Horticultural Services by Gregory D. Tepper
Garden design • Plant selection • Lectures
About Gregg
Gregg Tepper, a Philadelphia-based horticulturist, educator, author, and landscape steward, is dedicated to ecological integrity, public horticulture, and the relationship between people and plants. With decades of experience in public gardens, including botanic gardens, arboreta, and designed landscapes, Gregg bridges horticultural excellence, sustainable landscaping, and community engagement.
As Senior Horticulturist at the Arboretum at Laurel Hill Cemetery and West Laurel Hill Cemeteries, Gregory Tepper oversees the care and interpretation of a significant historic and ecological landscape. The arboretum features formal gardens, woodlands, meadows, and naturalistic plantings within a nationally recognized cemetery landscape that serves as a cultural site, public garden, and urban green space.
Gregg’s focus at Laurel Hill is Nature’s Sanctuary, a SITES Gold-certified green burial meadow that integrates regenerative landscape practices with ecological restoration. He guides plant selection, meadow management, and stewardship strategies that support biodiversity, pollinators, and habitat resilience while offering visitors a reflective environment. His garden design approach emphasizes beauty with purpose—landscapes that are visually compelling, environmentally responsible, and emotionally resonant.
Gregg believes horticulture is both a science and a shared human experience. Whether managing large public landscapes or engaging with home gardeners, he prioritizes thoughtful plant selection, site-specific design, and practices that respect natural systems. Native plants, ecological plant communities, and sustainable maintenance strategies are central to his work as a horticultural consultant.
Before joining Laurel Hill, Gregg held leadership roles at prominent horticultural institutions. As Director of Horticulture at Delaware Botanic Gardens, he shaped the garden’s vision and mission, implementing large-scale native landscapes inspired by ecological design.
Earlier, he worked at Mt. Cuba Center, a nationally respected institution dedicated to the study and promotion of native Mid-Atlantic plants. This experience deepened his expertise in native plant ecology, woodland and meadow systems, and sustainable horticultural practices.
Gregg studied Ornamental Horticulture at the University of Delaware, building a foundation in plant science, landscape management, and design. His early work in private gardens shaped his practical, plant-forward approach, instilling a lasting appreciation for craftsmanship, seasonal change, and the intimate scale of gardens.
As a widely respected lecturer and educator, Gregg presents talks, courses, and workshops across the US and abroad, including Great Britain. His engaging teaching style connects professional insight with real-world application for audiences ranging from seasoned horticulturists to home gardeners.
Gregg co-authored the book “Deer-Resistant Native Plants for the Northeast,” a practical guide reflecting his expertise in plant behavior, ecology, and garden design. His writing emphasizes informed plant choice and realistic strategies for gardeners facing challenges. His latest book, co-authored with Michael Muller, is “Mirabelle Visits a Garden: A Native Plant Garden Adventure.”
Beyond titles, Gregg advocates for horticulture as a public good, believing gardens and green spaces should be inclusive, educational, and restorative. His work integrates ecological stewardship with human experience, ensuring sustainable and meaningful landscapes.
Living in South Kensington, Philadelphia, Gregg’s perspective as a horticulturist and gardener is shaped by urban ecology, neighborhood landscapes, and community connections. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to plants, place, and those who care for them.
