As part of our Roots of a Masterpiece campaign and the official launch of our new Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) fabrics at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we’re shining a light on the creative processes that turn botanical inspiration into lasting design. One of the artists joining us for the occasion is Caroline Kent — illustrator, garden enthusiast, and founder of the boutique stationery brand Scribble & Daub — whose hand-painted designs reflect a deep-rooted love of British flora.
Caroline’s work is instantly recognisable: joyful, expressive brushstrokes paired with delicate lines, often depicting a single flower, a sprig of greenery, or the perfect tangle of a wild meadow plant. Each piece is hand-painted in her East Sussex studio using vivid Dr. Ph. Martin’s inks — the very same used by Andy Warhol in his 1950s commercial work — bringing a rich, luminous quality to every illustration. “I scribble simple lines with a dip pen and ink, and then loosely daub those with my favourite coloured inks,” she says, describing her signature process.
Caroline will be joining us on the first members’ day of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, live-sketching visitors’ favourite plants in her signature ink and brush style. Ahead of the show, journalist Carolyn Asome sat down with her to talk about how gardens and plants have shaped her work.
“I always wanted to be an artist, but I never dreamt it would be possible. And I still can’t believe my luck!”
A life rooted in nature
Caroline’s fascination with flowers began early. “My Grandad was an avid gardener, and when we stayed with my grandparents in Somerset (and it rained), there was little else to do except read his gardening books. I loved creating imaginary flower gardens from those, and they have always been my favourite thing to draw.”
Caroline’s creative path wasn’t always direct. Though she longed to be an artist from a young age, she studied Social Anthropology before spending a decade curating exhibitions at Edinburgh’s Ingleby Gallery. It wasn’t until a year-long trip through the Americas that she found the space to return to drawing — and so, Scribble & Daub was born.
Nature, especially the flora of Britain, has remained her greatest muse. The garden she shares with her family in East Sussex — a cottage garden wrapped by meadows and woodland — plays a daily role in her creative life. “After such a long spell of ice and cold and wind and rain, it’s still somehow a shock of pure joy to see those first flowers push through in springtime — an annual miracle of hope and optimism.”
The joy of growing and gathering
For Caroline, the act of drawing is deeply connected to the act of gardening — both rooted in observation, repetition, and joy. “Being able to grow my own food and flowers is incredibly rewarding,”she says.“A garden is the greatest luxury — and I know how lucky I am to have one of my own, even if time is scarce and my ambition sometimes outweighs my knowledge!”
As well as nurturing her own garden, Caroline often brings the outside in. “My favourite thing is to wander round the garden, snips in hand, picking what I can find and arranging posies for the house or to give to friends. Scented flowers in particular are such a treat to have by your bedside, falling asleep and waking up to that sweet smell.”
She believes that even a small outdoor space — or simply the act of noticing what’s growing around us — can bring a sense of calm and connection. “Such simple but vital human pleasures can be derived from time in nature — even if that’s just growing a pot of bee-friendly flowers on the doorstep.”
Over the years, she’s noticed a growing appreciation for the natural world. “I think and hope people are more aware of what we’ve already lost, and how precious what we have remaining is.”
Favourite gardens, favourite seasons
When asked to name her top gardens to visit, Caroline doesn’t hesitate: Great Dixter is her favourite destination, but others include the topiary-filled Balmoral Cottage garden in Beneden, Kent, created by artist Charlotte Molesworth, which is occasionally open to visitors as part of the National Garden Scheme, the Dan Pearson-designed courtyard of the Garden Museum in London, and even the wild orchid-covered hillsides of Crete. “Wherever I go, I end up dragging my family up hillsides in search of something flowering.”
As for the best season? Spring, without question. “Snowdrops, Narcissus, Hellebores, Wild Cyclamen, Snakeshead Fritillaries — they’re all obligingly easy to grow and inexpensive, so it’s not too tricky to surround yourself with them.”
The joy of observation
“I try to distil the essence of plants — seeing the abstract lines and shapes, rather than getting tangled up in the details. I’m never striving for botanical accuracy, just the spirit of the thing.”
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or simply someone who enjoys a wild posy in a jam jar, Caroline’s work reminds us of the quiet, joyful moments that come from paying attention to the natural world. “I think all humans have a deep and profound need for, and connection to, nature,” she reflects. “And without it, life can be quite bleak.”
This RHS Chelsea Flower Show, we invite you to see that connection brought to life — in fabric, form, and in ink.
Meet Caroline and explore our RHS fabric collection
We’re thrilled that Caroline will be joining us on Stand 615 at RHS Chelsea Flower Show on Tuesday 20th May between 11.30am and 1.30pm. With past collaborations including Dior, Jo Malone and Vogue — as well as British garden icons like Great Dixter and Charleston — she’s no stranger to capturing the romance and intricacy of the botanical world. Join us to see her sketch visitors’ favourite plants and blooms in her expressive, painterly style.
Can’t make it to RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year? Follow along on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses. And if you’re eager to explore the full RHS collection for yourself, you can browse our RHS fabrics online or visit one of our 24 showrooms nationwide. Up to eight free samples can be delivered straight to your door — the perfect starting point for your next interiors project.
Explore the full RHS fabric collection, and discover the botanical stories woven into every design.