10/07/2025
In Loving Memory of Kate Spencer (1938–2025)
It is with sadness and fond remembrance that we share the passing of Kate Spencer, long-time caretaker and heart of the Petticoat Lane Herb Garden. Kate passed away peacefully on July 2, 2025, at the age of 87. Her funeral will be held tomorrow at Bellwether Wines, Coonawarra’s at 2pm.
Kate wasn’t just the steward of our little haven; she was a wise friend and a confidant to all who wandered through the garden gate. With a twinkle in her eye and endless stories to tell, Kate delighted visitors with her deep knowledge of herbs and vegetables, always happy to share tips, recipes, and a laugh among the scented beds. She brought together generations of locals and travellers alike, making everyone feel at home amongst the thyme and roses.
Kate’s journey began in Birmingham, England, and her path eventually led her from award-winning kitchens in the UK to the Limestone Coast, where she shaped Penola’s culinary scene. From running her own celebrated restaurants to managing Padthaway Estate’s kitchen and garden, Kate’s hospitality and passion for simple, nourishing food touched many.
But for so many of us, her greatest legacy will always be her years at the Petticoat Lane Herb Garden (2006–2019). There, under Kate’s gentle hand, the garden flourished, becoming the vibrant community space we know today. She made the garden more than just a collection of plants—it was a place to learn, to connect, and to find comfort in nature and good company. Her spirit lives on in every herb bed, every story told on a garden bench, and in the dedication carved into her favourite chair beneath the old trees.
We will miss Kate’s warmth, her wit, and her genuine care for all things living—plant or person. The Petticoat Lane Herb Garden will always bear the mark of her hands and her heart.
Rest easy, Kate. Your garden, and your community, will always remember you.
.k.a.r.l
Photos courtesy of Kate Spencer via a beautiful ABC South East SA article recorded by Bec Whetham https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-12/kate-spencer-journey-from-cordon-bleu-to-the-coonawarra/12625944 Illustration courtesy of George the Farmer from George the Farmer Vegetable Orchestra which is set in Petticoat Lane and features Kate.
