Earl has a master’s degree in ornamental horticulture and plant and soil science and is a certified craftsman gardener by the National Trust of Scotland. Originally from the small farm town of Grand Ridge, Ill., Earl was introduced to horticulture by both sides of his family with grandparents who made gardening a key part of his childhood. He took that interest and grew it into an educational journey and career in horticulture. 

 

Studying at numerous educational institutions and being selected for several coveted internship positions, Earl has taken his talents all over the United States and even the United Kingdom at Threave Garden and Estate an Inverewe Gardens in the highlands of Scotland. Throughout his career as a professional horticulturist, he's held positions all over the U.S., including Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, Holden Arboretum in Ohio, Austin, Tex., Cheekwood Botanical Garden in Nashville, Tenn., Chicago, Ill., and more. 

 

Personally, Earl values authenticity, both in people and in his designs. While it's good to venture out to see what other plant designers and garden centers are doing creatively, it's also important to draw on your own imagination and vision.