After two decades in senior management roles, Kate Williams decided to change how she worked. For years, she would fuel her soul with creativity after work hours, but is now consulting in management roles while choosing the hours that allow her to be more present with family, including her six grandchildren.
Kate and her husband Phil live in Prebbleton, outside Christchurch, where they’ve created a 1.2ha country garden and an expanding flower field on what was once a bare paddock. It’s become both a sanctuary and a workspace – a place to grow, create and welcome others to share in the beauty they’ve cultivated together.
How did you get started?
The flower farm grew from a desire to have more flowers for my own creative ventures, despite already having a large country garden. What began as a personal passion soon became The After-Hours Stylist, a creative venture combining flowers, styling, photography and hosting. Today, we grow hundreds of seasonal varieties and open our gates for workshops, pick-your-own sessions and gatherings that celebrate beauty, creativity and connection.
Can you tell us more about growing and eating seasonally?
Growing and eating seasonally encourages us to notice what’s flourishing and to let that shape what we grow, eat and arrange. I love the simplicity of meals that mirror the garden – fresh herbs, edible flowers and produce gathered minutes before serving.
What are your favourite things to grow?
Dahlias are completely addictive. They cause us to rip out more paddocks each year to keep up with our own propagation. I also adore hydrangeas for their changing hues. We grow more than 60 other varieties of flowers to soften our offerings, as the dahlias can easily steal the show. Every plant has its moment, and I love that sense of anticipation – particularly with those we have bred ourselves.
Tell us about Floral Abundance and what it means to you.
Floral Abundance is my second book and an expression of everything I’ve learnt from the garden – how beauty and generosity can transform the everyday.
To me, abundance is about presence and appreciation, and it also means having enough to give. We love using what we grow to host charity groups and to welcome individuals who may simply need a day of peace and inspiration in the flower field and garden. Creating and sharing in this way feels like the truest form of abundance – giving back through flowers, food and connection.
How can we bring floral abundance into our lives?
Living with floral abundance is also about wellbeing and balance – something people often comment on when they visit. You don’t need a large garden; it begins with noticing beauty where you are. Grow a few herbs in a pot, bring flowers indoors, or gather what’s available locally. Taking the time to nurture or arrange something living reminds us to slow down, breathe and find joy in the everyday.
For more of Kate Williams, head to theafterhoursstylist.com
