Butter Wakefield: House & Garden’s Top 50 Garden Designer
Designing a small traditional Garden
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 - someone I deeply admire - 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.
The lovely Butter Wakefield!
Butter’s beautiful garden as seen on instagram:
IN THIS EPISODE, ANNE AND butter DISCUSS:
Butter’s journey into garden design
Insights on designing small, traditional gardens
Tips for seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces
Embracing maximalism in interior design
Butter’s Favorite Classics:
Who has Influenced your style the most?
Interiors: Emma Burns, Sarah Brown, Lonika Chande
Fashion: I’m a bit of a tomboy—I love a slouchy, comfortable, boyish look
Favorite item in your closet? I have a surplus of waistcoats—I love a good tweed!
FAvorite COCKTAIL? Double vodka tonic with fresh lime
Most Memorable dining experience? Great Island on Cape Cod for my 50th birthday celebration
Favorite destination for travel? Someday, I hope to walk the coast of Ireland
Connect with Butter Wakefield
Instagram: @butterwakefield
Web: butterwakefield.co.uk
Create Academy: Butterwakefield: Small Garden Design
Where to Find Anne via IG!
