Podcast: Let's Argue About Plants

Episode 156: Finding Design Inspiration with Jay Sifford

Jay Sifford is an award-winning landscape designer based in North Carolina. Several of his garden designs have been featured in Fine Gardening, including a one-of-a-kind modern meadow garden and a series of beautiful, functional dry creek beds.

Jay’s immersive, naturalistic landscape designs are based around four cornerstones: art, magic, story, and horticulture. In this episode, Jay offers insights into the ways that these elements can be incorporated into a truly personal garden space.

wide view of meadow garden with small seating area in the middle — Jay sees this modern meadow garden as a stylized version of nature where fantasy and reality collide. *Photo: Danielle Sherry*

meadow gardening during beginning planting phase with potted plants placed around evergreen trees — Grasses and perennials planted in large masses and punctuated with unique conifers give the meadow garden its unique appeal. *Photo: courtesy of Jay Sifford*

view of meadow garden covered in snow — In winter, evergreens and grasses add structure and interest to the snowy landscape. *Photo: courtesy of Jay Sifford*

meadow garden at its peak in summer — Another view of the meadow garden at the peak of summer. *Photo: Danielle Sherry*

close up of dry streambed with ferns and small grasses planted around — A dry streambed designed to manage stormwater doubles as a dynamic visual element. *Photo: Danielle Sherry*

gravel path leading to patio and gardens — Gravel pathways were the perfect solution for this pet-friendly landscape. *Photo: courtesy of Jay Sifford*

overhead view of garden at dusk with creative blue lighting — Every garden design that Jay creates includes a little bit of magic. *Photo: courtesy of Jay Sifford*

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