Meet the Gnomads!
The Practiced Steward
Hands in the soil, heart in the community.
"Take care of the soil, and the soil will take care of you.” - Stewart I
What Stewart Offers
- Expert advice on maintaining thriving perennial landscapes (e.g., pruning, mulching, pest management).
- Tips for propagating plants and building healthy soil.
- Practical solutions for gardeners facing challenges with their established landscapes.
Garden Questions
- “I planted native perennials last year, but they don’t look as vibrant as I expected. What can I do?”
Stewart's Story
Stewart grew up on a rural family farm planting crops, mending fences, and learning the rhythm of the seasons. His father’s words, “Care for the soil, the soil will take care of you,” were a daily reminder of the interconnectedness of farming and stewardship.
Stewart joined a city reforestation project, where he found a calling in urban landscapes. Over the years, he transitioned from planting street trees to running his own ecological landscaping business. Stewart became known for his practical expertise and tireless work ethic, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant oases.
Stewart spends his days planting, mulching, and propagating plants that will thrive for years to come. His greatest joy is seeing his clients take ownership of their gardens, knowing they’ve built something lasting. “Landscapes aren’t just for looking at,” he often says. “They’re for living with.”
Stewart is the go-to person for advice on anything from pruning techniques to choosing hardy perennials. He believes in sharing his expertise, mentoring younger stewards and offering practical advice to anyone willing to get their hands dirty. He’s proud to donate his time and plants to local beautification projects, knowing the ripple effects of his efforts extend beyond the landscapes themselves.
Stewart's Homestead
Stewart’s yard feels like an extension of his hands-on approach to stewardship. Practical yet beautiful, the landscape is dominated by thriving vegetable beds and rows of fruit-bearing shrubs. A small greenhouse occupies one corner, brimming with seedlings and cuttings for future projects. Wildflowers spill over from a pollinator meadow that blends seamlessly into the surrounding natural landscape. Stewart maintains a composting system and a rainwater harvesting setup, reflecting his commitment to sustainability. His yard is always evolving, with evidence of experimentation and care—a rustic arbor here, a newly planted native hedgerow there.
Stewart’s yard thrives in spring, when his pollinator meadow begins to bloom with wildflowers and the vegetable beds come alive with early plantings. The fresh greens of new growth, paired with his active preparation for the growing season, embody his hands-on, nurturing approach. The energy of spring mirrors Stewart's role as a steward, ensuring a flourishing foundation for the months ahead.
Stewart is looking forward to planting some new figs that he got on a recent trip to Spain.
Digging Deeper
An Interview with Stewart
Hello there! I'm Stewart, the steady hand in the Garden Gnomads team. My role is about keeping things running smoothly—balancing practicality with purpose. I focus on stewardship, which means ensuring landscapes thrive not just today but for years to come.
I’m about actionable, results-oriented advice. I look at how we can manage resources wisely, create long-term plans, and make sure every decision leads to resilient, bountiful outcomes. You’ll find me in the weeds (literally and figuratively), troubleshooting, organizing, and strategizing to bring the best out of every project.
I like to think of myself as a realist with an optimistic streak. Practical solutions don’t mean giving up on big dreams, it just means building those dreams on a strong foundation.
Right now, I’m really appreciating Solidago, or goldenrod. It’s a standout plant, both ecologically and visually. Native to many parts of North America, it supports a staggering number of pollinators; bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects depend on its pollen and foliage. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to extend a landscape’s seasonal interest into late summer and fall, when many other plants are winding down.
Goldenrod is tough, adaptable, and thrives in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for diverse settings. Whether you’re adding it to a formal garden or using it to stabilize a wild space, it pulls its weight and then some.
I help clients and the community see tangible results—landscapes that are thriving, functional, and resilient. I focus on the practical, long-term health of each project while collaborating closely with Epiphany, Eden, and Veridity to integrate design, education, and outreach. Here’s how I contribute to the whole picture:
For Clients
1. Stewardship Planning:
I help clients build actionable plans to care for their landscapes. This includes:
- Assessing soil health, water systems, and plant communities.
- Developing maintenance schedules that are realistic and achievable.
- Teaching them how to observe and respond to their land’s needs.
2. Systems That Last:
My approach is rooted in longevity. I make sure the systems we design are built to thrive without excessive input through our use of native plants, smart water management, or healthy soil practices.
3. Troubleshooting and Support:
When things go sideways (and they will), I’m the one clients turn to. I provide clear, practical solutions to issues like pest pressure, poor soil, or unexpected changes in the landscape. Clients get peace of mind knowing they have a reliable partner in stewardship.
