...another place described as a "garden" that was despoiled by one person in his use of industry as a means to achieve power.

I do not believe that the whole of LotR is a critique of modernization, but Tolkien's opinions of it ring very loud and clear, especially in the rape of Isengard and the despoiling of the Shire -- all, oddly enough, caused by the same person, a Maia of Aule the Smith, who was essentially the father of such things, chopping down trees for wood to fuel forges, etc.  Tolkien may not have consciously written these things with the intent that they be interpreted thus, but there are some issues that are so strong and personal to an author that s/he must make a conscious choice to avoid allowing them to enter into their writing, or they inevitably creep in.  I would sooner say that LotR is an indictment of the lust for power and the ease with which lesser beings are corrupted by it, and must fight against its temptations.  The issue of industrialization is a tool in the development of that theme, a face it presents, and one very near to Tolkien's heart.

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"There's nothing to writing.  All you do is sit down at a [keyboard] and open a vein."  -- paraphrase of Red Smith