Katherine Kane – Waterperry Farm
Citation: In admiration for her exemplary dedication to horticulture, her encyclopedic knowledge, her genuine love of gardening, and for sharing her generous spirit and enthusiasm.
On behalf of the James River Garden Club, it is an honor to propose Katherine Kane of Waterperry Farm for the GCA Club Horticulture Commendation. Since 1990, Katherine has transformed 60 acres in Free Union, Virginia, from a functional dairy farm into a breathtaking horticultural masterpiece that captivates visitors throughout the seasons. Where a dairy barn, milk house, and bullpen once stood on the property formerly known as Braeburn, Katherine’s visionary touch has created an awe-inspiring tapestry of gardens. She christened her sanctuary “Waterperry Farm” to honor the prestigious Waterperry School in Oxfordshire, England—a pioneering institution dedicated to women’s horticultural education from 1932 to 1971. Katherine’s genius lies in her seamless blend of two distinguished English garden traditions: the cottage garden’s exuberant, informal abundance of diverse cultivars, and the naturalistic landscape garden’s sweeping vistas framed by majestic trees and reflective waters. As both master horticulturist and devoted conservationist, Katherine generously shares her living masterpiece with visitors. Waterperry Farm unfolds as a dynamic theater of nature, presenting a fresh performance with each passing season. Her unwavering stewardship and artistic brilliance have cultivated a paradise featuring: • Tranquil ponds and elegant parterres • Lush borders and a distinguished arboretum • Undulating hills and majestic mountain vistas • Meandering streams and enchanting rose gardens • Butterfly havens and vine-covered arbors • A bog garden and productive cutting garden • An authentic English greenhouse • An emerging kitchen garden • Secret passages and intimate retreats for reflection Katherine possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of the thousands of specimens thriving under her care—discerning which cultivars excel where, which flourish in clay, which prefer moisture at their roots, and which reward the attentive gardener’s pruning shears. In essence, Katherine Kane extends an extraordinary gift to all who visit: the opportunity to wander through a living work of art, lovingly crafted by a true master of the horticultural arts.
—James River Garden Club
