As we welcome the fresh energy of spring, it feels only right to celebrate the season with a conversation about gardens and the beauty they bring into our lives. And who better to join us than one of the most distinguished garden designers in the UK - Butter Wakefield.
Butter grew up on a small farm outside Baltimore, Maryland. After gaining experience at Christie’s in New York City, she relocated to London in 1988. There, she began her career at Colfax and Fowler as a design assistant, where she honed essential design principles such as color, scale, and pattern.
In 1992, she followed her true calling: gardening - an art form embedded in her family’s legacy. With a mother, aunt and grandparents who were all accomplished gardeners, it was inevitable that Butter would cultivate a passion for gardens herself. She trained at the English Gardening School before graduating from the prestigious London College of Garden Design.
Today, she's recognized as one of House & Garden's Top 50 Garden Designers and has earned multiple accolades including the RHS, Gold medal and the People's Choice Award at the Chatsworth Flower Show for the Belmont Enchanted Garden. Her talent was also acknowledged at the Chelsea Flower Show, where she received Best Trade Stand Award for Gay's Burrville.
William Kent once said, "Garden as if you will live forever." The wisdom Butter shares today reminds us of the lasting beauty we can create when we design with intention and heart.
Butter’s vibrant spirit, generosity, and boundless creativity are as inspiring as her gardens.
In this episode, Butter and Anne discuss:
Complete show notes can be found at: @styledbyark.com
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Connect with Butter Wakefield on IG @butterwakefield and at butterwakefield.co.uk
You can also learn more about Small Garden Design from Butter Wakefield at Create Academy, UK's most beloved learning platforms.