For the Broader Community
1. Workshops and Demonstrations:
I team up with Veridity to provide hands-on learning opportunities. Whether it’s teaching soil-building techniques or showcasing irrigation strategies, I make sure the takeaways are actionable and approachable.
I also help dempostrate techniques for the volunteer groups that Eden organizes.
2. Stewardship Programs:
Through community events, I help people see how small, manageable changes—like planting native species or improving their soil—can have a big impact. This ties into Veridity’s work to spread awareness and Epiphany’s focus on making stewardship accessible and beautiful.
3. Long-Term Benefits:
By focusing on regenerative practices, I ensure that our work creates a ripple effect—healthier soil, better water retention, and stronger ecosystems that benefit the whole community.
Collaboration with Epiphany, Eden, and Veridity
Epiphany (Designer):
Epiphany ensures everything looks stunning and functions well. I ground her creative visions in reality, ensuring the design can thrive long-term. If she dreams up a wildflower meadow, I figure out how to prep the soil, choose the right species, and manage it over time.
Eden (Advocate):
Eden spreads the word and connects with people. I back her up with the technical know-how. If she’s enlightening homeowners about planting natives, I step in with the “how-to” on soil amendments or pest control.
Veridity (Research Associate):
Veridity stays ahead of the curve, researching new methods and technologies. I translate her findings into practical applications. If she uncovers a new fungal inoculant, I test it in the field and share what works with clients.
The Big Picture
Together, we’re a team that balances inspiration, education, and execution. I make sure the systems work and last. My goal is to empower clients and the community—not just with beautiful, functional landscapes, but with the knowledge and confidence to care for them over time.
Ultimately, I help people see that stewardship isn’t a chore—it’s an opportunity to connect with the land and create something lasting. That’s where I thrive: turning vision into reality and keeping it grounded.
Getting into this line of work wasn’t a single decision—it was a gradual pull toward something that just felt right. I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors, but the idea of stewardship—the idea of working with the land instead of just on it—came later, through a series of realizations and opportunities.
Early Inspiration
It started simply: curiosity. As a kid, I was always outside, digging in the dirt, watching how things grew, and wondering how nature seemed to handle everything so seamlessly. That curiosity stuck with me, and as I got older, I started noticing the disconnect in how people treated the land—depleting it instead of nurturing it. It seemed wasteful, even shortsighted, and I couldn’t shake the feeling there was a better way.
Learning from the Best
I didn’t set out knowing I’d become a steward, but I kept following what interested me.
- Soil health led me to study with Dr. Elaine Ingham. She showed me how soil isn’t just dirt—it’s alive, and it’s the foundation for everything else.
- From there, I explored market gardening with Eliot Coleman and JM Fortier, learning the elegance of small-scale systems.
- Rotational grazing with Greg Judy opened my eyes to the potential of animals as partners in regeneration.
Every mentor added another piece to the puzzle, but what they all had in common was a focus on systems—how every decision affects the whole. That resonated deeply with me.
Seeing the Need
As I learned more, I couldn’t ignore how many landscapes were suffering—compacted soil, invasive plants, overwatering, undernourishing. The problem wasn’t just in agriculture; it was everywhere. I saw homeowners struggling with failing gardens, communities dealing with erosion, and businesses putting in unsustainable designs. There was a clear need for someone who could step in and say, “Let’s fix this for the long haul.”
Why I Stayed
What keeps me here is the impact. There’s nothing like watching a struggling patch of land come alive again—or seeing someone light up when they realize they can be part of that transformation. Stewardship isn’t about quick fixes or flashy results. It’s about the quiet satisfaction of knowing you’re leaving things better than you found them.
It’s not just work for me—it’s a calling. The land has a way of teaching you, humbling you, and grounding you, and I can’t imagine doing anything else. Every project feels like a chance to make a difference, and that’s what keeps me digging in.
I stand on the shoulders of so many giants. Each of these mentors brought a unique voice to the table, and their combined influence shaped how I think about stewardship: as an interconnected system where soil, plants, water, and human activity all have a role to play. Here’s the rundown:
Soil Microbiology | Dr. Elaine Ingham
Dr. Ingham taught me that soil is more than dirt—it's a living ecosystem. I prioritize fostering life in the soil by reducing chemical inputs, adding compost, and protecting organic matter. By nurturing the soil food web—those invisible communities of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and more—you’re setting up a landscape to succeed naturally. This perspective reminds me that stewardship begins underground, often in ways you can’t see but can always measure in results: healthier plants, fewer pests, and resilient ecosystems.
