by Holly Chapman | 24 Jul 26 | Garden Design, News
Award-winning garden designer Jo Thompson has been appointed head of garden design studies at the London College of Garden Design (LCGD).
Joining Thompson at the college is another award-winning garden designer, Duncan Cargill, who will take post as deputy head of garden design studies.
The pair will lead the course from September 2026. Thompson comments:
“It’s a huge honour to be asked to take on this role at the London College of Garden Design. The college has been incredibly influential in fostering new design talent over the last twenty years, and I am really proud to now have the opportunity to work with them.”
Cargill also comments:
“I am passionate about helping students bridge the gap between education and practice, giving them the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to build successful careers.”
Nina Baxter, director of LCGD, says the “outstanding designers” will bring “combined expertise, creativity and generosity as mentors will ensure that our students continue to receive an exceptional learning experience that reflects the evolving demands and opportunities of the garden design profession.”
The garden design diploma is the college’s flagship professional training programme.
by Holly Chapman | 24 Mar 26 | Garden Design, News
Andrew Fisher Tomlin has been given the RHS Elizabeth Medal of Honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to horticulture.
The director of environmental design at the London College of Garden Design (LCGD) says he is “honoured” to receive the medal. He adds:
“It has been the privilege of my life to contribute to a field that brings beauty, sustainability, and joy to people and communities around the world.”
A career spanning 30 years, Tomlin is a founding director of the LCGD as well as the person behind the planting design diploma, which champions innovative planting design for contemporary landscapes.
Across international works, publishing his book The Modern Professional Planting Designer and his commitment to education, Tomlin has most recently been appointed as a consultant to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to support its plans to reimagine future planting strategies for a changing climate and enhanced biodiversity.
Others awarded with a EMH include Robert Bartlett Jr, Henrik Sjoman, Bill Thomas, Christopher Woodward and Peter Wyse Jackson.
During the same ceremony, names such as Chris Baines, Philip McMillan Browse, Linda Philips, David Rae and Jennifer Trehane were given a Victoria Medal of Honour (VMH). Only 63 are held at any one time, reflecting Queen Victoria’s reign.
Matthew Biggs, gardener, writer and broadcaster, was given a VMH in recognition of his extensive services to horticulture.
by Holly Chapman | 22 Jan 26 | Garden Design, News
The London College of Garden Design (LCGD) welcomes Richard Wilford as the new course leader for its certificate in plantsmanship.
Wilford has taught on the LCGD’s planting design diploma for the past ten years, but looks forward to a new venture with a relatively new course.
Just completed its first year, the certificate in plantsmanship runs from September to December covering essential skills, knowledge and techniques of plantsmanship.
Wilford comments on his new appointment:
“I am fascinated by plants, both in cultivation and in the wild, and so I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of course leader for the certificate in plantsmanship. It’s a privilege to be part of a course that places plants so firmly at its heart and to be able to help students develop the confidence, skills and curiosity that underpin great horticulture.”
The author, horticulturalist and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s head of garden design will be joined by the likes of Fergus Garrett, Michael Marriott and John Grimshaw.
