Stephen Orr
Show Notes: Imagine being asked to freshen up the rooftop garden of House & Garden magazine’s editor-in-chief, Dominique Browning, for a photo shoot. For this episode’s guest — author and editor Stephen Orr — that one encounter led to a job as the magazine’s garden editor.
Stephen tells the story of his upbringing in West Texas, where his parents sparked an early appreciation for nature and plants. He shares how the foundation of skills and experiences he set in motion in early adulthood ultimately landed him a dream job in New York City magazine publishing.
But as always on A Life Creative, the path had plenty of twists, turns, and grunt work — all in service of building a creative life. Along the way, he worked for acclaimed publications including Condé Nast Traveler, House & Garden, Domino, and Martha Stewart Living (planting 10,000 daffodil bulbs alongside Martha!), and spent many years as editor-in-chief of Better Homes & Gardens.
He's authored four books, his latest The Gardener’s Mindset: Connecting with Nature Through Plants published in 2026, is a collection of essays in which he considers the important role of nature, plants and gardens in our lives.
And his three favorite gardens in the United States? You’ll have to listen to find out.
Links from the Episode:
The Gardner’s Mindset (Stephen’s Substack)
Stephen on Instagram
The Gardener’s Mindset (Stephen’s latest book)
and…check out our podcast sponsor Aura House (use code ‘creative10’ for 10% off your purchase)
This episode is supported by Aura House, home fragrances beautifully diffused without smoke or paraffin, just the lovely scent.
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