CAROLINE  DE LANE LEA  

Creating my first garden in Dorset 25 years ago was the catalyst that led me to Garden Design. I trained at The English Gardening School at London’s historic Chelsea Physic Garden, graduating with distinction in 2002. 

 

Previously my interest in art had led me to work in London at Christie’s International Auction House. My time there enabled me to further develop my understanding of art, design and architecture, elements that continue to provide a framework from which I draw inspiration for my design work. 

 

I established my garden design business in London in 2003

at the same time as setting up the garden design practice Gardenmakers. Working on both solo projects and as part of a practice has given me exposure to a wide range of garden and landscape projects, working in both the residential and commercial sectors, with private individuals, architects and developers. 

 

My portfolio of work covers projects of varying sizes from small courtyards and roof terraces, to larger town gardens and more extensive country gardens. As a practice, Gardenmakers worked for 10 years with one of the great London Estates, developing schemes for commercial and residential redevelopments with an emphasis on greening up the urban environment - these includedcourtyard gardens, roof terraces, hotels and public spaces.  

 

I have considerable experience of working as part of the specialist planting teams on several of the large show gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Shows, contributing to many Gold medal-winning gardens. In 2007, Gardenmakers

were selected to enter our own garden in the Urban Garden category – winning a Silver Medal.  

 

My permanent move to Dorset in 2018 allowed me to focus on further developing my practice in the West Country where I greatly enjoy working with clients locally to update, remodel or replant their gardens. 

 

  

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