Market Gardening | Eliot Coleman, JM Fortier, Curtis Stone
These guys taught me how to think efficiently about small-scale, high-yield food production. From Coleman’s season-extension techniques to Fortier’s focus on systematization and Stone’s knack for urban farming, I learned how to create productive, manageable systems. They proved you don’t need vast acreage to produce abundant crops; efficiency and thoughtful design matter more. Tools like permanent beds, crop rotation, and intercropping make gardens productive while preserving the land. They also emphasized the importance of profitability in sustainable systems—good stewardship has to pencil out. Their influence reinforced that stewardship isn’t just about nature—it’s also about making it work for people.
Holistic Management | Daniel Firth Griffith, Savory Institute
Ah, Daniel Firth Griffith—he’s one of those rare folks who manages to weave practicality with deep ecological and philosophical insight. At the core, Daniel embodies what it means to live and work with the land in a way that honors its rhythms and potential. Holistic management is about seeing the bigger picture and working with nature rather than against it. As a Savory Hub leader, Daniel brings Allan Savory’s framework for holistic management into real-world contexts. The key idea? Manage holistically for the health of the entire system, whether that’s a farm, a garden, or a wild area. He teaches land managers how to view landscapes as interconnected systems, where every decision impacts the whole. Adaptive grazing, water management, and biodiversity aren’t just buzzwords—they’re tools he uses to create regenerative cycles that heal the land while providing economic and social benefits. Under his tutilege I learned to see landscapes as interconnected systems. It’s taught me to approach challenges with flexibility and a focus on root causes.
Regenerative Agriculture | Joel Salatin, Greg Judy, Gabe Brown
From these teachers, I absorbed the importance of rotational grazing, biodiversity, and building soil through animal impact. The overarching lesson? Nature knows best. When you align your practices with natural processes, you’re not just a farmer or landscaper—you’re a steward of life cycles. It’s a deeply humbling and empowering realization. You stop trying to control every detail and instead create the conditions for success to unfold naturally.
Whether it’s a small garden or a sprawling property, these principles apply: observe, adapt, integrate, and regenerate. That’s the formula for landscapes that are as resilient as they are abundant. What’s exciting is that this isn’t just theory—it’s actionable. Every decision we make can shift a system toward health and abundance, and that’s a legacy worth building.
Greg Judy taught me the value of observation and adaptability—letting the land guide your management decisions rather than forcing your will upon it. Judy emphasizes listening to the land. By keenly observing the interplay of soil, plants, and animals, you adapt your practices to fit the landscape’s natural rhythms. This flexibility is essential—it’s the antidote to rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions.
Salatin’s “stacking enterprises” proves that diversity is a strength, not a complication. By integrating plants, animals, and people into a unified system, you create compounding benefits. Chickens follow cattle, enriching the soil. Crops and livestock coexist, cycling nutrients. It’s a beautiful dance that maximizes resources while minimizing waste.
Gabe Brown’s focus on soil health and no-till practices reinforced that regenerative methods aren’t just better for the environment; they’re also more sustainable in the long run (and speaking of stacking enterprises, the Brown's operate over 300 distinct outfits on their 1,700 acre Bismarck property.) His operation demonstrates that regenerative techniques don’t just protect the environment—they boost productivity and profitability in tangible ways.
Groundworks| Darren Doherty, Sepp Holzer
The key takeaway from Sepp Holzer and Darren Doherty is this: water is the lifeblood of any ecosystem, and managing it well means working with nature’s flow, not against it. Water is life, and these two made that crystal clear. Their teachings transformed how I view water—not as a problem to solve but as a resource to harness and amplify.
Holzer’s approach showed me that ecosystems are inherently self-organizing if you give them the right conditions. Swales, terraces, and ponds aren’t just water management tools—they’re catalysts for biodiversity and resilience. By strategically shaping the land to catch and hold water, you create habitats where life flourishes without constant intervention. His methods highlight that “chaos” in nature is just complexity we haven’t yet understood.
Doherty’s Keyline design introduced me to the precision side of water management. He taught me that controlling water isn’t about stopping it—it’s about slowing it, spreading it, and storing it where it benefits the landscape. His techniques use topography to direct water’s movement—slowing it down, spreading it across the landscape, and storing it in the soil. It’s not about fighting gravity but about leveraging it to recharge groundwater, prevent erosion, and boost productivity. His work integrates seamlessly with regenerative practices, ensuring water is available where and when it’s needed most. This shapes how I approach irrigation, erosion control, and landscape design.
The Synthesis: My Approach
These voices converge into a practical, systems-oriented philosophy:
- Start with the soil. Build life below ground before you focus on what’s above it.
