Owensboro native’s floral expertise gaining international acclaim
Photos by Jamie Plain
Matthew Atherton Baber, a visionary florist and educator with roots in Owensboro and Nashville, is taking the international floristry world by storm. Recently, Baber achieved a major career milestone by earning full membership in the prestigious Garden Media Guild (GMG), the global hub for elite garden communicators based in Herefordshire, England.
The honor places Baber alongside some of the most esteemed names in the horticultural field, solidifying his growing influence and recognition.
“To have my work embraced by such an esteemed group, especially as an American outsider, is a tremendous honor,” Baber said, reflecting on his membership in GMG.
The Guild represents the finest garden communicators globally, serving as a vital connection between authors, publishers, and the broader horticultural industry.
Baber’s journey in floristry began in his hometown of Owensboro, where his first job as an assistant florist at Gary’s Fleur-de-Lis shaped his passion for the art.
“The most important lesson Gary taught me was that without broad cultural perspective, even ravishing flowers are pointless,” Baber recalled.
His career then took him on a path to learn from some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including those holding Royal Warrants for the British Royal Household and supplying the Élysée French Presidential Palace. These experiences led to his work as a sought-after caterer and creative director in Washington, D.C., entertaining high-profile clients.
In 2015, Baber opened his own retail antiques, design, and floristry studio-workshop, where he found his true calling. His floral arrangements often incorporate roses and flowers from his own gardens, with 35 varieties of roses featured in his lessons and demonstrations. His expertise has caught the attention of a global audience, with students from North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia participating in his live and online floristry masterclasses.
“I learned from great experts, but ultimately, I educated myself,” Baber said. “I’m teaching the classes I wished I had when I was coming up. That path gives me something singular to say, something my students value.”
Baber’s approach combines floristry and cooking, using art as the thread that binds the two. He teaches a French atelier model of floristry that builds from simple skills to more advanced techniques, with each class tailored to the individual. His focus on fine art floristry sets him apart from traditional floristry approaches, creating rare and magical designs without relying on foam, tape, or wire.
Looking ahead, Baber is expanding his flower school format and formalizing his atelier, while whispers of a book project about his floral and culinary journey continue to grow. As his roses bloom and his influence spreads, Baber remains grounded in his passion for the art of floristry, with plans to continue growing his business and sharing his knowledge.
“Whether you’re looking for paid content or free inspiration,” Baber said, “my goal is to provide everything you need to grow now.”
For more information on Baber’s work and to join his growing community of students and florists, visit his website at mathertonbaber.com, or follow him on Instagram and YouTube at @mathertonbaber. You can also connect with him on Facebook at M. Atherton Baber Studio-Workshop. OL
