When Jeff Epping and his family first run into their dwelling house on a quaint street in Madison , Wisconsin , the front yard was , well , less than stellar — especially for a man whose career was horticulture . “ It had a slow patch of bluegrass lawn with ragged foundation plantings distinctive of many suburban planetary house , ” Jeff says . There were two illustrious trees , a green ash tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica , Zones 3–9 ) that was in decline due to a borer plague , and a Cercis canadensis ( Cerciscv . , Zones 4–9 ) that never flowered . In curt , the mansion was a family - friendly dreaming , but the yard was a gardener ’s incubus . Over time , the desire to create a place that was both beneficial to local wildlife and beautiful lead to a striking shift : the establishment of a gravel garden buzzing with pollinators .
decorator : Jeff Epping
What : Gravel garden with fishy seating area area Size : 2,240 solid feet entire
Zone:4b–5
Conditions : Full sunshine to partial shade ; ordinary , well - drain soil
Age : Original Garden : 19 years one-time
Walkway , porch , and driveway : 15 years old
crushed rock garden : 6 years previous
Develop a vision beyond grass
After removing the sod and cutting down the trees that were pathologic and underperforming , Jeff planted a few stately specimens to give the front entering structure and interest . Chinkapin oak ( Quercus muehlenbergii , Zones 3–9 ) , Nipponese katsura ( Cercidiphyllum japonicum , Zones 4–8 ) , and Constellation ® dogwood ( Cornus‘Rutcan ’ , zone 5–8 ) along with shrubs such as oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia , Zones 5–9 ) and Carolina allspice ( Calycanthusfloridus , Zones 4–9 ) quickly established a more varied and interesting garden . miscellaneous recurrent borders cater added seasonal pastime and home ground . But by 2017 Jeff felt that the front garden , while low - sustenance , still fly short of the ecological electric potential he initially envisioned .
A city infrastructure project in 2018 provided an chance for change when much of the Eppings ’ front yard was trouble during construction . inspire by the numerous ecological benefits of gravel garden , Jeff and his house replaced the remain lawn with gravel and planted a matrix of drought - tolerant pollinator plants . This approach not only reduce the pauperization for watering and mowing but also create an surroundings where a majuscule diversity of plants could thrive . “ The neighbors did cerebrate I was wholly out of my idea when a giant truck arrived and dumped tons of I. F. Stone on our front yard , ” Jeff says , “ but they ’ve come around . ”
Connect the house and garden
Although the crushed rock garden area is only 840 square feet , Jeff did experience it was important to sum up a meandering path through it that connects visitors to the front entry and side gate leading to the backyard . Along the walkway boundary are a plethora of pollinator - friendly species that germinate with the seasons , offering nectar , seeds , and shelter class - pear-shaped . A few strategically placed shrubs and tree , including a striking ‘ Golden Shadow ’ theme mulberry ( Broussonetiapapyrifera‘Golden Shadow , ’ Zones 6–9 ) allow for structure and keep the bed from looking too messy . “ hoi polloi are drawn from the street into the garden to see what ’s buzzing or wing around — it ’s very interactive , ” Jeff allege .
The front design goes a few gradation further to ensure a harmonious relationship between the nursing home and its new garden , too . The cubic decimeter - mould concrete sidewalk was replace with a permeable brick paver paseo , compose by pillars and bluestone steps to clear highlight where to enroll and exit the habitation . A small seating area off the driveway offers a welcoming submission point , complete with teak furniture and elegant planters . “ I even added a stone griffin statue when a acquaintance of mine gave me a deal on it . I ’m not all that big on carving , but my oldest son ’s name is Griffin , so I just had to buy it , ” Jeff says . These elements , along with alloy sculptures and a pollinator theater in the gravel garden , tie the hardscape and plantings together , making the space inviting yet usable .
Embrace challenges and adaptations
Transforming this postage stamp - stamp front K into a vivacious haven for pollinators was n’t without its challenges . Some of the newer trees are struggling due to increase nuance and mood stress , prompt Jeff to debate supervene upon them with small trees or shrubs better befit to the conditions . But these black eye are met with resiliency and an heart for betterment . This space demonstrates how thoughtful design can transubstantiate a conventional suburban yard into a vivacious , sustainable habitat . It provides curb appeal , reduce maintenance , and supports a thriving ecosystem — all while reflecting the Eppings ’ passion for gardening and commitment to ecological stewardship . With its mix of virtual pathways , artistic hint , and life - supporting plantings , this garden serves as an inspiring example for anyone looking to rethink their front 1000 .
Great Pollinator Plants for Seasonal Drama
These are a few of the plants that Jeff relies on for sake during blossom times in his front garden .
1. Calamint
Calaminthanepetasubsp.nepeta
Zones:5–7
Size:1 to 2 feet marvellous and blanket
Conditions : Full sun ; well - drained soil
Native range : Southern Europe to Great Britain
2. Lanceleaf coreopsis
Coreopsislanceolata
Zones:4–9
Conditions : Full sun ; dry , well - drained soil
Native image : North America
3. Carthusian pink
Dianthuscarthusianorum
Zones:5–9
Size:2 to 3 foot tall and 1 to 2 feet wide
Native kitchen range : Europe
4. Tennessee coneflower
Echinaceatennesseensis
Native range : Southeast United States
5. Little bluestem
Schizachyrium scopariumand cvs .
Zones:3–9
Size:2 to 4 feet marvelous and 1 to 2 feet wide ( depending on cultivar )
Danielle Sherry is the executive editor program .
Photos , except where take down : Danielle Sherry
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Two conditions within one cohesive space.Just off the driveway is a shady seating area set against a varied foundation planting (below). An organic-colored paver walkway leads visitors to the front door or to a pea-stone pathway into the full-sun gravel garden facing the street (above).
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Photo: courtesy of Jeff Epping
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Photo: courtesy of Jeff Epping
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Provide a frame for the entrance.With such an exuberant planting making up the front landscape, it was important to clearly mark where the entry to the home was located. A stone landing and columns provide a cue as to where folks should enter and exit the residence.
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The activity on the street is tame compared to what’s happening in the garden.Drought-resistant pollinator plants dominate the front beds, with choice species spilling out to soften the gravel path and surround the insect house (above). Mohr’s rosinweed (Silphiummohrii, Zones 5–8) is a particular favorite of the bumblebees (below).
Provide a connection to the rest of the property.This multifaceted landscape does not end in the front. A series of bluestones set into the gravel path mark the way to a transitional area of partial shade and a gate into the backyard.
Photo: Lynn Pyle, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Photo: courtesy of Paula Gross