- Work with nature. Observe and adapt rather than impose rigid rules.
- Maximize efficiency. Whether it’s market gardening or grazing, systems should save time and resources while producing abundance.
- Think long-term. Stewardship means planning for the next decade, not just the next season.
- Water is life. Manage it wisely, and you’ll secure the foundation of everything else.
Their combined wisdom grounds me in science, but it also leaves room for creativity. It’s a toolkit I lean on every day, whether I’m troubleshooting a struggling landscape or guiding someone through a new stewardship plan. Let me know if you want me to dig deeper into any of these areas.
The Visionary Designer
Shaping ecological landscapes that inspire connection and resilience.
“If it doesn’t thrive, it doesn’t belong in the plan.” - Epiphany
What She Offers
- Advanced design advice incorporating ecological and permaculture principles.
- Strategies for creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces.
- Inspiration for blending native, edible, and medicinal plants into holistic designs.
Example Reader Question
- “How do I design a garden that balances beauty with ecological benefits?”
Epiphany's Story
Epiphany grew up in the heart of the Netherlands, where orderly tulip fields stretched to the horizon, and wild meadows dotted the countryside. While her early years were spent admiring this balance of cultivation and wildness, her creative streak emerged during weekend garden projects with her parents. Her mother, a landscape artist, taught her to see beauty in layers of texture and color, while her father, a horticulturist, instilled in her the importance of plants that thrive.
Inspired by this foundation, Epiphany pursued a degree in landscape architecture, focusing on creating spaces that merge beauty with practicality. She trained under Piet Oudolf, learning the art of designing plant communities that evolve gracefully over time. Later, she worked alongside Roy Diblik, gaining hands-on experience with perennial care and the value of plants that "earn their keep" by requiring minimal maintenance.
Epiphany’s designs are rooted in three core principles: functionality, seasonal interest, and ecological benefit. Her projects prioritize native plants, punctuated with standout ornamental species that are visually stunning and able to adapt to the local environment. Her goal is to create landscapes that not only thrive with minimal intervention but also invite people to use and enjoy them—whether it’s a backyard garden where kids can explore, a pollinator corridor along a busy street, or a serene park bench framed by soft grasses and blooms.
Her work has garnered recognition for its blend of artistry and pragmatism, appearing in both public and private spaces across the globe. Epiphany’s designs often include detailed planting plans that help her clients maintain their landscapes long after installation. “If it doesn’t thrive, it doesn’t belong in the plan,” she often says, reflecting her no-nonsense approach to design.
In her downtime, Epiphany enjoys sketching garden vignettes and experimenting with plants that can perform double duty—offering both beauty and utility. She’s passionate about teaching others how to make plantings that last, sharing her expertise with aspiring designers and seasoned gardeners alike.
Epiphany's Muse
Epiphany’s garden is a harmonious fusion of form and function, showcasing her design expertise and appreciation for beauty. Every detail feels intentional yet natural. Softly curving pathways of crushed stone meander through the space, bordered by lush planting beds filled with native perennials and ornamental grasses. Sculptural elements, like a minimalist water feature and abstract art pieces, punctuate the garden, providing focal points and moments of reflection. The palette of greens, silvers, and muted pinks is interspersed with seasonal pops of color. A secluded seating area, framed by climbing vines, serves as both a retreat and an inspiring workspace.
Epiphany’s garden radiates elegance in winter, when its clean lines and structural elements take center stage. The sculptural forms of ornamental grasses and the minimalist water feature remain striking even without vibrant blooms. Subtle evergreen foliage and frosted edges emphasize the harmony of her design, showcasing her ability to create beauty even in the quiet, reflective months.
Epiphany is trying to figure out how to somehow fit more native grasses!
The Inspired Advocate
Living proof that small changes yield lasting rewards.
"Every big change starts small. Planting that first tree is what opened the door to everything else.” - Eden
What Eden Offers
- Inspiration for transforming urban or suburban spaces into sustainable paradises.
- Stories of long-term impact and how incremental changes ripple outward over time.
- Advice on advocating for community change, from HOAs to local governments.
Community Questions:
- “I want to advocate for more sustainable practices in my HOA, but I’m not sure where to start. Any tips?”
Garden of Eden's
Eden’s yard is a vibrant, community-oriented haven, designed to welcome both people and wildlife. Colorful flowers bloom in abundance, attracting bees, butterflies, and neighbors alike. Raised garden beds filled with vegetables, herbs, and companion plants line the pathways, with plenty to share. A small pergola with flowering vines serves as a gathering spot for garden tours and community meals. Fruit trees and berry bushes surround the edges of the yard, providing shade and seasonal harvests. Eden’s space is alive with energy, a testament to her belief in growing together and fostering connections through the land.
