THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN
LCGD is a private UK-based professional garden design college delivering diplomas, certificates, and short courses at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and online. It serves career changers, horticulture professionals, and aspiring garden designers across the UK and Australia.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersBeckenham, United Kingdom
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN does
The London College of Garden Design (LCGD) is a private UK-based educational institution delivering professional garden design training, founded approximately 15 years ago. The college operates from an administration office in Beckenham and delivers its diploma and certificate programmes at the Orangery Conference facilities of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, with additional short-course delivery at RHS Garden Wisley (Surrey) and Regent's University London, and an international branch in Melbourne, Australia (LCGD Melbourne). The core product portfolio comprises a one-year Garden Design Diploma, a six-month Planting Design Diploma, an online Construction Design Certificate, a Certificate in Plantsmanship at Kew (first cohort September 2025), short courses, and webinars; completion of both diplomas plus a specialist certificate earns an Advanced Diploma in Garden Design. Courses are available in-class at Kew and online via real-time virtual classrooms, with teaching delivered by working practitioners led by Directors Andrew Wilson (MBE), Andrew Fisher Tomlin (RHS Elizabeth Medal of Honour 2026), and Nina Baxter, supported by Course Leaders James Aldridge (GDD) and Richard Wilford (Plantsmanship).
LCGD's business model is fee-for-tuition across professional diploma and certificate programmes, supplemented by short-course unit pricing, webinar ticket sales (e.g., ~£8 per Info Burst), and bursary programmes such as the Sam Taylor-Hunt full-tuition bursary for the Planting Design Diploma. Specific tuition fees are not publicly disclosed; prospective students are directed to the administration office. The go-to-market is hybrid: sales-led direct enrolment through the website, community-led alumni advocacy (Find a Designer directory, graduate success stories, Chelsea Flower Show presence), and event-driven brand-building at RHS Chelsea, RHS Hampton Court, Belvoir Castle, and the Landscape Show. Customer segments include career changers entering garden design as a second profession, horticulture professionals seeking to expand into design services, aspiring professional designers, and a hobbyist segment served via the separate gardencourses.com platform. The college maintains an active institutional partnership network including Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, the Royal Horticultural Society, Veterans' Growth, The Lawn Association, NHS Forest, Perennial, and Greenfingers.
Distribution is multi-channel: in-person at Kew and RHS Wisley, online real-time virtual classrooms for global reach, short courses at Regent's University London, and the Melbourne campus for the Asia-Pacific market. The college is independently founder/Director-owned, with no disclosed parent company, venture backing, or public listing; it has two operating subsidiaries — LCGD Melbourne (regional) and gardencourses.com (adjacent home-gardener training). Recent strategic activity includes the new Certificate in Plantsmanship, course-leadership succession, and continued accumulation of industry recognition (multiple RHS Chelsea Gold Medals 2026, SGLD Student Design Awards 2026, SGD Student of the Year shortlist 2025 with 7 of 10 nominations from LCGD).
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN
- Legal name
- London College of Garden Design
- Website
- https://lcgd.org.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- LCGD is a private UK-based professional garden design college delivering diplomas, certificates, and short courses at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and online. It serves career changers, horticulture professionals, and aspiring garden designers across the UK and Australia.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Professional Garden Design Education
- NAICS
- Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Fine Arts Schools (611610)
- akta.pro industry
- Home & Garden Hobbies (Gardening, Floral Design, Home Decor)Education/Adult & Continuing Education/Personal Enrichment & Hobby Learning (Arts, Crafts, Music, Cooking)
Keywords
Where THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beckenham
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices6 records
Markets served
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Course Tuition Fees: Revenue generated from diploma and certificate course tuition fees including Garden Design Diploma, Planting Design Diploma, Construction Design Certificate, and Certificate in Plantsmanship.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Garden Design Diploma |
| Subscription | Annual | Planting Design Diploma |
| Subscription | Annual | Construction Design Certificate |
| Subscription | Annual | Certificate in Plantsmanship |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Short Courses |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The London College of Garden Design provides professional garden design, planting design, construction design, and plantsmanship training through diploma, certificate, and short course programmes. Courses are delivered in-person at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, RHS Garden Wisley, and Regent's University London, as well as online via live virtual classrooms, with an international campus in Melbourne, Australia. The college trains over 100 design professionals annually and prepares students for careers as professional garden designers.
