Karen is Grizedale Arts’ Head Gardener, volunteer coordinator and warden at their artists’ residence Lawson Park.
She was Director of Detail for The Farmer’s Arms from 2021-2023, doing everything from buying second hand church pews to making miso to sourcing our pub cat Bailey. She also worked with Tom Philipson and Pippa Martin on the distinctive design and refurbishment of the pub’s cafe space.
In 2021 Karen initiated The Farmer’s Arms Gardening School, as the Covid pandemic was ending. Now in its fifth year, the School undertakes most of the pub garden maintenance during their monthly sessions under Karen’s tuition. The School’s students also designed and planted Diana’s Orchard (supported by King Charles’ Coronation Orchard Fund) in 2025, and featured in the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘The Garden’ magazine. Karen has also taught a weekly Beginners Edibles course at the pub (with Hazel Sharples), and other occasional garden and ecology events such as National Meadows Day.
‘The Ungarden’ in the pub carpark – soil-less gravel beds growing only drought tolerant seed-sown plants – was designed and made by Karen with Grace Holland in 2023.
