The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs

Jeff Epping's passion for plants and gardening is reflected in his 35-year career as an award-winning horticulturist and garden designer. During his 28 years as Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, he transformed a lawn-laden landscape into a nationally acclaimed public garden, known for its artistic and innovative, plant-driven designs and ecologically sound gardening techniques. Alongside that role, he also ran his own design and consulting business for 25 years and continues to do so today, specializing in eco-conscious designs for projects ranging from small home gardens to expansive business campuses. Jeff generously shared his expertise through hundreds of classes, workshops, tours, and lectures. His insightful writing has been featured in leading gardening publications like Fine Gardening and Better Homes and Gardens, and his work has been recognized by The New York Times and The Washington Post, among others.

An award-winning garden writer, Teresa brings a background in magazine writing and gardening experience. She is author of Garden to the Max and co-author of American Roots, and the forthcoming Grow A Chaos Garden. During her 16-year writing career, she has written and produced garden content for regional and national publications including Better Homes & Gardens and Country Gardens and currently serves as contributing garden editor at Midwest Living magazine and content creator for digital garden media. She has won Gold and Silver Media Awards from GardenComm. Outside of work, she gardens at her home near Columbus, Ohio, volunteers at an urban garden teaching youth about growing food and advises America in Bloom communities across the country.