James Aldridge named as new Course Leader for Garden Design Diploma

Renowned garden designer, horticulturalist, and ardent enthusiast of plants, James Aldridge will assume the role of course leader for the LCGD’s Garden Design Diploma in September 2025.

James is already well known to many at the College as he has been teaching for LCGD since 2016, making him a natural to take over the role. He will be supported in this new role by a team of expert tutors including Andrew Wilson MBE who has led the course for 15 years.

“I can’t wait to get stuck into leading this course in September.”, James said. “Being able to share my experience with the garden designers of the future on such a highly regarded course is very exciting. The LCGD is such a special place of learning and has helped so many people break into the garden design industry and I am looking forward to continuing to inspire our students over the coming years.”

Nina Baxter, Director, London College of Garden Design said: “We are delighted to welcome James as our new course leader for the Garden Design Diploma. He has taught at the College for many years so transitioning into course leader was a great way to use the experience and skills of such a highly regarded garden designer. At LCGD it is really important to us that our students are taught by those who are working in the industry, so they get real life experience and guidance throughout their studies – we know they will get that in abundance from James.”

The Garden Design Diploma was created and formerly led by Andrew Wilson MBE when he set up the college alongside Andrew Fisher Tomlin in 2007. Andrew will continue in an advisory capacity in his role as Director of Garden Design Studies for the college, as well as continuing to teach drawing and other key skills on the Garden Design Diploma.

Andrew Wilson MBE said: “I taught James back in 1999/2000 when he graduated as top student in his class and I knew then he would go on to great things. We have worked together to deliver the Garden Design Diploma over the past few years so I am happy in the knowledge that I am leaving the course in very good hands. I will very much continue to be a part of the college and its teaching and look forward to seeing more of our graduates going on to successful careers in garden design.”