Fall 2026 Class Series
'Garden 2.0:' A Diversity of Design Inspiration
I hope you’ll join me for this fall semester of the Virtual Garden Club’s ‘Garden 2.0’ series as we get an inside look at the thought process of three experts of the ecological horticulture realm whose work I admire—for their aesthetic and ecological vision.
Let them help you (us!) develop our own confidence as they share a mix of philosophical, artistic, scientific and practical advice on a diversity of topics I want to know more about: gravel gardening; making landscapes that support the birds; and using rhythm, repetition and texture to create a year-round landscape.
Gardens aren’t one-size-fits-all, and each practitioner, likewise, has his or her own often quite distinctive approach—their way of seeing, and of working.
Tickets for these standalone webinars are just $29, or $75 for the series.
Come with your questions to ask live in class or submit in advance (with a photo attached for design and plant ID help, for instance).
The lineup to choose from (each to attend live or watch in replay at your convenience):
"Creating a Gravel Garden: A Step-by-Step Guide to Beautiful, Ecological Landscapes"
September 2026...
What You'll Learn in This Class
Explore the principles and practical techniques of creating a successful gravel garden with Jeff Epping, longtime horticulturist and author of the new book, The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience designing naturalistic landscapes—and insights from the book—Jeff will explain why gravel gardens are gaining popularity as beautiful, resilient, and environmentally responsible alternatives to traditional landscapes. Participants will learn how to plan, build, and maintain a gravel garden of their own, including site selection, soil preparation, gravel installation, plant selection, design strategies, and long-term care. Along the way, Jeff will share inspiring examples from gardens across the United States and Europe, illustrating how these dynamic plant communities can thrive in home gardens as well as public and commercial landscapes.
Whether you're looking to reduce maintenance, conserve water, support pollinators, or simply create a more naturalistic and beautiful garden, this webinar will provide the knowledge and confidence to get started with gravel gardening.
About Jeff Epping:
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 has also run his own design and consulting business for 25 years. 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 has received prestigious awards from both the American Public Gardens Association and the Perennial Plant Association, honoring his significant contributions to horticulture. Jeff’s new book, published by Timber Press, is The Gravel Garden: Visionary, Drought-Defying, Naturalistic Designs.
Class Date and Time
September 17, 2026, 1-2:30 PM Eastern
After the live class, you will also receive a recorded version, to enjoy at your leisure for up to three months following the event.
Join all three classes for just $75.
Roughly 14% cheaper than buying each of them individually.
Attend Jeff's Class for Just $29.
You'll also get a recording, included for no additional cost.
"Rhythm, Repetition and Texture: Garden Design for Year-Round Interest"
October 2026...
What You'll Learn in This Class
Who doesn’t enjoy a beautiful flower garden? But as we know, flowers can be fleeting.
In this inspiring talk, Richard Hayden, Senior Director of Horticulture at the famed High Line in New York City, explores the key principles that give gardens lasting impact and four-season interest that go beyond seasonal blooms. Focusing on structure, plant form, repetition and rhythm, he will demonstrate how thoughtful placement and layering create gardens that remain engaging throughout the year. Drawing on his experience with the naturalistic planting designs of Piet Oudolf, who designed the High Line and many other world-class gardens, and his own extensive experience with large-scale public landscapes, Richard will share ideas and insights that can be applied to gardens of any size, offering inspiration for creating spaces that are both visually compelling and enduring.
About Richard Hayden:
Richard Hayden is the Senior Director of Horticulture at the High Line, where he oversees all aspects of the design, care, and horticultural practices for its world-renowned gardens.
He previously served as the Assistant Deputy Director at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where he was the primary project manager for the reimagining of the La Brea Tar Pits Museum. He also oversaw the Nature Gardens, a wildlife habitat garden that serves as a living laboratory for the study and educational promotion of biodiversity in urban Los Angeles.
Before that, Richard was Garden Director for the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, where he designed several garden spaces focused on sustainability and wildlife habitat and facilitated educational and public programs, volunteer services, and a wide variety of public garden management tasks.
Class Date and Time
October 15, 2026, 1-2:30 PM Eastern
After the live class, you will also receive a recorded version to enjoy at your leisure.
Join all three classes for just $75.
Roughly 14% cheaper than buying each of them individually.
Attend Richard's Class for Just $29.
You'll also get a recording, included for no additional cost.
"How to Grow a Better Bird Feeder"
November 2026...
What You'll Learn in This Class
Bird feeding is one of the most popular pastimes in the United States, but birds can't be supported by seed alone. Over the last few decades, bird populations have become a fraction of what they once were due to widespread habitat loss and degradation. Fortunately, the choices you make in your garden can determine whether your yard is a haven for birds throughout the year—from breeding to migration to winter. In this talk, Desirée will share her research and that of colleagues describing why insects and native plants are critical for bird conservation, and the science behind which landscaping choices support bird habitat at home.
About Desirée L. Narango
Desirée L. Narango, Ph.D., is a conservation scientist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies. Her research investigates how land use change and habitat restoration impact bird and insect populations in human-dominated landscapes, including residential yards and urban green spaces. She received her PhD in Entomology and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Delaware, where she co-authored research with Doug Tallamy, including the much-cited study that revealed that a chickadee needs more than 6,000 caterpillars to rear a nest of five offspring.
Class Date and Time
November 12, 2026, 1-2:30 PM Eastern
After the live class, you will also receive a recorded version to enjoy at your leisure.
Join all three classes for just $75.
Roughly 14% cheaper than buying each of them individually.
Attend Desirée's Class for Just $29.
You'll also get a recording, included for no additional cost.