What are your plans for the long Easter weekend?

Blessedly, I am at home with my dog Wafer for most of the weekend. Sadly, none of my  children will be joining me as they all have other plans. I have a few low key dates to see  some great girlfriends for supper on Friday evening, a trip to Petersham Nurseries with  another heavenly friend on Saturday together with a walk along the River. My dear Goddaughter has invited me for Easter lunch on Sunday. All very local and relaxing, it’s  been a hugely hectic spring so I am looking forward to lots of time in my garden and doing huge amounts of my tapestry. 

Are there any flowers at this time of year that are your favourite, or do you have a favourite flower arrangement for Spring?

I grow an enormous amount of daffs and tulips in bold and bright colours, all in pots which I love to pick, arrange and fill the house with. Nothing brings me greater joy!

What is your preferred Easter chocolate treat?

Nothing fancy, but I adore a Speckled Egg from M&S, once I start I find it very difficult to stop. 

What inspires you when it comes to interiors, and what guides you when choosing  pieces for your home?

I am inspired by a somewhat more traditional approach. I love to think about each room as a series of layers; using lovely antiques, rugs and textiles, and beautiful collections of artwork, pictures and porcelain.

Are there any key features of your home, or items you have, that you have a particular fondness for?

I have collected a series of lovely pictures throughout my working life and I also have a rather mad and extensive collection of Black and White Staffordshire Spaniels who keep me company in the kitchen. 

Do you have a favourite Birdie Fortescue piece?

I adore the Cordoba Embroidered Velvet Cushion in green!

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Any seasonal garden jobs that are really important for this time of year?

I start feeding my roses and pots this time of year. I also keep an eye on the slug situation and apply nematodes to help keep them in check. I also apply a lovely thick layer of mulch to the borders to help feed the plants, keep moisture in and weeds out. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start gardening, but doesn't quite know where to begin?

I would suggest you get a part time job at the local garden centre, or nursery, and apply to do work experience with garden designers who inspire you, together with local landscape contractors to help them with their maintenance rounds. 

What are your top tips for keeping your garden looking beautiful throughout the seasons?

The simple act of watering really does help to keep newly planted plants looking beautiful and fresh. I also encourage everyone to keep a beady eye on the garden as a whole, studying each plant/tree/shrub to see if they are thriving or not. This watchful approach really helps to catch problems pests and disease before they have a chance.

If you could have a superpower for only 24 hours, what would it be and how would you use it?

I would love to fly at a supersonic speed (like Superman) to visit my daughter and granddaughter in California and return home all in one or two minutes suffering no jet lag or lengthy travel time. How gorgeously happy making that would be.

If you could visit any period in history for a day, where would you go and what would you do?

I would visit Cedric Morris and Lett at Benton End in the 1940s and I would beg him to teach me all about how he gardened and painted.

If you are interested in finding out more about Butters fantastic styling and to her see garden antics throughout the seasons then please check our her Instagram or visit her website!