Stephen Orr

Stephen Orr is the author of three books: The Gardener's Mindset: Connecting with Nature Through Plants (Clarkson Potter/Random House, May 5, 2026), The New American Herbal (Clarkson Potter/Random House, 2014), Tomorrow’s Garden: Design and Inspiration for a New Age of Sustainable Gardening (Rodale, 2011. He is also the editor of the monograph Nelson Byrd Woltz: Garden, Park, Community, Farm (Princeton Architectural Press, 2013).

Previously he was the editor in chief of Better Homes and Gardens. He was also the executive editor of Condé Nast Traveler as well as garden editor at Martha Stewart Living, House & Garden, and Domino magazines. He writes regularly for his local independent newspaper the Provincetown Independent.

His new book explores the relationship between gardeners and their gardens through thought-provoking essays on a wide variety of topics. He lives near the tip of Cape Cod with his husband and dog Pokey where he is creating a garden and learning how to nurture plants 60 miles out in the Atlantic.

Instagram: steporr / Substack: The Gardener's Mindset @steporrgardens