by Holly Chapman | 12 May 25 | Garden Design, News
Garden designer and horticulturist James Aldridge has been named garden design diploma course leader at the London College of Garden Design (LCGD).
Teaching for LCGD since 2016, Aldridge will be supported by previous leader Andrew Wilson MBE and a whole team of experts.
Aldridge graduated with a degree in horticulture, before working for The Prince of Wales at Highgrove for seven years. He then set up his own garden design practice covering UK and international projects.
Nina Baxter, director at LCGD says she is “delighted” to welcome Aldridge. He comments:
“Being able to share my experience with the garden designers of the future on such a highly regarded course is very exciting.”
LCGD have just announced the opportunity for students to apply for the Sam Taylor-hunt Bursary.
Previous graduates include Tom Massey, Tom Bannister, Caroline Clayton, Peter Clayton, Jen Donnelly, Joe Carey and Laura Carey, who will all be exhibiting at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 20 – 24 May.
by Bethany Vann | 14 Jan 25 | Garden Design, News
The London College of Garden Design has launched a new Certificate Plantsmanship course which is scheduled to take place from 25 September – 5 December 2025.
The course will be spearheaded by professional horticulturists with experience from both the UK and overseas, and will teach essential skills, knowledge and techniques of plantsmanship.
Participants will learn basic plant biology and taxonomy, identification skills and a plant’s role in ecosystems, as well as seasonality and best practices for sustainable planting, to name a few.
Nina Baxter, director, London College of Garden Design comments:
“Plantsmanship is both a science and an art, blending technical horticultural knowledge with a deeper understanding of how plants grow, interact and contribute to the beauty and vitality of our gardens and wider landscape. This course offers students an in-depth appreciation of plants and an opportunity to take their horticultural expertise to the next level – whether this be simply for in their own gardens or as a foundation for going on to study garden design or planting design.”
Baxter delved into how she is bringing a fresh approach and a passion for plants to the London College of Garden Design as she celebrates a year into the role, back in the September issue of Pro Landscaper.
The course will be delivered at the College’s home in the Orangery at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Alongside the classroom-based lectures, students will also be able to explore the extensive plant collections at Kew, as well as explore other gardens across the UK.
As part of enrolment, students will also be eligible for a Friends of Kew membership.
For more information or to download a prospectus, visit www.lcgd.org.uk
