What are the big challenges we face for our planted landscapes?

“The impacts of a changing climate are clear — rising temperatures, drought, fire and flooding — realities now impossible to ignore. Plants are part of the solution. Biodiversity loss is equally critical, though less understood. Regions like the UK and Japan have lost around 50% of their biodiversity in the past fifty years. Habitat loss is now a global issue, putting countless species at risk.”

Where can aspiring designers enhance their planting design skills?

“A strong grounding in horticulture is essential, but the ability to integrate plants through design is what brings a garden to life. Fifteen years ago, I developed the first professional diploma in planting design in London. Those same principles are now embedded in the LCGD Melbourne Garden Design Program. Each year I work with our students in Melbourne alongside local experts, both in the studio and on site — it’s real-world learning that shows what contemporary planting design can truly achieve.”