South Thames: Kew Gardens visit

Join London College of Garden Designs Director of Environmental Design, Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Kew's Broadwalk Border planting designer, Richard Wilford for a behind-the-scenes tour of Kew Gardens. 

Discover Kew's science and conservation work, from small-scale research to large international projects, and learn about the rich history of Kew which dates back to the early 18th century.

This tour is the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Gardens and celebrate Kew's world-class collections, iconic buildings, and outstanding landscapes.

Andrew Fisher Tomlin will explore a range of contemporary planting design approaches and discuss the foundations of ornamental planting design, teaching how to create visually cohesive landscapes through principles such as unity, balance, scale, rhythm, contrast, hierarchy, and seasonal interest. By understanding the site's characteristics and functional requirements, designers can select and arrange plants effectively, ensuring they thrive in their environment while providing year-round visual appeal.

Come along to strengthen your skills and learn ways to communicate from contractor to designer to achieve optimal results. 

This day is partly made possible by the grant awarded to LCGD on their Graduate winning the BALI Chalk Fund prize in 2023. We are also grateful to LCGD and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew for making this day happen.

On the day

10:00am Arrival

10:30am Talk covering planting design, contemporary approaches in context and a process that you can follow

12:30pm Lunch 

1:30pm A backstage tour of Kew Gardens with Richard Wilford, Kew’s Design Manager & Andrew Fisher Tomlin

3:30/4:00pm Finish

Please note: Refreshments and Kew entry are included, lunch at The Orangery café is to be paid for on the day.

About Andrew Fisher Tomlin

Andrew Fisher Tomlin: Renowned horticulturist and Fellow of the UK's Chartered Institute of Horticulture. With over 30 years of expertise, he's crafted award-winning gardens worldwide.

His legacy lives on through Fisher Tomlin & Bowyer, a top-tier UK garden design firm led by Dan Bowyer, his partner of nearly two decades. Andrew's influence continues as a consultant on major projects, shaping landscapes with his unparalleled vision.

During his career Andrew has chaired the selection of gardens for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and has curated garden shows and festivals as far afield as Turkey and Australia. He has been the Convenor and Chair of Judges at major garden shows in Japan, New Zealand and Australia as well as serving as Chair of Assessment and Judging for the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK. He is also a past Chair of the Society of Garden Designers.

Andrew has been a visiting lecturer at The Victoria & Albert Museum, London and The Smithsonian in Washington DC amongst other places. He has recently stepped down as Trustee of the horticultural industry’s charity Perennial (The Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society) and is currently the Patron of Veterans’ Growth, a charity supporting veterans facing mental health issues through horticultural therapy.