2026 PPA National Symposium

As climate conditions grow more challenging, gardens must do more than look good—they must function with less, adapt over time, and support the complex web of life that’s still around us. In this lecture, Jeff Epping explores how herbaceous perennials, combined with trees and shrubs, form the foundation of living landscapes that balance beauty, adaptability, and ecological performance.

His presentation examines how perennials are integrated into mixed borders, naturalistic meadows, and gravel gardens to create landscapes that thrive with limited irrigation and reduced chemical and energy inputs. Examples are drawn from residential, municipal, and commercial projects he designed and consulted on throughout southern Wisconsin, including his work with the City of Madison and healthcare giant Epic Systems.

Rather than viewing gardens as static compositions, this session frames landscapes as living systems designed to evolve. Attendees will gain insight into how perennials can serve as long-term design partners—creating resilient, responsive gardens capable of thriving amid climatic uncertainty.