Eden’s yard is a celebration of abundance in the fall, when her fruit trees and berry bushes yield their harvests, and the vegetable beds overflow with produce ready to share. The colors of fall—deep reds, oranges, and yellows—reflect the welcoming and communal atmosphere of her space. Fall also aligns with her ethos of fostering connections, as the season invites gatherings to share the bounty.
Eden looks forward to sharing produce with her friends.
Eden’s Story
Eden grew up in a bustling city, where green spaces were scarce, but her love for nature blossomed during summers spent at her aunt’s rural home. Her favorite memories were harvesting peaches and planting flowers, experiences that planted the seed for her later passion for sustainable living.
After a high-powered corporate career, Eden retired to a quiet suburban neighborhood with a vision: to transform her small yard into a thriving food forest. Her first act was persuading her HOA to plant a single fig tree, a seemingly small decision that set off a cascade of changes. Twenty years later, her neighborhood boasts dozens of fruit trees, pollinator-friendly gardens, and bylaws that dedicate funds to maintaining green spaces.
Eden now spends her days tending her garden, where fruit trees and edible perennials mingle with native flowers. Her garden isn’t just a sanctuary for wildlife—it’s a gathering place for neighbors who share stories, recipes, and inspiration for their own gardens.
Reflecting on her journey, Eden says, “Every big change starts small. Planting that first tree is what opened the door to everything else.” She encourages others to take the first step toward creating the landscapes they dream of, knowing the rewards are always worth the effort
Digging Deeper
An Interview with Eden
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The Ecology of Place: Planning for Environment, Economy, and Community by Timothy Beatley and Kristy Manning
Let's Plant and Grow Together: Your community gardening handbook by Ben Raskin
The Optimistic Ecologist
Bright eyes, boundless knowledge, and a knack for making ecology approachable.
“I still remember how overwhelming it was when I first started, and that’s why I’m so excited to help others make sense of it all.” - Veridity
Her Role
- Advice for beginners overwhelmed by information on ecology, native plants, or sustainable gardening.
- Practical tips on native plant selection, especially newly released species from breeding programs like Mt. Cuba Center.
- Guidance on how to integrate technology and innovation into regenerative practices (e.g., using apps for plant identification, soil health monitoring).
Reader Questions
- “I’m new to gardening and don’t know where to start with native plants. How do I choose the right ones for my yard?”
Veridity's Laboratory
Veridity’s garden is a living experiment, full of curiosity and wonder. It’s a mix of carefully labeled test plots and whimsical features like a DIY insect hotel and bird feeders. Small raised beds showcase diverse plant species, including medicinal herbs, edible plants, and pollinator-friendly flowers, each with a small marker detailing its scientific and common names. A pathway lined with stepping stones etched with constellations leads to a tiny greenhouse where she nurtures young plants and conducts soil experiments. The garden feels like a botanical library, with Veridity’s love of learning reflected in every corner.
Veridity’s experimental garden shines in summer, when her diverse plots are in full bloom and buzzing with activity. The greenhouse is bursting with thriving plants, and the pollinator-friendly flowers attract bees and butterflies in abundance. This is the peak of her curiosity and research, as summer's warmth nurtures the vibrant display of her scientific exploration.
Veridity is planning some exciting water quality research! :)
Veridity's Story
Veridity grew up in the suburbs of Albany, New York, where her backyard became a personal laboratory for curiosity. Her grandmother, an avid gardener, often guided her through identifying wildflowers and observing the wildlife they attracted. When she wasn’t exploring the woods nearby, she was devouring books about plants, ecology, and the natural world.
At SUNY, Veridity double-majored in Environmental Science and Mechatronics, merging her passion for nature with her love of technology. Under the mentorship of Robin Wall Kimmerer, she learned how traditional ecological knowledge and cutting-edge innovation could work together to restore the balance between humans and the land.
After graduating, Veridity joined Mt. Cuba Center as an intern, where she immersed herself in native plant breeding programs. There, she discovered the joy of nurturing new species that not only benefit pollinators but also bring beauty to gardens. “I still remember how overwhelming it was when I first started,” she says, “and that’s why I’m so excited to help others make sense of it all.”
Now, Veridity dedicates her time to supporting beginners as they navigate the world of native plants and regenerative practices. She believes even small actions—planting a single pollinator-friendly flower or reducing pesticide use—can spark positive change. She hosts workshops In her free time, she experiments with designing smart gardening tools, eager to make sustainable landscaping accessible to all.
Have a Question?
Ask the Gnomads!
