Join Jeff at Yerkes as he delves into his new book, co-authored with award-winning garden writer Teresa Woodard, exploring the art of gravel gardening.  The book is titled The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs. It will be released June 2, 2026 and is available now for order wherever you like to buy books.

The book features 20 stunningly photographed gardens by Bob Stefko, showcasing locations in the US and Europe, including Jeff’s own gravel garden in Madison, Wisconsin.  He will share his insights and those of leading naturalistic designers, as well as practical techniques for various scales and applications, from intimate home settings to small and larger public and commercial spaces. If you want to create more beauty with less work, provide a haven for pollinators and other animals, or simply garden in a way that’s kinder to the earth, we invite you to explore the possibilities of gravel gardening with Jeff. This naturalistic movement offers beauty, resilience, and a promising future for ecological landscaping.

His 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 in Madison, 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. Epping Design & Consulting specializes in eco-conscious gardening guidance and designs for projects ranging from small private gardens to large public landscapes and expansive business campuses.

Jeff shares his expertise through classes, workshops, tours, and lectures. His insightful writing has been featured in leading gardening publications like Fine Gardening, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes and Gardens, and his work has been recognized by the New York Times and the Washington Post, among others. Beyond print, he’s also contributed to radio, television, online videos, and podcasts. He has received prestigious awards from both the American Public Gardens Association and the Perennial Plant Association, honoring his significant contributions to horticulture.