Product overview
The London College of Garden Design offers a portfolio of professional garden design training programmes. The core offerings include the one-year Garden Design Diploma (led by James Aldridge), the six-month Planting Design Diploma (led by Nina Baxter), the Construction Design Certificate (online), and the Certificate in Plantsmanship (in-person at Kew Gardens, led by Richard Wilford from 2026). These can be combined to earn the Advanced Diploma in Garden Design. The college also provides short courses and webinars for professional development and career exploration. Classes are held at world-famous locations including Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Regent's University, and RHS Wisley Gardens, with an international campus in Melbourne, Australia. The institution is accredited as a Green Small Business and was shortlisted for Pro Landscaper's Sustainability and Biodiversity awards 2025.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Garden Design Diploma A one-year professional diploma in garden design, the leading course in the UK, led by James Aldridge with support from Andrew Wilson. Covers all aspects of garden design including drawing, CAD, construction and planting design. Available in-class at Kew Gardens and online via real-time virtual classrooms. Intended for aspiring professional garden designers.
- Planting Design Diploma A six-month professional diploma in planting design taught by some of Europe's foremost planting designers, led by Nina Baxter with support from Andrew Fisher Tomlin. Students come from around the world to study this unique course, available in-class and online. Targeted at those wanting to specialise in planting design.
- Construction Design Certificate An online certificate programme covering the technical aspects of landscape construction, including materials, drainage, lighting, and structures. Previously led by Paul Hensey. For students wanting technical construction expertise as part of garden design practice.
- Certificate in Plantsmanship An in-person certificate programme teaching essential skills, knowledge and techniques of plantsmanship. Runs at Kew Gardens from September to December. Led by Richard Wilford from 2026. Taught by Fergus Garrett VMH, Michael Marriott, John Grimshaw FLS, and other expert contributors. Targeted at aspiring plantsmen and garden designers.
- Garden Design Short Courses A programme of short courses held at RBG Kew Gardens, RHS Garden Wisley, and other locations. Includes courses such as Drawing for Garden and Planting Design Foundation Course, Info Bursts (webinars), and career-focused events like 'So You Want to be a Garden Designer'. For aspiring designers and enthusiasts.
- LCGD Melbourne Australia Course International campus of the London College of Garden Design operating in Melbourne, Australia (lcgd.com.au). Provides professional garden design training aligned with the UK programmes, serving Australian and Asia-Pacific students.
Quantifiable outcome
- Graduates winning awards at major shows including RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Hampton Court, and industry design awards
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Lawn AssociationcoreTraining partnership ensuring garden design professionals have skills for sustainable lawn care. LCGD students learn about sustainable lawn maintenance integrated into design curricula.
- gardencourses.com / Roots and AllcoreCollaboration with Roots and All podcast founder Sarah Wilson to create gardencourses.com - a new online learning platform for home gardeners. LCGD founders partnered with gardening podcast expertise.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, KewcorePrimary teaching location partnership. LCGD's diploma courses are taught at the Orangery Conference facilities at Kew Gardens. Students benefit from access to world-class horticultural resources and expertise.
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)corePartnership for short course delivery at RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. LCGD also has ongoing involvement with RHS Chelsea Flower Show and other RHS events.
- Veterans' GrowthcoreFive-year partnership supporting veterans with mental health challenges including PTSD. Veterans participate in Chelsea Flower Show preparation, building social connections and horticultural skills. LCGD makes substantial donations to the charity.
