Feb 28 2024 33 mins 1
In this episode we talk with award-winning garden designer Nick McCullough.
He has developed a distinctive style he calls Midwest Modern, one that relies on a balance of natural paving and innovative perennial plantings.
Based in Ohio, he and his team at McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery create and maintain plant centric gardens in and around the Midwest that are both ecologically sensitive and family-forward.
His first book American Roots which he co-authored with his wife Allison and Teresa Woodard has recently been published by Timber Press.
This is episode 151 – American Roots: A Conversation with Nick McCullough on the Garden Question Podcast.
Unveiling Nick McCullough's Gardening Philosophy
In episode 151 of The Garden Question Podcast, host Craig McManus interviews award-winning garden designer Nick McCullough, exploring his distinctive 'Midwest Modern' gardening style that combines natural paving with innovative perennial plantings.
McCullough talks about his design process, his plant-centric approach, his company's operations in Columbus, Ohio, and his passion for containers inspired by his travels.
He also discusses his love for texture over color in the garden, breaking conventional gardening rules, and the influence of his artistic background on his work.
Additionally, McCullough touches on his book, 'American Roots', co-authored with Allison McCullough and Teresa Woodard, which showcases 20 unique gardens across the United States, emphasizing the diversity and creativity of American gardeners.
The podcast highlights the importance of low-maintenance, environmentally-conscious gardening options like gravel gardens, the value of repurposing materials, and the concept of rewilding.
McCullough's personal gardening experiences, inspirations, and future plans are also shared, offering listeners an in-depth look at his holistic approach to designing, building, and growing smarter gardens.
00:00 Introduction to the Garden Question Podcast
00:41 Meet the Guest: Award-Winning Garden Designer Nick McCullough
01:30 Understanding Nick's Gardening Design Style
01:56 Inside Nick's Company: McCullough's Landscape and Nursery
02:44 The Art of Designing and Growing Container Gardens
03:32 Exploring the Importance of Texture in Gardening
06:12 Breaking the Rules in the Garden
07:56 The Art of Repurposing in Gardening
08:57 Unveiling the Book: American Roots
13:03 Exploring the Concept of Rewilding
14:09 The Journey of Writing the Book: American Roots
15:48 Behind the Scenes of a Typical Garden Shoot
17:47 Garden Photography Tips and Tricks
18:38 The Future of American Roots
19:27 Garden Design Philosophy
19:54 Container Gardening and Watering Techniques
20:59 Gardening Memories and Influences
22:54 The Horticulture Profession and Personal Garden
23:58 Gardening as a Fine Art
25:12 Influences and Future Plans for the Garden
26:07 Gardening Mistakes and Lessons
28:13 Gardening Love and Future Plans
32:24 Connecting with Nick McCullough
32:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
