My enthusiasm for horticulture, complemented by a meticulous attention to detail, has been instrumental in shaping a rewarding career within the landscape industry.

 With over two and a half decades of professional experience, I have been involved in a wide array of projects, from quaint residential gardens to large-scale commercial ventures. 

I am an individual who thrives on new challenges and is perpetually seeking opportunities to refine my skills. I value teamwork and am committed to maintaining a strong work ethic.

 Currently, I am in the process of obtaining certification as an arborist, underscoring my profound interest in the realm of tree care.

Mark LaHive

Leighton James Giles

Principal

Savills Investment Management

Partner

Close Brothers

Senior Executive

A commercial and knowledgable plantsman with a wealth of experience across Royal Estates - Residential, Commercial & Mixed Use Developments.

I began my professional career in The City at Close Brothers Investment Ltd, where I was instrumental in raising over £1 billion for a portfolio of tax efficient investment vehicles. The portfolio whilst not exclusive to - included Venture Capital Trusts - Enterprise Investment Schemes - Capital Gains & Inheritance Tax Mitigation utilising Business Property Relief. I was the first within the City of London to propose the re-launch of an investment vehicle solely utilising Business Property Relief for IHT which is now a multi-billion pound market keeping monies onshore and creating and sustaining many hundreds of U.K. jobs. I further progressed the utilisation of BPR by proposing under certain conditions that life insurance is added to potentially ensure an estate can be IHT free from day 1. 

I was then head hunted by Cordea Savills, the Fund Management arm of Savills, which has in excess of £4billion of assets and was invited into The Partnership to become the 2nd youngest Partner.

Upon choosing to follow my passion for nature I am a landscaping, gardening and horticultural professional having been Head of Corporate Gardens for McQueens Flowers. Examples of spaces I’ve looked after include Blue Bird Chelsea, Hermes and the Michelin starred restaurants of the D&D Group. Shangri La - and The Clove Club. Part of my time was spent on the relaunch of the new Annabells and in Kensington Palace Gardens. 

I’ve also enjoyed my time in the gardens of 

Laurence Simon - Fine Art Ceramicist Royal Academy of Arts & V&A Museum
Anne Rothenstein - Fine Artist
Lola Frears - Actress
Rosamund Pike - Actress
Rod Gilbert - Comedian
Sol & Heather Kerzner - Luxury Hotels & Socialites
Thomas Koch - MD - Claridges & Corinthian Hotel London U.K. 
Lucien Romer - Town Planner - Academic - Artist
Lord John Townshend - This is Now Media
Serena Fokschaner - Leading International journalist Homes & Gardens 
Caroline Groves - Couture Cordwainer
Sue Whittington - A First Lady of Gardening - Highgate 

A part of my skillset includes the following.

Softscaping Installation Services - Residential, Commercial & Mixed Use Property - Super-prime - £30,000-£10m projects plus working with Landscape Architects & Chelsea Gold Winning Site Plans

Hedges
Herbaceous borders & beds
Planters
Raised Beds
Disease Management
Tree installation
Lawns & Meadow Lawns 

CSCS Qualified

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The Battle

Mark LaHive

Leighton Giles

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