Background & Training
My working life began as a Producer and Project Manager in graphic design (print and exhibitions); I later went on to enjoy many years as a Project Director in a web and digital media design partnership. Alongside this work, in recent years I was employed on a voluntary basis for Amnesty International UK as a trainer, later joining the committee that co-ordinated the national training team.
My work in design agencies has instilled in me the value of professionalism, attention to detail and good communication. My work at Amnesty has taught me the power of collaboration, active listening, and the vital importance of spaces that foster reconciliation, rehabilitation, healing and happiness.
Prior to establishing Hawkmoth I undertook my core training at Garden Design School, based at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, where I gained a Diploma in Garden Design. I have broadened my plant and soil knowledge through a number of specialist courses including horticultural propagation, organic gardening, and various masterclasses (including propagating herbs, designing herb gardens, and designing with ornamental grasses). I look forward to continuing to develop my practise with ongoing learning.
Five years ago I undertook a week-long falconry course at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent, Gloucestershire, which has nothing at all to do with garden design, and everything to do with a love of wild creatures and the wildish places they inhabit. My wish is to build a respect for those principles into the gardens I help create.
A year later I gained a Diploma in Holistic Massage (ITEC) at Beaumont College of Natural Health, Wells. This has enabled me to develop a deeper knowledge of the properties and effects of plant essential oils; an understanding of the impacts of different kinds of stress (physical, emotional, psychological) on health and well-being, and how gardens can be transformative for people at all stages of their lives. These studies inform both my garden design work and plant choices, through which I aim to help create gardens that are beautiful to look at, sustainable, supportive of natural ecosystems and wildlife, and restorative for mind, body and spirit.
Caroline Butler, October 2016
My work in design agencies has instilled in me the value of professionalism, attention to detail and good communication. My work at Amnesty has taught me the power of collaboration, active listening, and the vital importance of spaces that foster reconciliation, rehabilitation, healing and happiness.
Prior to establishing Hawkmoth I undertook my core training at Garden Design School, based at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden, where I gained a Diploma in Garden Design. I have broadened my plant and soil knowledge through a number of specialist courses including horticultural propagation, organic gardening, and various masterclasses (including propagating herbs, designing herb gardens, and designing with ornamental grasses). I look forward to continuing to develop my practise with ongoing learning.
Five years ago I undertook a week-long falconry course at the International Centre for Birds of Prey in Newent, Gloucestershire, which has nothing at all to do with garden design, and everything to do with a love of wild creatures and the wildish places they inhabit. My wish is to build a respect for those principles into the gardens I help create.
A year later I gained a Diploma in Holistic Massage (ITEC) at Beaumont College of Natural Health, Wells. This has enabled me to develop a deeper knowledge of the properties and effects of plant essential oils; an understanding of the impacts of different kinds of stress (physical, emotional, psychological) on health and well-being, and how gardens can be transformative for people at all stages of their lives. These studies inform both my garden design work and plant choices, through which I aim to help create gardens that are beautiful to look at, sustainable, supportive of natural ecosystems and wildlife, and restorative for mind, body and spirit.
Caroline Butler, October 2016