Conference Speakers

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Wambui Ippolito

Darren Hawkes

Julie Bargmann

Loretta Bosence

Mark Gregory

Liz Nicholson & Robin Truslove

Helen Basson

WAMBUI IPPOLITO

Kenyan-born Wambui Ippolito grew up travelling the world, before settling in the United States where she graduated from the New York Botanical Garden's prestigious School of Professional Horticulture. Early in her career Wambui worked as a horticulturist at various high-end estates, including at Martha Stewart’s home in Bedford, New York. One of the most sought-after garden designers in the USA, Wambui won the coveted PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Cup - Best in Show award in 2021.

Wambui lives in New York with her American husband and their daughter. She remains connected to her childhood roots in Nairobi where her family's garden, located in a rare example of indigenous forest, is filled with native plant species that include Kniphofia.

While not designing, Wambui lectures and works with international organisations, museums and botanical institutions on programme development. She has taught at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and Grounds for Sculpture (New Jersey), and lectures nationwide. She is currently writing a book on immigrant gardens and their influence on the evolution of American landscape.