Jeff Epping has been the Director of Horticulture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens here in Madison since the 1990s. During that time, he and his staff have transformed the gardens and continue to do so. His own home garden has undergone an equal number of transformations over the years. It's always a thrill — and a must see — when his own garden is open to the public.
This private space is hidden from view at the front corner of the house.
The next three photos go from left to right across the back steps of the house that lead down to the deck.
No matter where you look, there is an idea to inspire.
Keeping all your prunings on site to decompose or to be used in various ways is a concept that is new to many of us. I love how all the logs from a tree trimming are put to use in a sophisticated display here. It is an idea that would not have occurred to me without seeing such a successful display in person.
Containers are a feature in the seating area on the deck. Note how he has plants interspersed in the paving.
Jeff always seems to have interesting evergreens potted up. Love how this merges the foreground and background.
This row of pots — with those sweet baby containers interspersed — has been a feature on the porch railing every time I've visited Jeff's garden. The plants may change, but a great idea is worth replicating.
What a lovely garden! I spied what I think is a Senecio Angel Wings, and I am determined to try to keep one alive again this summer. Mine didn't do well last year. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kristin | Monday, April 18, 2022 at 07:02 AM
KRISTIN — His garden is always full of ideas and experiments. I love visiting.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, April 18, 2022 at 07:33 AM
Much as I like the container displays (and his use of Mangaves!), I'm in love with the way he's displayed the pruned woody material, allowing it to be used as art and homes for bugs as it's allowed to decompose. I've used some of what I've pruned on my back slope in a miniature Hugelkultur experiment but it's anything but artistic.
Posted by: Kris P | Monday, April 18, 2022 at 01:34 PM
KRIS P. — Some of these new approaches to gardening are hard to figure out until you see it done in a home garden.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Monday, April 18, 2022 at 01:54 PM
Lots to love!
Posted by: danger garden | Monday, April 18, 2022 at 03:03 PM