- NHS ForestminorLCGD donates trees in recognition of each graduate, supporting NHS Forest's mission to improve health and wellbeing through green spaces on NHS land.
- PerennialminorLCGD supports Perennial, the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Charity, through donations and ongoing charitable programs.
- GreenfingersminorLCGD supports Greenfingers charity creating magical gardens for children in hospices through webinar proceeds.
- Regent's University LondonminorShort course delivery location at Regent's University London, chosen for accessibility from central London.
- Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden ShowminorLCGD sponsors the Countryside Borders Competition at Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show, supporting new garden designers in exhibiting.
- Society of Garden Designers (SGD)minorProfessional association for garden designers. LCGD graduates regularly win SGD awards and the college supports the profession through training.
- British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)minorTrade association for landscape professionals. LCGD graduates win BALI awards including Chalk Fund Student of the Year.
- Association of Professional Landscapers (APL)minorTrade association. LCGD graduates have won APL Designer of the Year and other APL awards.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- KLC School of Design: UK-based design school offering professional diplomas in interior and garden design to career changers and design professionals. Directly comparable to LCGD in mission, audience, and course structure (diplomas, certificates, short courses).
- Inchbald School of Design: Long-established UK school specializing in garden design and interior design diplomas. A historic direct competitor in the professional garden design training market serving the same UK career-changer segment.
- Writtle University College: UK higher-education institution offering undergraduate and postgraduate horticulture, garden design, and landscape architecture programs. Comparable in subject matter and target audience, though delivered within a university framework.
- Capel Manor College: London's specialist environmental and horticultural college offering garden design and landscaping qualifications. Overlaps with LCGD on London-based professional garden design training and career-changer audience.
- Plumpton College: UK further-education college with strong horticulture, garden design, and landscaping programs. Comparable in providing professional-level garden design training, with similar graduate outcomes in the UK design industry.
- National Design Academy: UK online design school offering flexible professional design diplomas including garden design. Comparable to LCGD's online diploma delivery and career-changer target audience, with a more online-native model.
Regional players
- Australian Garden Design School: Australian garden design training provider offering professional certificates and diplomas. Geographic peer to LCGD Melbourne, serving the same Australian market but without direct UK presence.
Emerging players
- MyGardenSchool: Online gardening and garden design tutoring platform offering shorter, lower-priced courses taught by industry professionals. Comparable online delivery model but positioned below LCGD's professional diplomas in depth and credentialing.
Others
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): UK horticultural charity and LCGD's core venue/training partner at RHS Wisley. Provides overlapping horticultural education but is primarily an industry body and venue partner rather than a direct diploma competitor.
- Society of Garden Designers (SGD): UK professional body for garden designers that runs student awards, often won by LCGD graduates. Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than a competing school; offers professional accreditation pathways.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN social profiles
Digital presenceTHE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN
What does THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN do?
The London College of Garden Design provides professional garden design, planting design, construction design, and plantsmanship training through diploma, certificate, and short course programmes. Courses are delivered in-person at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, RHS Garden Wisley, and Regent's University London, as well as online via live virtual classrooms, with an international campus in Melbourne, Australia. The college trains over 100 design professionals annually and prepares students for careers as professional garden designers.
Is THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN a public or private company?
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN founded?
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN was founded in -1.
Where is THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN based?
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN is headquartered in Beckenham, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN make money?
One revenue line is on record: course Tuition Fees.
Who are THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are KLC School of Design, Inchbald School of Design, Writtle University College, Capel Manor College, Plumpton College and National Design Academy. Australian Garden Design School is listed as a regional player. MyGardenSchool is listed as an emerging player. Others are Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Society of Garden Designers (SGD).
Does THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN have an API?
No public API is recorded for THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN.
What industry is THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN in?
THE LONDON COLLEGE OF GARDEN DESIGN's product category is Professional Garden Design Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAAAGAL, Home & Garden Hobbies (Gardening, Floral Design, Home Decor). Its NAICS code is 611430.