Ian Gribble and Catharine Cooke

Ian Gribble and Catharine Cooke met in New Zealand in 1987 while on hiatus from their jobs—he as a land manager for his family’s dairy farm in Kent, England, and she as the owner of a graphic arts studio in New York City. They decided to marry and settle in the United States, and to change careers. Both studied at New York Botanical Gardens; Ian graduated from the School of Professional Horticulture, and Catharine completed the Landscape Design Certificate Program. Together they started Spring Lake Garden Design in Connecticut and have never looked back. Their gardens will be on display July 27, 2024, through the Garden Conservancy Open Days.