Walkovic and Schumacher Memorial Lecture: The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs
January 17, 2027 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Free
Co-sponsored with:
Join Jeff Epping as he delves into his new book, co-authored with award-winning garden writer Teresa Woodard, exploring the art of gravel gardening. This naturalistic movement offers beauty, resilience, and a promising future for ecological landscaping. 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, I invite you to explore the possibilities of gravel gardening with Jeff.
Jeff’s new book, published by Timber Press, entitled The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs, was released this last spring and is available now from your favorite bookseller.
Join us before the event for an in-person tour of Scott Arboretum & Gardens. A reception with the opportunity to mingle with the speaker will follow the lecture.
Program Details
- All registrations include access to the recording.
- In-person registration is limited to 190. Due to limited seating, virtual participants cannot attend in person.
- Virtual registrants will be able to view the recording shortly after the presentation concludes and can ask the speaker questions by emailing scott@swarthmore.edu in advance.
- Registration is free, but required to receive the presentation recording link.
- Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
- For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott office at 610-328-8025.
About the Presenter:
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. 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.
